White Mountain Explorer

Sandwich, with a side of Noon and Jennings - 8/25/09

2009-09-04T18:41:00.010-04:00

I’ve been toying with the idea of working on another list of peaks. The New Hampshire Hundred Highest (NHHH) includes the 48 4000 Footers, and some other lower mountains, many of which are without trails. This list is similar to the New England Hundred Highest (NEHH), but includes some slightly more obscure peaks, since it only list mountains in the state of New Hampshire. This list is also NOT officially recorded by the AMC, while the NEHH is an official list. I’m not sure if I’ll actually make an attempt at finishing it or not (still new to bushwhacking, and not sure I have an affinity for it), but it will inspire me to get to some interesting places. That much I am sure of.

This past week, I went to a place that I’ve been wanting to visit for quite a while. It just so turns out that this spot is the highest peak on the list outside of the 4Kers, Sandwich Mountain (AKA Sandwich Dome). When I traversed over the ridge of Mt. Tripyramid last July, one of the most interesting features I spotted was not Sandwich Dome itself, but the tiny summit of Jennings Peak to the right (North) of it. This summit rises abruptly from the ridge, and from some angles almost looks as sharp as Owl’s Head (Cherry Mt.) does from 115. For whatever reason, these “sharp” peaks seem to beckon me to visit them. I think it’s the thought of standing at the pinnacle, with the world falling away steeply on all sides. Whatever it is, I’m more than happy to oblige the call.

Jennings Peak (center), and Sandwich Dome to the left, seen from Mt. Tripyramid

Since I wanted to visit Jennings Peak, I decided on using the Sandwich Mountain Trail. This trail leaves the East side of Rt. 49 just before the Waterville Campground. The trail passes a power substation just before crossing Drakes Brook and beginning the moderate climb. The trail was a little wet on a couple of the early sections, but was relatively dry compared to a lot of the other trails I’ve been on this summer. The steepest part of the hike is probably the first part, before you reach the first outlook on the shoulder of Noon Peak, at about a mile and a half from the trailhead.

One of the steeper sections of the Sandwich Mountain Trail

This outlook took me a little by surprise. I didn’t expect to see such a sweeping view from the first and lowest outlook of the hike. On this particular day I was treated to beautiful blue skies, without the view-ruining haze of humidity. Already I could see the Osceolas, Carrigain, the Tripyramids, Mt. Washington, and a host of other peaks I couldn‘t quite identify.

The view from the outlook on Noon Peak

I was re-energized and set off for the day’s star attraction, Jennings Peak. The hike along this section of trail is fairly level and passes over ledges with a couple more outlooks, with views to the peaks ahead and out into the Sandwich Wilderness.

Jennings Peak up ahead

From the junction with the spur trail it only a couple tenths of a mile up to the summit of Jennings Peak. At the top, the wooded true summit is easily discerned, but the real highlight is the ledge just below the summit on the South side. The view here sweeps from Mt. Carrigain on the left all the way around to the town of Campton on the far right, with Sandwich Dome dead center.

Part of the view from Jennings Peak

A most interesting little knob presents itself just to the Southwest along the Acteon Ridge, known as Sachem Peak. This little peak is trailless, but I imagine the view from the ledges at it’s summit are worth the effort. I would very much like to visit it one of these days.

Sachem Peak

After soaking in the sights for a while and a short rest, I hoisted my pack and was on my back down to the Sandwich Mountain Trail. One back on this trail it’s only a little over a mile to the summit of Sandwich Mountain. Here I passed a small group of hikers who had just come down and they assured me the view was great. After exchanging pleasantries I began the fairly easy climb up to the top. Once there I was again taken by surprise.

Summit of Sandwich Dome

While the view from the top is restricted, it is one of the best (And slightly lesser-known) I’ve seen in my travels. I spent about an hour here, eating my lunch standing up and picking out as many peaks as I could. Moosilauke could be seen on the far left, then the Kinsmans, Tecumseh, Cannon, and the Franconia Ridge just to name a few. It was truly an All-Star view, and it is now placed among my favorites.

View from Sandwich Dome

Mt. Martha & Owl's Head - 8/18/09

2009-08-26T08:58:00.013-04:00

Owl’s Head - a spur of Cherry Mountain, not the peak in the Pemi Wilderness - has been on my list of places to visit ever since I saw it on my drive home from my first trip to the Northern Presidentials. When seen off to East from the area of the junction of 115 and 115A, it’s a very striking peak. It rises into an almost perfectly shaped cone, almost begging to be hiked up to. I always thought it must be a great spot to visit, even if it a wooded summit, as is visible from even that distance. I did a bit more research after and found out that it has one of the most highly touted views of the Presidentials, seen from a ledge just below the summit. This sealed the deal on my visiting it.

Owl's Head seen from 115

While I had originally planned to directly ascend Owl’s Head from the North, I changed my plans a few days before the hike. I decided I would hike up the Cherry Mountain Trail and visit Mount Martha first, the highest peak of Cherry Mountain. This extended the hike a bit and gave me more to explore.

Cherry Mountain Trail lot

The few days before I had done this hike had been very hazy, hot, and humid and today was no different. I got an early start in hopes that I would beat the worst of the humidity. The trail was moderately steep and had excellent footing, making it fairly quick work to reach the ridge.

One of the steeper sections of the Cherry Mt. Trail

I arrived at the junction with the trail to Mount Martha’s summit in a little over an hour after leaving my car. This particular spot was very pleasant. It’s wide open and has a lot of ferns and other low growth due to it being an old road. Whether it was used by past logging operations, or to access the firetower that once stood at the summit, or both, I’m not entirely sure. It does make for a wonderfully peaceful little spot though.

Junction with the Mt. Martha spur

A few minutes later I was at the site of the firetower at the summit area. There are a couple little viewpoints here, one with a little bench, the other past the tower a few yards. It was very hazy, which made the views obscured, but it was still sunny and a glorious day to be out in the woods.

Site of the former fire tower

View from Mt. Martha towards Twins and Franconia Ridge... somewhere in there

I set off for Owl’s Head on the lovely little section of trail between the two peaks known as Martha’s Mile. This went by rather quickly, even with a couple stops to look at some interesting plants, like the Indian Pipes, aka the Ghost Plant.

