hikethesummits

Phoebe's Nable Mt. Loop 1/22/12

2012-01-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

"A Snowshoe Search for a New Loop Trail!" (pictures)

Scott and I headed out Sunday morning to Castle in the Clouds to hike Mt. Roberts. We left the house a little late after trying to get all the winter gear together. And by the time we reached Wolfeboro we just weren't in the mood for the drive and what might be a long, cold hike of which we had really no practice this year for. So we decided to pull into Dunkin Donuts to grab a coffee and Maple Sausage bites...mmmm...and head back in the opposite direction for Moose Mountains Reservation. We parked in the unplowed parking lot behind another vehicle. Once geared up Scott motioned we should head up the logging road to search out a new hiking route we had been wanting to find. I eagerly agreed!

We began up this road which leaves from the parking area (left side before passing the gate) at 10:20am. It was a cold 32 degrees but the sun warmed us up quick. At the junction with another logging road we took a left and at the next junction a right onto another logging road. From here the trail climbs 300 feet and levels out. Partial views open up to the South and North and East to the various Moose Mountain peaks. The trail passes another road on the right that descends back down to the other road. Then a skid road enters on the left.

We went left here and made another moderate climb through the snow. While there was only a foot of snow, it was just enough for the snow shoes. We could use a little more snow on the ground, that's for sure! There were various tracks through the snow from rabbits, a fox and mice. After passing through open woods the road swings North and enters some trees. The Phoebes Nable Summit was 100 feet away. This was much easier than I had thought! We took some pics and headed down the other side to take Burrows Farm trail down.

We entered the field and followed the snow mobile trail down and were back on unbroken snow past the North Road junction. The only other sign of people up here today was a track of cross country skies which left the field and ended back where the other vehicle had been parked. This was a great loop hike! We finished about 11:45am. The hike seemed longer than that, but guess our legs need some work! We plan on trimming and blazing this trail in the Spring, it will add a lovely loop option to this mountain and property!

MMR Bowser Pond 1/16/12

2012-01-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

"Dusted off the Snowshoe's" (pictures)

Monday not being as cold as the weekend was we did a small snowshoe walk up to Bowser Pond. January 16 and the snowshoes where still in the closet collecting dust! With a few inches of snow on the ground we could at least get a practice run in. We parked at the end of Bowser Pond trail a few hundred feet from the kiosk. We crossed the not-so-safe bridge and up the old logging road.

Sections where rocks jutted up were not very good for the snowshoes. But most of the walk was fine and it was so nice to get out for a walk and to visit Bowser Pond which we had not been to in a few months. The pond was frozen and the view across it to the collection of mountains was neat, being able to see what they look like without leaves blocking the ground. We then retraced our steps back and headed home.

Moose Mountains Blog

SPNHF Rasies $850,000 to save Balsams Landscape!

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

After receiving a record number of donations, the Forest Society reaches their goal of $850,000 to save the Balsams landscape, blocking the Northern Pass from accessing the land! This is great news for land conservation, New Hampshire and the many future generations who will enjoy the many outdoor activities on the 5,800 acres. Thank you to all who had an open hand in making this happen! Read more HERE

Hiker Falls 800 Feet

2012-01-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

The first hiker death of the year and hopefully the only one. A man hiking Mt. Washington on Monday fell 800 feet in Tuckerman's Ravine. Always a sad thing to hear. News Report HERE

Mt. Major 1/1/12

2012-01-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

"Happy New Years from Mt. Major" (pictures)

Always a pleasure to be on Alton Bays beloved mountain. Scott and I took advantage of this unseasonably warm first day of 2012. We parked in an already half full parking lot and made our way up the Mt. Major trail. We made our way around the ice on the lower ledges below the summit and had to take out the micro spikes for the bottom section of the upper ledges. We reached the summit and took in the wonderful view. Mt. Washington was glowing in a pinkish white behind an otherwise snowless scene. We descended via the Boulder trail avoiding some ice here-and-there. Happy Belated New Year! My online resolution....to stop slacking on the trip reports, LOL!

