After a hiking hiatus of seven weeks it was time to get back on the trail again. The weather forecast called for mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers early then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Looked like I would need to squeeze a short hike into this small window of opportunity. Glen Boulder seemed like a good choice with its above treeline views.
Last night's rain clouds in the distance
Peabody River
Line between clouds and blue sky
Trailhead
I pulled into the Glen Ellis parking area and with threatening skies overhead I wasted no time hitting the trail. It was plenty wet with all the recent rain. Rocks, roots, and wet leaves were all slick and cautious footing was required to prevent a turned ankle.
Painted Trillium...lots of these
Red Trillium...the only one I saw
Just before reaching the ledges I met my first and only hikers of the day, a couple making their descent. They confirmed my suspicions that it was very windy above treeline. I changed into a dry layer, put on my windbreaker and proceeded up over the ledges.
Climbing above treeline
A last patch of snow
Glen Boulder
The wind came in gusts and I had to brace myself against it at times. The dark clouds coming over the mountaintop were a little bit more of a concern to me because of the thunderstorms in the forecast. Being above treeline I was very exposed.
View to the North
Standing in front of Glen Boulder
Route 16 from Glen Boulder
Route 16 looking up toward Glen Boulder
Glen Boulder zoomed in
A view toward the Carters
Clouds rolling into the Gulf of Slides
Once again I found myself having to watch my step on the slippery ledges. I dropped down below the treeline and it wasn't long before the raindrops started. There were no downpours and it was short-lived.
A view to the South
The sun actually came out and it got nice and warm. I changed to short sleeves and it was a pleasant descent to the parking lot. The one thing that was missing that I didn't miss was the flying, biting insects. Don't know where they were but they stayed away.
Water crossing
Mushroom steps
Seems I got back just in time. As I drove away the rain started pouring down, timed that hike just right. After taking a long break from hiking it was great to get back out on the trail again!
Panoramic view from Glen Boulder
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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