The Kinsmans with Autumn Foliage and Humidity, September 24, 2017

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an important organization committed to informing people about scientific facts and doing vital research on climate change and other topics.  Their goal is to have 3,000 member gifts by 9/30/2017.  Help them reach their objective by donating here!

The Kinsmans

9/24/2017

Lonesome Lake Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail

10 miles roundtrip

3,550 feet of elevation gain

When I got out of the car at the trailhead, I first noticed the temperature of the air around me.  It was warm and it felt humid.  Then, I looked at the trees with delight and absorbed the subtle yellow, orange, and red hues of the autumn leaves.

Lonesome Lake Trail starts with flat, easy terrain.

It gradually gets steeper.

Rock steps!

By the time we got to Lonesome Lake, we were all sweaty and tired from the hike up; it was hot and humid.  The flatness of the walk around the lake was gratifying, and the beautiful view of the water was a rewarding break for my mind.

I love seeing autumn foliage!

It was gorgeous up there...

We already felt weary from the hike, so we stopped by the hut for a quick rest and to fill up our Nalgene bottles.

Then, we hiked up Fishin' Jimmy Trail...

This trail got steep and rocky.  This was also tiring, but I felt better by now; I was past that phase of every hike when I am still tired from waking up early.

 

Bright red berries above the trail:

Sage and I on North Kinsman, right before the outlook (sorry the picture is so dark):

Photo by Trish Herr

The views from North and South Kinsman were spectacular!

Going up South Kinsman...

Somebody made a chair with armrests out of the South Kinsman cairn!  Me, Sage, and Mom sitting...

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Trish Herr

Photo by Sage Herr

One last look before going back down into the trees...

The farther down we descended, the more we felt the heat of the valley - in the 90s!  Later, we learned that it had been around 80 degrees on the summit of South Kinsman while we were up there.  I was proud of us!  September weather usually isn't this hot.  The fall foliage and the beautiful views were sights to see, though, and I am glad we were there to observe the clear skies and the changing leaves.