We started out around 9:15 at the Oneonta trail head and made our way up to Triple Falls, crossed the bridge and decided to check out Franklin Ridge. We had our map and compass with us and it came in handy a couple of times. Not realizing what a doozy of a climb this was, I wondered what I'd gotten us into. A little history, we are in our mid-50's and were overweight couch potatoes until the past couple of years. I love reading trip reports because they inspire me to get out and move! So thank you, to all of you for the inspiration!
The trail is in good condition, with a few snow patch crossings that should be gone by Monday. There were quite a few rock and tree slides but nothing serious until we were on the 400 trail, (which I wrote about in the trail report section).
We didn't pass a single person after the Triple Falls bridge until Franklin Ridge. There we ran into a couple of trail runners and also a Portland Hiker. Shame on me because I can't remember his name here but I knew I recognized him right away. If you're reading this, please remind me!
I absolutely loved this hike for the diverse terrain and the beauty of the creeks, the falls, the heavy, swelling moss and the birds singing along the way. At one point we heard an animal sound that was a bit unsettling but couldn't see anything. It was a low "hmuf, humf, humf......." similar to a dog on the verge of barking but not letting it come out. It was deep and low. I sang a happy tune to settle my nerves and we continued on our way until we couldn't hear it anymore. If you heard someone singing "America, the Beautiful" up there yesterday.......that was me. At least the song was fitting.
It was a perfect day with perfect temperatures. I highly recommend this hike. Our little mechanical devise with all our little side trails showed 16.3 miles. Not bad for a couple of rookies.
