"Treinta-y-Seis y Treinta-y-Siete en Cinco de Mayo" (pictures)
A picture perfect day on the Hancocks. Although the trails were full of snow, hard packed and unstable and the trails were very steep, it was a great hike. 70's all day at all elevations and barely a cloud in the sky. Striking view of North peak and Arrow Slide and a sweeping 180 of the Sandwich Range from South peak. And the Gray Jays even popped in for a visit...well, for food! # 36 and 37 for us! Trip Report to come...
Monday, May 6, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
MMR 4/13/13
"MMR Tour for Forest Notes Article" (pictures)
We were very excited to be contacted by The Forest Society's Communications Manager about including Moose Mountains in the "Forest Notes" June issue. This is the Forest Society's magazine and this addition will be a recreation-oriented issue showcasing some of the Forest Society's properties with great hiking opportunities and the Stewards that manage the trails. We are so happy that Moose Mountains Reservation is being recognized as a great nature and hiking destination after our two years of trying to turn the Reservation around from a vandalism ridden, off-road truckin', non-marked trail ridden, little cared-for property into a family friendly, well kept, well marked and beautiful place this area is! The Land Steward Coordinator and Forester at SPNHF had faith in us to provide the love and attention it needed. And we really fell in love with this place and all it has to offer the community.
After post-poning our Friday date because of rain and snow, we met Brenda at the parking lot at 10am Saturday. She had brought her two boys along for the hike. After introductions we made the hike up to Beauty Ledge, answering questions along the way and talking about the tasks that were accomplished and ones that were still needed. The day was back-and-forth with weather. The sleet event we had Friday left a couple inches of frozen snow on the ground which was a little slippery but we managed fine.
At the ledge we took a nice long break. The three loved the view and loved the trail. It is so rewarding to see how much people enjoy this spot and makes the hard work of building the trail so much more worth it! After our stay we made a loop down Beauty Knob trail and then headed up to the Burrows Field. We pointed out the farm sites and called it a day. It was great to be out and always great to show this place to others and tell them about how wonderful a place t is. Keep an eye out for the "Forest Notes" and read all about Moose Mountains and the other properties the Forest Society makes accessible to hiking. Not a Forest Society member? It's easy and you can help with conserving our precious forests for recreation and sustainable forestry for future generations to enjoy and benefit from! Join NOW!
We were very excited to be contacted by The Forest Society's Communications Manager about including Moose Mountains in the "Forest Notes" June issue. This is the Forest Society's magazine and this addition will be a recreation-oriented issue showcasing some of the Forest Society's properties with great hiking opportunities and the Stewards that manage the trails. We are so happy that Moose Mountains Reservation is being recognized as a great nature and hiking destination after our two years of trying to turn the Reservation around from a vandalism ridden, off-road truckin', non-marked trail ridden, little cared-for property into a family friendly, well kept, well marked and beautiful place this area is! The Land Steward Coordinator and Forester at SPNHF had faith in us to provide the love and attention it needed. And we really fell in love with this place and all it has to offer the community.
After post-poning our Friday date because of rain and snow, we met Brenda at the parking lot at 10am Saturday. She had brought her two boys along for the hike. After introductions we made the hike up to Beauty Ledge, answering questions along the way and talking about the tasks that were accomplished and ones that were still needed. The day was back-and-forth with weather. The sleet event we had Friday left a couple inches of frozen snow on the ground which was a little slippery but we managed fine.
At the ledge we took a nice long break. The three loved the view and loved the trail. It is so rewarding to see how much people enjoy this spot and makes the hard work of building the trail so much more worth it! After our stay we made a loop down Beauty Knob trail and then headed up to the Burrows Field. We pointed out the farm sites and called it a day. It was great to be out and always great to show this place to others and tell them about how wonderful a place t is. Keep an eye out for the "Forest Notes" and read all about Moose Mountains and the other properties the Forest Society makes accessible to hiking. Not a Forest Society member? It's easy and you can help with conserving our precious forests for recreation and sustainable forestry for future generations to enjoy and benefit from! Join NOW!
Demeritt Ledge 3/30/13
"Visible Ledge, Hidden Trail" (pictures)
Late in getting this TR out, but here it is!
Many, many times I have driven up and down Meetinghouse Hill road in Farmington. And we have always spotted a prominent ledge beyond the field of the farm house and barns that sit at the top of the hill. I wondered if we could find it. Is there a trail? I noticed many times people parking at an orange gate to a logging road. Even saw a group of what looked like Cub Scouts heading down the road with camping gear.
