Moosilauke, #27 of round 2 of the NH48

Every time we hike the Moose it is overcast, so we knew it was meant to be when Saturday April 30th was, indeed, overcast. We had been waiting for a "low-ish wind day" since the summit is so exposed, and at 20MPH it wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. 

It's a 2 hour drive for us, possibly the farthest peak out of the 48. (Nope, actually if we are able to drive to the trailhead, Osceola via Tripoli Rd clocks in at a 2:10 drive. So close, but not a winner, Moose.)

The winter gate was open (yay! no road walk) and there were about 20 or so cars parked in various places along the road. 

The mountains had received a poorly timed snow fall earlier in the week, so we were unsurprised when we had to don spikes less than a quarter mile in. Typical April, you almost see Spring on the horizon and then a foot of snow drops. Gross. 

Early spikes aside, the trail had been well packed out and was in super condition. (That would be Gorge Brook trail by the way, a popular route as it is reasonably gradual, all the water crossings are bridged, and the trail is quite safe and meticulously maintained.)

As we continued up the trail, winter became more and more evident. 

Remembering the way the clouds rolled in at the summit last time we were here (August 2019) we stopped to take a quick pic at the first viewpoint. 

While it was windy and cool (27) at the summit, the clouds were high enough so that we could see all around us. 

We didn't linger much- as it was pretty brisk.

Still winter here! 

From the summit to South peak the snow got fairly stupid! Full blown drifts and winder madness. 

A quick stop on South for a couple more views, and we headed down. (Carriage rd and snapper trails- definitely the roads less traveled today!)

It turned into a decent day on the way down, a little sun quickly turned the trail to mashed potato, but the snow amounts diminished as we descended. We found just enough to let Ellie leap for some snowballs, which she was delighted about!

So all in all- another good mountain day. Slightly persnickety conditions, but low low crowd levels (higher than the past couple weeks, but the head count was still in the low 20's.) for whatever reason my legs/feet were not having a super day, which caused me to lower my "fun rating" but that happens- even when I have a crap leg day it's still fun being out there. I'm annoyed at the flare up my foot seems to be having at the moment, it's been on and off all spring but seems to be popping up at weird times (like- Friday was relatively low key- why did my foot hurt from step one today??)

Miles: 7.9 (no roadwalk today!)

Elevation: 2653

Time: 3:27:36 (like a literal hour PR)

Fun: Eric 7.5, Me 6.5