Owl's Head: July 25th 2020

We live in the age of Instagram. 

Activities can only be considered successful, and interesting if there is a pretty (and perhaps heavily filtered) photo to prove your accomplishment. 

As I contemplated the many (many) complaints that I had heard about hiking Owl's Head, the biggest complaint was certainly the lack of splendor. 

No photo ops. 

No magnificent summit to pose on with friends and family. 

No bang for your buck. 

Listen. I'm not about to get all profound. But I really do not believe that success is measured in instagram likes. You can enjoy something without the carefully curated photo op.  

(and you can also enjoy the bejeebus out of sharing your adventures! Heaven knows I do. But I live for the adventure, not for the likes....)

That being said. Go like the hell out of our new YouTube Channel!! Give us SO MANY LIKES (I'm such a study in contrasts!)

Pointless Ups and Downs

Here is the progression: Our YouTube skills progress from BAD, to OK and we hope to get to DECENT. (but don't hold your breath.)

Anyway.

As we embarked on out quest to tag Owl's Head early on the morning of July 26th, I was fully prepared to suffer. I doubted that I would hate the hike, as I tend to enjoy the oddball adventures. But, I had my doubts about liking it at all.  Mostly, the things on my mind were my concerns about the potential tackling of our first bushwhack (more on that later) and my hopes that the water level readings I was seeing were correct . My biggest fear regarding this hike was NOT the low value summit, but coming to the first river crossing and having my dog swept away by the current. Luckily, it's easy enough to get the info you need about such things, and I was cautiously optimistic.

We arrived at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead before 5:30AM to find it jam packed full. We easily found road parking about 0.25 miles away, but knew it was bound to be a busy day. 

Our hike began as we knew it would, on the bone flat Lincoln Woods Trail. 

I mean.... How can you be mad about this?? #easy

At mile 2.8 we took a left onto the Black Pond Trail. I had researched the Black Pond Bushwack, and knew it would cut a bit of mileage off the hike (plus 2 major crossings and some odds-and-ends stream crossings) Armed with knowledge, the Gaia app locked and loaded, and a map and compass (although a map isn't terribly useful in this situation) we proceeded on a pretty obvious herd path. 

Which promptly vanished into the woods. 

Feeling 100% uneasy about this (even with Gaia in hand) we bailed and got the hell out. No point in flapping around in the woods all day. 

I'm not going to lie. The detour was worth it, as it was lovely. 

And it was also good to bail. If your gut tells you no, listen. 

OK. So with and extra 2 miles already in hand, we were officially off. 

I highly recommend sticking to the standard route (Lincoln Woods, Franconia Brook Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Trail) as you can totally zone out and go into autopilot.

So. It's really as easy as that. Take the bone flat super highways of Lincoln Woods and Franconia Brook. (there are a couple baby crossings on Franconia Brook) Bang a left onto Lincoln Brook. Shortly, you will hit the major river crossing (this is the one to worry about in high water, for sure.)

Big, wide river. No shoes required. 

While there are a few pointless ups and downs on this Lincoln Brook Trail, it is still extremely straightforward. After your second "real" river crossing, you will see where the Black Pond Bushwhack comes out on the left. I can see the reason of the popularity behind this *trail*. You do avoid two of the big crossings, including what is clearly the most daunting. (even though it was a low water day, we needed to wade across in shin deep water. very pleasant, it was hot.)

You spend 3.4 total miles on Lincoln Brook trail before coming to the "trail head" for Owl's Head. 

There is no sign.

On this day, there were two obvious rock cairns on the right, to mark this turn. 

Don't blink. Trail head.

Because I was keeping an eye open for them, they seemed obvious. However, 50% of the people we later met said they blew right past them (the mileage on my GPS measured the trailhead at 3.3 miles- but I do not trust devices 100% in such thick woods.) 

From there, yes. You go straight up. You gain like, 1500 feet in one mile. 