Then Scott noticed that a US flag had been erected on the ledge and we were noticing people parking at the gate and heading down the road with back packs. There must be a trail! We finally decided to check it out for ourselves and parked at the gate. I believe this whole area is a tree farm owned by the farm at the top of the hill. The grave site at the farm is that of the "Demeritt" family and I thus would assume that, that be the name of the ledge that overlooks the farm. Could also be called Nubble ledge as I remember seeing this mountain which had a communications tower on it being called Nubble Hill.
The trail begins on a logging road following blue marker tape. You pass through a landing (large logging opening) keeping to the right and continue following blue and sometimes orange/pink tape. It's a little confusing as there seems to be a couple other trails, perhaps loops. Stick to the main trail which is slightly wider and has round, brown, metal "hiker" markers here-and-there along the way. After passing a trail to the right and one to the left the main trail makes a sharp right and begins to climb the hill side. It breaks left and descends into a wet area before climbing steeply up to the ledges.
There are views from the lower section across the valley to the town of Farmington. And beyond that the Moose Mountain Range. From the main ledge where a US flag has been erected (in an esthetically, natural way using wood beams) the view looks out across the Demeritt Farm and to the Portsmouth skyline. We could see the Newington smoke tower and I95 bridge very clearly. To the North East Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME and to the South Baxter Lake was visible and further on perhaps into Massachusetts on the horizon. It is a great quite spot.
We followed a trail from there that continued up the hill side through a recently logged area, through a stone wall and ended at the communication tower. Not sure we should be in this area we headed back to the ledge and had a relaxing lunch. After our stay we took a trail on the lower ledges marked with cairns. This brought us down a different way that I assume loops back to the main trail. However with all the different woods roads and no clear markings it was tough to figure out which way to go.
We ended up coming right out into the Demeritt Farm field, which was fine because we got to check out the cemetery and take pics of the farm and the ledge behind us. We would very much like to make some wooden trail signs (like we do for the SPNHF properties) for this great hike and put up some actual paint blazes. If anyone can confirm the owner lives at the farm or knows who the owner is please let me know! This is a great family hike and we are excited to find another great spot so close to home!
Late in getting this TR out, but here it is!
Many, many times I have driven up and down Meetinghouse Hill road in Farmington. And we have always spotted a prominent ledge beyond the field of the farm house and barns that sit at the top of the hill. I wondered if we could find it. Is there a trail? I noticed many times people parking at an orange gate to a logging road. Even saw a group of what looked like Cub Scouts heading down the road with camping gear.
Then Scott noticed that a US flag had been erected on the ledge and we were noticing people parking at the gate and heading down the road with back packs. There must be a trail! We finally decided to check it out for ourselves and parked at the gate. I believe this whole area is a tree farm owned by the farm at the top of the hill. The grave site at the farm is that of the "Demeritt" family and I thus would assume that, that be the name of the ledge that overlooks the farm. Could also be called Nubble ledge as I remember seeing this mountain which had a communications tower on it being called Nubble Hill.
The trail begins on a logging road following blue marker tape. You pass through a landing (large logging opening) keeping to the right and continue following blue and sometimes orange/pink tape. It's a little confusing as there seems to be a couple other trails, perhaps loops. Stick to the main trail which is slightly wider and has round, brown, metal "hiker" markers here-and-there along the way. After passing a trail to the right and one to the left the main trail makes a sharp right and begins to climb the hill side. It breaks left and descends into a wet area before climbing steeply up to the ledges.
There are views from the lower section across the valley to the town of Farmington. And beyond that the Moose Mountain Range. From the main ledge where a US flag has been erected (in an esthetically, natural way using wood beams) the view looks out across the Demeritt Farm and to the Portsmouth skyline. We could see the Newington smoke tower and I95 bridge very clearly. To the North East Mt. Agamenticus in York, ME and to the South Baxter Lake was visible and further on perhaps into Massachusetts on the horizon. It is a great quite spot.
We followed a trail from there that continued up the hill side through a recently logged area, through a stone wall and ended at the communication tower. Not sure we should be in this area we headed back to the ledge and had a relaxing lunch. After our stay we took a trail on the lower ledges marked with cairns. This brought us down a different way that I assume loops back to the main trail. However with all the different woods roads and no clear markings it was tough to figure out which way to go.
We ended up coming right out into the Demeritt Farm field, which was fine because we got to check out the cemetery and take pics of the farm and the ledge behind us. We would very much like to make some wooden trail signs (like we do for the SPNHF properties) for this great hike and put up some actual paint blazes. If anyone can confirm the owner lives at the farm or knows who the owner is please let me know! This is a great family hike and we are excited to find another great spot so close to home!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Moose Mountains Snow Shoe Hike 2/16/13
Trip Report and pictures from 2/16/13 Moose Mountains Snow Shoe Hike to Beauty Ledge.
