Across the Wellsville Mountains

Ok. I figure it's about time I post about my hike across the Wellsville Mountains. This will be my third hike THIS year to the top, but this time we went from end to end. It's something I've always wanted to do, and I can now finally say that I've done it. I went with a couple buddies of mine, Wes and Ryan, and their dogs. I wanted to bring Trigger and Cooper, but we were short on room for transport so I'll have to take them next year. We hiked Oct 27, which was almost perfect!  (we missed all the pretty colorful leaves) But weather-wise it was great! (and the very next day it was raining and snowing and miserable!) It was about a high of 60 in the valley that day, but VERY cold up top. It was a little chilly when we started, but we were quickly stripping layers once we got moving.

 

View from Providence bench that morning.

We hiked from left to right.

Me, Wes, and Ryan

with Bella, Tamer, and Sydney in tow

We started at Rattle Snake Trail Head in Sardine Canyon.

A view of Sardine from a small bench half way up Rattle Snake.

Wes played tour guide. Ryan played tourist. I played documentary photographer. :)

Looking south. Sardine Canyon.

Once on top, it was VERY cold, and VERY windy. We layered back up and

hunkered down behind a big tree for lunch.

The beauty of this bare tree.... leaves me speechless.

The range, looking south.

MADE IT!!!

Here I am, standing on a pile of rocks,

on top of the highest peak in the range,

Box Elder Peak.

 

Geological Survey Mark

 

 

... Because why wouldn't you take a selfie?

I nailed Ryan with this snowball. Haha!

We hiked through snow.

Another AWESOME tree.

We hiked on steep sides of the mountain....

... and on rocky slopes...

... and bare terrain...

 ... and thick brush...

 

 Another selfie. Just north of Stewart's Pass.

(CV behind me)

And now starting to head down.
 

 

We came down Deep Canyon

Once at the bottom, Julie and Marie were waiting for us with some refreshing beverages. Beers for the boys, (and since I don't like beer) a refreshing mix of OJ and Cranberry juice for me. I couldn't drink it fast enough!

I had a really cool video from the top, but it's so windy you can't hear what we are saying. If I can figure out how to filter that out, I will post it. Til then, just imagine you just saw an awesome video. :)

Here's a little summary of our trip. (using MapMyRide app)

• It took us just under 9 hours (that includes stopping for lunch, photo opps, etc)
• It was just over 12 miles.
• (according to the app) I burned 6300 calories! After looking at this elevation map I almost believe it.
• My body recovered surprisingly well... As long as I didn't go up or down stairs for a few days. Haha.