Forest Society Reaches $709,000 to Protect Balsams

2012-01-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

The Forest Society has received $709,000 in contributions to protect the Balsams forests & mountains! WOW! $241,000 to go! Amazing to see how quick donors come forward to protect our NH landscape!! :) Way-to-go everyone!

Want to help!? Donate! Every dollar helps! Show how much you LOVE NH :) Protect Balsams Site

3 Lost Teens Rescued from Mt. Monadnock 1/1/12

2012-01-04T12:38:00.000-05:00

Once again a rescue was required on Mt. Monadnock do to ignorance and unpreparedness! Caught in the dark and in the pouring rain without a flashlight or proper hiking gear. Glad it didn't end with the death of three young people!
LOST
Scroll down and view all of the lost/injured hikers in the column to the right at the bottom of this page.

2012 4x6 Desk Top Calendar

2011-12-28T12:37:00.001-05:00

Just added my 2012 Desk Top 4x6 calendar to my store page. Looks great on the work desk! Order today to have yours for the New Year! $7.00

2012 4x6 Calendar

Mt. Independence State Historic Site, VT 11/16/11

2011-12-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

"Buried in the Woods" (pictures)

Mt. Philo, VT 11/17/11

2011-12-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

"Little Mountain, Big Features!" (pictures)

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, VT 11/14/11

2011-12-16T11:27:00.001-05:00

"Mauquam & Black Creek Trails" (pictures)

Ausable Chasm, NY 11/15/11

2011-12-16T11:20:00.001-05:00

"A Beautiful Wonder!" (pictures)

Grand Isle State Park 11/14/11

2011-12-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

"Iron Wood Nature Trail" (pictures)

Imp Face Loop 12/3/11

2011-12-12T01:31:00.001-05:00

"The Imp Tried to Leave me Limp!" (Pictures)

Such a beautiful day forecasted for Saturday Scott and I set our sites on the White's. I juggled some ideas around and we decided we might try Madison. We stopped at the PNVC to check the weather conditions. Washington was pretty much snow free except for some patches of snow and ice by the looks. We checked our maps and decided we should do something on the lighter side as we hadn't tackled a 4k in awhile. I had been wanting to check out Imp Face for a long time now so we headed for the trail head.

We parked at the Southern trailhead and along with another couple making the same loop we walked up the road a short ways to start on the northern terminus. They took off into the woods and we began our hike. It was not long before we removed the heavy winter jackets. It was just warm enough to not need any heavy clothing...nice! The sun was pushing through the trees and the fresh air was just wonderful!

We came to the Imp Brook which was flowing nicely and I spotted a nice cascade. I took off down the banking and to get a picture of it. I jumped onto a large wet rock only to quickly learn it was black ice! I went down fast and hard! Next thing I know I had my face up against a rock, my left arm and leg in water, a scraped up knee and a bruised/swollen and painful thumb and palm. Ugh! I checked to see if Scott saw what happened. He hadn't, so I brushed myself off and took the picture I was after...which came out crappy...go figure! I wasn't going to say anything to him but when he spotted me favoring my thumb I let him know what happened. To make things more ironic there was just as nice of a cascade just a short distance up the trail, LOL!

I spent the rest of the hike with a sore knee, a cut chin and a very sore thumb. I didn't feel anything broken and there was no sharp pain, just a dull pain so I wasn't too worried about it. Just badly bruised and swollen. A good reminder of how careful one needs to be this time of year! I picked up small rocks as we hiked and pushed the frozen side of them onto the swollen area which helped a great deal. We made the steady climb and reached the Imp Face with no problem. Views were impressive to a cloudless view of Mt. Washington and the Northern Presi's. Spectacular!