Indian Pipes

Before long I was making the short climb up to the ledge below the summit. Even with all the haze, this was the highlight of the trip. I took in the sights briefly, before climbing up to the summit, only a few yards further. The actual summit is wooded but is still a great little spot, with quite a few viewpoints nearby. Just below the summit on the North side is a little outlook to the North and East out to Rt. 2, and another out to the Mt. Washington Regional Airport, and further Northwest on clearer days.

View Northeast from Owl's Head ledges

I returned to the main ledge and dropped my pack. I ate an early lunch and studied my haze-enshrouded surroundings. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the entire line of the Presidential Range became barely discernable in the distance. It took some squinting, but I could make it out all the way from the North peaks down to Crawford Notch. This must be an incredible sight on a clear day. Perhaps a crystal clear winter day? Hmmmmm…… Mental note taken.

The main view from Owl's Head, completely hazed over. (Presies faintly visible when enlarged)

Anyway, I sat for a good long while before hoisting the pack and departing back the way I came. I met a couple about a mile from the trailhead, these being the only people I had seen all day. I was glad to finally know what the top of that wooded cone looked like and to have added Mt. Martha to the itinerary. It quickly became a personal favorite and I’m sure it won’t be long before I return.

Mt. Martha seen from Owl's Head

Mt. Jackson - 8/4/09

2009-08-19T09:39:00.009-04:00

My friend Jessica and I have been trying to get in some hikes together this summer and she decided that she was ready to attempt her first 4000 footer. Together we opted for Mt. Jackson the lowest peak of the Presidential Range (not counting Mt. Webster). This is one of the easier peaks, but it’s also got a great view, one that I only partially saw on my first trip this past winter. So I was just as excited to get up there as she was. We kept a good steady pace from the outset, but took our time negotiating the wet, slippery rocks. Not too long after starting we arrived at the outlook on Bugle Cliff. This little ledge offering a nice view back to the Highland Center and Crawford Depot.

The view from Bugle Cliff

After a short break here and a few pictures we were back on the trail and walking along, enjoying the absolutely perfect day. The trail alternates between flat sections and short steep climbs, strenuous at times for newcomers to hiking, but never too overwhelming. A steady pace got us to the junction of the two branches of the Webster-Jackson Trail in good time. I remember really enjoying this particular spot on the quiet winter day on my last trip out here. The brook can be heard down the slope a ways, and the woods are beautiful, making this another great spot for a quick break.

Fork in the Webster-Jackson Trail

About a quarter-mile below the top is a clearing between some trees that perfectly frames the summit cone ahead. Jess was glad to see the end approaching, but she was doing really well and, most importantly, was enjoying herself. In a few minutes we began climbing up the rocky knobs just below the summit, which soon turn into the wide open ledges at the top. Jess was blown away by the view and I was too. Last time I was here the majority of the view was socked in by clouds, but there were hardly any in the sky on this day! Not even a single one over Mt. Washington, a rare sight.

View of the Presidentials, and Montalban Ridge to the Right

View South, three-humped Carrigain on R, Chocorua way in back on L

(click to enlarge)

We walked over to the ledges on the North side of the summit area and sat down for our lunch. While here, I was excited to see a couple Gray Jays land a branch next to Jessica. I told her to hold a piece of bread in the palm of her hand,which she did. The bird quickly landed on her finger and took the morsel. She was ecstatic. I did the same an the other bird followed suit and landed on my hand, a first for me as well. It was a great feeling, and I must say the little buggers were adorable.

Making new friends the easy way. With food!

After stuffing our new found friends full of bread crust and taking pictures of the views, we put our packs back on and set off back down the way we had come up. Jess was tired, but I knew the Gray Jays alone had made this an experience she’d never forget, and I was glad to be there for it. This is definitely a great mountain to introduce people to hiking the higher peaks.

Jessica takes in the view across Crawford Notch to the Willey Range and beyond

Mt. Adams - 7/28/09

2009-08-12T18:54:00.012-04:00

Mt. Adams was one of the mountains that I really had been wanting to revisit (seems so many fall into this category). The first time I had been denied any view at all from the summit and I had heard so much about it being among the best of them all. This time I decided I would take my time and skip climbing it’s neighbor Mt. Madison, but I would choose a different route this time. I wanted to check out King Ravine too, as I enjoy challenging trails and I had heard many good things about this area. Not to mention I had been fascinated gazing into this cirque from the Knife Edge above it on my previous trip.

Walls of King Ravine seen from the ravine floor

I got a slightly later start than I was hoping for, but was still on the trail fairly early and was making my way along the Air Line. I meandered along, branching off onto the Short Line. On the later sections of this trail are some gorgeous spots along the brook and Mossy Falls is a pleasant distraction as well. At the junction with King Ravine Trail, I dropped my pack and had my lunch in the shade, enjoying the sun filtering through the trees, despite it being rather warm and sticky.

Some large boulders on the ravine floor

After lunch I shouldered the pack once more and set out up to the ravine floor. This is an amazing place! The most striking thing about the ravine, other than the views up the towering walls, was the gigantic boulders strewn about. I opted to take the route called “The Elevated” and bypass the caves, figuring I check these out the next time I visited. I began the steep climb up the ravine wall shortly after.

Some big slabs on the higher portion of the King Ravine Trail

This climb, while steep, isn’t as exposed as something like the North Tripyramid slide or the Huntington Ravine Trail, but I can’t say I’d want to descend via this route, as I saw one couple doing. There aren’t really any long slabby sections to friction climb up, but there is a lot of large boulders to clamber up and over. These, however, make for great places to sit down and take in the sights. Directly across the ravine is the Randolph Mountain Club’s Crag Camp, a small hut perched rather dramatically on the wall of the ravine.

The view across the ravine, if you look hard you can find Crag Camp (click to enlarge)

After climbing up through the Gateway at the top of the King Ravine Trail I emerged back on the Air Line trail. Here I took another breather before setting out for the summit of Adams. Mt. Madison and the hut below the peak, were abuzz with activity. I began the climb to Adams, following the cairns along the rocky footway (hard to call it a trail at this point). Many people were coming down off the top as I made my way up.

"The Gateway"

As I reached the summit I was pleasantly surprised to see I had it all to myself. I stood with jaw dropped, taking in the best view of Mt. Washington and the Great Gulf I have ever seen. Mt. Jefferson to the right looked majestic as well. I couldn’t have been blessed with a better view.