While it is a grind, it's not awful. It's a cross between Hancock and Flume slide. We all enjoyed it, if you want to know the truth. Plus, you FINALLY get your instagram photo!! (I took one! Believe me, I am not above the insta!)

INSTAGRAM PIC

You are NOT "there" once you reach the top of the slide. You wind, and wind, and wind through the lovely woods for about .25 before you find an unassuming cairn which marks the top. 

Summit

As we made our way through the final .10 of the trail, we crossed paths with another hiker. "Did you love the epic summit?" I asked him. He laughed and said "Getting to the top of this mountain is epic enough."

That. Is. Correct. 

We did take the Brutus Bushwhack on the way down (at the BIG boulder- take a left. It is indeed a herd path and completely bypasses the slide.) 

From there, we happily retraced our steps and reentered the CHAOS of humanity once we reached Lincoln Wood Trail. THRONGS of people. (we saw fewer than a dozen people heading to Owl's head. Then at least 100 in the final mile.)

Honestly, it's weird being alone in the wilderness all day, and then return to the screaming mayhem of people (who apparently think that being outdoors excuses all kinds of bad behavior....?)

DONE

We checked back on at our car 9:50 from when we began, and the insane traffic was just too much, so off we went. 

This is one that I'm glad to have been able to check off the list. You really do need decent day to do this one- I would NOT suggest heading out after major rain, if there are storms in the forecast, or in the early spring when snow melt is an issue. 

You can easily find water data Here

People who I have talked to say that the crossings are difficult for humans when the levels are above 200, and not recommended for dogs until they are 50/60 (it was about 150 the day we went- and we all felt very, very comfortable.) 

One more word of wisdom. 

If you plan to hike ANY trails get a map, learn to use them. Get the White Mountain Guide, read it. Use internet groups to assist, but be responsible for educating yourself. If you choose to use your phone for any type of navigation, prepare for it to die and have a back up plan. (and pack your damn 10 essentials!!)

All 3 of us were pretty worn out after this adventure, but I'm feeling satisfied with the whole experience. Yes, it is a long way to walk for a 4025' hill. But getting to the summit is always half- or 99.9% of the fun, and if you love a good (FLAT) woods walk, you will love this one. 

Even Ellington was tired!!

I liked you Owl's Head. 

Next time (next time??) I will pack light, and run a good bit of this as it is a trail runners dream. I'm actually weirdly excited about trying that out. I like to be in the wilderness. I like the path less traveled. I do not like Lincoln Woods Trail in July......

Stats:

-21 miles

-3440 ft elevation gain

-9:50 min total time (at LEAST 30 min stopped time. We/Ellie need to eat.) 

-Difficulty: EASY/HARD/EASY

(don't be an idiot and try to do this one if you don't have your shit together. there is no cell service. that's all most people need to know :-)) 

Week 6: B2B2B 624K Challenge

This past week wasn't delightful in the running department, but I still managed to get it done. 

There were definitely a few REALLY hot and humid days.

While they might have been pretty to look at, it was quite unpleasant to exist in that weather. 

Despite the grossness, I still got in 30+ miles. SO: goal accomplished. Out of all the runs I did, only one way any good. Maybe 2? More like 1.5, let's be honest. 

I had reached my limit of 4:30AM wake up calls on Wednesday, and rebelliously slept in until 5:45 the following day. That meant getting in some after work miles, which wasn't terribly fun (but definitely beat getting up early that day!!) That seemed to sufficiently recharge my batteries, and I felt much better after that. 

We wrapped up the week with a 21+ mile hike to the elusive Owl's Head. A bit of a notorious mountain, because it's basically the longest hike you can imagine for a 4025 foot hill. We took advantage of some perfect conditions, and got it done. 

As expected, the first place woman in the challenge did indeed claim the crown early in the week. The second place finisher certainly could wrap things up tomorrow. 

