Eisenhower and Monroe, #35 & 36 of round 2 of the NH48

May 29th brought us the sudden and unquestionable onset of Spring to the mountains! After a very typical "spring", that was slushy and snowy and icy and freezing, this was a delightful change. 

With perfect weather in the forecast, we headed up to do Eisenhower and Monroe. We have never done the two of these mountains together, so it was kind of a new adventure! 

We didn't start the hike until about 9:30 and we could tell that along with Spring, the fair weather hikers had arrived. We quit counting when we passed the 100th person- it was quite a busy day but we still had a nice amount of quiet time, especially past Eisenhower. 

The trek up Edmands Path was pleasant- we always enjoy this trail. 

It was so nice to see green leaves, dry trail and NO SNOW!!! It was just the morale boost we needed after the rough go in the Northern Presis a couple weeks earlier. 

New England is funny. One weekend you are in your winter coat and the next weekend you are all up in your summer kit. (and then the next weekend you'll be back in your big puffy coat!)

Once we were above treeline it cooled off a bit was was still just a lovely day. We made the final ascent to Eisenhower and it was kind of a zoo- definitely a holiday weekend vibe (it was a holiday weekend!)

Next up was the walk to Monroe which was just fabulous. There was absolutely nothing for us to complain about.

Spring was everywhere, yay!!

UGH STOP!!!! 

Just going to let the photos take us to Monroe....

So, we made it to Monroe after a very pleasant walk that was done in perfect weather in gorgeous scenery with lovely alpine flowers blooming. 

We summited happily!

After tagging the peak, we wandered down to the hut. It was not yet open but there was plenty going on, with people prepping the hut for a busy season. 

From there, we began the walk back. Since we have never taken Gulfside Trail around Monroe, we choose this route and really enjoyed it. 

We trekked over the low key summit of Franklin before heading back towards Edmands.

There were some shenanigans along the way....

And more pretty things to look at!

The remainder of the hike was uneventful (other than Eric was mercilessly hounded by black flies once below tree line. Another, less wonderful, part of Spring!)

The three of us all felt that this had been one of the best hikes of Spring. My foot was feeling better, Ellie loved playing in the streams on the warm day, and none of us missed the tedious snow. Ellie had no trouble with her feet (we used some mushers wax, but this was not nearly the beast of a hike of the northern peaks.) So for sure, a super day. 

Miles: 10.7

Elevation: 3967

Time: 5:21:50

Fun: Sara: 9.5

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