On my Moose Mountains Reservation Blog >
http://moosemountainsreservation.blogspot.com/2013/02/beauty-ledge-group-hike-21613.html
On my Moose Mountains Reservation Blog >
http://moosemountainsreservation.blogspot.com/2013/02/beauty-ledge-group-hike-21613.html
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
2013 America the Beautiful Quarter
When you ask someone "what is the first mountain that comes to mind when you hear White Mountain National Forest?" chances are the reply would be Mt. Washington! After all, it's the tallest, most history rich, most visited, most accessible, most photographed and probably most well known by those who have not had the opportunity to visit NH's mountains. It was first seen by explorers from the ocean who were intrigued by the bright glow of it's peak. The Native Americans that lived in it's valley called it Agiocochook meaning the Great Spirit.
The US Mint and NH National Park however, decided on a different mountain for the 2013 America the Beautiful Quarter. Mt. Chocorua. For those not familiar with the White Mountains you may think why? For many who have hiked all over NH's lofty peaks including Washington, the 48 4000+ foot mountains and the lesser peaks such as Chocorua there may be an answer. Here is some background to this mountain and my experience hiking it. Read and decide if you think this was the choice to represent our beloved White Mountain National Forest!
Named after an Indian Chief, Mt. Chocorua sits at the South East corner of the White Mountain National Forest. Often called "the gate to the White's" it's granite rock-spire summit and large, steep glacial cirque makes it the most recognizable and most stunning of all the mountains in NH ("probably the most picturesque and beautiful of the mountains of New England" Sweetser; "the most beautiful and striking of all NH hills" John Greenleaf Whittier). The exposed granite of Chocorua is the most extensive in all of New England aside from Acadia National Park in Maine (The Granite Landscape-Tom Wessels). It is no doubt one of the most beloved hikes in this region of NH and with it's position North of the Lakes region and on the Southern border of the White's, the view from the top is a rather unique one.
As with many of the mountains in the White's Chocorua is rich in history both in Native American and White settlers. The Legend of Chocorua has many different stories. To be basic, Chief Chocorua of the Pequawket tribe had a son. And subsequently while in the care of a trusted White settler Campbell, the son died either by accidental poisoning or was shot for a scalp reward during a hunt. Chocorua, outraged and heart broken retaliated by killing Campbell's wife and child. Chocorua was either chased or found somewhere near the summit ledges where he cursed the White men and jumped to his death or was shot.
Mill sites can be found along the rivers as well as bridal paths. And there once stood a halfway house near the summit of the mountain where I believe the Liberty Cabin now sits. There was also once a fire tower on the Middle Sister peak on the North ridge of the mountain.
Chocorua stands at 3, 475 feet and is surrounded by lakes and rivers and although there are nearly 60 other taller mountains in NH, 48 of them being over 4000 feet, it contains some of the most exciting and steepest trails. Bridal paths, ledges, waterfalls; whatever you fancy in a hike you can no doubt find it here. My personal favorite hike on this mountain and in NH for that matter is Carter Ledge trail. It climbs steeply over open ledges dotted with Jack and Pitch pine with glacial erratics sitting here and there.
The trail climbs over the Sister peaks with magnificent views. You can then hike up the craggy ridge to the summit where you will no doubt be amidst a multitude of other hikers, young and old and of all different nationalities. As you stand on top of this wind swept, sharply pointed chunk of granite, you feel like your flying. The great Lake Winnipesaukee shimmers in the distant South, the bulky, ledge studded Sandwich Range to the West, towering above the valley the Presidential Range to the North and across the many lakes East into Maine; from here you can see all the components that make NH's landscape a special place!
To read my trip reports and see pictures of Chocorua scroll down on the right column under "NH White Mountains non-4000 footers"
The US Mint and NH National Park however, decided on a different mountain for the 2013 America the Beautiful Quarter. Mt. Chocorua. For those not familiar with the White Mountains you may think why? For many who have hiked all over NH's lofty peaks including Washington, the 48 4000+ foot mountains and the lesser peaks such as Chocorua there may be an answer. Here is some background to this mountain and my experience hiking it. Read and decide if you think this was the choice to represent our beloved White Mountain National Forest!
