Hulda Crooks Park 2
Due to weather conditions up in the Pisgah Peak area and our lack of proper gear, we decided to postpone that hike. Instead, we returned to Hulda Crooks Park and explored farther. Thanks to the additional climbing and distance, it was a good second hike, pushing our fitness a bit farther for bigger challenges later in the year.
Unfortunately, Alex was sick at home back in Hollywood, so Otis and I sallied forth, accompanied as always by the intrepid Pharaoh.
3D view of terrain (click to enlarge).
- 9.04 miles
- 910′ elevation gain*
- 4 hours car-to-car, with a couple of short breaks
(* = The difference between the parking lot at 1360′ and the highest point at 2270′. Hopefully we’ll have GPS capability hooked up soon to get better numbers.)
We kept going from the turning-around point of the previous hike, through some nicely hilly terrain.
Our legs were definitely getting a good workout…
…as were our cardiovascular systems.
It was also colder, as witnessed by the patches of snow and ice still lurking in various shadows.
There were no motorized folks careening around this time, thankfully.
The occasional tracks clued us in on the local denizens, but we also spied several coyotes in the distance, and the usual assortment of hawks and ravens kept us company throughout…
…not to mention a garter snake braving the chill to sun himself on the trail.
If I write a book on hiking, say "Travels with Pharaoh", this should be the cover picture. :)
Thanks to the late start at 1 PM, we had to hurry things along at the end. The sun was falling early behind Reche Peak, as evidenced by the long shadows.
Always exciting to explore new terrain, even if it isn’t too far from home.
This almost seemed like a Mediterranean scene we came across, despite the temperature — a large nursery we inadvertently came through from the back, leading to San Timoteo Road.
Stuck at a train crossing. :) This is currently closed to cars while they construct a bridge.