Fall on Franconia Ridge

The paved path was a good start for us, autumn colors were fading but here at lower elevations still pretty good. The sky had a gray cast to it with the promise of rain to come. We looked up and saw some high peaks above us, our destination.

Reaching the trailhead we started doing some climbing, nothing too bad with some early switchbacks to ease the grade. It was misting by the time we reached the Liberty Springs tentsite and here the trail started some real climbing. Footing was ok, it was getting wet though.

I was worried that Jessie would get wet and then be real cold at the summit so I pulled out one of those disposable rain ponchos which practically went to her feet. I ended up tying it up a little higher so she wouldn't trip.

We were huffing and puffing, I took over the lead as I usually did with the younger guys behind me. Scott was on his second or third hike with me and was having no problems.

At the summit it was now raining pretty good and very windy. We took a few pictures.

It wasn't too comfortable at the summit so we headed back into the trees on the ridge between Liberty and Flume. About midway across the ridge we stopped for a break and some needed nourishment. I looked at Jessie and Scott, he seemed OK but she was clearly tired.

I asked Scott if he would stay behind while I tagged Flume. He agreed and so I was off at a trot. I'd never been over there before, we were truly in the clouds but the trail was easy to follow. It only took about 10 minutes to reach the rocky summit where the winds were howling. Visibility was practically nothing, I touched the top and ran back.

Found Jess and Scott sitting on rocks playing cards and eating sugary snacks. Ah what a life! They got all packed up while I rested and ate a bit myself. The hike back to Liberty wasn't too bad but there was some climbing. Jessie looked better and soon we were back on the summit of Liberty.

We snapped a few more pictures, Jessie posed with her blue rain poncho blowing in the wind. I thought she looked like a kite and was worried she'd be knocked over. So we tramped on down the LS trail, it was a wet, messy, slippery walk down to the tentsite. It had stopped raining, the sun was struggling to push through

Really a nice hike out from here, just downhill and moderate and then we had the bike path walk back to our car. We'd had a great time and everyone was glad to see the car, some dry clothes and rest followed. We stopped as usual for our Ashland Burger King break, the final touches to a wonderful day.