DESTINATION Mt Tammany - Red Dot 1 Photoset
2025-04-28 | | -
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| Hiking | 8.49 Miles |
3,553 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.49 Miles | 6 Hrs 12 Mns | | 1.55 mph |
| 3,553 ft AEG | 43 Mns Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Three laps today. The first 2 were on the Red Dot, the last was the loop. I did the loop to go slower on the last descent, and because it is easier on my feet. It was also quieter than the Red Dot, which has a lot of interstate noise. I thought it might be shady, but that north slope is behind the warmer west and south slopes for leaf out.
Weather was perfect. It is getting warmer, and the mid-70s can feel hot when hiking here and use to low 60s. It was actually a bit much on the last uphill. This is despite the low dewpoints the region has been enjoying on many days this spring. There have been a great many days that were like Arizona winter days over the last month. I don't expect these days with dew points under 40 to last, however. Soon, it will be moist, I am sure.
Slowing down and breaking a few times due to the "extreme heat" on the last lap I noticed a boulder with a few columbines growing on it. I do see more when I am not trying to just train or exercise. These were really nice to see, as they reminded me of home.
When not humid, the Blue Blaze or Pahaquarry Trail, as it is officially named per the State Forest map, is a nice trail. The creek water is enjoyable, and it was interesting to see a spring coming out of the rock and soil just below the AT above the creek. Springs get little attention when you have huge creeks.
I'm not really sure why I am training like I have been, as heading into the humid summer I think I am not all that likely to want to hike 3 laps here when the temperature is 90+ and the dewpoint is in the 70s. Even 2 laps may be too much on bad days. I am planning on Mount Lafayette in New England this summer or early fall, but that is months away and plans can change.
A bright red painted Huey style NJ Forest Fire Service helicopter buzzed the summit twice that I observed. It spent more time circling or hovering when I was on my first lap than it did when I saw it the second time on my third lap. Both times I was at the top. I figure it was a training flight, as it flew barely over the tree tops when it was near the summit, and there was no fire activity. Loud and low as it was, no flashbacks were had. Plus, I'm a few decades too young.
Someone left a free forest map at the overlook, which was convenient as I took it and can use it. I can start to explore some of the other trails for some variety. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Scattered small flowers in places, and then some interesting columbines on a boulder in the drainage near the stairs. |
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