Lovely little meadow near the top

Mt.Washington rises over the Great Gulf, Clay and Jefferson to the right

The late afternoon sun cast a golden light over everything and I was glad that I had got a later start than planned. I took pictures aplenty and let my legs rest for a bit, before beginning the hike back to the car. I descended using the scenic Air Line, which traverses the Knife Edge of Durand Ridge. By the time I got to the car my legs were beat, but my spirits were high. I had finally got to see the view from Adams in all its splendor, as well as the experience of hiking up through King Ravine. Needless to say, I look forward to many return trips!

Mt. Madison rises over Star Lake, the minor peak of John Quincy Adams in the foreground

The sign at the summit, the only thing I could see on my last visit

Cannon Cliff - 6/23/09

2009-07-20T13:42:00.005-04:00

The talus (broken rock) slope below the massive Cannon Cliff is another spot I’ve been wanting to visit. These cliffs are the most striking sight in Franconia Notch. The day was sunny, but forecast to turn to rain so I figured I’d take the short trip and at least go to the bottom of the slope, not necessarily up to the cliffs.

Cannon Cliff

I found the path the rock climbers use to access the cliff, and followed that up through the forest. Before too long I started to emerge above the trees. The rain wasn’t far off, as the heavy cloud cover announced, but I made my way up a bit further. Once up the slope a bit further I caught sight of one of the turnbuckles, formerly used to secure the Old Man of the Mountain to the cliff face, laying among the rocks. A neat artifact about 10 feet in length.

Turnbuckle from the Old Man

The cliff looks rather impressive from up here and while I wanted to press on, the rain began and I felt it much safer to turn around then than to risk it on the slippery rocks later. I beat a hasty retreat to the car, with the intent to return on a nicer day.

View South through the Notch from talus slope

Mts. Crawford and Resolution, with a side of Stairs - 6/17/09

2009-07-20T10:24:00.010-04:00

The Mt. Crawford-Stairs Mountain area of the Davis Path was another one of the many places frequented in Our Mountain Trips that I wanted to visit. In the books, they usually continued up the trail on multi-day trips up to Mt. Washington, but I wanted to explore around this particular section.

Near the beginning of the Davis Path

It was another great day to be on the trails, the skies were blue and the temperature was perfect. The bugs thought so too, but two out of three ain’t bad. I set off on the Davis Path on the steady uphill climb to the summit of Mt.Crawford. This section is where the majority of the day’s elevation gain was to be made. It was fairly steep for a while, but not as Stairmaster-like as say the Liberty Spring Trail. The views attained from the ledges atop this peak are definitely a fantastic reward for all the effort.

View from Mt. Crawford of (L-R) Washington, Stairs, and Resolution

As usually happens with a great view, I was instantly re-energized, then set off back down the ledges, returning to the Davis Path. The nearly flat portion of this trail between the Mt. Crawford spur and the junction with Mt. Parker Trail is perhaps one of the nicest walks in the woods I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. It seemed to fly by while I was taking in the scenery and listening to the songs of all the birds.

View of Crawford Notch from Mt. Crawford

At the junction, I took the Mt. Parker Trail up toward Mt. Resolution. The views from various points on Resolution are among many hiker's favorites, so I wanted made sure to check them all out. After stopping and taking in the view from the ledges near the main summit, I continued on the trail toward the side path to the South peak. This path was, as described in the guidebooks, very overgrown. In fact, I probably wouldn’t have located it if I hadn’t been keeping a vigilant eye off to the right side of the trail. What looked like an odd place for a waterbar drainage turned out to be the trail. I pushed off through the trees and followed this “drainage” out to the ledges. The views were incredible and it made for a great spot to relax.

View of Mt. Crawford from South peak of Mt. Resolution

After returning to the Mt. Parker Trail, I set off back up Resolution this time bound for the trailless Northeastern summit. The bushwhack out to this less-frequented spot isn’t long, but it is pretty thick in spots. The great perspective of Mt. Washington seemed to soothe the scratches though. The thick cloud of black flies out here were starving, so I took my pictures quickly and pushed off, back through the crowded conifers.

Mt. Washington and Southern Presidentials seen from Northeast summit

Once back on the trail, I headed back down toward the Davis Path, this time headed toward Stairs Mountain. Not long after I was through Stair Col (the dip between Stairs Mt. and Mt. Resolution) and climbing up to the ledges that are the top “step”.

View from Stairs Mountain

The view up here were also great, looking back over the way I had come. I soaked it in for a while and ruminated on what the people in Our Mountain Trips might have been thinking when up here, back in 1912. After a while I got ready and set off for the car, feeling like I had made a day of it.

Nancy and Norcross Ponds - 6/10/09

2009-07-01T11:58:00.006-04:00

It was another rainy day, but I still wanted to take advantage of at least one of my days off, and neither was supposed to be nice. I had already decided to get in another waterfall hike, but which one to do? After some deliberation I chose Nancy Cascades along Nancy Brook in Crawford Notch. I had seen some great photos of this waterfall and was excited to visit it. I was also in the mood for a longer hike, so I thought I might climb further past the falls and visit Nancy and Norcross Pond.

The hike to this waterfall itself is a little longer than the trip out to Arethusa Falls, but it isn’t overly strenuous, though the section from here to the top of cascades, 800 feet higher is a breathstealer. While it’s not as tall as Arethusa, Nancy Cascades is now my favorite waterfall. It’s similar in shape to Arethusa, but it’s snugly tucked in a little nook with a deep, beautiful pool at the base. A gorgeous sight, even (maybe especially?) on a gloomy day. Not to mention that this spot is one of the ones described in Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire.

Nancy Cascades

I continued up past the top of the falls, a short but stiff climb, but once over the high point it levels off. The walk from here to the ponds is a nice and mellow without much elevation gain. It was too cloudy to see much of the ponds, but it was a lovely stroll nonetheless. I continued to the outlet on the far side of Norcross Pond, which under better conditions is supposed to afford a great view of the Pemi Wilderness. Today it was viewless, but a good spot for lunch. Here I turned around and began the trek out, planning to return on a nice day.

Nancy Pond

Norcross Pond

Middle and North Sugarloaf - 6/3/09

2009-06-18T23:16:00.008-04:00

I was still a little tired from the hike up Mt. Carrigain the previous day, so I wanted to do something on the shorter side. I had always heard good things about the Sugarloaves. While that awkward name is given to a surprising many peaks in our neck of the woods, I speak of the two ledgy peaks just off Zealand Road near Twin Mountain. These are quite easily seen from Rt. 302 while heading toward Crawford Notch.

