tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88602782976664701592024-03-13T14:11:16.108-04:00Middle Aged Runner.....A fine example of someone who thrives on the low IQ that comes with 26.2...middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.comBlogger683125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-39274683444299783622024-01-07T17:29:00.003-05:002024-01-07T17:29:49.134-05:00Chicago MarathonWell, it has been quite some time since this blog has seen a marathon recap.<div><br /></div><div>To backtrack just a bit. We had big plans for some summer hiking, but the summer was a rainy mess! Truly one of a kind. Add this to Eric having a very persistent injury, and me easing into marathon training and hiking became low priority. Fall rolled in with better weather, just as I qualified for United States Finals on my horse (!) Needless to say, I had no plans to derail that with the chance of breaking my leg hiking (unlikely but still...) </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways. Quick recap here just so I manage to remember how this played out when I look at this blog again in a decade. </div><div><br /></div><div>After not marathoning in person since 2019- and basically being sidelined from the sport for years due to repetitive injuries (culminating in my 9 months of plantar fasciitis) In January of 2023 I was finally sound, and ready to try again. </div><div>(I am going to completely pass by the training montage. long story short- I knew the comeback had to be slow and extremely cautions, and my plan was to show up to Chicago in October ready to run a HALF marathon. And to be uninjured.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Things went according to plan. </div><div><br /></div><div>I arrived in Chicago to some of the best weather I had seen all season (remember that rain I mentioned? by some stroke of luck it did not follow me to the Windy City.) I found Chicago to be an easy city to navigate and I made my way around very successfully, and inexpensively using their train/subway system (is it the L? I can't recall) After checking in to my hotel (the quirky, and quirkily named 'stay pineapple" I made my way (via train) to the expo. It was late afternoon on Saturday at this point, and the line for security was worryingly long, but moved fast and then the crowd opened up. It was easy to pick up my bib and shirt, and then I made short work of the expo. (I would honestly rate this expo pretty low in comparison to Boston and NYC but I wasn't looking to spend money so it was ok!) </div><div>It was for the best anyway, as I still wanted to do a practice walk from the hotel to the start, and find dinner as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Practice walk was good and came in at 15 minutes. I was able to easily get dinner because one person can eat just about anywhere (expect city prices, for sure) I had some gelato as a night cap, then cruised to Macy's for a throwaway sweatshirt, then it was off to bed for me. Oh, and I tried to see the sights but evidently they are under construction. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P75GIAf_p4LBu-gXjyNK8lqqSalNqWKfnpHuBgYFcq5vtOvlxKycRc2jgZ0JuQ_-lALgaALXcxUOIH5tzi-lMpBzTIVe2lmrUUjXvWrFvT3FKg3jgOX_FuG9wKKcOPH9ulrCSzEBRxZLaWKbnj0OmqVj1UWqsrF9bFAF7iy2bj9CW0GEt0WYe9PwEEU/s4032/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P75GIAf_p4LBu-gXjyNK8lqqSalNqWKfnpHuBgYFcq5vtOvlxKycRc2jgZ0JuQ_-lALgaALXcxUOIH5tzi-lMpBzTIVe2lmrUUjXvWrFvT3FKg3jgOX_FuG9wKKcOPH9ulrCSzEBRxZLaWKbnj0OmqVj1UWqsrF9bFAF7iy2bj9CW0GEt0WYe9PwEEU/w300-h400/IMG_2165.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I will note, that as quirky and dated as good old Stay Pineapple was (quirky, dated, and mind bogglingly expensive...) It had the MOST comfortable bed I have ever slept in. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to the next morning and I woke up right on time to the sounds of super loud music. As it turned out, there was a race aid station right below my window. Totally fine, since it was time to get up. I did my normal thing. Got coffee and a donut. Took a shower. Got dressed and procrastinated. Got to the start line at the *very last* minute. Actually, I got there in time to stand in a port potty line that I refused to get out of, which caused me to miss getting into my corral which I gave zero craps about. I hate having to pee in the first few miles so it all worked out. I just entered in the last corral and it was fine. Of course, when you are in the back of the last corral it takes 30 minutes to get to the start, but not a problem.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtMxybksJqx8B0-OY5DpiYutM9xGAD-TPv2mSyEpWT_Y3b_Y6HFnEkC5H7E7i7qAjDEoYrxG8Z2Q08c5uigKNIfQbmVXwmtHsNqYwdtrpU8JcEe8cNfvxJoM_9GMx59sNVvfow0A_fZmEt7mjrUqvmzBI69Dfcj-6Z4vO9ywJ1bjq2Asae_cWwF_2tNs/s2436/IMG_2821.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtMxybksJqx8B0-OY5DpiYutM9xGAD-TPv2mSyEpWT_Y3b_Y6HFnEkC5H7E7i7qAjDEoYrxG8Z2Q08c5uigKNIfQbmVXwmtHsNqYwdtrpU8JcEe8cNfvxJoM_9GMx59sNVvfow0A_fZmEt7mjrUqvmzBI69Dfcj-6Z4vO9ywJ1bjq2Asae_cWwF_2tNs/w185-h400/IMG_2821.PNG" width="185" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And then I ran the marathon. </div><div>As expected, I was exactly fit enough to run a half marathon, so that is what I did. The course was BONE flat, the flattest thing I have ever seen, which messed with my legs in ways I could not have expected. (left leg IT band, which has never hurt a day in its life was screaming and hollering.)</div><div><br /></div><div>After mile 13 I took it as easy as I needed to in order to avoid having a bad time. I patted all the dogs. I stopped to have a beer (like a shot of beer) with new spectator friends.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKF_vJI0RHFe3K4O8RljojyPBmIrvEq8aLbEGK4hulCrYnoebVPxkCINQmKfWx9FuHQzb6JUFQ0MMNaCVBfA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I walked some, I ran some. I enjoyed the dancing drag queens and the every mile musical aid stations. I was pretty surprised to have such a painful IT band because that never happens (and has not since.) Either way, I had no grand delusions of a finish in the speed of Me of Old, I wanted to have a good time in the manner of Me of New. And I did! I really enjoyed the race and rate it VERY high on my list of races- it is a solid second place finisher, just after Boston. Crowd support was crazy and the roads were nice and wide so after the first couple miles the runners thinned out a bit (it's a crowded race, if you care about your time maybe start in your assigned corral hahaha.) </div><div><br /></div><div>And JUST LIKE THAT I was finished, in something like 4:38 or 4:36, I can not remember.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrBX5P8z6rIKrotl7TIdBqyEsimXKmPSbkxew0f5EV8GvWiLTwZUc97cfunbWei0IlfBZdfSTKspkiTAs2hdA6ieDaboi1ooG_XO_mi4RBcZZFydoUgxM_JnJ18o71StVd-zFVxd-OwjbOlxyvSy4y7xlZGfW8xVG3y6WEXcZaziWwzYZXbQD7iQSAkA/s3088/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrBX5P8z6rIKrotl7TIdBqyEsimXKmPSbkxew0f5EV8GvWiLTwZUc97cfunbWei0IlfBZdfSTKspkiTAs2hdA6ieDaboi1ooG_XO_mi4RBcZZFydoUgxM_JnJ18o71StVd-zFVxd-OwjbOlxyvSy4y7xlZGfW8xVG3y6WEXcZaziWwzYZXbQD7iQSAkA/w300-h400/IMG_2184.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>I ate an apple and these amazing tiny chocolate covered donuts. I walked back to the hotel and took a sink bath since I had needed to check out before I left. I took myself out to brunch and made new friends. Then I got back on the train that was packed like sardines, spent over 2 hours in security at O'Hare, almost missed my plane, and then went home. 36 hour trip for the win. </div><div><br /></div><div>THE END</div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-74170255839445611022023-05-26T18:10:00.003-04:002023-05-26T18:10:38.474-04:00Spring hiking 2023And just like that, it was spring! Sort of.