Piquett and Rombo Mountains

Piquett and Rombo Mountains are next to each other, and they share the same trail most of the way, which is why I decided to post these together. The day I did Rombo, I had actually planned on doing Piquett, but took the wrong fork where the path split. I only realized when I was at the top, and my navigation app started working again, that I was on the wrong mountain. No problem! It gave me another hike to do later. Rombo was about a five mile trip up, with 3261 feet of elevation gain.  A storm rolled in about half way up, and instead of praying to not be eaten by wildlife, I started praying I wouldn't be struck by lightning! It rolled right over me and I was sure I would see it hit somewhere close! I happily survived, though, so can share this with you!

The clouds looking ominous 

in these two pictures

This sign is where the trail splits.  I took the Piquett Ridge Trail...to Rombo Mountain. Piquett Mountain follows the Little Boulder Trail:

Looking up to Rombo Mountain from
where the trail splits

Pretty little creek I crossed several times

The resevoir just before reaching the trailhead

Some deer I met along the way:

For Piquett Mountain, my young friend, Lexi, joined me.  So it was basically the same hike except for the last mile or so. Piquett was 5.26 miles up, with an elevation gain of 3660 to end at 8837 feet.

Part of an old lookout?

Lexi after conquering the world!

Unfortunately, panaramics aren't done justice

Looking up towards Piquett from the where the trail splits

There were a few fallen trees that weren't here on my first trip up

St. Mary Peak

 St. Mary Peak is a pretty straight forward hike.  Just take Indian Prairie Rd. off Hwy 93 and follow the little lookout tower signs up to the trail head.  The first half of pictures is from a few weeks ago, the second bunch is from my trip up there July 2014, when there was still snow melting in the mountains.  This is one of those that could or should be done every year....the beauty is amazing and so reaching the summit is every ounce of rewarding that it should be. 

Looking up at the Lookout tower as the fog has just about lifted

First glimpse of the lookout tower from the trail

Little bit of snow has accumulated

Lookout towers are just that cool!

Snow only clinging to the trail

I thought this was a wolf at first...then realized
there was no footprint. So I'm going with a
bunny instead!

The ice clinging to the brush at the top was making some wonderful
chiming music as it melted in the sun's rays.

 Below are the pictures from last year's trip up.  Beautiful, but in a different way!