North (L, fore) and Middle (R, just behind it) Sugarloaf, seen from Rt. 302

I parked my car, shouldered my pack (always prepared, no matter how short the hike), and set off on the Sugarloaf Trail. It was a gorgeous day and the walk up was quite nice and never got too steep. It’s easy to see why these little peaks are popular so with people of all ages. Just under a mile from the trailhead I arrived at the junction of the trails to the two peaks.

Junction in Sugarloaf trail

I opted to go out to the higher peak, being Middle Sugarloaf, first as this would get most of the hike’s climbing done early and the rest of the trip would be an easy stroll. This was also supposed to be the best view too. A short-but-lovely half-mile later I clambered up to the summit ledges and was taken aback by the expansive views. A great perspective of the Presidentials was the highlight of this trip for me.

View from Middle Sugarloaf

After a quick lunch on the sun-soaked rocks I set off for North Sugarloaf. In no time I was back at the trail junction and on my way down the North spur. This was also rather easy walking and I arrived this set of ledges shortly thereafter. The views from this peak are lesser, but also stunning and would make a good destination by themselves for a shorter hike. I still give preference to it’s higher Middle neighbor, which rates highly on my list of best bang-for-your-buck peaks.

Enjoying the views from one of the ledges of North Sugarloaf

Mt. Carrigain - 6/2/09

2009-06-11T18:40:00.007-04:00

Mt. Carrigain is one of the most revered of all White Mountain viewpoints. From atop the observation tower at it’s summit, 43 of the other 47 4000 footers can be picked out, according to guidebook author/hiker extraordinaire Steve Smith. This is the most seen from any peak (tied with Mt. Washington). It's also a great landmark, it's triple-humped mass is easy to pick out from countless other places. The first time I climbed this particular peak I was accompanied by my friend Samantha, and we - against better judgment - chose a rainy day to tackle it. We enjoyed the hike, but were deprived of any views at all. This had to be set straight.

Mt. Carrigain (seen from Webster Cliffs)

Sam agreed to come along for a return trip, this time on a much better day. She brought her friend Kevin along and the three of us made our way to the trailhead for the Signal Ridge Trail on Sawyer River Road in Bartlett. Once on the trail, the first 2 mile are a nice easy warm-up. This fairly flat section has a few brook crossings (which may be varying degrees of difficult in higher water) and passes by a small, but scenic, beaver pond.

Along the Signal Ridge Trail

Once the trail starts to climb, it never lets up. While not being overly steep, it’s uphill all the way until you emerge on Signal Ridge. We trudged upward and onward. Once we hit the ridge, it was as if new life was breathed into me. The views from Signal Ridge alone rival most in the Whites, with Carrigain Notch right at your finger tips. The summit tower is directly ahead, a short climb still awaits.

View of the summit from Signal Ridge

We made the short hike up past the site of former cabin and up to the summit clearing. Ascending to the stairs to the observation platform an endless view in all directions smacks you right in the face. Your eyes don’t know which way to look first. Most of the peaks one typically looks for can be seen from here. The Franconia Ridge is easily picked, as is my personal favorite peak to identify - Bondcliff, and it’s brothers, and of course Mt. Washington and the Presidentials are spotted as well as other popular spots like Mt. Chocorua and so on and so on. A camera has never seemed so inadequate.

Northerly view from sumit

I’m really glad we made the trip back out here on a great day. The view is most certainly worthy of all it’s praise, and while I still can’t call any one view my absolute favorite, this one has to be at the top of the list.

Southeasterly view from summit

Arethusa Falls - 5/27/09

2009-06-10T20:43:00.004-04:00

It was raining when I got up in the morning, but I had already concocted a contingency plan. What better time to visit a waterfall than when the water will be at higher levels? I decided on Arethusa Falls, the largest single-drop waterfall (though this is disputed, but that‘s another story) in New Hampshire. It lies at the Southern tip of Crawford Notch on Bemis Brook, perched at an elevation of 2,000 feet and a 1.3 mile hike from Route 302.

Bemis Falls

On nicer days this is a popular hike for families and tourists as well as locals, as it doesn’t gain much elevation. Today it was a much quieter scene, however. I walked along, dodging wet branches here and there. Not long after starting I reached the spot where the Bemis Brook Trail broke off from the main trail. This adds a little length and a little more climbing to the hike, but it also offers a few more waterfalls. I had never been out here so I decided to take in all the sights I could.

This trail drops down and you walk along Bemis Brook, there are three spots to check out along this path; the Fawn Pool, Bemis Falls, and Coliseum Falls. I found Coliseum Falls most interesting of these and the extra effort was more than worth it.

Coliseum Falls

Shortly I rejoined the main trail and was back on track, arriving at the main waterfall about twenty minutes later. It was an impressive sight. I was glad I had come on a day when the water was higher. I crossed the brook to get a better look and snap a few pictures before returning to the car, continuing past the Bemis Brook Trail on the way down.

Arethusa Falls

Black Mountain - 5/26/09

2009-06-10T19:02:00.007-04:00

My friend Mark and I decided to get together for a hike. Neither of us had anything particular in mind, but I had a few places I had been wanting to get out to. We decided on the ledgy little peak of Black Mountain. Despite the ominous name, it’s actually a nice place to spend some time.

Mark takes in the sights

We set off in the morning for Chippewa trail, on the mountain’s West side. This is the steeper of the two approaches to this peak, but it’s rather short at 1.8 miles (3.6 round trip) and climbs through a gorgeous red pine forest. It is also the more scenic of the two trails, passing some ledges with great views to neighboring Sugarloaf Mountain and out to the Southwest, over the town of Haverhill and beyond.

View from the first ledge (click to enlarge)

We took our time on the way up, lingering to take pictures of the various flowers in bloom, including many Pink Lady’s Slippers.

Pink Lady's Slipper

After the leisurely climb, we arrived at the former site of the fire tower on the line of ledges making up the summit. Making our way over this series of scenic ledges we emerged on the Northeastern end of the ledges offering a wide view of Moosilauke, Kinsman Ridge, Cannon, Franconia Ridge, and much farther.

View from the summit

Here we took a long break, passing the binoculars back and forth, picking out cairns on Moosilauke from miles away and interesting boulders on the Kinsmans. After gobbling a sandwich and attempting to budge the large boulder once known as the Tipping Rock, we set off on the return trip back to the car.