<div><br /></div><div>April 8th Eric and I ventured to the Franconia area for the weekend to celebrate his birthday (late!) We had procrastinated since we were both sick, and assumed that by this time we would be well over it. </div><div>Ha Ha.<br />Eric was still suffering from a lingering cough (remember. at this point it had been literal WEEKS since coming down sick. I had taken 6 covid tests by this time, and Eric his fair share as well- all negative. So we were not spreading the plague around.) And while Eric was ill, I won the award by coming down with a gross sinus infection. It was ROUGH. Ellie joined in the fun and got an ear infection, which she was unperturbed by. When we arrived in Lincoln, I assumed I might be spending the whole weekend in the airbnb waiting for the antibiotics to work their magic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the good news was that by the next morning my face and tooth pain had subsided, my nose was less stuffy, and the only intense symptom was a continuation of ear blockage (the worst of my life!) All in all, we were on the up and up. </div><div><br /></div><div>We met up with Evan for a chilly- but beautiful- climb up Liberty and Flume. We did an out and back of Liberty Springs trail (from the bike path at Flume Gorge.) This trail is lovely in the winter conditions because all the rocks are buried! Despite not being able to hear particularly well, I was feeling well enough to have a great time, as we all did. It was chilly enough for it truly to be winter conditions- some of the best of the year! </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a successful trip to claim these peaks for this round of the 48, and for April. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l2jj3WdE1lvOGOY65cWG3KyCBdIzkSNvTn0AKMI1yn0kgqij2bzqVyXAA6FxPKrFkTsCFrgGqDeYg2zKpkG5S9j7nhdmGlaq3Ts0-1ItrOeFhucQw9NL-xL4QRuP8i0umpGpnnyHqmMySmlx8X07znX5YY_rALqMTVR-h2Vp7w5maUFARMZP7lZ6/s4032/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l2jj3WdE1lvOGOY65cWG3KyCBdIzkSNvTn0AKMI1yn0kgqij2bzqVyXAA6FxPKrFkTsCFrgGqDeYg2zKpkG5S9j7nhdmGlaq3Ts0-1ItrOeFhucQw9NL-xL4QRuP8i0umpGpnnyHqmMySmlx8X07znX5YY_rALqMTVR-h2Vp7w5maUFARMZP7lZ6/w640-h480/IMG_0684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The following day the weather warmed up a bit, and the wind was forecast to be very minimal so the three of us decided to do Franconia Ridge. </div><div>Last year we did a big traverse from Flume to Lafayette, also in the Spring. While it's a little disappointing to repeat seasons at this point, this is NEVER (on a good day) a disappointing hike- and it WAS a good day so we took advantage of the chance to beat the summer crowds. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g8WOc04Iz_xKcNwSUB2seitd8F5wTUb8c_EIhJwxWOSM1DmxrAWA-61eRAPNThULYs97XyEe_ZUA38VX5xC8AJ3SvDqp6cUfQvCAEmtTa3U-matYkkdaDll7KfeAMcW2CZkfD1KHw43bNFSA1xcR8apRJA0X_Yz_Kg3h4ROfA9k3vNcKsyizUb-A/s4032/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g8WOc04Iz_xKcNwSUB2seitd8F5wTUb8c_EIhJwxWOSM1DmxrAWA-61eRAPNThULYs97XyEe_ZUA38VX5xC8AJ3SvDqp6cUfQvCAEmtTa3U-matYkkdaDll7KfeAMcW2CZkfD1KHw43bNFSA1xcR8apRJA0X_Yz_Kg3h4ROfA9k3vNcKsyizUb-A/w640-h480/IMG_0714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>While it got to 50 during the later part of the hike it was pretty solid winter conditions. Spikes to the ridge, bare boots across, and then spikes all the way down. The descent was a combo of pretty bulletproof ice to the hut- and then mashed potatoes in the warming temps. It was a little chilly up high- but another beautiful day and a good chance to get these peaks crossed off the list for this round, and April. </div><div>And yes, I have decided to make bucket hats a thing. I'm sick of my ears getting burned and bucket hats look badass. </div><div>And, unexpectedly, we set a solid PR of something absurd like 45 minutes! </div><div><br /></div><div>So the very next weekend, Summer arrived. Full send, 81 degreees, summer. </div><div>We ventured out to visit Madison and Adams since it was supposed to be 47 degrees up high, with very little wind. Basically the best weather one could hope for! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well. It turned out to be a heck of a lot warmer than planned. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX5gtyCHZ0EF4unmRXkvwKb5D566kyqgTIevWAlibMnDMB5A4e784sqT8at9KdSv32Pjyim19ZHCeZOgcmnCtEuVyOQlhmF_bItSDbtbN1ydFdkXEwFyVH9yYZS3rSM76o-eaVVxeAkR26k4b_mu_I78GK4PWmymvxy63p9fqdy-F6GaeeuLYhiZY/s4032/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX5gtyCHZ0EF4unmRXkvwKb5D566kyqgTIevWAlibMnDMB5A4e784sqT8at9KdSv32Pjyim19ZHCeZOgcmnCtEuVyOQlhmF_bItSDbtbN1ydFdkXEwFyVH9yYZS3rSM76o-eaVVxeAkR26k4b_mu_I78GK4PWmymvxy63p9fqdy-F6GaeeuLYhiZY/w300-h400/IMG_0759.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>It was a hot one. Zero wind. Toasty. We have been up there in july on much colder days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course- conditions were a mess. Bare boots to 2100' going up, then spikes up the skinny, rotting monorail. Bare boots from Madison Hut to Madison and Adams, and then a disgusting walk down Airline in gross spring conditions. Typical.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that crap aside, it was a truly stunning day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QyExfyxTh163BoK45HEi77mf2DMArHJESRrSS1037NnVuieQNlGKYN5RoEhCL4sK7aRq3bjBzyoUUPHIlOOhdgfHui8QYOwtY8tnpNMR3MDFHKVuDqNajhnRTeNZsDFK572AEkiUOd9ntt8IIUm2iSyyp8-8EO2zXIye5U8gvqPs2OBU8gBeNKsa/s4032/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QyExfyxTh163BoK45HEi77mf2DMArHJESRrSS1037NnVuieQNlGKYN5RoEhCL4sK7aRq3bjBzyoUUPHIlOOhdgfHui8QYOwtY8tnpNMR3MDFHKVuDqNajhnRTeNZsDFK572AEkiUOd9ntt8IIUm2iSyyp8-8EO2zXIye5U8gvqPs2OBU8gBeNKsa/w640-h480/IMG_0767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Neither of us had a terrific day- Eric had done a big workout the previous day and was tired. I was a ton better but seemed to be developing a cough (with no "I'm getting sick" feeling symptoms, I did indeed pick up a cough which is still here on April 29th. two more covid tests still say no, so here we are.) Ellie had a great day so that was good. We ran out of water. We had grossly overpacked. Nothing we could not figure out, it was just a VERY long day and the usual reminder that the Northern Presi's are the hard ones. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhute9Hedp0AzL3cNFiJOnPPjZVPrDMnrwrnhimJ4sW3wu_66ofZwCrYNP_RK1Dce5ZBJ2Yj0vup-KmgGILLK-sVQouEH6Aa61BKH0qBy8z7e5tMb2HZ0Wp42FhAcrbTIDRpzHE351_YIgPQvLAhdWBIMPy2oQ6ZG8Gz0Jln6KeJnyGmv6dFq4BjgcY/s4032/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhute9Hedp0AzL3cNFiJOnPPjZVPrDMnrwrnhimJ4sW3wu_66ofZwCrYNP_RK1Dce5ZBJ2Yj0vup-KmgGILLK-sVQouEH6Aa61BKH0qBy8z7e5tMb2HZ0Wp42FhAcrbTIDRpzHE351_YIgPQvLAhdWBIMPy2oQ6ZG8Gz0Jln6KeJnyGmv6dFq4BjgcY/w480-h640/IMG_0774.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>It was a very low traffic day, despite the incredible weather so that was nice. </div><div>So this checked both these peaks off for this round and for April. We were glad to get them done, and now can look forward to a Jefferson to Pierce mini Presi once the Jefferson Notch Road is open. </div><div>At a later date, we also discovered that this long day also brought us to the halfway point of this round of the 48. Cha-ching. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well. I wrote this weeks ago and forgot about it. So anyway. More to come later. