July 29, 2024
More spandex today, but thankfully, no pics of it.
My wife was having some stomach issues, so I axed Plan A for us to go for a paddle and shifted gears to something more local. A quick peruse of the map, preparation of lunch, and I was off on another adventure.
Today, I'm gonna try a "Bike-n-hike". I'll ride the bike to a trail head and then walk into the woods from there.
I left the townhouse about 10:00 am, and eased my way through the neighborhood trails to warm up the legs, which were a little stiff from yesterday's ride. I get to Tripoli road and start climbing. This road is somewhat paved with old blacktop mixed in with sections of gravel held with a little soil cement. In the beginning, the incline is very gradual, so I'm moving fast enough for the knobbies on my MTB to make a little road hum. Soon, that changes as the grade steepens and my pace slows.
5 miles later, I get to the top of the mountain and check the map. I'm still another mile or so from the trail head. So down hill I go, thinking that after I hike the trail, I'll have to make this route back, climbing. Oh well, I'll worry about that later.
I get to the East Pond Trailhead, secure my bike, and grab a water bottle for the backpack.
On the bigger map, this entire place is like a itsy bitsy dot. You really have to be looking for it. There is no one here.
I start walking. I knew it would be about 1.5 miles, all uphill, and about 1,000 feet of climb. This is going to be a workout.
The trail starts out smooth, but like most I've seen, as you get higher, it gets steeper and more rocky. This is the part where I talk to the only person who will listen - me. I'm telling myself:
"Remember - you are by yourself, Pants. You do something stupid and it's gonna be a long time before help comes."
"Watach where you step, Pants."
"Slow the F&&K down, Pants. This is not a race."
"Damm, Pants. You sure got a good life....."
About halfway up, I have to cross this creek. Someone before me put this wonderful bridge here, and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to have a snack.
Second (or third) wind received, I continued uphill toward the prize. And when I got there, I was not disappointed. At about 2,700 feet elevation, this is the East Pond.
It is magnificent! I walked along the edge a bit and I think this is a natural mountain top lake. I can't find any control struture for it. I go back to the shoreline where I entered, and have lunch.
There's a light breeze blowing some white noise in the trees. The water is absolutely perfect temperature - not too cold, not warm. It's crystal clear - I waded to about thigh deep and could see my toes like they weren't even in water.
Back at the shore, I saw something that made me wonder.
I saw many of these creatures - I think they are leaches, but I can't be sure. They didn't gravitate to my exposed skin, but It kind of gave me pause for the cause, so I got out of the water and took a nap on a big shoreline flat top granite rock.
I considered doing the entire loop trail, which would add another 2-ish miles to the hike. But I forgot to check the elevation gain on the "Little East Pond" segment. I started remembering that I've still got another bike MTB climb to get home. My legs felt good, but let's not over due it. I'll save the LEP for another day.
No where else outside the White Mountains have I seen so many trees literally growing around rocks.
The walk down was easier on the lungs, a bit harder on the legs (always is). I get back down to the bicycle and take a short break. Then I get back on Tripoli road and start climbing. The grade going this way is a bit steeper, or at least it feels that way. I'm down to granny gear and not moving any faster than a walk pace. I learned something in the Georgia mountains about bicycling - one way to "soften" the climb is to wiggle back and forth across the roadway in a shallow "Zig zag" formation. It's easier to go across the mountain, then climb it directly. So - I'm zigging and at some point, I hear something from behind that startles me. A Tesla unintentionally snuck up behind me. I quickly moved over to the right, and then turned around and mouthed "I'm sorry" at the windshield. The car then eased next to me with the window down:
(Tesla) "Would you like a ride up to the top of the mountain?"
(Pants, panting) "That's not really the point of this."
He chuckled and moved on slowly, so as not to stir up much dust.
After what seemed like forever, I got back to the top and took a short break. Then it was "YEE HAA!!!" down the mountain back toward home. Since i'm on smoother, more predictable terrain, I let the reins loose a bit more and really enjoyed flying in the wind.
I took the longer way through the neighborhood to see if anything is going on. Nope - not much. Only 1 familiar couple playing golf. A few people in the town square, but clearly, the weekenders have all gone home. Our version of Sherriff Andy is creeping down main street in his patrol unit with the window down. "Good Afternoon Officer", I say. He looks bored - what a welcome site. The swimming pool at the gym looks quite inviting. I bet those stuck up desk workers wouldn't like me jumping in with my bike shorts - better pass. Well - things look pretty quiet, think I'll head to the ABB. There's one more left over IPA from home - that sounds good.
Another terrific day.
Stay thirsty, my friends...