Mt. Chocorua - 5/20/09

2009-05-27T21:04:00.008-04:00

For my birthday this year I was given the gift of a great book entitled Our Mountain Trips (part 1 of 2, the second of which I promptly purchased after reading the first). This book is culled from the journals of a couple newlywed hikers in the early 1900s. It’s a fascinating look back in time and especially interesting when one is at least a little familiar with the mountains in which they travel.

Highly recommended read!

Far and beyond, their favorite mountain “tramps” took place on Mt. Chocorua. They visit this peak far more often than any other. In fact, Chocorua is one of the most hiked of all the White Mountains. It’s height lie under the 4000 foot mark, but the summit is a giant mass of open ledge that is easily spotted from more places than I can even begin to count. In fact I had seen it from both of my past two hikes, Whaleback and Hedgehog. I made plans with a couple friends and on a slightly cloudy morning we set off over the Kanc, once again, headed for the Champney Falls Trail.

Champney Falls

Mark, Samantha, Kevin, and I were off and taking the relatively easy grade pretty quickly, reaching the falls in good time. We all hopped around taking pictures of the various cascades, and conversing with the other people out for the day. Not long after we were on our way again, climbing up the steep set of stone steps before rejoining the main trail. We made our way up at a steady pace, stopping for the occasional flower or peak identification. As we made our way up, the treadway began getting more rocky and the trees were getting fewer and farther between. Ledges and rocky knobs started coming into view, the summit was seen not long after.

The summit of Chocorua

We each meandered and picked our own way up to the top, Mark and I in search of the famed spot where Chocorua, an Indian chief, had famously leapt to his demise. Whether we found it or not, we had a good time either way. We got to the summit under some dark clouds and there was a brief light rain while we were there that hastened our visit. We took our pictures, ate our snacks and set off toward Middle Sister, the second of the rocky knobs on the shoulder of Mt. Chocorua known as the Three Sisters.

The remains of the firetower atop Middle Sister

Before long the remains of the fire tower atop this little dome was becoming visible. After a quick stroll we were taking in the sights from atop the stairs on the tower foundation. After our stop here we began our descent long the same trail, this time skipping the falls. The rain never showed up again after the light shower at the summit and we still got great views. It was a great day, spent in good company. Now I have an itch to go back and read those books all over again.

View North from summit of Chocorua

Whaleback Mountain - 5/19/09

2009-05-19T21:41:00.009-04:00

Whaleback has been calling me for quite some time. Driving into Lincoln from North Woodstock it can plainly be seen to the right of Big Coolidge, and I glance up to it each and every day. The first things that catch the eye about it are the massive ledges that adorn the Southeast side of the peak. Today was the day to finally answer the call.

View of Whaleback from Lincoln

Part of the mystique of Whaleback to me is the fact that it is no longer traversed by any “officially” maintained trails. The AMC’s original Osseo Trail used to go over this summit on the way to Mt. Flume, but the trail had to be rerouted in 1983 due to the building of the Clearbrook condos. The new Osseo Trail branches off of the Lincoln Woods Trail and does not traverse the summit of Whaleback anymore. However the trail abandoned trail is lightly maintained by some of the condo owners, and is fairly easily followed.

This section was like a normal trail

After about a mile’s walk, a small campsite with a simple shelter appears on the left side of the trail, right next to a crossing of Clearbrook. After carefully crossing the brook on a fallen tree I rejoined the trail. From the campsite on the trail becomes slightly more overgrown and a little more difficult to discern. There are, however, some blazes along the way.

Nice stream-side camp site

Toward the middle of the hike the trail actually becomes a stream for short distances, with large volumes of water moving along the path and dry-looking pits of boot-sucking mud before and after these sections. It is during this part that the trail must carefully be followed, as I found out by quickly losing it altogether. Once back on track the trail began to get quite a bit steeper climbing through a series of switchbacks. On one of these corners I was surprised to find an old AMC sign still bolted to one of the trees.

Old AMC sign

On another of these corners is a short side path to a rather dramatic ledge, that is actually quite dangerous. You can’t walk far out on this sheer rock face but it offers an interesting, sweeping view of Loon Mountain, Scar Ridge, the peaks of Mt. Osceola, the Tripyramids, and further beyond.

View toward Loon and the Osceolas and Tripyramids

After I was on the way again it wasn’t too long before I came to another old sign and another side path. This time to the view I had been awaiting the most. The opposite of the view I get of it every day. This a sunny little clearing with a great view including Mt. Liberty, and across to other ledges also on Whaleback and the backside of Big Coolidge (the other mountain calling my name). The Kinsmans, Indian Head, Mt. Wolf, Moosilauke and the towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock can all be seen from here as well.

View to Kinsman Ridge, Moosilauke and town of Lincoln; Mt. Liberty poking up at far right

This view point isn’t too far from the summit and shortly I arrived there. The only thing that marks the wooded summit is a single spruce tree in the center of a small clearing. This clearing also has a side path to another view back to Scar Ridge, etc. I dropped my pack here and enjoyed a nice lunch in solitude, accompanied only by some hyperactive songbirds.

Tree marking the wooded summit

After lunch I walked a short walk past the summit on the trail and then bushwhacked out to a small clearing that offered the surprise view that turned out to be the best of the day. This view looked Northeast and immediately recognizable was Mt. Washington and to the right of that was the majestic trio of the Bonds. I always love a view to these peaks in particular.

Great surprise view

After this it was time to head out, back over the same trail which actually seemed harder to follow in the downward direction at times. Shortly after an hour later I was back at my car and anxious to get a look back to the top of it.

Hedgehog Mountain - 5/13/09

2009-05-17T22:29:00.007-04:00

After really enjoying the rather leisurely trip out to Lonesome Lake I decided to take another shorter hike, one that I could take my time with. I had always heard that Hedgehog Mountain was a good “Bang for your Buck” peak, meaning it offers good views without an overly strenuous hike. After a sunny drive East over the Kanc I arrived at the parking area, down a short dirt road opposite the Passaconaway Campground. In short order I was geared up and hit the trail.

Spring on the UNH Trail

At the outset it was a lovely, completely flat walk. The trails in this area are also used as cross country ski trails in the winter, and I imagine they are quite nice in that season. After taking some pictures of flowers along the way I arrive at loop intersection. I had decided to do the loop clockwise, going to the East ledges first, for these are the most heralded views of the hike. I tramped along at a relaxed pace, trying my hand at identifying the various trees and flowers, and taking more pictures.

Close-up of Hobblebush flowers

The trails passes over what only seem like minor ups and downs for about a mile before beginning the fairly tame climb up to the ledges. Before long I was walking on exposed rock and soon came out on the broad expanse of rock with a view even better than I was expecting.

