So, this was the first hike of the challenge for us! We got started from Chantry Flats at 7:30 am. I can't believe how fabulous the weather was…..just beautiful! I loved hearing the water trickling through the creek as we hiked through. Sturdevant Falls was beautiful and it was interesting to read the history of Sturdevant Camp as we went through.
Because the information for the 6 pack challenge says that this is the “easy” hike of the six, we were feeling pretty good as we got to Sturdevant Camp. However, I can tell you that I need to do a bit more conditioning before the other hikes! After the Camp, the trail gets MUCH steeper! We made lots of stops and just continued slow. We were determined to finish!! We got to the summit in 5 hours! Yes, there were a few other people on the trail that day (it was definitely not crowded!) who ALL finished before we did! 🙂
The way down only took 3 hours….although we had one slight detour. There is a sign at one point that points the way to Chantry Flat…but the part that actually points to Chantry Flat is unreadable unless you get really close to the sign because the lettering in faded. So, we went a little ways out of the way but got back on track fairly quickly after consulting the GPS.
The way down only took 3 hours. Again, it was very pleasant weather wise and we were only in direct sunlight very little. Such a pleasant day! My calf muscles are not quite so sure it was a pleasant day, but I'm sure they'll get over it!