xDoogiex wrote:Sup dudes! Been awhile. I haven't gotten any accomplished since this summer. Thinking TX early next year. Hope to get another one this year. So close to being half way

Hey Doogie - looks like you missed Charles Mound on your last trip. Let me know if you pass this way on your next HP adventure.

http://www.hdnews.net/Story/mountsunflower111811

Vandals damage state landmark - Mt. Sunflower.

It's an amzing HP, sad that the coming highpointers will never see it the way it used to be.

Thanks for sharing that news. That really sucks. Idiots like that seriously jeopardize access to the HPs located on private property. I think the HPers Club should create a special fund to help with the repairs and maybe even add better security barriers. The gesture might help prevent the owner from closing the HP to visitors.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all you highpointers...!

I'm thinking about climbing Guadalupe Peak around January 20-22. Anybody have advice on the mountain in January? Anyone going to be in the area?

baumann_pat wrote:I'm thinking about climbing Guadalupe Peak around January 20-22. Anybody have advice on the mountain in January? Anyone going to be in the area?

I don't know what the conditions are like down there in January but I hope you post a report after your trip. If you haven't already, you might consider posting this inquiry in the SW regional forum. You'll probably get a better response there from locals.

Just planned a road trip in conjunction with a April work conference in New Orleans. Schedule we put together is leave NO Thurs. AM, hike Driskill Mtn., LA Thurs., stay with friends in W. Monroe, LA Thurs. night, drive to Woodall Mtn., MS Fri., summit, drive a bit down Alabama and spend the night, drive to Britton Hill, FL Sat., continue to and stay in Biloxi, MS on Sat. night, return to NO and fly out Sun. morning. Looking at a map that seems quite reasonable. Anyone have experience with a circuit like that and can share comments on the roads, tips, etc.? Much appreciated!

Also finalizing plans for real mountaineering and climbing Rainier in June!

Florida Frank wrote:Also finalizing plans for real mountaineering and climbing Rainier in June!

You will have to run up and down those little hills in preparation for a real summit!

Sounds like a good trip, honestly, when I did a few of the HPs in the South, I was more excited about where I was going to eat then bagging the hill.

So glad this thread is still going! Thanks to everyone who keeps this baby alive. My knee has been messed up, so I haven't been climbing.

But I didn't want my daughter and I to COMPLETELY lose momentum (we have a vague goal to someday climb all the highpoints, or at least the ones that don't scare her too much). So last July we camped at Dolly Sods and "climbed" Spruce Mountain in WV. You can drive right to the top, and that's what we did. About 20 years ago I mountain biked up from Seneca Creek (don't know if that is technically legal...), so I don't feel too guilty about driving it, but I feel bad for my daughter, who is stuck with my knee's limitations.

There is an elevated viewing platform at the top and a neat little trail around the summit. Not as good as climbing it, but still very nice.

My map didn't show this, but if you are going to drive up it is much easier coming from the north than the south side. As I recall the trails coming up from the west side were not difficult, with maybe 2000' of elevation gain. All in all a typical Eastern peak, with lots of woods, a hiking option and a driving option.

My hat's off to all highpointers doing bigger things. I wish I could be out there, but until then I'll live vicariously through your exploits. Climb one for me you guys!

So everyone what is the first highpoint you plan on hitting up in 2012? Mine will be Mt Davis in early May or June. Although I may have oppurtunity to travel to Atlanta for work "sometime" this spring in which case a Cheaha Mountain side trip could take the title.

What's up Joe? I'll be in CA end of Feb for work stuff but can't really hike Whitney because the boss is coming with me. My first HP will be SD/ND/CO in late May.

Let me know when you plan to be on Mt Davis, it's only 4.5 hours from my place so I'll join you.

-Alex

GEM Trail wrote:My map didn't show this, but if you are going to drive up it is much easier coming from the north than the south side.

Leave it to a highpointing thread to give beta on the easier way to drive up a summit. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Jow wrote:So everyone what is the first highpoint you plan on hitting up in 2012?

LA, MS, and FL in April.
The real event will be getting back for a long-anticipated second attempt on Mt. Rainier in June. Can't wait!

I've only got one planned: Denali! I'll be getting onto the High One on May 19. After that I've got no vacation days left for anything else.

If I can squeeze in a winter attempt on Mount Washington I'll be extra happy with my HP plans for this year.

Jow wrote:So everyone what is the first highpoint you plan on hitting up in 2012? Mine will be Mt Davis in early May or June. Although I may have oppurtunity to travel to Atlanta for work "sometime" this spring in which case a Cheaha Mountain side trip could take the title.

We hope to get to Black Mesa in April