View from the East ledges; Passaconaway on right

After taking some pictures and a quick snack break I hoisted my pack and set off for top. The ledges then swing along to the right and the ledgy knob of the summit then comes into view, not far ahead. Not too much later I came out onto more ledges with views of varying degrees of impressiveness. The views from the top are interspersed among a few different open ledges. Potash Mountain is close at hand, and views to the East and North are opened up. I had my lunch on one of the ledges, gazing off toward Carrigain and Lafayette.

View Northwest from summit; Passaconaway on left this time

I continued on the loop and was now on the descent which seemed to be a bit steeper than the other side, but still pretty mild. After what only seemed like a few minutes I arrived at the signed side path to Allen’s Ledge. This is an interesting three-tiered viewpoint. Oddly enough the higher ledges off the more restricted views, but the uppermost outlook atop the knobby ledge offers an interesting look back to the summit. The lowest is the most open and is the most dramatically perched, almost like a balcony.

View from Allen's Ledge

After taking in these sights I was back on the path and on my way down. This was quick business, and soon after I was back at the loop junction only a short walk from the car. I vastly enjoyed this little loop and would certainly like to return.

Lonesome Lake 5/12/09

2009-05-13T21:01:00.005-04:00

It was a beautiful morning but the forecast called for it to get cloudier later in the day, with a chance of rain, so I decided to take a shorter hike. I had never been to Lonesome Lake but had seen some gorgeous pictures taken there, so why not take the short trek out to it? This is one of the most popular family hikes so I knew to expect easier grades and only moderate climbing along a nice trail with good footing. The Lonesome Lake Trail passes through some lovely forest on a shoulder of Cannon Mountain on the West side on Franconia Notch and offers nice little glimpses of the Franconia Ridge along the way. I also saw the first wildflowers of the season and had to snap a few pictures.

Painted Trillium

After a little over a mile I arrived at the Eastern shore of the lake and took in the expansive view of the entire body of glinting water and the peaks of Kinsman Mountain beyond. After snapping some photos I headed South on the Around-The-Lake Trail.

View West across Lonesome Lake, Kinsmans beyond

After a few minutes of walking along the wooden pathway, the AMC’s Lonesome Lake hut soon comes into view and a dock on the shore offers the best view of the day, across the lake the entirety of the Franconia Ridge rises prolifically to the East. After a quick break I continued along the loop, passing through some breathtaking bog scenery. The long grass and calm water all around invites you to take your time through this section. After another half mile or so I arrived back at the Lonesome Lake Trail and set off for the car. I’m glad I was finally able to see this famed view for myself and I look forward to making a return trip in winter sometime.

View East to Franconia Ridge, Cannon on Left

Mt. Moosilauke - 4/29/09

2009-05-06T09:58:00.012-04:00

Moosilauke was another one of the places I had really been wanting to get back out to. I have a great view of it from many of the hotel rooms at work and always find myself looking at it, vowing to get up there soon. This was the day. It was gorgeous and fairly warm, so I set off for Ravine Lodge Road. To my delight and surprise the gate was open and I didn’t have to hike up the road like I was planning. I was already off to a good start. The Gorge Brook Trail being the chosen route of the climb up. What a pleasant walk it was!

Lovely, open section of the Gorge Brook trail

It never really seems to have any long sections of climbing and travels through some lovely forest and has some nice viewpoints along the way. It almost feels like cheating. This probably explains why it’s the most popular summertime path on “The Moose”. Before you know it, the trees are getting smaller and you pass an area with a great view back down to the Ravine Lodge.

Looking down on the Ravine Lodge

Right after passing this you emerge from the trees with the broad dome of the summit ahead. This summit is broad and rocky , but is also blanketed in an expansive alpine meadow and is one of the windiest spots I've encountered in the whites.

Approaching the broad, dome-shaped summit

The 360 degree views are seemingly endless, with as far as Canada and as close as Lincoln all visible from the same spot.

View over Lincoln toward the Franconia Range, Pemi Wilderness, and Mt. Washington

This mountain also has a long history. Including the Carriage Road, the hotel that once stood at the summit, and the nation’s first downhill ski race was held here back in 1927.

The remains of the foundation where the summit hotel once stood

After a quick bite to eat behind one the wind shelters, and a marathon picture-snapping session, I set off toward the South Peak, a spot I had yet to visit in my travels but had heard much about.

The South Peak seen from the main summit

After a nice walk along the ridge, with many interesting views off to either side, I arrived at the spur path leading up to the southerly knob and after a quick climb up I was admiring the sights.

The main summit seen from the South Peak

In addition to fine panoramic views, this peak also offers another perspective of the main peak and a great bird’s-eye-view of Tunnel Brook Notch, it also feels a bit more remote than the main peak. A great side trip.

View from South Peak; Looking down into Tunnel Brook Notch, Black Mountain behind on the center-right

Before long I was back down and on the Carriage Road, which was also an interesting trail. I was imagining horse-drawn carriages, not to mention Model-T Fords, going over it in years past. Shortly I arrived at the Snapper Trail, which also didn’t have a sign at the junction and, having had much less traffic, barely felt like a trail at times. I highly enjoyed the slightly more “wild” feel of this route. Not long after I arrived back at the Ravine Lodge and looking back on a great day.

Franconia Ridge - 4/13/09

2009-04-21T18:42:00.007-04:00

Since finishing the 4000 Footers, I’ve been really excited to get back to a certain few places. The Franconia Ridge was at the very top of this list. The first time I was on The Ridge (May ‘08) it was on a very cloudy day. In fact once above treeline, I couldn’t see much of anything, especially not the views I'd heard so much about. So with the goal of soaking these sights in, I set off on a bright, sunny morning with hardly a cloud in the sky.

After getting geared up in the parking lot I set off on the Old Bridle Path. This particular trail is one of my favorites. Built in 1852 as a path for horses, hence it’s name, the lower section is fairly flat and makes for a great warm-up walk through some lovely forest. The going gets a little tougher, and at around the 2 mile mark you come out on a series of ledges with incredible views across Walker Ravine to the peaks along the ridge. After this you ascend the steep little humps along what is known as Agony Ridge. It received this name from the AMC crews that must pack heavy loads of supplies up to Greenleaf Hut. The hut is reached at 2.7 miles and sits right below treeline next to the Eagle Lakes. After taking a refueling break here, I strapped on my crampons, knowing to expect a mix of ice, snow, and rock once in the alpine zone.