We continued up the trail now as it wraps around the top of the ravine. Here things got sketchy as you cross several streams, all of which had ice along the rocky outcrops. It was slow going at these sections. We had our micro-spikes with us but there just wasn't anywhere near enough ice to be needing them. Once past this section we continued along the trail until we reached the Southern terminus of the Imp loop. We originally wanted to make an attempt for Middle Carter. But givin' the tedious climb and my injuries we decided to call it a day. The Imp view certainly satisfied us and we would certainly return here another time. So down we went. The climb down was moderate and a little icy.

2012 Calendars

2011-11-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

My 2012 Calendars are ready for purchase. Choose from Peaks, Water features, Mushrooms, Creatures and more! Check my HikeTheSummitsStore page! Calendars are hand made by me, 8 1/2 x 11". $20 for Peaks calendar and $18 for all others. $2.00 shipping on any quantity. Pay securely on Paypal with Credit Card/Paypal Account. Order now for Christmas gifts!

Moose Mountain Reservation

2011-10-31T00:07:00.000-04:00

2 new reports for MMR! A porcupine, foliage and snow! Check them out HERE

SPNHF Moose Mountain Hike 10/22/11

2011-10-22T22:19:00.003-04:00

"A one-of-a-kind Pitch Pine Community" (pictures)

Since Scott and I became volunteer land stewards for Moose Mountains Reservation in Middleton, NH we had only made the steep hike up to the pitch pine forest a couple times. We were spending all of our time on the lower trails and getting them blazed and trimmed first. And so, this Forest Society field trip sparked my interest and I had hoped to learn about it, including why exactly it is considered "one-of-a-kind in NH"! We hadn't been up to this area from the old Ski area yet and that is where the trip began.

There was a large turn-out! I was rather surprised to see two dozen people bundled up in the windy, overcast morning ready to do some exploring. This trip was led by Forest Society's Mike Speltz along with some staff from Moose Mountains Regional Greenway's whom have worked closely with SPNHF on Moose Mountains. Today we would be viewing acreage that flanks the ski area and continues above it along the pitch pine hill tops covering several summit areas.

The purpose; to get public support for the purchase/easement of this property which would add 500 acres to Moose Mountains Reservation's which already sits at 2300! This would also permanently protect this rare pitch pine community. *Picture to left: The proposed property is in RED. It flanks the Moose Mountain Recreation area and includes all of the property from half-way up the old ski lift and up to the Moose Mountains Reservation property. The trails we used are marked in YELLOW.

The trip began at 10am. As the land stewards for MMR we wanted to join this trip so we could help out in any way we could and so we could lend any knowledge we had obtained of the property in our short 5 months of exploring it. We set out for the left side of the ski area (Moose Mountain Recreation) and headed up an old skid road which I believe was also a ski trail when it was in operation. Mike took the lead while we kept the rear of the group with an MMRG lady (whose name I can't recall...sorry!) The hike was steep as it climbed nearly 800 feet in about a mile! Along the way Mike introduced us to the group and let them know some of what we do and to chat with us if they wanted to learn more. He also talked about the different hardwood and pine tree's as we got more and more glances of colorful views as we climbed.

When we arrived at the flat area at the top of the ski area we gathered around the old ski lift and looked out at the wonderful view of foliage. Wentworth and Kingswood lakes were in view. We could also see Chocorua, which seemed to be hogging the sunlight all day as it's rocky summit and ledgy ridges glowed against the cloudy sky's. To the left the Sandwich range was in view as well as the Ossipee range. To the right, Carter notch was barely visible.

After a short break we continued the hike over more easier elevation and finally emerged into the "rocky-ridge pitch pine forest". The bright red and orange blueberry bushes were a sharp contrast to the gray ledge and scruffy barked green pines. Mike stopped to tell us about this area. Namely that the pitch pine should not be growing here. It is one-of-a-kind in NH that a pitch pine forest of this size is growing at such relatively low elevation.

At the 3 way intersection at the height-of-land we went right and followed the road to a flat shelf-like ledge. Scott and I had been in this area before! Mike led a bush-whack down further and onto another ledge area. Here we stopped and had our lunch. Mike talked more about the forest we were in and we enjoyed some laughs and small talk. Once lunch was done I asked if Mike new there was a road just through the woods that leads down to the South side into the reservation. There is more pitch pine and a nice view not far that I wanted the group to see. He told us to lead the way!