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-17187795306500673652023-04-15T18:02:00.000-04:002023-04-15T18:02:04.737-04:00Winter Hiking Wrap Up<div>After a messy January, we were able to catch some decent weather days for some solid hiking through February and March.</div><div><br /></div>February 11, we snagged a gorgeous day to hike Tecumseh. Interestingly, we hiked Tecumseh almost a year to the day ago, in very similar conditions. It was sunny, relatively mild, lots of hiker traffic and we wore spikes top to bottom. We made short work of this hike and I believe set a PR (I'm too lazy to double check that.) <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApbiKaI_pqALTZo0daII90qxZMOa78OvhxCKOI5slAC-c4hu7Knd_7bm9XWA4rVdRB38EdroLjOdEP9dUqE-5ovcelmWLXpLEswEPBLtl4E_cqhRXEf60veglajR81eDVc3iYdO2cf9IA4NH1FQUVPQp2Q5Yx03bYxeI1V4YECI_5kDLE-Xez5qS7/s4032/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApbiKaI_pqALTZo0daII90qxZMOa78OvhxCKOI5slAC-c4hu7Knd_7bm9XWA4rVdRB38EdroLjOdEP9dUqE-5ovcelmWLXpLEswEPBLtl4E_cqhRXEf60veglajR81eDVc3iYdO2cf9IA4NH1FQUVPQp2Q5Yx03bYxeI1V4YECI_5kDLE-Xez5qS7/w640-h480/IMG_0405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>February 12, we set out for redemption on Carter Dome. As wise as it is to hit all of the Carters at once, we did not have the time. Conditions were still not great, but snowshoes from top to bottom kept us on our feet. It was a chilly day, especially during the last mile, but we were very lucky with pleasant sunshine and very little wind at the top. No matter what, Carter Dome is one of those hikes that is just a long slog- and it may not be our favorite! (this being said, it was pretty cool to see the summit in winter conditions. HUGE snowdrifts get you up so high, it's a very different landspace from summer!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SN0DchENSEg37XeS3h_1n9QAgnDGSJhVTCyIDjgkmYPDxgu56IkRgA1XBl7jof2b0YBNGyOVz-6WU3b0ry6q6tKevboLpyMx6hYsSm9EWp2XWaqqEUO2okmpAo45RTD1C0anFZQvh2k22I9SnhTh3uhSm7-dleJhYXfffdFtFWiQFvGpzwEUJAPM/s4032/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SN0DchENSEg37XeS3h_1n9QAgnDGSJhVTCyIDjgkmYPDxgu56IkRgA1XBl7jof2b0YBNGyOVz-6WU3b0ry6q6tKevboLpyMx6hYsSm9EWp2XWaqqEUO2okmpAo45RTD1C0anFZQvh2k22I9SnhTh3uhSm7-dleJhYXfffdFtFWiQFvGpzwEUJAPM/w640-h480/IMG_0430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>February 19, we set off for our first winter trip over the Tripyramids. We had a really great day, and enjoyed an out and back on Pine Bend Brook Trail. There is no doubt that this is a steep, steep hike in many places but we were able to wear spikes the whole time, and it was fast and fun. It was also a beautiful day, and we enjoyed very quiet trails. This is a trail where traction is VERY much needed in winter, and there would be no way to manage the steeps in bare boots (I think bare boots in winter are the equivalent of flip flops in the summer... so...) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgroIU6fPoxmzUgQaoXFpN5h6gklAr_oF9CUC_5aMYbjIY0Sn0KZNhoXEkCwqcbp333XYl0ljvdvWOLB3aZqe7ELXtKHsDyVOmmOw-Te05J4gOD7PysR6c1cOKFB8GhL8jrK-W_VfAAK5IDCsyz29Qwi59IVMLNzTV9V0ji9rNMQR6ZDmj7I3_4q0/s4032/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgroIU6fPoxmzUgQaoXFpN5h6gklAr_oF9CUC_5aMYbjIY0Sn0KZNhoXEkCwqcbp333XYl0ljvdvWOLB3aZqe7ELXtKHsDyVOmmOw-Te05J4gOD7PysR6c1cOKFB8GhL8jrK-W_VfAAK5IDCsyz29Qwi59IVMLNzTV9V0ji9rNMQR6ZDmj7I3_4q0/w640-h480/IMG_0457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>February 20. South and Middle Carter. Getting the rest of these bitch ass Carters done for the season. Blech. We went from Imp trail (not over the imp face) to North Carter Trail and it was as one would expect. Honestly, it was not a terrible day. It was pretty warm, we managed fine in spikes, we only saw 5 people. We bopped down past the Joe Dodge Lodge at the end, and