The weather forecast was indicating the start of a heat wave. I am not a fan of the heat and humidity so something short and early was the requirements for a hike today. I would be joining Jill and Larry for a hike to Mount Waumbek (4,006') via the Starr King Trail over Mount Starr King. This is a short, easy hike and for me not a long drive. I also needed Waumbek for the month of June. Our plan was to meet at 7:00 AM.
It was a cool morning but I could feel the humidity in the air. When I pulled into the trailhead parking lot Larry was waiting, Jill pulled in just after me. We were the first three hikers there this morning. While we were getting ready I thought the bugs might be a problem but once we got started up the trail they were no trouble at all.
It was still cool and there was a slight breeze but the air was muggy. I was expecting it to only get worse as the sun got higher and hotter. It was a pleasant hike up to the Starr King summit. The distant peaks were hazy but we still had a good view. After a short break to hydrate we continued on.
It was a nice hike across the ridge to Mount Waumbek. We arrived at the summit and moved down to the cleared outlook. It was getting very warm and the bugs were waiting for us. I got a few good bites on my arms. After another short break we started our return trip.
As we started back we saw many more hikers on their way up. We arrived at Starr King and took one more break to hydrate then it was all downhill from here. The cool breeze we had earlier was gone and the moist heat was starting to hang heavy in the air. I was very glad to be on the way down and not starting up.
We got back to the parking lot around noontime after about five hours of hiking. It was a nice pace for the warm, humid conditions. Thanks for the fun hike and early start Jill and Larry!
Enjoy the pics!
Mossy log
Bluebead lily
Another bluebead lily
Forest greenery
Starr King summit
Arriving at the Starr King clearing
Starr King fireplace
View from Starr King
Resting on Starr King
A leaner over the trail
Three-leaf clovers
Mossy stump
Summit trail sign
Personal note on the trail sign
View from Mount Waumbek
Looking down into the valley below
A fern patch
Waumbek summit cairn
Moss
Returning to Starr King
A look back at Waumbek from Starr King
Lots of mushrooms along the trail today
Taking a sweaty break on a burl seat
Wood sorrel
Red trillium "melting"
Gnarly tree
Well reflection
End of the hike just ahead
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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