Thursday, October 16, 2014

Goat Mountain Fall 2014

On the trail
Seventeen Senior Trailblazers started up the Goat Mountain trail for our third visit this year. We had some fitful stops and starts, but we eventually all got sorted into two groups: a few would try to get to the actual summit of Goat Mountain, rather than the overlook, where we usually stop. I was in the second group, just happy to be getting up into the High Country for yet another wonderful trip, without rain! This is the only day this entire week when we were not expecting rain, and sure enough we stayed dry.
Mushrooms were everywhere, all sorts of them
Since there has been so much rain lately, mushrooms had sprouted out of the ground everywhere. These (above) look almost like slimy loaves of bread. I was hoping that we would have a good view of the surrounding mountains after struggling for almost 3,000 feet of elevation to get to the overlook, but the skies might have been dry but they were certainly not cloud free.
Owen in front of Mt. Sefrit
We were joined today by a new (to me) guy who usually hikes with the other Senior Trailblazer group. Here is is standing in front of Mt. Sefrit, for his first time ever up to the Goat Mountain overlook. He has a wry sense of humor and had me laughing more than once today.
The Goat Mountain summit in snow
By the time we got into the open, we saw that the summit group would be dealing with fresh snow that must have fallen overnight. As you can see, however, the surrounding hills were alive with fall colors, even with gray skies that make it difficult to determine the summit from the background.
The group below me, with autumn in full swing
I wasn't able to capture very many pictures today, as I was struggling the entire way, feeling like my legs had lead in them. I wasn't alone, but those four who decided to try for the summit were only a short distance from the top before they turned around. We used the walkie-talkies to communicate with each other.
Those wonderful fall colors
As we began our descent, we knew that we should meet up by the time we got to the cars, and it all turned out well in the end. Although it was late before we got home (since the daylight hours are so much less than earlier in the summer), I think I can say we were all very glad to get home and enjoy our evening after a fine day in the wilderness. If this precipitation keeps up all next week, we might have just done our final trip for the season, but we are hoping for one or even two more. We'll see. Anyway, it was another great day, but I am sure tired and glad to be home!
:-)

16 comments:

  1. We've had a week of gray skies but rich colours around here as well. Some of your pictures are just excellent, great colour contrasts!

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  2. we have had quite the rain in the last week as well...hopefully it does not drown out the autumn foilage...

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  3. the colors are surreal! amazing! other-worldly, actually!

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  4. Color alone would make this an awesome trip. Some days you've got it ans some days you don't. You don't often complain about having to push it.

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  5. You sure do take on some amazing hikes. The colours look just incredible.. the views awesome. I'll bet you especially enjoyed your wine tonight.

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  6. Considering your activities, I wish you would not include the word "fall" in your title.
    :-)

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  7. Wow...beautiful. Every nook and cranny. And, I feel I know all your Trail Blazers, so welcome the new guy!!! Laughter is good....if he had you laughing a few time....then the climb was easier.

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  8. I like the photos of the side of the mountain - its a view that is more pronounced with the colours of fall and of course the group of fellow hikers. Beautiful colours indeed DJan. I am amazed with the snow already covering the summit. Cheers

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  9. I love all the colors on the hillside!! Your legs may have protested but you get to see such beautiful sights!! :)

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  10. It interested me that you mentioned legs of lead. What caused that? You didn't say you were in pain, so that's a good sign.

    Take care and rest those legs! Lol.

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  11. Beautiful colors and views! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. That picture of Goat Mountain with the flowers in the foreground is just stunning. Glad the new guy found your funny bone. Humor is a great pick me up.

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  13. Fall in the mountains...so very beautiful! :)

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  14. All that fungi! Love it. Means lots of moisture. We have no fungi around here.

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  15. I'd love to go leaf peeping with those mountains as background...:)

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  16. I love your photo of Goat Mountain with the red leaves in the foreground. In fact all your shots are awesome.

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