And after a while it seemed just that… a mission. I am told the going was much better this year, but after the first slippery climb came the SNOW! Drifts that were deep enough to go beyond my waist. I tried to remain in the steps of those in front of me but could not decide if sinking to my own depth was worse or better than stepping into their depth. There was fun to be had out there along with the frozen feet. It felt great to see the summit of the first Mtn. Mt Prospect. it was slow going to the second summit of Mt Williams. Off to the summit of Greylock…. There was much whispering in the forest and I wondered if whales ever whispered. It was a magical winter wonderland.Everything was covered with a thin or thick, depending on the area, layer of ice and then laced with fluffy snow.Quite beautiful.
Luckily someone had been out recently enough to follow their tracks since the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail were disguised by the everywhere snow. Forrest led the way as Forrest does with confidence and speed while Kaya and I struggled to keep up.
Without a step off trail we reached the summit of Greylock Mtn. which has an amazing lighthouse on top. Who knew? Well Forrest did and related the story of the lighthouse on the top of a mountain to me. It was very very cool up there. In the “cool” sense and the wind blowing kind of cool sense! We took a picture and quickly moved on as much of our bodies were frozen.
THEN we hit the downhill…. what took us four plus hours to reach took us an hour or less to descend! It was fantastic, the feeling in my hands came back, then the feeling in my feet came back and we were really moving down that mountain. It was a rush. I had actually forgotten I could move that fast if propelled by the descent. It was a successful day.
On a side note, Kaya did amazing for a dog out there. There was one point I thought she might give up, but she pressed on!
Loopy
AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!! Seriously – great photos and great report Loopster!!
I can just imagine the beauty and the descent … I an not imagine the climb – wow!!!
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!
Great Job Everyone!! I never doubted the success of the trip for one minute! In fact, when I got home after work on Saturday night around 1am I almost called Forrest to ask if I could catch a ride to join in on the fun, but I didn’t want to wake him. Glad you all got home safe!! Nice pics!!
Snobody,
If you think I was “calm” enough to be asleep at 1AM, you have overestimated my confidence. And, after all the talk about this event, and recollections of last year, there was definitely enough FEAR, but not a trace of LOATHING, as the 3:30 wake-up alarm, completely unnecessary, approached. The One Who Runs in Circles and I discussed whether or not Sno’ would have enjoyed the experience (while ET was otherwise “indisposed”) and we both agreed that you would have loved it. I think this may become an annual event.
Awesome job folks. As you know a real accomplishment is only gained with some amount of risk, fear, doubt and, above all, heart and effort. Congrats on you great accomplishment. Yay!!!
Way to go Loopy !! I like your report and your attitude in dealing with the elements of winter. Trying to conquer the white whale is a memory I will never forget. You speared it head on and I dream of a wicked downhill run in the snow like that. I can’t wait till next year. As this should be an annual event. You should try the Greylock 1/2 marathon in June.