We made a short whack to the road and out into a ledgy area with partial views. I informed the group that the road we were on connects down to the reservation and let everyone know about my MMR blog in hopes to get more people interested and hiking in the reservation. After some talking and photo shots we headed up the road. Back at the three way intersection the group stopped ahead. I figured Mike new where he was going or at least recognized this junction but he began to head left. He looked down at us and I signaled right. We all got a good laugh out of it!

The trip down was a bit tricky with the steep, loose and wet rock but we descended quickly. Back at the ski lift Mike decided we'd try the other ski trail on the opposite side of the ski area. And so we descended down the steep trail. We had two guys (from what I saw) slip on the way down, but nothing major. We all arrived back down at the parking lot from what was an enjoyable hike and not to bad of a day for weather. Could have been better, but could have been worse too. At least we had some views and it didn't rain! And we got to talk with friends we had already met at MMR and got to talk with others interested in what a volunteer land steward does.

Middle Sister Peak (Mt. Chocorua) 10/16/11

2011-10-17T00:17:00.000-04:00

"A Blustery Autumn Day" (pictures)

North Moat via Red Ridge 10/9/11

2011-10-10T23:41:00.005-04:00

"A Magnificent Autumn Hike!" (pictures)

What a GORGEOUS day!! Not wanting to waste any second of the day we quickly decided Sunday morning where to head. When we got into Conway it was decided, a loop on the Moat mountains! We had been wanting to hike this for a long time now and today was the perfect day for it! We parked at the large parking lot for Diana's Baths. We quickly got our packs on and headed out at just before 8am.

The trail is wide and level with compact sand. This trail must get a lot of travel as I had read in other trip reports. After a gentle walk we crossed a nice bridge and arrived at Diana's Baths. WOW! So pretty. I have seen pictures but they just don't do it justice! It was nice to be here early as I had read it gets packed with people during the day. Just one photographer and a couple sitting and relaxing, leaving me plenty of room to get some nice pics in! After climbing up the river to get some pics of the dual falls we got back on trail and continued our hike.

The trail now gets very, very wet. It stays this way for a while. Doing a TR 2 weeks after the trip I can't remember much more for trail details at this area. I just remember a fairly long walk through nice woods and colorful foliage above glowing from the morning sun hitting them. We took the Red Ridge Trail at the junction. After another long walk we crossed the river eventually and climbed steeply through a pine forest with red pines. Then the trail comes to a large rock and a land slide with open views to the North Moat ridge and a view to the North. Foliage was awesome right here!

The trail now climbs over some semi-open ledge before coming to open ledge with great views across Conway to the surrounding mountains. It was a peaceful, beautiful spot! We sat here for a bit and enjoyed the wonderful day! The weather for October was just amazing! So warm and sunny! We continued the climb through ledge and soon had views of the Moat range. Snaking our way through the trail we soon broke tree line and climbed open ledge and rock, very similar to that of South Baldface just not as large scale. The wind was pretty strong here, but it was so nice and warm!

The trail re-enters the tree's so we found a nice ledge out of the wind to have lunch before continuing on. After lunch a short climb through the scrub and we were at the trail junction with Moat Mountain trail. There were 2 large rocks sitting here side-by-side which was pretty cool! The walk across the ridge to North Moat was all in the trees. It was narrow and overgrown in spots and riddled with blow downs. Looks like a nasty area for winter hiking! Halfway across the ridge or so, there is an opening that looks up to North Moat and a ledge that looks to the Sandwich Range and to the Northwest. Another beautiful spot! After a short steep section we soon came back out of the tree line and onto the rocky summit peak of North Moat at 12:15pm. There were half a dozen of hikers there battling the strong winds. We took another break here.

