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| Hiking | 20.02 Miles |
3,467 AEG |
| | Hiking | 20.02 Miles | 8 Hrs 50 Mns | | 2.55 mph |
| 3,467 ft AEG | 59 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Off to Flag to get into some cooler air. There was a 60% chance of T-Storms, but we were fortunate to miss the brunt of the storms. The first wave passed to our east, giving us a few sprinkles. The second two waves passed to our west, giving us some light rain for about half an hour or so.
From the Sandy Seep TH, we were one of just a handful of cars - a better, much less crowded option than the nearby Eldon TH.
I wanted to hike the complete reroute of the Heart #103 trail. The reroute is 1.5 miles longer, but the trail is much smoother, has an easier grade, and takes you through some more interesting areas. Me likey.
At the intersection of the Heart Trail and Sunset Trails, and after Joe was done with his distraction, we took a short break and continued counterclockwise (CCW) through the mixed burned and old growth conifers. In here, I spotted a large Whitetail buck, still in velvet.
On the Brookbank #2 Trail, we followed the well-worn path and either missed our turn or the trail has been rerouted. This is just one of a number of trails up here that have been rerouted since the fire. The section from Dry Lake Hills down to Eldon Lookout Road is an absolute nightmare. They may have given up on this section.
We did the road walk to The Upper Oldham Trail and noticed that they've cut in a new Oldham Trail (Middle Oldham) to the north of the road. It meets up with Upper Oldham.
Upper Oldham is in decent shape. There have been numerous washout events, so you need to keep your eyes peeled for the trail vs. wash areas. There are currently a dozen or so deadfalls that you can pretty easily bypass. This climb always sucks the air from your lungs.
Up top, we caught a great breeze to dry off and have a snack. From here, we cruised back to the TH, enjoying the downhill and checking out the old cut of the Heart Trail.
Temps ranged from 74 at the start to 86 at one point, and down to 61.5 during a couple of the rain events. Clouds kept it comfortable most of the day.
Great to get your head out of the oven every now and then. |
| _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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