Sunday 1/29/2012 Wonderful Day On The Mountain

Wonderful Day On The Mountain

Public Service Warning:   The portable outhouses that used to be located in the upper lot were not there this weekend.   The ones in the parking lot where you park your car are still there.

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If  you .are careful and choose wisely there are days in winter when the sky is blue, the air is crisp, and the trails are mostly clear of ice and snow.    Sunday 1/29/2012 was one of days.  It seemed to put everyone I met in a great mood.

I had several long and very connected conversations.   

Sometimes those I encounter are deeply experienced worldly mountaineers who love to use Old Rag in preparation for Rainer, Denali, Matterhorn, Grand Teton......   At other times it might be an older couple in their 70's who are enjoying the enchantment of an elderly mountain which has existed through thousands of human lifetimes.    At other times I might encounter a happy family visiting Old Rag for their first time.   

There are times when I am a little disappointed with the visitors I meet on the mountain. One of the special rewards of my winter hikes is that I am seldom disappointed with the visitors I meet. Winter and harsh conditions seem to bring out the gems of the hiking community.

Old Rag from Revercombs Junction

Lumbering on Old Rag's border.  

With the exception of small patches of ice at R29, on the parts of the chute, and about a tenth of a mile below Byrds Nest Shelter on the Saddle Trail the trails were dry and clear of any ice or snow.    Any ice on the mountain was easy to avoid.     That said, always keep in mind that conditions can change radically in just a few hours time during the winter.

Looking towards Culpepper from the first false summit.   R20

Looking east from the slab just above the chute.

Sunset from the summit.

A quick video from the top of Skyline aka PATC Wall. 

A quick video from the  summit.