Currently, I am sitting in 8th, but I have my doubts about whether or not that is real. With Garmin down I believe a few people are behind on loading data (you don't need to "prove" what you are doing, but I think most of us are relying on data of some sort.... and perhaps waiting to sync?) I gave up waiting and plugged my watch into the computer to get my miles loaded for complete transparency. 

Another week in the books. 

A hot, humid and busy upcoming week may preset some challenges. We shall see. 

Miles run: 32.2
Miles Hiked: 21

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 8/43
Hottest day: A brutal 95 degree Monday
Longest run: 7

Week 5: B2B2B 624,000K Challenge

Holy. Crap.

Can I even remember last week??

Week 5 of the B2B2B was a crazy one, but I managed to get in my personal goal of 30 miles (or maybe slightly more?) All runs were done at ass o'clock, with a couple little bonus sessions with the puppy in the evening (I really wanted a day off, haha)

Two of the mornings were almost cool- a nice change!! Lots of slugs, dead frogs, and animal poop on the road in the early morning. Also, an outrageous number of deer flies. HORRIBLE.

There was a particularly nice sunrise, before a day of enormous thunderstorms.

The calm before the storm

The weekend weather was not conducive for running, hiking, living. Also, I had a horse to look after who had been subjected to major oral surgery on Friday. Hence, Eric and I sat out the weekend and missed out on bonus miles.

I feel good (maybe not while actually running) but I feel very accomplished and pleased that I have met my personal goal for this event every week since week one. I'm sure I'm also building a terrific fitness base (for something? or just for fitness!)

Miles run: 31.6
Miles Hiked: ZERO BOOOO

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 13/43. Holding steady. The first place woman in going to win officially, tomorrow. 
Hottest day: HOT AF like, 90's both Saturday and Sunday. UGH
Longest run: 6.5

Mt. Adams Via Airline: June 14th 2020

It has been a funny season for hiking thus far.

Plan "A" had us wrapping up all the NH48 except the Bonds, and Owl's head during the very early Spring season. Due to COVID, we didn't even consider traveling to NH (even though it is about 4 minutes away) until June. 

Our other goal for the early season (originally planned, tentatively, to happen late June) was a full Presi with Ellie. 

Anywhoo. Weeks later now, we have postponed our Presi attempt until either:

a: a perfect day where we limit weather variables for maximum safely

OR:

b: next year. the mountains are always there

Because Mrs. Ellington was a little baby last year, we made no complete summits conquests in the Northern Presis. although we did play around Adams, just enough to stick our heads above treeline. 

After a week of the weather looking like crap, we woke up the morning on June 14th to a promising looking day, and off we went to conquer Adams, and to test Ellie's skill in the boulder field. 

It should be mentioned that Eric has beef with Adams. He kind of low-key hates it, and I can't completely argue the point. Every time we have been up there visibility has been zero. The wind has been INSANE. The rocks.... So slippery. So, Eric and Adams had a score to settle. 

We headed up Airline, as we had never done the whole trail and figured it would be a *good* time and a *great* way to tick a trail off the T25 list. Many good choices. 

Anyway. As promised it was, in fact, a decent enough day. And WEIRDLY, no wind. 

Airline was decent. Then rocky. Then kind of dumb. 

You can't judge the ups by the pic

Weirdly though, after this garbage section of trail it gets pretty decent again! Trickery. 

And.... As is the case with many of these silly hills, once you get above treeline it's a bit mind blowing. On airline, you basically teeter in space and can gawk down into the ravine and make wise choices about focusing, not tripping and falling. 

Just looking up for safety

Because I was 100% not focused on picture taking, I neglected to take a single shot of any of us making our way through the boulder field. 

But let me say this. 

It was a dry day. 

There WAS ZERO, and I mean ZERO wind. 

Visibility was as good as it gets. 

And Ellie was amazing. 

And, with GLORY in our hearts. we summited. 

Then (as you can see) we descended the boulders with success, walked over to the Madison hut, and came down Valley Way because it's easier than Airline. 