Mt. Lafayette rises over the Greenleaf hut

About an hour after reaching the hut I had climbed the mile up the summit cone to the top of Mt. Lafayette. As expected, and forecasted, the wind was very strong today and it was much more so up here. I did however get every bit of the view I was denied on my previous trip here. The view off toward Mt. Washington was amazing, as was the sight of the snow-covered dome of Moosilauke, but the true gem was the greatest perspective of the Pemi Wilderness I’ve ever seen. I especially loved looking off toward the Bonds. I had to duck behind a large rock after snapping a few pictures every minute or so to avoid being frozen in the wind, but it was worth it.

Trail signs atop Lafayette

After finishing with the pictures, I suited up in some more appropriate clothing and set off along the spine of the Franconia Ridge. This is an exhilarating traverse with wide-open views the entire way. After a mile you come to the top of Mt. Lincoln, with a great view back to Lafayette and Flume and Liberty now come into view. A short walk later and I was at the junction with the Falling Waters Trail atop Little Haystack. I looked back, getting my last glimpses from the ridge for the day, before descending down the trail into the trees. This trail is fairly steep and makes quick work of getting back down while passing by some nice waterfalls. Not long after beginning the hike down I arrived at these falls and, shortly thereafter, my car. I was glad I had waited for a great day to get back up on the Ridge. I enjoyed it the first time but truly appreciated it this time. Now I’d like to get back up there and see it when it isn’t covered in snow. Shouldn’t be long now.

The Franconia Ridge seen from Lafayette

View of Mt. Washington and the Twin-Bond Range

Mt. Monroe - 3/25/09 The Big Four Eight

2009-03-26T14:27:00.008-04:00

The weather forecast for my days off this week was looking great, and it proved to be even better in reality. I set off around 9 AM for the Cog Railway base station - the winter trailhead for the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail - under warm, sunny conditions. I arrived, strapped on the pack, and set off on the trail. On the drive in the "Ammo" Ravine looks pretty steep and slightly daunting, but it was a really nice walk. The first mile or so is relatively easy going. Then you arrive at the Gem Pool, from then on the trail is quite steep. This where the vast majority of your elevation is gained. I took a short rest, strapped on my crampons, and was set out for the Lakes of the Clouds hut.

The Ammonoosuc Ravine

After climbing up through the woods, you slowly come out above treeline. The summit cone of Mt. Washington comes into view off to the Northeast and a broad view opens up behind you. The hut, closed in winter, comes into view ahead. The hut sits in a col between Mts. Washington and Monroe, beside two small alpine tarns (glacial ponds), with Washington being 1.4 miles away and Monroe being .3 miles out. This area is normally pounded by high winds nearly constantly, this being obvious by the roof-high snow drifts on the hut.

Snow-covered Lakes of the Clouds hut

The snow is rather compacted and incredibly icy, making crampons and ice axes required gear (as well as sunscreen, so I found out). Setting off for the summit of Mt. Monroe, I began the steep, icy climb upward. I also met a group of backcountry skiers, who jumped off the East side of Monroe and skied down into Oakes Gulf. It was pretty impressive, to say the least.

Summit cone of Mt. Monroe seen from the roof of the hut

The conditions up there where almost unheard of for these particular mountains. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the wind never picked up to more than a light breeze. The views seemed to never end. I could not have asked for a better day to finish my 4000 Footers, and while I felt accomplishment to have finished them, the prevailing emotion was that of excitement to get back out to these awe-inspiring places.

View Southwest from Monroe, Franconia Ridge are the white-capped mountains in the back

Lakes of the Clouds hut and Mt. Washington

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Mt. Moriah: Round 2 - 3/17/09

2009-03-18T08:44:00.007-04:00

What better way to spend a beautiful St. Patrick's Day than atop a mountain? I couldn't think of one so I decided to attempt to climb Mt. Moriah again. I arrived at the trailhead to find that the snow on the trail was packed solid, meaning I wouldn't even need snowshoes this time. A world of difference from the last time I had tried this path.

The Presidentials from summit ledge of Moriah

I made it up and over Mt. Surprise in good time and soon passed the spot where I had turned around on the previous trip. From this point the trail goes over a few PUDs (Pointless Ups and Downs) and over a couple false summits before reaching the small ledge at the actual summit. Here I sat on the bare ledge, had a quick lunch in the sun, and gazed off toward the Carter Range and the Presidentials.

USGS benchmark at summit

I snapped a few pictures of the 360 degree panoramic view from this vantage point before setting off for the car again. See you next time, for what will hopefully be the completion of my 4000 Footers list!

View toward the Northeast

Mt. Moriah Attempt #1 - 2/25/09

2009-02-28T17:57:00.006-05:00

As one who enjoys hiking, I spend a fair amount of time reading trip reports and trail conditions online. I frequently read reports of people being turned back during there hikes for various reasons, mostly weather-related, before reaching their destination. Fortunately I’ve yet to be forced to cut a hike short. This lucky streak ended on this particular trek.

I had decided to hike up Mt. Moriah via the Carter-Moriah Trail from Gorham on this crystal clear day. A few days before the hike we had a rather large snowstorm, I thought I would save myself a huge amount of effort breaking trail and give it an extra day for other people to pack out the trail. However, upon arriving at the trailhead I found that it hadn’t been touched since the snowfall. Trail breaking is incredibly strenuous and is usually done in groups, with the leader breaking trail for a while before stepping to the side and going to the back of the line, and the next person in line does the same, and so on. The prospect of breaking out the 4.5 mile (9, round trip) trail by myself was not at all appealing, but it was a beautiful day and I didn’t want to have driven up there for nothing. I decided I’d give it a go.

A lower (not-so-deep) section of unbroken trail

From the start the snow was about 2 feet deep and the indentations from the trail could be seen clearly. While this made for easy route finding, the stomping through the snow was getting tiring quickly. The trail ascends over a minor hump called Mt. Surprise before climbing up the main peak of Moriah. After a little more than a mile, the muscles in my legs where already getting worked heavily. I had almost decided that I would turn around upon reaching Mt. Surprise when I remembered the ”rest step”, and put it into action. The “rest step” is a method of hiking that allows your legs to rest while you walk. This is done by locking the knee of the rearmost leg while the other leg is moving forward. Locking the knee takes all the weight off the muscles and puts it on the bones instead, allowing the muscles to rest for a brief moment. While I find this method too slow and “clunky” for warm-weather hiking, it seemed to work really well in this application. I came to the summit of Mt. Surprise and thanks to the newfound energy I decided to continue. By this point, however, the snow had already become quite drifted, erasing any sign of the trail and was around 4 feet deep. After another mile and a half, my legs begged me to turn around. I had to agree with them after it took around 20 minutes to gain only a tenth of a mile. I turned around and began the painful 3 and a half mile trudge out. Since I was the only traveler on that particular trail that day, it was almost as hard hiking back though all that snow as it was the first time. Needless to say, I don't think I was ever so happy to see my car.

