Black Bear & Imogene

[AlekG]

My first time on a shelf road a few years back, I was freaked out pretty good.....but I kept at it and now they don't bother me at all.

This was my first exposure to shelf roads. Being a flatlander from out east, there was definitely some getting used to it. Luckily the Columbus Mine trail has expansive switchbacks.

As I was exploring the mining remains, I watched another vehicle start up the first leg, they took it VERY slow. I was really looking forward to getting another travelers viewpoint, but alas, they turned back at the first switchback.

Later that day I tackled Kennebec Pass trail which is just around corner from Columbus. That one was a bit freaky for a first-timer because it was very narrow. And the turnaround spot at the top ... although it looks very roomy, again, a newbie with no spotter ... lets just say I did a 25 point turn.

The group of hikers I met back at the basin had a good laugh with me as they watched the whole procedure from below.

AG