Then it was time to head down. We couldn't find the trail on the other side of the peak. I had to check my map to make sure it came off the summit. It did, so I did some exploring trying to find a trail. After scaling down the open rock I spotted a bright yellow blaze on the rock and the trail entering the tree's. I waved Scott over and we headed on down. We were noticing some fresh yellow blazes and soon came out to a semi-open ledge area. There was a lady sitting here and asked us how the blazes looked and if we had any trouble following the trail. She was trying to get some work done and trying to mark it better. I told her about the predicament we had coming off the summit. She said she would try and get some cairns built. We thanked her for her work and continued down, noticing new cairns and blazes along the way, as well as brush cut back from the trail. Nice job!

We arrived back at Diana's Baths to find it packed full of 70 or more people. Holy crap! We found ourselves amongst tourists all along this trail. It was rather a strange feeling! It was liking being on a lonely, quite country road then suddenly being on a city highway! We made our way through the crowds and finished our trip at 3pm.

The Osceola's 9/18/11

2011-09-19T00:04:00.001-04:00

"The Steep Trail, That's How We Roll!" (pictures)

Scott and I now equal with 4000 footer completions we wanted to complete a couple more before winter set in. I had been wanting to hike the Osceola's for some time now, particularly the ridge between the two peeks. After viewing some recent photo's from the 9/11 FOT48 hike and checking the weather and seeing that the Kanc' had re-opened, we decided to go for it! We decided we would take the steeper ascent from the Kancamaugus via Greeley Ponds Trail. This side was apt to be quieter and no doubt more interesting. As we made our way through Lincoln and past Loon where the Highland Scottish Games were being held, we couldn't help but notice the damage that the Irene floods left behind. The river bank was heavily eroded and littered with tree trunks and other wood and rock debris. New tar, culverts and guard rails marked sections of road that had been washed away.

We parked at the Greeley Ponds trail head and began our hike at 8:30am. The air was cool and brisk and the sun was hidden behind a thin layer of clouds. The trail follows a wet section past dozens of downed trees from the storm and crosses the river. Here too was the storm damage present. Tree trunks along the banking, sand and rocks washed up into the forest and what looked like the remains of a foot bridge. The trail was a little tough to find in this section of washout but as we continued straight across the river and a sub-stream and headed slightly to the right we found the trail.

You now cross more wet sections were the Trail Adopter has spent a great deal of time building foot bridges over the wet, muddy sections. Several had been replaced and yellow marker tape hung from trees at washed out spots where work needed to be done. Thank you to the trail adopter putting all the effort into repairing a heavily damaged trail! We soon came to the Mt. Osceola trail sign and began up this trail. It starts off gradual as you climb through a boulder field containing some small caves. You cross below and impressive rock face above you marking the Southern point of the Osceola Ridge. The trail now begins a long, steep climb over broken rock.

The trail crosses a small rock slide where views are excellent towards the Hancocks, Carrigain and the Tripyramids. Continuing on the trail remains steep for most of the way before climbing through a rock "trough" and leveling off on a ridge where there is a side trail on the right with views up to both Osceola peaks, the Franconia range and the others mentioned above. The East Peak close by we finished the last gradual section up to the rock cairn marking the view less summit just before 11am. We took a small break here and chatted with a couple people who had come from the main peak. Then we began the journey across the ridge to tag the main peak ourselves.

It was at the East Peak and all the way to the Main peak and back that almost every hiker asked if we had come up from the Kanc' side. Each time we answered yes the reply was always....isn't that side steeper? Our answer...it was very steep! It was really funny how many people asked, and their reaction to us taking the more difficult side up. But that is how we generally roll! The longer, steeper, less used trails are usually quiter and more exciting. Which is what we hike for! Too many times (including today) we see hikers just rushing on by to get to the top and "bag" a mountain. I just don't see the point or excitement in this. We hike to enjoy every aspect of the trails. To enjoy the natural beauty around us.