then ran down the road back to our car in the pouring rain, which was extremely unpleasant. Somehow, we took zero photos. </div><div><br /></div><div>March 5, it had snowed about a million feet over the course of the week, so we packed the snowshoes and hit Jackson. Thankfully, this is a short (less that 5 mile) hike but despite our misgivings, it was very well packed out. The biggest challenge was the traffic on the trail which was almost summer level. Several large guided groups out and about, and some unguided intrepid barebooters as well, tearing up the trail like a bunch of ass hats. The summit was a shit show of much higher than forecast wind, unconsolidated snow, and horribly bad visibility. We scooted. This was a pretty good time though, and it was incredible how much snow had shown up (at the end of winter..) Again, no photo evidence. </div><div><br /></div><div>March 11, we headed out for our final Winter season hike over the Hancocks. We were greeted with a pretty well established but unconsolidated trail, and opted for snowshoes AGAIN. Honestly, it is kind of nice to have the televators to get up the wicked steep parts, so there's that. This was our first winter trip on this trail and it was a damn good time. Gorgeous weather, beautiful views, trail blazes at ankle height and a crazy wild slide back down added to the adventure. This is a long, but really fun winter hike. I'll take it over the Carters anyway (this might win my award for best Winter hike of 2023.) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a3glVBNy9ckrlzx5L5kZCh4NN1jjh9i0zxAreX3BNKTo0FX4AW_XX0knCvWnk_bCWXRP0DwaHNw-eMsPucn94EEZGib_w6I-LP_0WuZR4tZLVwJAm9bATc4v7GxW3nGxa66ee10tsCu_6ab-17v_K_Dc3hWLyubNm7wBj9Vxj0UxRi7pi2ISthqC/s4032/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a3glVBNy9ckrlzx5L5kZCh4NN1jjh9i0zxAreX3BNKTo0FX4AW_XX0knCvWnk_bCWXRP0DwaHNw-eMsPucn94EEZGib_w6I-LP_0WuZR4tZLVwJAm9bATc4v7GxW3nGxa66ee10tsCu_6ab-17v_K_Dc3hWLyubNm7wBj9Vxj0UxRi7pi2ISthqC/w640-h480/IMG_0565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>March 25, Isolation, technically in the Spring, and officially our first Spring trip to Iso. Super day for spikes and fast conditions top to bottom. We took Rocky Branch, to the Engine Hill Bushwack, to Iso express and it was in incredible shape. Decent enough weather, and very low hiker traffic. This had the potential to be an amazing day, but sadly, I expect it to win the worst hike for Spring award. I had been dealing with a mild cold for a few days, and was feeling like I was probably not going to get very sick. Unfortunately, I ended up being VERY sick and have never felt so terrible while hiking. I can't really recall anything positive, because I was miserably ill. (and let's see- it is not April 15th and I am still getting over whatever it was. Not Covid. But something horrendous.) Anyway, I don't ever want to do that again, the end. Awful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-IZsukDly-LNwLje4Y_o6JqwIxyuohDK4ZWi7QuFdRrHwERSTq69g-I-ZQaDWJCsM-wZeaaLcC_AqMIKAjFxazSG6MHEVu4S4D0zqJhPKH92dA8oS1G4WBh3hnJKVbpax9m6hsspu2iv56OKHSy-n6w6xHZbfFAJyE-5U72g9uiG2pDesMaWp3ts/s4032/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-IZsukDly-LNwLje4Y_o6JqwIxyuohDK4ZWi7QuFdRrHwERSTq69g-I-ZQaDWJCsM-wZeaaLcC_AqMIKAjFxazSG6MHEVu4S4D0zqJhPKH92dA8oS1G4WBh3hnJKVbpax9m6hsspu2iv56OKHSy-n6w6xHZbfFAJyE-5U72g9uiG2pDesMaWp3ts/w480-h640/IMG_0624.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So that's a wrap for winter, and the worst hike of the Spring. We just had 3 crazy April days in the 70's and 80's so we have a feeling that things are not going to be very nice on the trails for a bit!