Moriah and Shelburne Moriah Mts. 8/7/10

View Pics HERE

"MUDing and PUDing, a Kenduskeag Scalping!"

We parked at the Wild River campground ready for another long Saturday hike. Shelburne-Moriah and Moriah Mountains were the objectives today and the crisp, dry air were just what we had hoped for! We left the parking lot at 8:00am and walked back down the road to take Shelburne trail from it's start. Though the water level was relatively low the crossing proved difficult. We had to go upstream a ways to find a good crossing. Once across, a dried up river bed tempted me to take that to High Water trail that follows the river. We came to a stream instead of a trail. So I pulled out my map and found that the trail is actually further away from the Wild River in this area than I had thought. First of two mistakes made and not wanting to take a chance on following the stream and not finding the trail, we back tracked back to and down the Wild River to the Kenduskeag trail and began our long journey.

We crossed several dry river beds and flowing streams, climbed a banking and passed the High Water trail junctions. From here the trail is rather boring. Mushroom hunting helped to pass the time. The trail is very gradual and overgrown in many sections. I stopped to clear a blowdown about a mile in. Otherwise, the blowdowns were taken care of, just some shrub growth beginning to take over the little used trail. Once you reach the brook crossing (approximately 1700ft.), the trail climbs steeply. Along our steep climb we could here some birds chirping. I was startled when I heard Scott ahead let out a scared yelp. I looked up in time to see a goss hawk nearly a foot away from scalping Scott. His yell scared it back and it flew around me and onto a branch 15 ft. away. It glared at us then flew off out of sight. Apparently that chirping was a nearby nest! We cautiously made our way out of that area, not waiting for it to come back out of the trees for another attack!

Neary 4 miles and 1700 feet of elevation behind us we finally arrived at the Kenduskeag trail. The steep climb continued before leveling off under some ledges then a ledge on the left that we could climb to get our first views of the day. Shelburne-Moriah Mt. rose steeply ahead of us. Moriah could be seen as well as most of the Carter's and the Baldface's. We returned to the trail, dropped slightly then climbed through brush and a bad washout at a ladder and up to an open knob with more views. A board walk started here which helped through the muddy sections. Down another col. than another steep climb up Shelburne Mt. We climbed out of the tree's to an open plateau, then back into trees and onto boardwalks and mud to the Western, more open side of the mountain and it's highest point.

We reached Shelburn-Moriah's summit 3735' at 12:15pm. Picture taken we hit the trail again, the semi-open ridge and Mt. Moriah ahead of us, with the Northern Presidentials now looming behind Moriah. We climbed down the summit to the ridge and found a spot with a little less wind. Temps. were only in the mid-50's and the wind hitting our sweaty bodies was a bit cold when not moving. Lunch quickly eaten we continued on our journey. Kenduskeag is the Abenaki word meaning 'pleasant walk', but it was anything but. The views from the Western side were nice. Particularly the unique view across to the Baldfaces, the granite bald shoulder of South peak shining in the sun. And the view of Moriah from this direction interesting, especially of the granite slide on Moriah's North East facing slope. And I never seen such an extensive sections of boardwalks. They must be over a mile in total length!

From here pretty much the same story the rest of the way to Moriah's summit. PUDS, Mud, boardwalks, back into trees and then steep, steep, steep. Once passed the Rattle River trail we began to see people as I had predicted. One impartcular gave us a good laugh. Scott stopped because he had heard a noise. A small dog came around the corner and began yipping. The owner yelled "shut up Jake!". He stated the dog owners usual words "he's OK" to us, then picked it by the handle of the dogs pack and carried him by us. It was rather humorous. We had just about ran out of energy when we finally made it to the summit sign and reached the surprisingly empty summit 4049' at 2:15pm. We snapped some pics, had a snack and took back off, many more miles to go and the day getting late.

