Write-up: Dave Rockwood
Leader: Dave Rockwood
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman
Second Co-Leader: Tom Smith

On a beautiful Sunday, 5 Super Tramps headed into the Tongue Range to hike up mountains and enjoy great views.  We were not disappointed!  The hike was challenging, we covered 13.4 miles and almost 5000 vertical feet (a lot of up and down).  Parts of the trail were steep rock scrambles but were manageable with hand and toe holds in the right places.

We skirted Fifth Peak and the lean-to on the way in – saving it for the next trip and headed to French Point Mountain and then to First Peak where we had a nice lunch and enjoyed views which included an eagle and a turkey vulture soaring over the lake.

From there we headed to the southern tip of the peninsula.  On the trip down the mountain, we ran into a snake.  This area is known for having a significant population of Timber Rattlers, and there are a lot of rocky areas that are a perfect habitat for them.  Fortunately/unfortunately – this was a Garter snake.

We got to the Point eventually, it is always farther than you think!  We had a nice snack, some chocolate and then needed to motor out.  We tried to keep up with Carolyn “fast out” Eastman, with her pace we were back to the parking area at 5:05 PM.  The group of Carolyn, Diana Henry, Pam Carrier, Tom “The Sweep” Smith and myself, were glad to get back to the parking area and headed home.  It was a beautiful day and a strenuous but beautiful hike!  We can’t wait to do the Tongue range from Fifth mountain north – hope more of you can join us!