We got an early departure from St. Huberts, and under sunny skies, made good progress up the Gill Brook trail. When we stopped for our first break, a family of five passed us, but not before we were able to learn that they were following the same path. After a quick snack, we started off to catch the small group. Typically, unless there is something notable to view or admire, we move pretty fast along the trail. However, in this instance we had no success in catching this particular family; they were moving. Small, puffy clouds were just starting to form when we arrived at the summit of Colvin, where we enjoyed our lunch with the family that we learned was from Lake Placid. The views down to Ausable Lake were fantastic.
Once we cooled down a little, we started off down the ridge towards Blake Peak. It wasn't long before the Lake Placid girls passed us like we were standing still. It was a more difficult hike to Blake than we expected, with more elevation change than anticipated. As we neared the summit, the clouds became considerably thicker, but the views were still enjoyable. On the summit of Blake, we got a chance to talk to the Lake Placid girls, and we asked them how they are able to move so quickly on the trail. Their response was that they really don't enjoy hiking, but that their mother promised to take them to Paris once they finished all 46 High Peaks. They are basically trying to get it over and done with as soon as possible.
We bid them farewell, and sat down to enjoy our lunch alone at the summit. As we were getting ready to head back towards the car, we could see ominous dark clouds drifting over the top of the Great Range. On our hike back towards Colvin, we passed a number of groups that were trailing us; all of them were concerned about the worsening weather. Back on the summit of Colvin, the first loud thunder clap forced us to pick up our pace.
Not long past the summit, we came upon the Lake Placid family who were paused because the youngest daughter was having some difficulty. Recognizing our chance, we blasted past them and hustled down the mountain all the way until we encountered the Gill Brook again. During our descent, the rain turned from a mist to a drizzle to a deluge. Finally feeling confident that we had enough of a lead, we stopped for a quick snack. Almost immediately, the older two sisters blazed past us again, obviously having abandoned the little sister and the parents. We didn't catch up to them until we got to the Lake Road, where they sat dejectedly and told us that they didn't have permission to go any further without their parents. Even so, we only beat them to the cars by about five minutes.
The total hike was about 15.5 miles in an even 8:00. Thirty-two (32) High Peaks down; 14 to go.
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