It was at this time I made mistake number 2 of the day. When coming down off the summit, I took a left at the carter-moriah trail sign. We dropped nearly 200 feet before I had a feeling that something wasn't right. We should not have dropped this quickly and there were no open ledges I remember from our hike in 2007. And I was certain the trail we took up our last Moriah hike over Mt. Surprise was Carter-Moriah trail. So I once again took the map out, and lo and behold we were headed the wrong way, rrrrr! We angrily trudged back up the steep trail, passing those we saw going up, who looked at us confused. Wiped out now, we arrived back to the summit sign. As we passed it a hiker said, "aren't you going to the summit? It's that way!" We said we were already there but went down the wrong way. He laughed and said "that happens", he himself had gone right by the summit sign and that is why he was making sure to point it out to us.

We climbed down the steep section back to the kenduskeag junction and continued on the Carter-Moriah trail. Passed by many other people, again expected on this portion of the mountain, and as we arrived at the ledges we looked back at the now visible summit full of people. The rest of the trip went well. 5 long miles of Moriah Brook trail, but this trail is always a pleasure. Easy, soft footing most of the way and a beautiful, cascading Moriah brook. The water was low so the cascades along the way weren't much and since it was getting late in the day I didn't make many stops or side trips for pictures. We hussled down, making our way to the gorge and the PUD section of trail up and down small run-off stream gully's. Finally over the bridge and a final climb up a banking. We reached home plate at 6:00pm.

Total trip time 10hrs.; 15 miles; 2800 ft. elevation; weather-perfect! NO BUGS !!!! : )

Pics HERE

Kedron Flume 3/20/10

It was one of those mornings where we would decide what to hike spur of the moment. I couldn't settle on anything the night before and thought, well, we will let fate guide us to the hike of the day. Not wanting to make the longer drive to the Western side of the WMNF we headed up Rt.16. We came to Mt. Chocorua which Scott mentioned as a hike the night before. I didn't want to hike it again just yet. It did however look pretty devoid of snow with crystal clear sky's above and I almost stopped figuring we could just do a trail we hadn't done yet...Coulda' Shoulda'!

Continuing North we arrived in Conway and the view from the Intervale to Washington, which was thickly clouded in. That scrapped my idea for a Boott Spur/Nelson to Lions Head loop. Probably a bad idea still with no snow shoes anyhow. So that led us into Crawford Notch. Mountains and trails buzzing through my mind like a slot machine and the numbers fell on Mt. Crawford. Something shorter would be nice so we could get back home at a decent time as we had a long day of work ahead of us on Sunday. We parked in the lot for Davis Path where a large group was heading up and two others parking. The lot was almost half full. Not ones for crowds we pulled out the map again...Coulda' Shoulda'!

Next stop the Willey House Site and Kedron Flume trail to Mt. Willey. Empty parking lot and sunny sky's looked good to us. We geared up and crossed the street easily finding the trailhead at 9:30am. The log book had seen a group of 4 and a solo hiker on the 18nth but the trail didn't show much but some post-holing spots. We too were already post-holing in the sun softened snow. The trail passes by some boulders making some very long switchbacks left and then right. We finally crossed the railroad tracks with a nice view North of Mt. Willard, then made a short steep climb up a wet banking. Then more switchbacks and post-holing. The trail swings left and crosses into a pine gully (which is seen from the parking lot, a perfect line of pines following a stream gully) and here we passed a large ice formation where water was running off a vertical rock face. This was a wild, pretty area.

Crossing back into hardwood and eventually back into pines again, dropped slightly and came into Kedron Flume at 11:15. Alomost 2 hrs. for a 1 mile, 700' elevation gain hike! Are you kidding me?! The Flume was still snow covered but the waterfall visible and the view to the south end of Webster Cliffs was nice. The trail ahead from here went straight up a was holding onto some deep snow. Scott gave me that look like, "I have had enough" to which I gave my usual, "just a little further" look. We talked about it and he was right. If we continued at this rate we would be very exhausted and would put us back at point "A" much later than we wanted. I too was getting pretty exhausted so we agreed to turn back.