The ridge was fairly easy. I had read that it was a rugged, difficult ridge traverse but it was nothing worse than others we had done. One section poses some difficulty where you must climb a section called the "chimney". There is a side trail that is still difficult but a little easier. I took the chimney up while Scott took the bypass trail. On our way back we both descended the chimney. After some steep climbing with alternating moderate pitches we came out onto the rock topped Osceola peak in no time at all at 11:40am!

The peak was relatively quite. Just a handful of people! Views were pretty impressive! Mt. Washington, the Hancocks, Carrigain, Chocorua, Passaconaway, and the Tripyramids just to name the higher and most visible peaks. We found a spot somewhat out of the wind and ate our lunch. The sun hadn't yet broke threw the clouds and the wind was cold, so we put our long sleeve shirts and hats and gloves on to stay warm. After some pictures and viewing we decided to head back and warm back up.

So we made our way back across the ridge, removing our extra clothing below the chimney. We passed the same people we had passed earlier in the opposite direction and made the climb back up to the East Peak.
Once past the East Peak we were once again by ourselves passing only a couple people. It was a steep, careful hike down. The sun was now out and views were beautiful at the various outlooks. We reached the parking lot at 2:30pm. Two 4000 footers in 6 hours...#27&28...nice!

FOT48 Mt. Willey 9/11/11

2011-09-12T00:26:00.021-04:00

"9/11 10nth Anniversary FOT48 Hike" (pictures)

Year three of being involved with "Flags on the 48" and the 10nth Anniversary of 9/11. This year I chose Mt. Willey because we enjoyed the view from the lower ledge so much the year before. This year we actually had a good size group. Me, Scott, my sister Jill and her husband Rob, and two people from Rhode Island we had met on an earlier hike on Moosilauke, Caleb and Jonathan. Driving would be a little longer as we had to take I93 and access 302 through Crawford Notch due to the road being washed out on the lower portion from Hurricane Irene's flooding rains. As we entered the notch just past the Highland Center the road was half blocked and read "Local Traffic Only". I was a little nervous I wouldn't get past the construction worker standing guard. I said to the others, "what kind of local traffic do they get in the notch? It's a freekin' national forest...no houses, no business', just forest! LOL" So I drove past the blockade without so much as a glance from the man in orange! Phew! Signs of washout on this steep hill where two steep rivers cross beneath the road were very visible. Water had washed out the ditch along the roadway.

We arrived at the Kedron Flume trail parking lot at the Willey House site right on time at 8:30am. Caleb and Jonathan pulled up shortly after....or they were already there waiting for us....I don't recall. We all introduced each other, divided up the flag parts and headed on our mission. It was a little cool out but very comfortable hiking temperatures. Jill was very excited to be on a big hike as it had been 10 or so years since she had been on a 4000 footer! Rob was also happy to be on the trail and we were all in very good spirits. We made a quick ascent on the long, gradual switchbacks to the train track and made the short, steep climb up the banking above the tracks.

A few more switchbacks and we entered the pine forest and soon made the short descent to Kedron Flume. Here we took a break and chatted and took pictures. It was looking like a beautiful day! A little hazy, but was looking promising for some clearing and sunshine! We now made the steep climb up the banking and through a heavily damaged forest. This area always looks like it takes a beating from wind but is always cleaned up by the trail adopter. We hiked at a good pace. Caleb and Jonathan had the lead and are more faster than the rest of us. Scott and I were a little behind them and Jill and Rob took the back. This actually kept a nice, but not overly exhausting pace.

We arrived at the Ethan Pond trail and followed this level section to the Willey Range trail. Here, I told Jill and Rob, is where things get steep and interesting! After crossing a couple small streams we began the climb. First up loose, steep gravel then up a set of stairs. Soon enough we arrived at the oh, so awesome ladders! I remember them being steep and many, but forgot just what it was like. You climb several sets and as you climb near the upper section you are greeted with more! Such a fun part of this trail! At the top a nice view down the Southern portion of Crawford Notch was visible as was the stand out shape (roche moutonnee) Mt. Crawford itself! Jill made the top of the ladder's looking pretty tired. She was doing so good for having a baby 3 months earlier and on the recovery from a bronchitis infection!

