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<p>I’m not sure I can even make it up the Ammo Ravine Trail to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. I’ve only hiked one 4000 footer so far. I’m planning day hikes up to Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce. If those go well, I’ll do a day hike up to Lake of the Clouds/Monroe and back. I’m trying to build up my agility and endurance slowly and not end up biting off more than I can chew and getting in trouble. I’d rather be cautious. Even after one summer (and winter) of hiking, I feel a lot more confident on the steeper terrain. I’ve also learned some of the tricks for pacing.</p>
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<p>My next step in that area is to make it to the summit of Little Haystack at the south end of that ridge up the Falling Waters Trail. I made it about two-thirds of the way, but had spent so much time enjoying the succession of breathtaking falls on that trail that I hit my “turn around” time. I like to be back to the car with a couple of hours of cushion before nightfall on those trails. That’s probably my next challenge once the snow and ice melts.</p>
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<p>Yes. Some grizzled ol’ geezer hiker I talked to on my very first hike pointed out that I was fool to be hiking without them. I corrected that oversight right away. I also got a backpack with a water bladder to constantly drink. And, real hiking boots. The poles make a HUGE difference, especially on the downhill.</p>