Going back down was easier but the snow was even more soft now as we predicted and we were post-holing every few steps. I kept saying in my head, snow shoes next year... snow shoes next year... Already soaked boots and pants we decided to just cut the switchbakcs out and (the culvert visible) headed right down the gully to the railroad. Picked up the trail then cut the switchbacks off again following a small ridge, and picked up the trail again a hundred ft. from the trailhead and arrived back on tar at 12:15am. We changed our wet socks and footwear and crossed the bridge to the picnic area to have lunch.

Injuries for the day (mostly from post-holing): Scott: scratched head from (an abrupt stop from me) and him walking into my poles on my backpack, scuffed up shin and knee. Jason: Scuffed up knee and wrist.

First day of Spring, Coulda' Shoulda' settled with Chocorua or Crawford, but we still had fun, and this trail looks wild and awesome for a Spring/Summer hike. I have to go back and re-read Joe's TR from when he did this hike. Re-do is emminant once snow is gone!
 
Pics HERE

Rollins Rhyme (Whiteface/Passaconaway 2/20/10 TR)

This would be a lucky, ducky day;
My brother thought all night of his friends foolish way;
Foolish to be climbing Mt. Washington in snow coulds of gray;
Forocious winds and 20 below windchills the report did say;

So a call I got at 7:30 in the morning;
My brother did call and ask if I was hiking;
Scott was sick and I would be home sulking;
But not now, we were soon off for some 4000 foot peak bagging;

We parked at Ferncroft at ten-o-eight and headed up Blueberry Ledge;
Sky's were mostly sunny, a snow packed trail we climbed the steep ridge;
Jeremy kept a quick pace, I kept the pics to a minimum which made me cringe;
We soon took off the heavy outer-gear as it was warm just a smidge;

Just below the ledges we met up with an older couple on the trail;
The very funny lady said to go ahead, that she "moved like a snail";
Over the steep ledges we went, making it to the false summit with a joyous wail;
It was 1pm so we ate our lunch and they did the same, the woman and male;

Tummy's full, pushing on to the true summit with excitment a-fluttered;
Down and up almost missing the cairn, with snow most of it was covered;
Now the dreaded Rollins Trail..."this trail will surely kill us", I muttered;
I thought of this long, annoying, PUD infested trail, ugh, I shuttered;

But much to my surprise it was packed pretty well;
So we charged down this ridge like two bats-out-of-hell;
A long hour and a half later, behind us this ridge fell;
My brother and I exhausted with signs of defeat did I smell;

But one last challenging push did we have to complete this story;
Long switchbacks and steep pitches, boy was this trail ornery;
Then finally reaching the top at three p.m, oh the exictement and glory!
And down to the view for one last look to the North, oh so stormy;

We hussled down now to reach the truck before we lost the light;
Passing the couple we had seen earlier drained like us of their might;
Sliding and scurrying we reached the end, timed just right;
5 pm, on the road we arrived, the sunset a warm, comforting sight.

Hike Overview:

Bagged my 26/48 4000 footer
Bagged my first 2 winter 4k's!

Total Time: 7 hours
Total Mileage: 11.5 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 4,450 ft.

Weather: Mostly Sunny Sky's, Clouding over around 2:30pm. Winds off and on in areas 20 mph. Temps ranged from low 40's at the base to low 30's/upper 20's on the summits. Trails well packed. Light traction required on the Whiteface ledges and Passaconaway. Another beautiful February day!

Pics of this hike HERE

Mt. Paugus 11/28/09

With a sketchy weather report for the mountains I was not sure this would be a good day for a hike. My brother really want to go so I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. The afternoon was supposed to see some improvement so I figured we'd get a late start to hopefuly cash in on some of that nice weather. We parked and got on the ski pants, winter jacket and other gear. I felt like an astronaut trying to walk around in all this clothing for the first time this year.

