Write-up: Meg Higgerson
Leader: Meg Higgerson
Co-Leader: Joan Egan

Crane Mountain: The longest shortest hike ever!!
It was the 4th of July when seven early risers left home no later than 8:30am to drive to Mapledale and then on to Speculator and to Bakers Mills where they met their leader. From there the 8 of us wound through the countryside, past the entrance to the advertised “World’s Largest Pile of Goat Manure.”

We finally arrived at Crane Mountain around 11 am.
The steep and rocky climb was difficult with a number of scrambles. We remarked at how glad we were still able to do this and do it on such a beautiful Independence Day. Then we passed the “connector” trail and climbed 2 ladders before eventually reaching the summit.

Once there, we savored the cool breeze, gorgeous views and, of course, our lunch!

We then started our descent from the summit to the Crane Mountain Pond. Again, we leisurely enjoyed the solace and beauty of the area. As we prepared to leave, a group of hikers came along who were very familiar with the trail and told us the best way to proceed was to take the connector trail and then descend over all those rocks we had relished climbing on our way up!

Off we went! We encountered a milk snake, (harmless but certainly feisty). The snake was a motivation for some of us to sprint like a gazelle down the rocks!

We emerged from the trail shortly after 4pm and were surprised to learn we had only hiked 3.5 miles in 5 hours!!! As we feasted on watermelon, we all agreed that though a challenging hike, it was fun, leisurely and a perfect way to spend the 4th.
Now the long 2+ hour trek home but fun dinner plans were in the works before we left the parking lot!