Nye and Street Mountains August 12, 2007

[Pete Hogan]

The trail conditions were excellent for a "designated" herd path. The water level of Indian Pass Brook was very low allowing a simple rock hop crossing. After the next small drainage past Indian Pass Brook, there was extensive beaver activity of not less than three major dams. It was a prime example of “nature’s classroom” and prompted a respectful pause of appreciation and wonder. The ridge paths were easy to follow unlike the confusing labyrinth of the "good old days".

Humidity was up so hydration was essential. I carried three liters and ran out about an hour from our return to the HPIC. Increased hiker traffic has widened the herd paths so the expected blood donation was minimal. Trekking poles always help me maintain balance, increase agility, probe for solid footing and reduce the accumulative effect of down climbing.

This was my seventh time on these two summits (two were winter hikes). The first time was September 5, 1992 when our hiking group got totally lost for four hours after reaching the Nye canister. We survived that day (without reaching Street) and have enjoyed returning to this wild area ever since. On August 24, 1998 our hiking group was about 20 minutes from Nye when we were caught in a powerful t-storm that drove us off the ridge. On March 3, 2001, I inadvertently found my first spruce trap crossing from Nye to Street. Up to my waist in powder and balsam boughs, I literally had to be extricated by two of my hiking colleagues.

The route is now much easier than fifteen years ago. Although I do agree with the general premise for designating a main herd path, I am troubled by the lack of basic wilderness skills needed today to reach these remote places. It would be good to have some middle ground.

I shared this day with two very strong and valued hiking partners; Emma, a former elementary school student entering into her senior at BCHS and her mom, Jessica. It was a day reliving old memories and celebrating new ones.