The climb continued steeply over a rocky trail and here a couple gray jays made an appearance. I had hoped they would be out today! Scott and I had such a good time our last visit feeding the jays. Rob managed to feed them some sun flower seeds and then they left. After more climbing we finally reached the ledge outlook. We checked the view real quick...a fabulous view across the notch to Mt. Webster's slide and rock scarred ridge and up to the Presidential's. Mt. Washington was in the clouds, but looked like it may clear within a couple hours. We made the short climb to the forested summit and unpacked the flag and pole sections. The time was 11:30am. WOW! We made the hike at the book time! Way to go Jill!! It was now that I went into "Boss" mode! Growing up in a self employed family I have always been in charge of people. And, well, when I get in the"zone" I direct well and I focus all my concentration on the task at hand. This must have been visible as my sister and Scott kept poking fun at me as I tried to set things up as perfect as I could get them.

This year was a little different. I had a second flag added on, the "Flag of Honor". Also, in the two prior years we were dealing with summits which had 15 foot trees, all I had to do was climb and tape the pole to a tree. This peak had trees about 10 feet high. First the pole had too much slack. So I climbed a small tree and tied the pole to it. Then Rob and I fastened the ropes to trees to stabilize the pole. As we left the area I noticed a rope had come undone so I was back in the trees switching ropes around and trying to insure the pole would not fall or snap at a junction point. The wind was blowing really good and in different direction so it was tough getting the strings pulled at just the right angles. Scott came back to see where I had disappeared too and helped me out. Once satisfied, the flags flying high and beautifully against the blue sky, we returned to the ledge with the others.

We ate our lunch for half and hour or so. Unfortunately the Gray Jays were not around. However, while eating our lunch I heard a chopping sound in the distance. It sounded like a helicopter. Sure enough I could make out a chopper headed in our direction from Mt. Carrigain. We all watched as a National Guard Black Hawk Helicopter came just a 100 feet from the mountain side and climbed the slope and hovered over the summit taking pictures. How awesome! That chopper visit made the day so much more memorable and exciting! Later I checked the FOT48 facebook and websites to find that no one new the chopper was going to be doing this. They got as many peaks as they could, some where clouded in unfortunately. Pictures (by David Breton) taken by the chopper can be found on Facebook HERE.

Shortly after our lunch Caleb and Jonathan decided to head back down as they had a long drive home. So we all went back to the summit and took a group photo. They headed down and we hung out on the ledge, relaxing in the sun and taking in the view. With my binoculars I could see flags on 2 peaks, Mt. Carrigain and Mt. Monroe. I could see people on Jackson and Eisenhower but was not able to make out the flag on either. Our solitude was then broken by 3 dogs that came running out onto the ledge and all over our bags and us. Ugh! There's nothing I hate more than dogs on the trail that are not at there owners side or leashed! The group of hikers had come over from Field. They had set the flag up and decided to "tag" Willey. Many others also showed up also "tagging" the 3 mountains on the range.

It was getting a little crowded on this little ledge so we decided to pack up and do a little trail exploring and let the others enjoy the ledge a little. So we headed over the summit and down the other side to a small outlook. Then we went down the trail a little ways before deciding to turn back. As we passed back over the summit again the group was heading back to Field. We headed back to the ledge and set up shop on the far side. We still had 45 minutes until the flag had to be taken down. So we just chilled out on the ledge. Shortly after, yet another dog came trudging all over us. Another group showed up behind the dog and I asked them to call there dog. I got a couple dirty looks and they called the dog away. Excuse me for being allergic to dogs and for all of us not wanting a smelly, drooling dog walking all over our bags and food. Grrrr....I HATE inconsiderate dog owners >:(