Named after an Indian Chief, Mt. Chocorua sits at the South East corner of the White Mountain National Forest. Often called "the gate to the White's" it's granite rock-spire summit and large, steep glacial cirque makes it the most recognizable and most stunning of all the mountains in NH ("probably the most picturesque and beautiful of the mountains of New England" Sweetser; "the most beautiful and striking of all NH hills" John Greenleaf Whittier). The exposed granite of Chocorua is the most extensive in all of New England aside from Acadia National Park in Maine (The Granite Landscape-Tom Wessels). It is no doubt one of the most beloved hikes in this region of NH and with it's position North of the Lakes region and on the Southern border of the White's, the view from the top is a rather unique one.
As with many of the mountains in the White's Chocorua is rich in history both in Native American and White settlers. The Legend of Chocorua has many different stories. To be basic, Chief Chocorua of the Pequawket tribe had a son. And subsequently while in the care of a trusted White settler Campbell, the son died either by accidental poisoning or was shot for a scalp reward during a hunt. Chocorua, outraged and heart broken retaliated by killing Campbell's wife and child. Chocorua was either chased or found somewhere near the summit ledges where he cursed the White men and jumped to his death or was shot.
Mill sites can be found along the rivers as well as bridal paths. And there once stood a halfway house near the summit of the mountain where I believe the Liberty Cabin now sits. There was also once a fire tower on the Middle Sister peak on the North ridge of the mountain.
Chocorua stands at 3, 475 feet and is surrounded by lakes and rivers and although there are nearly 60 other taller mountains in NH, 48 of them being over 4000 feet, it contains some of the most exciting and steepest trails. Bridal paths, ledges, waterfalls; whatever you fancy in a hike you can no doubt find it here. My personal favorite hike on this mountain and in NH for that matter is Carter Ledge trail. It climbs steeply over open ledges dotted with Jack and Pitch pine with glacial erratics sitting here and there.
The trail climbs over the Sister peaks with magnificent views. You can then hike up the craggy ridge to the summit where you will no doubt be amidst a multitude of other hikers, young and old and of all different nationalities. As you stand on top of this wind swept, sharply pointed chunk of granite, you feel like your flying. The great Lake Winnipesaukee shimmers in the distant South, the bulky, ledge studded Sandwich Range to the West, towering above the valley the Presidential Range to the North and across the many lakes East into Maine; from here you can see all the components that make NH's landscape a special place!
To read my trip reports and see pictures of Chocorua scroll down on the right column under "NH White Mountains non-4000 footers"
Monday, January 21, 2013
Mt. Monadnock 1/20/13
"The Grand Monadnock" (pictures)
Scott and I had been wanting to hike Monadnock for some time now. Particularly after hearing so much about it with our connection to the Forest Society and some of the trails land stewards. Our interest was further peaked when I came across a book in an antique/second hand store. It was titled "Annals of the Grand Monadnock" by Allen Chamberlain, published by the Forest Society and dated 1968. I love finding old hiking books and on sale for $7 bucks I had to buy it! The book talked about the mountain's history and some of it's trails and also included trail maps.
With the weather looking very nice for Sunday we felt it was time to make the 2 hour drive West instead of North. We arrived at the Monadnock State Park lot at 8:30. I was a little bummed to find out it was a $5 charge for parking, I tried for a Forest Society discount to no avail, LOL...nice try anyway, paid and parked. The lot was already beginning to fill in, there were about 10 vehicles in the lot and a couple headed in. We got our gear on and only needed our wind breakers as it was a mild 40 degrees and though windy, it wasn't too bad. Our bags strapped on which were full of winter gear just in case, we headed up the White Dot trail!
White Dot got it's name after the trail was completed in 1900 and the stones were marked with white spots. (Annuls of the Grand Monadnock Pg. 60) The name evolved to White Dot and is blazed as such, with white dots on the rocks. Trail conditions were good. Packed snow/loose granular with a little ice particularly on the ledgy sections.
Many other hikers were passing us now and then and we woundered what the rush was! Further more most of them had nothing more than a small hydration pack on and others with just a light jacket wrapped around their waste. It's amazing how so many still don't head the warnings of hiking without proper gear. Especially in the winter! Guess they figured if they got hurt it was a busy trail and they could get help. I don't know, just always aggravating how so many get hurt or lost on mountains (this one in particular), we see it in the news reports all the time and people still hike ill prepared.
After reaching the 1/2 way sign the trail began to climb more steeply over a ledge which offered the first uninhibited 180* view to the North, East and South and up to the craggy sub-peaks of the mountain. Don't be fooled by the "summit" you see ahead, the top is farm beyond what you see! The trail now climbs steep ledge and dips down into several gullies. At one spot Scott lost his footing on a small ledge and slid down into me. luckily I was able to brace myself and stop the two of us from toppling down over into the pine scrub. It was only a few feet of a drop but would have been unpleasant non-the-less. Unfortunately Scott hurt himself a little, but was able to continue the hike. As we came out to the South side of the mountain the wind hit! It was gusting a good 40-60mph, it was pretty intense!
