Ben Lomond Peak Hike.........

On the trail again

Breakfast Break

Nik and Mom

Today was our last hike before our big trip this coming week. We decided to hike Ben Lomond Peak. We have done this before several years ago as a hiking group and I have done it before with friends and family but this is the first time in about 5 years. This week, Connie, Jen, Sally, myself and my daughter Nikki went. We left the trail head about 6:10 AM at the top of the divide. Round trip it is close to 16 1/2 miles. About 85% of the hike was fabulous. The hike up was enjoyable and not that hot. In fact the higher you got the more breeze there was and therefore the cooler it was. We really did not have any problems hiking to the top. We got to the top about 10:40. The view was spectacular! From the top you could see Pine View Dam in Ogden Valley, Willard Bay, North Ogden, Pleasant View, Avon Pass, into the Logan Valley, Antelope Island, and about as far south as you can see. The view is amazing and worth the hike. We ate lunch at the top. Some other hikers brought our attention to the goat just below the Peak. Connie & Jen went on to Willard Peak to see more goats. Nikki, Sally, and myself chose to head back down. We stopped at the last little bit of snow up there and wet down our neck coolers. It was refreshing. We got back down to the parking lot about 2:30PM.

Here is what was GOOD about the hike:

• the view anywhere on the hike
• the shady areas thanks to the pines
• the wild flowers
• having Nikki there
• the company of good people
• meeting other hikers along the way
• breakfast and lunch on the trail
• the exercise
• my hiking poles
• getting back to the parking lot [it always feels good when it is over]
• and last but not least my "new hat"

Here is what was NOT good about the hike:

• Motorcycles kicking up dust.
• the dusty trail [we were all filthy
• the heat on the last switchbacks [hot sun reflecting off rocks. This is the 15% I was talking about]
• Big blisters on my heels from the heat and lengthy hike
• Nik had knee pain most of the way down
• I was ornery from the heat the last hour
• Nik ran out of water, and then I did just before the end [100 oz]
• Hot car when we were finished

But, I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday!!!!!

Here are a few Pics:

Wild Flowers

Here we are at the Peak! Don't you Love my new hat!!

Sally and I find the last of the snow and cool off!!!

Nikki just sent me a few new Pictures that she took so I will add them, Thanks Nik!

Just Having Fun!

Panoramic Pines

On the Trail North Ogden Side

Beautiful View from the Mountain