On this 90 degree day, I chose a bushwhack hike of a couple small peaks, Cherry Ridge and Wolf Pond Mountain, just south of Crane Mountain in the Town of Thurman. My starting point was Mud Pond. I had explored Mud Pond and Round Pond in April, but had not ventured to the surrounding hills on that trip.
My loose plan was to skirt around the north side of Mud Pond and climb Cherry Ridge first. I would then head SW to Wolf Pond Mountain. A distant possibility was to continue to Bearpen Peak.
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| Mud Pond |
The woods were moderately thick in the beginning and there was some blowdown as well. I crossed the inlet creek for Mud Pond and began to climb. The woods began to thin out somewhat as I clim bed. It was already 80 degrees as I neared the summit of Cherry Ridge around 10 AM. I carried 4 liters of drinks for myself and a couple liters for my dog Rev. She drank quite a bit on Cherry Ridge.
I didn't expect to have any views on the hike and there really weren't any. If I had made the trip before the trees leafed out, there probobly would have been some views.
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| A small view near the summit of Cherry Ridge |
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| Cherry Ridge |
It was quite open on top of Cherry Ridge. I could occasionally see a faint track of an ATV. I headed SW from Cherry Ridge to head for Wolf Pond Mountain There were no obstacles on the descent. As I recane to climb again, I could tell Rev was going to need the rest of her water to climb Wolf Pond Mountain. There was no water to be found to refill her bottle. Since it was cointinuing to bet warmer, I knew this would be our last peak of the day.
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| Some rock near the summit of Wolf Pond Mountain. |
Wolf Pond Mountain was also fairly open but the canopy of leaves from the hardwood summit blocked any possible views
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| The summit of Wolf Pond Mountain. |
With Rev's water almost gone, I chose a direct route NE to head back to the car. Once again, there were no issues on the descent. Some rumbles of thunder were heard as we were near the car. Rev took the opportunity to drink some water in Mud Pond. In spite of the heat, the bugs were not that bad; a pleasant surprise.
Bearpen Peak will be save for another trip.
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| Ah, water. Wolf Pond Mountain in the background, |
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| Cherry Ridge in the background. |
Hike Stats:
Hike Distance: 4.8 miles
Hike Time: 4 hours
Total Vertical Gain: ~1500'
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| The route |
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| The route on the National Geographio map. |
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