Saturday, July 19, 2008

The top of the world... almost

Today Eric and I got up at 4:30 and left for an all-day, 11 mile hike across the top of the Wellsville Mountains. At its highest point, it is 9, 372 feet. We started at 5,400 feet. The Wellsvilles are the steepest mountain range in the world because, even though they aren't super tall, their base is relatively small.
We started hiking just before 6:00 and got to the ridge about 8:00. From there we spent about 4 hours traversing the top ridgeline before heading down for a grueling decent. We arrived at the other end of the trail at 2:45 p.m. The view wasn't spectacular (as you'll see in the video), but it was pretty impressive to see both sides of the mountain range from the top. The mountain really just drops off on both sides.
We had to bushwack through extremely thick plants that were overgrown over a lot of the trail, dodge stinging nettle, and go across narrow switchbacks to get to the top, but it was worth it! We had a great time just talking and hiking. We found that hiking poles are invaluable tools!
Even though my feet are so sore I can barely walk and Eric got scratched and dirty...we loved going. It isn't every day that you can spend 8 hours with your honey among God's creations.
(We finished up our date "day" by watching Batman the Dark Knight with some friends). Thanks have to go to Ken and Nancy who watched the kids all during our hike. I'm sure we won't get a day like this in a long time!

7 comments:

Meg said...

That sounds amazing! Tay and I just spent the day hiking as well, there is something about being in the mountains and breathing in the fresh air that clears the mind and is so peaceful.

Los Morales said...

Sounds like a dreaaaammm!, don't know when we will be able to do that again(if ever possible). Good for you guys, dan envidia de la buena!.

Nick and Maddy Winward said...

So fun! I love the pictures. What a fun date!

Cathy Duffy said...

i love hiking. i'm so jealous. i wish ken and i could leave the kids for a while and hike too... why is it so stink'n hot here in Az??

K said...

I am so impressed you guys were able to hike that. I would have died before I made it I bet. So much fun for you to have a day together. Take it while you can get it!

Amy & Greg said...

Sounds like so much fun! How wonderful to have great babysitters around.

Jenn said...

Wow, good job you guys. That is a tough hike, especially coming down through that thick stuff. It honestly takes weeks for all off your scratches on your legs to heal. We are so jealous that you are in Logan. It is so beautiful.