</div><div><br /></div></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-31336693901439930452023-03-26T12:48:00.002-04:002023-03-26T12:55:32.593-04:00Fall/early winter hiking recap I'm running a little behind (and since this is round 3, we probably don't need a full blown report for each peak! (unless something is especially exciting))<div><br /></div><div>My sister visited for Thanksgiving, and (briefly) so did winter! We enjoyed a true winter day on Pierce and had a great time showing her one of our favorite 4000 footers. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZHeRQe-TuAROrhNCeEWegONv70CUwKS8RNvdUwYrW5aQeQ5oNk8J7t8V-4y5Rc_Ps644XCpyDrnZ3q6txsSDEUYck8EVpYo0X3si8cqQdn2cztW54ubn7RQFdhiRHbr3FhJ00lhVc2ON4tGMDiwt6L6NQbYOCLJ9Ls1Oe5E5hYqiip90Spms_mfn/s4032/IMG_9929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZHeRQe-TuAROrhNCeEWegONv70CUwKS8RNvdUwYrW5aQeQ5oNk8J7t8V-4y5Rc_Ps644XCpyDrnZ3q6txsSDEUYck8EVpYo0X3si8cqQdn2cztW54ubn7RQFdhiRHbr3FhJ00lhVc2ON4tGMDiwt6L6NQbYOCLJ9Ls1Oe5E5hYqiip90Spms_mfn/w640-h480/IMG_9929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We tagged Waumbek the second weekend of December and there was a noticeable lack of snow for the majority of the hike. Back to fall conditions, frozen ground, ice, kind of junky. I managed to hook my microspike in my boot badly during this hike and I took a fall that left my right hand injured for the winter season (not broken- seems like a tendon was injured and so I have been fighting tenosynovitis since. It's not terribly painful anymore but was an annoying thing to take away from what was a pretty annoying hike!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCwOF6PIRo1BEhdUEyNJYcx7kRKHlq_mpAEu9HJqkzojdK2hb-uMS_HsHRelxUDTjgfimpSYu0J2kXaByUyHVyhJkGXSBSdMpUnzRrNPrJOQ7Vpyf30DvGBSv3D-X0c-hSdR2dc6Y_GaHkgNPyf_29m9yYM86G1_C1PNCs5UuZLsjmI-HV2krN22w/s4032/IMG_0026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCwOF6PIRo1BEhdUEyNJYcx7kRKHlq_mpAEu9HJqkzojdK2hb-uMS_HsHRelxUDTjgfimpSYu0J2kXaByUyHVyhJkGXSBSdMpUnzRrNPrJOQ7Vpyf30DvGBSv3D-X0c-hSdR2dc6Y_GaHkgNPyf_29m9yYM86G1_C1PNCs5UuZLsjmI-HV2krN22w/w640-h480/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We began the winter season on December 27 with Hale. We chose to add the Zealand roadwalk and it was a really enjoyable day. Chilly enough so that the snow was very microspikeable and we made short work of the trail. A good way to start the winter season! It was cold so I took very few pics. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCedZHPY_EoPNV-uoopBnbF0Ha8dLBwGatIP2SivcbnMuOfJVg2TD7UKNh14JY0Bdbxi1zPkE4wTrOeSKKDUNJfR0asZDWuEkxajOuf5vZvOcPOSOms1DGLs4QS6UCMuSGLbAVSRE0QU6dZ1GqfO8Ngs3eAi8aLDNRF3I-kGzv-4zPXqEGmWDWCDs4/s4032/IMG_0158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCedZHPY_EoPNV-uoopBnbF0Ha8dLBwGatIP2SivcbnMuOfJVg2TD7UKNh14JY0Bdbxi1zPkE4wTrOeSKKDUNJfR0asZDWuEkxajOuf5vZvOcPOSOms1DGLs4QS6UCMuSGLbAVSRE0QU6dZ1GqfO8Ngs3eAi8aLDNRF3I-kGzv-4zPXqEGmWDWCDs4/w480-h640/IMG_0158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Later that week we ventured off in hopes to tag both Carter Dome and middle Carter. This turned out to be by FAR the worst hike of the 2022 season. We had a major storm earlier in the week and received some snow, and also insane amounts of rain. Temps were expected to be cool, and the trail report showed that the trails had been well set after the storm. </div><div>What we did NOT expect was a massive temp change (to over 50 degrees) around the half way point on the way up. The snowpack on the trail began to literally collapse around and under us. It was miserable, and unexpected, and we turned back less than a half mile from the summit (and had a dreadful descent. there was nothing that could be done to keep from sinking repeatedly, as the snow was falling into itself. We never have seen anything like it!)</div><div>The photo shows the amazing washout at one of the crossings from the rain.