As we made the final climb to the summit the wind was blowing at full force, even pinning me up against a rock at one point! We shared the summit with a handful of people, all of which were trying to either hunker down out of the wind or trying to stable oneself to take pictures and look around! The clouds had now built in and an ominous looking, dark gray snow cloud hung overhead! It was a short, cold summit visit! We pulled on our micro spikes as to not take any chances on slipping and headed back down. At the trail junction we took White Cross trail down. This trail bypasses some of the steepest ledges but don't be fooled. As the sign suggested it was pretty icy in spots and there were still some steep, ledgy areas.
Views from this side were more frequent as we made our way down. Along the horizon the sky glowed in orange as though the sun was setting. The sky above was dark and snow flakes began to fall. We reached the parking lot at 12:30pm. Seemed longer than four hours, especially with how dark it was! It was a great hike and a great day! The trails reminded me of Chocorua's Carter Ledge Trail, South Baldface Mt. and Middle Moats Red Ridge. Hope to return before the summer crowds to explore more of the trails :o)
Scott and I had been wanting to hike Monadnock for some time now. Particularly after hearing so much about it with our connection to the Forest Society and some of the trails land stewards. Our interest was further peaked when I came across a book in an antique/second hand store. It was titled "Annals of the Grand Monadnock" by Allen Chamberlain, published by the Forest Society and dated 1968. I love finding old hiking books and on sale for $7 bucks I had to buy it! The book talked about the mountain's history and some of it's trails and also included trail maps.
With the weather looking very nice for Sunday we felt it was time to make the 2 hour drive West instead of North. We arrived at the Monadnock State Park lot at 8:30. I was a little bummed to find out it was a $5 charge for parking, I tried for a Forest Society discount to no avail, LOL...nice try anyway, paid and parked. The lot was already beginning to fill in, there were about 10 vehicles in the lot and a couple headed in. We got our gear on and only needed our wind breakers as it was a mild 40 degrees and though windy, it wasn't too bad. Our bags strapped on which were full of winter gear just in case, we headed up the White Dot trail!
White Dot got it's name after the trail was completed in 1900 and the stones were marked with white spots. (Annuls of the Grand Monadnock Pg. 60) The name evolved to White Dot and is blazed as such, with white dots on the rocks. Trail conditions were good. Packed snow/loose granular with a little ice particularly on the ledgy sections.
Many other hikers were passing us now and then and we woundered what the rush was! Further more most of them had nothing more than a small hydration pack on and others with just a light jacket wrapped around their waste. It's amazing how so many still don't head the warnings of hiking without proper gear. Especially in the winter! Guess they figured if they got hurt it was a busy trail and they could get help. I don't know, just always aggravating how so many get hurt or lost on mountains (this one in particular), we see it in the news reports all the time and people still hike ill prepared.
After reaching the 1/2 way sign the trail began to climb more steeply over a ledge which offered the first uninhibited 180* view to the North, East and South and up to the craggy sub-peaks of the mountain. Don't be fooled by the "summit" you see ahead, the top is farm beyond what you see! The trail now climbs steep ledge and dips down into several gullies. At one spot Scott lost his footing on a small ledge and slid down into me. luckily I was able to brace myself and stop the two of us from toppling down over into the pine scrub. It was only a few feet of a drop but would have been unpleasant non-the-less. Unfortunately Scott hurt himself a little, but was able to continue the hike. As we came out to the South side of the mountain the wind hit! It was gusting a good 40-60mph, it was pretty intense!
As we made the final climb to the summit the wind was blowing at full force, even pinning me up against a rock at one point! We shared the summit with a handful of people, all of which were trying to either hunker down out of the wind or trying to stable oneself to take pictures and look around! The clouds had now built in and an ominous looking, dark gray snow cloud hung overhead! It was a short, cold summit visit! We pulled on our micro spikes as to not take any chances on slipping and headed back down. At the trail junction we took White Cross trail down. This trail bypasses some of the steepest ledges but don't be fooled. As the sign suggested it was pretty icy in spots and there were still some steep, ledgy areas.
Views from this side were more frequent as we made our way down. Along the horizon the sky glowed in orange as though the sun was setting. The sky above was dark and snow flakes began to fall. We reached the parking lot at 12:30pm. Seemed longer than four hours, especially with how dark it was! It was a great hike and a great day! The trails reminded me of Chocorua's Carter Ledge Trail, South Baldface Mt. and Middle Moats Red Ridge. Hope to return before the summer crowds to explore more of the trails :o)
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