Success! A great day in the Northern Peaks. As far as T25 trails go, Airline is a piece of cake. (although you can REALLY appreciate how BAD it could be if you took a wrong step....)

We barely saw any people all day, except for a decent sized pack of noisy college aged humans. The weather was amazingly cooperative. It was a great reminder about the technical/fiddly challenges of the northern peaks that you just don't see elsewhere. AND, we were both delighted with how well the puppy handled the tricky terrain. Smart girl (and, because she is only about 45 pounds, her paws didn't even take a beating.)

Stats:
Date: June 14, 2020
Mileage: 8.5
Elevation: 4,447
Time: 5:50 (probably 20+ min of taking in the scenes, etc)
Challenge level: Difficult
Dog Friendly?? Completely, until you get above treeline. If you had issues with your dog on the way to the summit you must be aware that carrying them down could be very difficult. So proceed with caution. 

Week 4: B2B2B 624K Challenge

It's hard to believe that week 4 is already in the books, but there you have it.

Another successful week in the running department. All workouts done at the ass crack of dawn to avoid work/weather pitfalls.
Ass crack o'clock is pretty.

Summer is nice

Once again I completed my goal of running all the "required" miles, and banking a few extra miles while hiking.

All runs were done at a relaxed pace (no real "workouts" at this point. my brain can't handle that crap at 5AM.) All runs were done in humidity, and with some of the WORST guests: deer flies. They are just horrible this year.

Eric, Ellie and I hiked 11 plus miles, in the rain on Sunday to check Mt. Cabot off the list.

Rainy wooded summit

Anywho.
For about a HOT minute I moved into the top ten in the challenge (at the bottom... literally 10th place) but immediately lost that! The leading woman is already 80% done, with a couple others nipping at her heels. For the rest of us, it's going to be a "race" to stay in the top 15 or so, unless there are some drastic changes. DRAMA.

So backing up just a little. This really is the first time in history that I have woken before dawn to run more than once, or twice during the summer. By the middle of last week I felt that I was acclimating to the routine reasonable well, and (almost) was enjoying the process.
Then, I completely got off track over the weekend by doing rebellious activities like sleeping until 6AM. Oh well.

I signed up for the virtual edition of the Boston Marathon, although I have zero intention of training to do it fast, or particularly well. I do feel that it's going to be a fun event, and it will be fun to connect (virtually) with some of my friends who were planning to run. Also, it's a pretty historic thing to be a part of (although the "historic" reasons that Boston seems to be memorable are all just a bit grim. seriously....)

Miles run: 32.3
Miles Hiked: 11.25

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 12/43
Hottest day: HOT and gross. About 90 on Friday and HUMID AF
Longest run: 7.0

Baldface Circle Trail, June 7th 2020

I'm running pretty far behind on my hiking recaps but there is a legit reason for that. I was only about 23% committed to writing recaps this year since they take up time and I wasn't entirely sure they would ever be useful to me.

HOWEVER. During the past week alone, I think I have sent people to various trip logs from last years adventures a minimum of 10 times. That's a solid week for me, since #Covid #nofriends but apparently I am regarded as the person with the info.

And, hence, the hiking posts shall continue, albeit tardily.

So WAY back on in early June, Eric and I had intended to make the drive to Rangely to hike Saddleback and the horn. Approximately 3 minutes into that particular morning, I took a bad step and hurt my back in a manner that made it difficult to sit. And that was that for the 2.25 hour drive each way.

Plan B, made hastily, was to scoot over to Evan's Notch and amble around the Baldface Loop. At 10-ish miles this seemed like a good trip for early season, and we felt pretty confident hiking in that area since we basically live there. I knew to go clockwise around the loop, as a couple ledges were said to exist.

We leisurely arrived late morning, to find a (typically) full lot. Too many little trails in that area make for crowded parking.

