Liberty 2011 Dec 3

Steve Bussolari, Charlie Abert, Fred Knight, Jonah Tower, and Benny (7 mos.)

Fred's Home

Early start for 6+-hour hike, slightly over book time for the 8-mile hike with 2900' rise. All participants cooperated to make it an enjoyable day. Benny, the golden retriever, was on his first outing; master Jonah played him well. 

							6 images

Charlie and Steve, 8am Arrival on time by both groups. Benny and Jonah ready to hike.	Steve playing with ipod Our first stop at Liberty Spring Tentsite All systems refueled for final ascent	Steve still playing with ipod Only a dusting of snow. Microspikes optional. Benny got tired and took Jonah home---a great puppy outing.
Prostrate Charlie at Summit Very little wind, no clouds, near freezing, great vistas. No excitement to go to Mt Flume.	Steve playing with ipod We spent 45 minutes enjoying the views.	Nearing the end No snow at low elevation.

Two panoramic 360-degree views from Mt Liberty
Click once to get full field; click again to get higher resolution and pan across image. Franconia Ridge in the center looking toward Mt Lafayette, then Garfield to right
Note: Constructed with Steve Smith's method in Photoshop: Photoshop>File>Automate>PhotoMerge... Auto, Blend, Vignette Removal, Geometric Distortion Correction.

We drove up early and got started at 7:55 am, heading up Liberty Spring Trail.

Summary: 6:15 just over book time, ~8 miles, 1900' elevation rise.