We had decided on a small hike. Mike was recovering from dental surgery and we needed something simple. We thought a return visit to Mt. Willard would be the best fit. We had first hiked Mt. Willard in May of 2011, where we slid on the monorail up to the viewpoint and glided back down it. Today, no snow just fog.
This is 3.2 miles out and back, an easy trail to follow steadily going up. First you have two shallow brook crossings to wade through. Well, shallow this year.
After the crossings you just meander along the trail.
After a short distance, off to the side, the sounds of the Centennial Pool lures you over to admire its beauty or take a refreshing dip.
After admiring the pool, we turned away from it and continued on the trail, an easy grade, up to the overlook.
As you near the end you see the outlook open up before you.
This is what you would see, if there was no fog…
We walked around the summit, watching the swirling fog dance around up top.
We sat down for a bit, when I passed out. Yup that is right, I passed out. After I came to, we had to hike out and rather fast. I was not calling rescue, I knew my heart arrhythmia had kicked in. Half way down, I stopped short and realized I had sucked down three cups of caffeine filled coffee that morning, which is a trigger for me. I just wasn’t thinking and coupled with little sleep, due to stress…boom..let the heart race.
After getting in the car, we skipped our post-hike ice cream treat and headed straight to Littleton ER. I would just like to thank the wonderful staff there for making my short two hour stay enjoyable. I had the best turkey club sandwich with sweet potato fries for lunch there, after all I was rather hungry after the hike!!
The Details: Parked at the train station by Highland Center. Easy 3.2 miles out and back. 45 minutes to the top and the way down was a blur, so I can’t give a time. This was a wet trail with mud in spots. When the skies are clear this is a wonderful hike.
CTHikergal Travels 
Beautiful pictures! Loved the “fog swirling in a dance” imagery. Regarding the passing out bit, I may be repeating myself, but: Don’t do that again. But the sandwich sounds delish!