2:00pm rolled around and we began to pack our bags. Just then Wendy found us! Wendy is the a Forester with the Forest Society. We are the Moose Mountains Reservation volunteer land stewards for them. She was camping with the AMC and had told us she may come up the mountain to visit us. And here she was! She had bypassed the ledge outlook a little earlier and figured we were out at the other peaks. So she ate lunch on the other side with some lady's. She happened to check this ledge and found us! It was so exciting and awesome that she came to see us and our flag! Once the rest of her group arrived we took pictures and watched the flag make it's final flaps-in-the-wind. Then we all took it down and put all the parts away. We said our goodbyes and headed down. The steep hike down was a little slow going. We all had tired legs and were taking it easy on the moist trail.

Back just above the flume we stopped at a little fern gully where a section of earth is washed away. The banking forms a thick mud wall where ferns grow on top of and water drips down onto a flat rock. It's a pretty neat spot. Anyway, the mud that looks like rock had Jill's interest. I told her it was mud and I stepped up the wet rock and touched it. Wanting to touch it too Jill began to climb the rock and lost traction and slipped! She landed butt down onto the wet rock! Eeek, LOL! Her husband quipped, "you just had to touch the mud didn't you? Now you have a wet ass!" We all had a good laugh over it! We made the rest of the hike down over the gentle switchbacks and arrived back at the truck at 4:30pm. A fabulous day and a great crew. Thanks to all who participated in Flags on the 48 and flew the stars and stripes on NH's highest mountains for all those affected by and lost on 9/11/01!

2011 FlagsOnThe 48 - Mt. Willey

2011-09-06T13:11:00.000-04:00

This year the HikeTheSummits group will be climbing Mt. Willey on 9/11/11 for Flags on the 48! This Sunday Americans will remember this day each in there own way. We will be climbing a mountain and raising a flag on it's summit along with 47 other groups climbing the other 4000 footers in the White Mountains! If you still want to join us it's not too late! Click on this LINK to the Event page for more info!

This year we will be adding a new flag to fly as seen in the picture. The "9/11 Flag of Honor" is created with the names of all who perished on the 9/11 attacks and honors our fallen Emergency Services Personnel in red and blue. Thank you to Mainely Flags in Portsmouth, NH for having these flags, what a great and friendly store! Good luck and safe hiking to all the 2011 FOT48 groups!

MMR Burrows Farm 8/30/11

2011-09-01T12:23:00.000-04:00

"Cleaning Up From Irene" (pictures)

We did a quick walk of Moose Mountains Reservation's Burrows Farm trail Tuesday to see if there was any trail/road damage or trees to remove from Tropical Storm Irene. Power was out all the way through and there was extensive damage to the log home that sits just before the MMR Kiosk. A large tree landed in front of the house taking out the front porch and damaging the front face of the home. Yikes! We cleared some small branches from the start of the road/trail and continued driving up the road. We stopped now and then to clear small branches and such and moved on. We passed the North trail junction and up the hill where we found a large section of tree across the road. Scott began to clip the branches off of it as I tempted to axe the top section off. Once this was done we rolled it into the drainage ditch until it can be cut with a chainsaw and moved easier.

We parked at the river crossing and continued the "limb hunt" on foot. The road looked pretty good on this section. Some minor wash-out here-and-there. Just before the Moose Mountain trail junction a porcupine ran across the road 10 feet in front of us! It took us by surprise! He found the closest tree and climbed it, stopping every 10 feet to look at us as I snapped pictures as quick as I could! We continued on to the field and had to head back down to eat a quick dinner before heading off to work!

Mt. Tecumseh 8/27/11

2011-08-29T01:51:00.000-04:00

"The Calm Before the Storm!" (pictures)

Trip Report to come...

Stonehouse Pond 8/23/11

2011-08-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

"Picnic Above the Pond" (pictures)

Trip Report Coming .... As soon as the rest are done!! LOL!

Mt. Eisenhower 8/20/11

2011-08-22T01:00:00.000-04:00

"A Cloudy but Beautiful Day!" (Pictures)

Trip Report Coming Soon!