Humphrey Summit via the trail

[Jim]

Which is better, orange marmalade, or whiskey?

[Jim]

Hopefully we have good weather for next week. The NWS has one model which might have a chance for thunderstorms next week. One says dry, so maybe we'll have ideal weather.

[azbackpackr]

Yes, I hate to be a stick in the mud, but I can't help but wonder. (The New Mexico forecast is even fiercer!) I suppose if you made the hike start at 6 a.m. then a lot of people wouldn't show up, especially if they are planning to drive up from the Valley the same day? If I go I am planning to drive over the same day, seems an easy way to do it. Fingers crossed for a break in that weather pattern!

[joebartels]

I suppose if you made the hike start at 6 a.m. then a lot of people wouldn't show up, especially if they are planning to drive up from the Valley the same day?

I know two that would commit if it was earlier ;)

[azbackpackr]

Yeah, I'm an early bird myself, but as long as the forecast is good, I don't mind a late start. Sure as heck don't want to be up on that barren ridge in a lightning storm!

[azhiker96]

I'm fine with an earlier start.

[oliverr99]

I am going up the night before, I was going to start early anyways, since it will take me a while to hike it.

[Jim]

Well, the NWS updated their discussion and it might be jjust fine, even if it is still a week out and we really won't know until next week:

EARLY NEXT WEEK...LONG TERM FORECAST GUIDANCE SHOWS THE LOW PRESSURE
TROUGH LINGERING OVER THE SOUTHWEST...MODERATING OUR HIGH
TEMPERATURES AND ALLOWING FOR A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON. ON TUESDAY...HIGH PRESSURE
RETURNS WITH DRIER AND WARMER CONDITIONS EXPECTED.

What time do people see as an earlier start? Humphrey isn't much more than 6 hours of hiking if taking you time. 9am? 8am? 7am isn't happening, and I doubt I could get to an 8am start time at 8am. I could do a poll, just to see. I'm curious to see who else would come if it was earlier, and what time it would have to be to get them there.

[hippiepunkpirate]

I have no time preference, myself.

[Tortoise_Hiker]

6:00-7:00

[Jim]

If I could get a compromise time going, I could go earlier to attract more folks, but pre-7am, is just crazy.

[joebartels]

No need to go pre, just go with a firm 7

[azbackpackr]

7 might be a bit early for those driving up the same day. If time is changed, I would probably change my plans, and drive up the day before. Either way I could probably make it work.

If there is a vote, though, I would vote to keep it the same or change to 9 a.m., so I can drive up same day. It is only 3 hours or less from here.

[oliverr99]

I think I will go ahead and start at 8am to get going, I am not fast at all, especially in this high altitude. I will be the slow, blonde hiker, with a smile!

[azbackpackr]

Uh, oh...no blonde jokes, guys! ;)

Oliver99, that sounds like a good plan. Maybe you should hang a HAZ sign on the back of your pack!

[Jim]

I don't want to vacillate on the time issue, but 7am is going to be cold on the trail to start. I think, if no one objects, I will tentatively move it up to 8am and try to get up there at that time. I should warn you, I have a hard time making it there at 11am in winter, so 8am might be pushing it for me. At 62 times this isn't a new or exciting hike to get me up early.

Joe, how serious are you about going if the start time is earlier? Is 7am a must, or can a compromise time be reached?

[azbackpackr]

If you do that, then Oliver99 will be left behind. I think she wants to start out way ahead of everyone so as not to be left behind. If you start at 8, then she would have to start hiking at 6 a.m.

I say we vote. I vote for the original time or 9 a.m. (Then I don't have to leave my house at 4 a.m!)

[azhiker96]

I'm good with any time really. I'll be leaving the house before my wife wakes up so whether it's an hour or three doesn't matter to me. :whistle:

[azbackpackr]

I'm mostly thinking of Oliver99, who wants to start out well ahead.

[Jim]

I'll see what Joe says, but I prefer that we start later. I guess we can wait to set the time.

Joe?

[oliverr99]

Oh don't revolve the time around me. Go when you all feel is a right time for you! I don't want to make everyone feel as though they need to wait for me, I will hike my own hike, and if you all are ahead, it won't bother me at all. I do appreciate the kindness!