View from Mt. Surprise ledges

While it was a shame to not get to the top on such a gorgeous day, I was still rewarded with some great semi-panoramic views off to the North and to the West to the Northern Presidentials from the ledges around the top of Mt. Surprise. Moriah will still be there the next time. See you then!

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Mt. Cabot - 2/17/09

2009-02-18T11:13:00.007-05:00

With #46 squarely in my sights, I set off on the drive to the Northernmost of the 48 peaks, Mt. Cabot. It was to be a lovely day according to various weather forecasts,and it was. It was blue skies and sunshine the whole time I drove to the trailhead, with the exception of some clouds over a couple of the higher Presidentials. Shortly after setting off on the York Pond Trail I came to a clearing with a view of Cabot ahead, blanketed in snow clouds. Off I went, a little less optimistic, and withing minutes it began to snow and continued throughout the remainder of the walk. It was pleasantly warm and the snow was thick and fluffy, so it made for nice conditions despite the fact that views were sure to be lacking.

The Bunnell Notch Trail

After a few more miles, and another inch of snow or so, I reached the cabin near the top and continued on toward the summit. After finding the sign at the top, I set off for the cabin once again, to take a break and eat a quick lunch, before returning the same way I had come.

The cabin below the summit

The improvised sign at the "true" summit

Upon glancing back up the mountain again from the same clearing, it appeared that the clouds had moved out. Apparently it was my own personal snowstorm, as I drove home the skies were blue and the sun was shining, even the clouds on those higher peaks appeared to let up a bit.

Looking back

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See you next time!

Mt. Waumbek - 1/21/09

2009-02-10T21:41:00.010-05:00

I have been meaning to finish up the four remaining mountains on my 4000 footer list for some time. Not that I’m in a rush to do so (although I would like to have them all climbed within a year), but there is a certain hold a list has over you once you decide to take it on. At least in my case. Steve Smith calls this the “Tyranny of the List”, and rightly so. Once I’m finished I can get out to some of the other places I’ve been wanting to visit since falling prey to this tyranny. I still cherish each one of these places and have some great mountains left to go to get there though.

I decided on Mt. Waumbek for the next adventure, and was up early the day of the hike. I packed up the gear and was on the trail on Starr King Road in Jefferson. The beginning of the Starr King Trail is dotted with deer tracks and passes through some lovely forest, and an old well. It also follows a nice grade that never really gets strenuous. Just stay toward the left to avoid getting unintentionally sidetracked on other trails used by the locals.

The lovely Starr King Trail

While it was quite cold, being in the single digits, it was an incredibly pleasant hike. The snow on the trees was so thick, some of them were entirely coated in it. After a little over two hours of leisurely snowshoeing I reached the summit of Mt. Starr King.

Near the summit of Mt. Starr King

Upon reaching the clearing with the fireplace that remains from the shelter that was once there, I shrugged off my pack to have some food and hot chocolate before setting off for Mt. Waumbek, a mile further.

The fireplace atop Starr King

It was on this quick break that a Gray Jay, a small bird native to higher altitudes, landed on a branch right next to me. It seemed to be quite interested, not in me but the Fluffernutter I was eating. I dropped a piece for him and he sat next to me eating it. I snapped a couple shots of him and he flew off, as did I.

The Gray Jay

The mile between these two peaks is a lovely stroll and seems to pass quicker than any other I can recall. After getting a quick view toward the Northern Presidentials from a nice spot just beyond the summit of Waumbek, I set off on the return trip, more than satisfied with this day spent in the woods and looking forward to the three left on my list.

The view from just beyond Waumbek's summit

Mt. Liberty - 1/13/09

2009-01-27T18:11:00.007-05:00

After finally getting a little snowshoeing experience on my trips up Indian Head and through the Flume Gorge, I felt ready to try one of the closer 4000 foot peaks. I decided on Mt. Liberty for a couple reasons, 1) It’s the closest peak, in fact I see it’s summit from work everyday, 2) It combines some nice, easy sections with some relentlessly steep calf-burning sections, and a little above treeline exposure to fully experience the winter elements, but it’s also an easy peak to retreat from should the weather turn sour, and 3) It has a great view (but it turned out to be a foggy day later on).

Pemi River seen from Whitehouse Bridge

I set off from the Whitehouse Trailhead parking area under grey skies but was still excited to finally attempt a winter 4000 footer. The trail was well packed so it made for easy snowshoeing. I was again caught off-guard by how unfamiliar this trail, which I had traversed twice already this past summer, looked when dressed in white.

Wintry scene on Liberty Spring Trail

The burning that starts in the calves on the steep section of the Liberty Spring Trail remained the same however, no matter what season it is, and I began to imagine how tiring it must feel to break trail on this particular stretch of trail. The tunnel of snow-laden branches that adorned the trail was a sight to behold.

The tunnel of trees

After reaching the junction with the Franconia Ridge Trail, the summit is only three tenths of a mile further and I came out above the trees not much later. The incredibly cold and fast wind that the trees had previously been blocking came out in full force up here.

The best view of the whole day, just above treeline

I added extra layers of clothing and marched on toward the summit, which was completely hidden from me, in the fog ahead. It was almost startling how fast the wind drifted snow, covering the tracks I was making almost as fast as I made them. The seriousness of the moment set in rather quickly as the summit appeared out of the fog much like the hull of the Titanic materializing out of the darkness of the ocean depths.

The "Titanic" summit of Liberty emerges from the fog

It was exhilarating to know that I was fully prepared to deal with these conditions that seemed so brutal, and even crazier still, I was enjoying it. I stood on the summit ledge staring into the fog from what is a very precipitous drop, not being able to see twenty feet in front of me but still enjoying the view.

A map of the route to Mt. Liberty; via Whitehouse, Liberty Spring
and Franconia Ridge Trails

See you next time!