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Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:27 pm
by GEM Trail
Great Job!

On another note, I have been in Chicago for the last few months and just realized this weekend is one of only four per year you can legally access Charles Mound in Illinois. Is there anyone going up or who wants to go up?

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:43 pm
by GEM Trail
TRIP REPORT FOR CHARLES MOUND

I have been living in Chicago for the last few months, researching a possible highpoint trip later this month. It was a bummer to think my daughter and I can't legally climb Charles Mound, the highpoint of Illinois.

Then on Friday I realized that two of the eight days this highpoint is open to the public would be the coming weekend. I work in Elgin, Illinois, which is about a two hour drive from the highpoint.

My roommate met me early Saturday afternoon. On the way we passed through the very charming town of Galena, which has a long and interesting history. The GPS on my phone lost its signal and the next half hour we basically bushwhacked the winding roads until we ended up in Wisconsin, just north of the highpoint.

At the gate there is only room for about three vehicles. We parked and it was a mile or so up on a very nice little country lane. We had perfect weather and a very pleasant hike. We reached the top around 6:30 pm and were numbers 51 and 52 on the register that day.

Of course there is some controversy surrounding this summit. The present owners treat the fact that they own the highpoint as a big inconvenience to them, and restrict access. The nearby town of Scales Mound (which advertises itself as the top of the state) or the state of Illinois needs to turn this into a park. Free the mountain! Access for all.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 1:17 am
by Fletch
GEM Trail wrote:TRIP REPORT FOR CHARLES MOUND

I have been living in Chicago for the last few months, researching a possible highpoint trip later this month. It was a bummer to think my daughter and I can't legally climb Charles Mound, the highpoint of Illinois.

Then on Friday I realized that two of the eight days this highpoint is open to the public would be the coming weekend. I work in Elgin, Illinois, which is about a two hour drive from the highpoint.

My roommate met me early Saturday afternoon. On the way we passed through the very charming town of Galena, which has a long and interesting history. The GPS on my phone lost its signal and the next half hour we basically bushwhacked the winding roads until we ended up in Wisconsin, just north of the highpoint.

At the gate there is only room for about three vehicles. We parked and it was a mile or so up on a very nice little country lane. We had perfect weather and a very pleasant hike. We reached the top around 6:30 pm and were numbers 51 and 52 on the register that day.

Of course there is some controversy surrounding this summit. The present owners treat the fact that they own the highpoint as a big inconvenience to them, and restrict access. The nearby town of Scales Mound (which advertises itself as the top of the state) or the state of Illinois needs to turn this into a park. Free the mountain! Access for all.


I was also there the same day. What time did you roll in? SP Member Dennis Poulin was the first on the scene (his 48th) at 6:45am... small world indeed.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 3:32 am
by Holsti97
Earlier today SP member Dennis Poulin completed his 50th State high point by topping out on South Dakota's Harney Peak! He may be the first to finish as a great granddad. This is also his 395th County high point. He will be at the Highpointers Konvention in Oregon this week. Kongratulations!

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 1:29 pm
by Alpinist
Way to go Dennis! Congratulations!!

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:44 pm
by sm0421
Congratulations Dennis!!! Maybe some day I'll get to all the 50s and be the first...err..maybe the first Chinese to hit all the HPs.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:34 am
by GEM Trail
Great job! I am honored to share a highpoint with you in Illinois last Saturday. Those great grandkids should be proud!

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 1:35 pm
by GEM Trail
Sad to admit, but I realize that since starting this thread my daughter and I have only climbed two state highpoints together. Pathetic!

But next week we are heading out onto the trail of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and maybe more. If anyone has thoughts on the above highpoints, wants to share a story or a neat place in the vicinity, I'm all ears! Especially up by Lake Superior as that's where the cool hills will be this trip.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 1:39 pm
by mlandau3
You might try Betty's Pies (http://www.bettyspies.com/) for some good cooking.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:14 pm
by jdzaharia
A visit I would recommend to anybody planning to be on Superior's North Shore is a visit to Judge Magney State Park, just east of Grand Marais, Minnesota. You could spend a couple hours or a couple days there. But, the hike to Devil's Kettle is a must. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ ... index.html

A trip up the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) would be neat. The hike to Magnetic Rock is nice, and the rock itself is quite interesting. A hike up Honeymoon Bluff gives a scenic view. Check out this little guide: http://www.gunflint-trail.com/wp-conten ... g_2011.pdf

One good place to stop and have a bite to eat, or a little local nightlife would be the Trail Center Lodge. http://www.trailcenterlodge.com/

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:15 pm
by Bark Eater
If you are driving between Campbell Hill and Hoosier Hill there is a wonderful old-fashioned burger drive-in joint in Greenville, OH that I think is "Jim's". Straight out of the 50's, incredibly quaint and fun. A welcome break from the chains.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:34 pm
by elichten
I attempted Denali starting on May 19. I am now off Denali. I did not summit.

I reached a narrow ridge at 16200', thought about my pregnant wife, and decided to head home. No regrets, it was an epic trip.

I'm proud to say that physically and skills wise I was up to the challenge. Mentally my mind was at home. It was a hard choice, but the right one.

I'll get pictures and trip report together when I get a chance. My next adventure is moving to Switzerland August 1, which will put a damper on my US highpointing but I'm sure I'll find something to climb there. :D

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:49 pm
by Bark Eater
Glad you are OK, Eric and sorry you did not summit. I read of a fall and death on Denali during your trip and while saddened by any death was relieved to see that the description didn't fit you. Wow, Switzerland will be quite the adventure for you and your wife!

Off to Rainier (2nd try - long story) next week. Wish me luck!

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 5:38 pm
by GEM Trail
Congratulations elichten on a sober decision. It is tough to turn away from a summit. But you will be around for your wife and child, which is more important. I hope you get another chance.

Thanks to all with trip suggestions. I am planning to hit the pie shop mentioned, the burger joint, and hike one of the trails suggested. Will report back! If anyone else has some ideas we are very interested.

Re: STATE HIGHPOINT CLIMBERS

PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 2:19 am
by sm0421
http://www.mtritter.org/highpoints/Konvention_2012/

photos from facebook update. Is that Don Holmes, author of the 50 state highpoint guide in the 50-completer photo? (lower-right)