Wednesday, June 24, 2015

June 24 – Bearfence Mountain

We had a relaxing morning and decided to do something short after lunch. It was a nice and sunny but cool day so it was too good to waste.

I read the description for the Bearfence Mountain Trail. It was short, at a 1.2 miles loop and it was not steep, at only 150 feet vertical. The guide book did say that there was some rock scrambling at the top and that the rating was moderate.

Some scrambling was an understatement. It was lots of fun for me but it was very challenging mentally for Jennie. She was easily physically capable of doing it but there were some scary heights. The trail runs across the top of a wall of rock that was pushed up, with steep and high dropoffs on each side.

Always some steps to start.

IMG_1017839

The climb to the top is a loop off of the Appalachian Trail. I knew we were in trouble when the sign off the AT named it the Bearfence Rock Scramble.

 IMG_1017840

It really got fun when the blue trail markers were painted directly on the rocks.

IMG_1017841

IMG_1017843

IMG_1017845

IMG_1017844

Up we go.

IMG_1017853

Sometimes almost straight up. There were lots of high steps for Jennie.

IMG_1017857

Back down between rocky outcrops.

p7848

p7858

Lots of Columbine.

IMG_1017865

IMG_1017864

We keep seeing this plant with white or purple flowers but don’t know what it is.

IMG_1017942

IMG_1017943

IMG_1017860

The start of the final climb to the top.

IMG_1017869

IMG_1017871

IMG_1017874

IMG_0455

Below was one of the tougher places for Jennie. Just off to the right of the narrow ledge was a very steep and long dropoff.

p7877

Almost there. The rock over Jennie’s head, below, is the top but it is very narrow and a long way down on each side. I was so impressed that she made it over. I was also glad that this is a loop trail and we don’t have to return this way.

IMG_1017879

IMG_1017880

IMG_1017882

She made it over and paused at a safe resting place. This is looking down from the top at the continuation of the trail behind her. We do not go to the top of the mountain in the background.

p7889

Looking from behind Jennie back up to the top.

p7887

Back up for some more pictures.

IMG_0457

IMG_0463

Beautiful hazy mountains in all directions, off in the distance.

p7896

IMG_1017896

p7898

I took this couple’s picture for them.

IMG_1017891

Moving on there were still some tough spots.

IMG_1017919

IMG_1017921

IMG_1017909

Then it got a bit easier.

IMG_1017925

IMG_1017931

IMG_1017940

IMG_1017867

The section of the AT that we took to loop back to the trailhead was a bit rocky but in comparison it was smooth as silk.

IMG_1017944

Just a slightly tougher afternoon than I had planned.

1 comment: