Hardys on Halfmoon

Saturday 23Sep06 - Sunday 24Sep06

Saturday morning the weather forecast was for thunder, lightning, tornados and hail, headed straight for the very same mountain range we were headed to. Somehow between Randallstown and Woodstock, the weather changed its plans. When we arrived at the mountain Saturday, the rain had stopped but the clouds were rolling through. The trip plan was ambitious for newbies, but Dad, Matt, and Gary look like strapping young (semi-young) men and I figured they could handle it. Starting at Wolf Gap recreation area, up to Big Schloss, and out to Halfmoon Lookout, where we spent the night. The mileage on the first day was about 10 miles, and back on Sunday about 9. Jada and Kisses made the trek, Kisses the entire way, and Jada almost all the way. Our packs were heavy as we started out, most of the weight in beer and dry ice. Yes, the guys are very very proud of themselves for hiking in ice cold beer. We collectively hiked in 34 cans of beer. 25.5 lbs of beer. They want to lay stake to the claim that they were the first people to achieve ice cold beer on halfmoon during non-winter months. The night was windy and warm. We slept under a billion stars. The views were clear and unobstructed, which was surprising, given the forecast. Those weather people have been really dropped the ball this year. Saturday's hike began at 10:20 and we arrived in camp about 4. We took the side trek to Big Schloss, but the pictures from that didn't come out well because it was raining lightly, and I tried to take pictures through the plastic bag that my camera was sealed in.

The guys kept a very strong pace, I was impressed. There was relatively little bitching and moaning. (Matt about the gnats, Dad about the possible rain, me about them freezing my beer frozen solid, generally about the rocky trails) The pace slowed greatly at the 4 snakes that we saw - two big black snakes that looked harmless enough, and two small rattlers that looked young, aggressive, and extremely venemous. Other wildlife sighted - one baby chipmunk, one dead turtle, and two wild hiking pugs. The Sunday hike started at 8am, and we arrived at the truck by noon. We finished the hike at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Food tastes so good after hiking. Overall, it was a fun hike, a good workout, and a great time. Thank you, Tuna and Bill Plew for the loaner backpacks.