We headed out at 10:45am under cloudy sky's and a wind driven mist. Once the thermometer cooled off to outdoor temps. it read in the low 40's. The trail was leaf covered and easy footing. I decided to go the opposite direction as my spring loop hike and go counter clockwise up Mt. Mexico via. Big Rock Cave Trail, over Paugus than down the Cabin Trail. I wanted to ascend the ledges rather than descend them in case they were icy, and I remember the other side to be more gradual and a nice descent. After being startled by a tree top breaking and crashing down 50 ft. off the trail we encountered a burst of ice showers for a couple minutes than back to just winds. Jeremy had a pretty good wipe out almost rolling into a run-off stream, ha, ha, ha! Grades were gradual up and over Mexico and down to the Big Rock Caves. These caves are actually a HUGE chunk of rock split in three/four which created tunnels that you can walk through.

Once down to the river the sun began to peak out from the clouds...sweet! Once cross the river we crossed over Whittin Brook Trail and up Old Paugus Trail and the trail continues at gradual grades. Once you come to the base of the first ledges the trail becomes steep as you make your way through chunks of rock that have fallen from the ledges. The trail verges sharp right near the top and crosses in front of the bottom of a sheer cliff. Once past Bee Line Trail now on Lawrence Trail you again climb steeply to the base of another ledge and you climb around it's left side and come out to the top of it. It is here we had our lunch. Back on trail you now cross through a pine grove for a bit with peaks of Mt. Chocorua. Once past the pine grove the trail makes it's final steep ascent to the false summit (about 3000') which was covered in a thin sheet of patchy ice at 2:00pm. Here you want to walk down the rock passing some small boulders and through the trees to get to the ledge. Views here to Mt. Whiteface and Passaconnaway are breath taking. We battled the 50 mph winds briefly and headed back to the false summit.

Heading down the other side (still Lawrence Trail) was a breeze! I was happy to be going down the never ending switch backs this time instead of up them and we jogged down much of this section. Footing was a little more tricky on this side of the mountain with many slippery roots. I tripped on a root (while jogging) just as the trail suddenly climbed and I crashed to the ground and burst out laughing... I joked with my brother, "now we're even!" Once at the bottom of this you have some asceding to do as you skirt a ridge than climb to it's South Knoll. It is on these sections you get awesome views of the Paugus Ledges a reminiscent orange similar to Mt. Lowells Ledge/slide seen from Mt. Carrigain. The sun going down now we picked up pace coming to our Cabin Trail Junction. We arrived back to the truck at 4:30pm.

Total Trip Time: 5hrs. 45min. Total Mileage: 8.1 miles Weather: Temps. Ranged from the mid 40's to low 30's. Winds 30-40 mph with 50mph wind gusts. Cloud ceiling was above 4000' allowing decent views with partly sunny sky's. Snow was 2 inches at it's deepest. Ice minimal.

Pics of this trip here> http://www.flickr.com/photos/excape1/sets/72157622895285628/