However, we saw very few people heading out and saw no people for the first couple miles. The first real human interaction we had was at the small camping shelter, which I believe was about 2.5 miles in. To that point, the trail was certainly on the easy/moderate side. A really pleasant walk through the lovely woods.

Just after the shelter, you see your first couple rocky ledges. My initial impression based on my research (brief research, I will admit) was that the ledge/scramble stretch was pretty short.
Well. Not exactly.

The beginning 

All the scrambling is doable, but be prepared to get your butt up some rocks. Don't be afraid of heights. Be agile and nimble!! And get ready to fiddle around on a rock slab for quite some time. The views make it TOTALLY worth it though, plus, scrambling can be pretty fun.

One of the first views. HELLO.

The best thing about this hike is that there is SO much to look at. We tend to do quite a few "walking through the woods" hikes, which I really enjoy. But sometimes, getting up above the trees is pretty fun.

Possibly the prettiest thing I had seen all year

Anyway. Eventually the one thing we couldn't help but notice was the 400MPH wind. It was insane. The most crazy. Like, my hat blew off.
But it was PRETTY AF.

Stop

I don't want to be a total fangirl but this was possibly one of the most lovely hikes ever. And stepping outside of the 4k obsession was absolutely fine, and something that I would consider daily, if all hikes were this perfect (and please don't forget the half mile of straight up rock, because you do have to cope with that.)

Loves scrambles

Between the South and North peaks were more views, (like, always) another short scramble, WIND, and then a view of where we had been.....

Remember those rocks from earlier??

Anyway. Lame blog. Lots of nice trail. Like, PERFECT except for the actual technical rock climbing part, haha. Beautiful flowers. VIEWS for DAYS. And nice woods. This hike was a real 10/10.

And then we came down, out of the hurricane wind, got back into the woods, crossed a perfect river and then we were done. THE END.

River

I hate to oversell this. But writing this over a month later has given me time to ponder what an actually amazing hike this was. I would go do it again tomorrow, but tomorrow we are hiking Cabot which must be done.... Unless you are not nimble and brave, go do this hike. Even if you aren't nimble and brave, walk to the first place it gets rocky (almost immediately after the shelter, going clockwise) take a look, and then go down (you really do not want to descend those rocks. so quit early unless you are committed.) The views are amazing, but more importantly, it's a really glorious trail experience.. This hike would not have been our first choice, and I'm actually kind of ashamed by that as it was one of the most enjoyable trails we have seen. Lots of variety. Lots of fun (maybe lots of danger, haha.)

Stats:
Date: June 7th 2020
Mileage: 9.6
Elevation: 3,484
Time: 4:55 (included 15-ish min of faffing around)
Challenge level: Difficult, only because of scramble
Dog Friendly?? ISH. Must be able to handle some rocks

Week 3: B2B2B 624K Challenge

I'm pleased to say that despite some potential pitfalls (work, weather) I was able to stay on track for the challenge this week. 

I really did not improve (or ruin!) my standing in the order, which is ok. Slow and steady. 

I only ran super early on one day, and it was lovely!

A nice way to wake up

I had a shockingly solid run on one relatively cool day, after work. It's always nice to see that the slow and early miles actually translate to some quicker work when the timing and weather line up. 

If I was marathon training at the moment, the early running would feel awful. I never wake up at 4:30 feeling prepared to tackle speed, or hills, or extreme distance. But to be honest, I actually enjoy an early summer wake up call for some easy miles. 

We snuck in a Sunday 10 mile hike up Garfield, which was HIDEOUS. Kidding. 

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

And that wraps up week 3. A short recap, but week 4 has me feeling pretty damn busy (no complaints, considering the current state of the world.)

Miles run: 30.2
Miles Hiked: 10.0

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 14/43 (holding steady, temporarily moved up one place then promptly fell back to 15th haha)
Hottest day: Why don't I remember? Pretty hot. Like 85.
Longest run: 7.2