Mountains Climbed: Basin and Haystack
Date of Hike: 07/23/2010
Weather: Day of the climb, heavy cloud cover, light rain, limited visibility.
Climbing party: Barkeater, EdD263 and myself.
Trail Conditions: Wet with the typical mud pits, slippery rock,roots and logs. I camped at Bushnell Falls, sun really never came out.
Shorey short cut from Phelps trail to the ridge trail had it's steep spots, while climbing all the way.Basin was interesting with the different rock scrambles but nothing like the ones between the Haystacks. Really couldn't see what was above us or below us. Would have been nice, especially out on the Haystacks. For those of you that are not use to being out on exposed rock ledges, these will definitely get and hold your attention!
Comments: The plan was for us to climb Basin on Friday and Haystack on Saturday and that would get Barkeater his 46. I came in on Thursday and set up camp at Bushnell Falls and met up with Ed and John (Barkeater)who came into JBL on Friday, dropped their bags and headed out. (Thanks for the peach cobbler!) After climbing Basin, we sat at a junction that had a sign that said Haystack was 1.1 miles. John had just finished his 45th and needed Haystack for his 46th. It was a little late but we decided to finish while we were right there. And we did!
John completed his 46 High Peaks on July 23, 2010 while standing on Haystack surrounded by clouds.We had a hard time getting him down! It was windy, we were wet, started to get cold and was grinning from ear to ear! It was awesome!
Once again, congratulations John! Wish we had better views. Was a pleasure to be there with you.
Along the way, we met many folks but one in particular that needs mentioning, Scott. We met Scott just below Basin who came in from Rt 73 via the Rooster Combs and was doing the whole range! We followed him up Haystack and he headed off to Marcy as we were summiting Haystack. We later caught up to him again as he set up camp at Slant rock. He passed up Marcy this trip, stating he had had enough for one day. Nice job Scott. If your reading this, drop me a line.
At the writing of this, John and Ed are still up north, I broke camp and walked out Friday night. They stayed at the lodge Saturday and Sunday and were going to do more climbing.
Special Equipment Required: Rain gear a must! Trekking pole a plus.
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