5/24/12 Black Mountain

Enough garden and dodging rain- time for a real hike. We had not been to Black Mountain in awhile and  I had forgot how difficult some sections are for Kelley. We started from the trail head on Black Mtn.Rd. And the section to the first intersection has some elevation gain but is not difficult.

This is the first open view.

And I made my first panoramic shot ( stitched together pictures)    

Waiting for me again

                                                                                                                                                     
Nearing the first intersection. We turned right at the intersection and this turned out to be very difficult for Kelley ( yellow section on map). There were places she needed to work around, places where she needed a boost, and one spot where we needed to do a major bushwhack.  She was a good sport about the whole thing and we eventually made it to the East Peak.

 

                                                                                                                                                          

     
Another panoramic shot

           

And one of a view from the top

                 

                                                                                                                                                                     After sharing an apple we headed back on the other trail which leads toward the Black Mountain Cliffs. This was a much easier trail for Kelley with no boosts or bushwhacking. When we reached the intersection with the Black Mtn. Trail we took that back down.
                

                                                                                                                                   
 A good but at times challenging hike. Kelley was a real trooper  maintaining her excitement and she exhibited no signs of distress or lameness even after we arrived home. 2  1/2 hours