By: Reinhard Gsellmeier
Sat. at 7:15 AM our group of 5 (Dale Platteter, Jim Fetten, Dave Ferguson, Mike Gsellmeier & Reinhard Gsellmeier) were on the trail (Lake Rd.) at the Ausable Club gate under partly cloudy skies and a relatively mild +10 deg. We were soon on the Leach Trail, which was well broken thereby enabling a brisk pace to be set. Skirting the 1999 fire area, the group enjoyed good views of the Great Range on the way to Bear Den, and from there to Dial.
By the time we reached Dial a low ceiling put an end to the views, and the temperatures had moderated considerably since the AM. Stopping for lunch at the Elk Pass Trail junction, the group dropped packs and ascended Nippletop in short order. We reached our campsite in Elk Pass at 3:30 PM, setup camp, made dinner, and were fast asleep before 7:00 (winter camping is a good time to catch up on some ZZZs).
The rain during the nite had stopped by morning, which was a very balmy 32 deg. (practically beach weather). The climb up Colvin & Blake was again at a fast pace, thanks in part to the packed trails, and on the way down the skies cleared, the sun came out, and views of Lower Ausable Lake and the Great Range were spectacular. By 2:00 we were back at the Rte. 73 parking lot, mission accomplished.
The only real mishap we had was that an unseen critter (pine marten maybe?) made off with Dale's Spam sandwich (it must have been really desperate!), but otherwise this was a very successful trip enjoyed by all.