Sandwich Dome 6/27/09

Despite our cancellation of our June 27 hike to celebrate my mothers 50th birthday (and sister backing out due to work) we decided almost at the last minute to take a chance despite the forecast for isolated thunderstorms (most of which were forecasted for late afternoon anyway). It would be my mom, brother and I and we decided on Sandwich Dome. We arrived in the Sandwich Mountain Trail Parking lot at 9:30am. Overcast and wet as expected we started up Sandwich Mountain Trail at 9:50 stopping at the trail head sign for a group picture. The trail head is obscured from the parking lot. Walk 15 ft. or so down the road and the trail is on the left. Cross the ski trail and towards the fenced in power plant, continue following the fence until the trail breaks left into the woods and quickly drops and crosses Drakes Brook. Hope that short walk warmed you up because the trail immediatley begins a moderate climb. As you crest the North side of Noon Peak (2,930 feet) you cross over some sections of rock slab and the Lichen & moss becomes plentiful. One clump of lichen topped moss had a pretty slug on it like I have never seen. Continue on until you come to your first ledge outlook with views North to Waterville Valley and surrounding 4000 footers. We were bug free until this point, though they seemed to be hanging out on just the ledge area. Passing this area you soon come to another open rock area with an excellent view to Jennings Peak (3,455 feet). Drop back into the woods and at the junction take a right for a short climb to Jennings Peak consisting of a wooded summit with several beautiful ledges (all of which were busy with hikers). Here you will find excellent views South to Sandwich Dome, and South West to the Acteon Ridge and Whiteface beyond. Once back down to the main trail we passed by a garter snake curled up in some moss. As my brother and I took some pictures my mother continued on. Then suddenly we heard a loud crash and thump...then our mother calling out to us a bit startled. We ran to see what happened, a smile on her face she pronounced that we had just missed a face-to-face encounter with a buck moose. It took off startled! Well that moose brought us luck as the sky continued to stay free of rain! Now a little steeper we climbed to the summit of Sandwhich Dome, 3,393 feet, arriving around 1:30pm. We broke out lunch and we were soon bombarted by black fly swarms. We took some pics, broke out the Mountain House dehydrated birthday ice cream which was pretty tasty and headed back down. We got onto Drakes Brook Trail and were soon sprinkled on for a short couple minutes. This trail was very gradual and had easy footing. We passed some attractive water falls and onto a logging road where we made a stop at a large cascade/flume area. Then a simple stroll down the logging road arriving at the parking lot at 4:30pm. This was a great hike containing a large number of lichen & moss species. Views are average and limited with a particularly interesting view of the Osceolas but a great hike that is well sheltered for an overcast hike. View Pics Here

Trip Report: Mt. Paugus 5/30/09

Yet again the weather kept changing throughout the week, and Friday night the forecast called for passing showers in the afternoon (pretty much same forecast as Sunday last weekend). So Ascender & I made out for the close-by Sandwich Range again. I have come to LOVE this range. We decided on Mt. Paugus, up Cabin/Lawrence Trails and down Old Paugus/Big Rock Cave Trails. We got to the road side trailhead off 113A at 10:00am. The trails start off on a private road (follow signs) until joining a small logging road. At the junction we went left up Cabin Trail (blue blazes all the way up). The skeeters were buzzing annoyingly and we began crossing small streams/tributary's and wet trails from the night before. As soon as we stopped the skeeters would swarm us like I have never seen before. They were all over our face, hands knecks, any skin they could find...I even got bit twice through my shirt! We applied the bug spray which only seemed to keep 75% of them from actually biting and we high-tailed it with only brief 5 second breaks for the 2 miles up to the Whitin Brook junction. Here the Skeeters lessened to only a couple as the trail became very rugged and wild as views to the Paugus Ledges became visible through the trees. The feeling of isolation here is undescribable (equal to the feeling on Carrigain Notch Trail for me, with less mileage). You curv your way through boulders and small cliffs as you follow the wooded ridge. Dropping breifly down to Lawrence Trail, then climbing steeply through rugged sections of trail and 1/2 a dozen switchbacks. Finally we broke out of the trees to Paugus Ledges. The views were wonderful West to the Sandwich Range and South towards the Lakes Region. After a 1/2 hour lunch we started down the other side, which proved to be steep as we climbed down many sections of rock. Very old yellow blazes were barely noticeable which made it difficult to determine what was a side trail or the actual trail, has this side of the mountain been orphaned? We got limited views to Chocorua now and then before dropping into the trees, again on wild trail crossing through boulders and large cliffs. We dropped down to the river and crossed it to Big Rock Cave Trail (back on blue blazes ). Climbing once again to Big Rock Caves, massive boulders piled next to/on top of each other to create a couple "caves" similar to the boulder caves in King Ravine. We climbed a little more, leveled off on Mt. Mexico then an easy stroll down to the truck. Finished at 3:30 very pleased with our selection and the excellent weather. Can't wait to do this one again. Headed for Square Ledge and Passaconaway next. Love these peaks!

Pictures on my Flickr Page http://www.flickr.com/photos/excape1/