Madison was the next to arrive. We shared stories about which sort of vehicular swarm passed us along the highway. For Madison it was Porsches. For me it was motorcycles.
We thought for a moment that we might be the only two people on this hike, but then a man we did not recognize approached and introduced himself as David, who writes trip reports here using the member name "David R." And accompanying David was his son, Ari, who looked like a solid hiker like his father.
I handed out the last of my forum stickers to Madison and David. Then the four of us hit the Three Points trail around 8:15am. We very quickly encountered a hunter intently peering across the gully for prey.
David suggested that we ascend the West ridge route to Waterman instead of descending it later on as planned. I explained that I would be slower ascending it. Everyone was cool with me dragging even more ass than usual, so up the ridge we went.
Periodically the others would find a nice spot to wait and let me catch up.
Then I could sneak a quick picture of them before they disappeared out of sight again.
More hunters quietly wandered the ridge with rifles slung over their shoulders. I heard shots ring out, sometimes three or four in succession. We considered these guys to be more serious hunters who actually hike some distance to find a deer, rather than the type who sit at the top of Glendora Ridge Road and hope something hops into their truck bed.
The West Ridge of Waterman is a classic route with big trees to rest under and big rocks to play upon. Mostly the scrambling is easy. And there is a well-worn use trail much of the way.
Around noon we all met up at the Waterman summit and took a group photo.
I was starving and needed a lunch break. David explained how he rarely feels hungry on a hike, whereas I often starve myself so that I can eat on the summit. I'm pretty sure Madison had lunch too. But Ari might have just been snacking on peanuts.
David showed us a XC shortcut to the Three Points trail on the south slopes of Waterman. This saved us some roundabout mileage on the way back.
Then David and Ari had to race back to the car because they had to be somewhere. After they said goodbye and jogged down the trail, Madison and I took our sweet time returning to the car. The trail was in much better shape than I remember it from a couple years ago. Many fallen trees that once blocked the path have been cut and moved out of the way.
We finally reached the cars mid-afternoon. Madison had IPA beers ready, and that was a great treat after a great hike. Thanks guys!