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHLcNIrnL47r6nWqjYBiDCaRhuWbLkyKwz8aEvwxLTytVB0dzTUMoJc9vZLxII2hphcJx6R5LLbsfGLKGcJzT6Wf2nhIW20rqxwu23ARiYNToSw_05iFw733d94fgoE2QZRqyY7ljxPbvdRJuBbbVrJaWeyUlrD3M4d48C4ZhtoC5Zg8pAr-xZ162/s4032/IMG_0170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHLcNIrnL47r6nWqjYBiDCaRhuWbLkyKwz8aEvwxLTytVB0dzTUMoJc9vZLxII2hphcJx6R5LLbsfGLKGcJzT6Wf2nhIW20rqxwu23ARiYNToSw_05iFw733d94fgoE2QZRqyY7ljxPbvdRJuBbbVrJaWeyUlrD3M4d48C4ZhtoC5Zg8pAr-xZ162/w480-h640/IMG_0170.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After that debacle, a combination of miserable weather, scheduling issues and other crap kept us out of the mountains for the month of January. </div><div>Stay tuned for the remainder of the winter season recap. </div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-41121152195962917382022-12-03T16:45:00.003-05:002022-12-03T17:48:56.419-05:00And winter returns. #5 Mt. WilleyUGH, after a glorious run, Winter arrived. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKmf399fF2kPf02a0yBrJww1pypivI9UfQVdfKLqgOH2m3_BhR7RrFSREP78foy3rFr7errhOzz9lHFQevCjkzkh8Q_x6xK6xgUHUrGUB0mJna7IpRq3jLdNNobIUTV-LvfS27qQpj13U0pP8AMFLvmR4GJfNUfpW0h9dcopcbEZaIxKiyWslKXAy/s4032/IMG_9870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKmf399fF2kPf02a0yBrJww1pypivI9UfQVdfKLqgOH2m3_BhR7RrFSREP78foy3rFr7errhOzz9lHFQevCjkzkh8Q_x6xK6xgUHUrGUB0mJna7IpRq3jLdNNobIUTV-LvfS27qQpj13U0pP8AMFLvmR4GJfNUfpW0h9dcopcbEZaIxKiyWslKXAy/w300-h400/IMG_9870.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The photo gives it away. We decided to tackle Willey for the Fall season. Last winter we tried to do it from this side and the ladders were an icy death waterfall of doom, so we bailed. They were fine this time, the trail was essentially ok (except for the fact that it's one of those trails that nobody talks about, but a good part of it is a steep little skank.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest issue with this day was the COLD. Like real full blown winter bullshit. 24 at the base, 17 at the top. Big winds scheduled for the day so we made it a one peak day, and were happy we made that choice. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd3w2L1e5n89zal-XcXcGfAgjfguElomSdJZVLZpJ4Eb1wpTy4fjP0s6Q3KofeUrfnR9zkENGK3Rg8mWkc0NYB-95I1jYQ_sWyD2hOamIcNFX0tlVapikWb-ueXkOA-kpwRWyAzlZOMVUX1v2ciZBvyyyduR3HpdTrBS_XbshGqteAct022LM5HHw/s4032/IMG_9872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd3w2L1e5n89zal-XcXcGfAgjfguElomSdJZVLZpJ4Eb1wpTy4fjP0s6Q3KofeUrfnR9zkENGK3Rg8mWkc0NYB-95I1jYQ_sWyD2hOamIcNFX0tlVapikWb-ueXkOA-kpwRWyAzlZOMVUX1v2ciZBvyyyduR3HpdTrBS_XbshGqteAct022LM5HHw/w480-h640/IMG_9872.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Despite the cold, it was very pretty. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHuNFGZZSTC-xzYOKNBTH28NtjzcUZoVk1-p87jMFM9AQliiI4ep-g2U2-PxFFFymh3dcQMn02JETRYY4IiINBx7Hdij7EKnSScXqKaVSPvvSiGfcfKfCcrrv38d9rTnvnZn14RV9H8w7EhgSaaij10apr_YHfS9YNfMag-OOOE_DBdFCiSw_ZXqq/s4032/IMG_9876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHuNFGZZSTC-xzYOKNBTH28NtjzcUZoVk1-p87jMFM9AQliiI4ep-g2U2-PxFFFymh3dcQMn02JETRYY4IiINBx7Hdij7EKnSScXqKaVSPvvSiGfcfKfCcrrv38d9rTnvnZn14RV9H8w7EhgSaaij10apr_YHfS9YNfMag-OOOE_DBdFCiSw_ZXqq/w640-h480/IMG_9876.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We did not linger long at the Summit. We knew the relative calm wasn't going to last, and we don't want to be anywhere near the summit when the winds start howling (we could hear them in the distance, roaring like a freight train.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The thing about Willey is that it is quite protected until you reach the summit. On this day, we knew the trail was on the right side of the hill to avoid the better part of the wind, even if it kicked up early. We had considered adding Field as it's awfully easy to scoot over there. But nope, it was an easy choice to bail. With the temp at 17 there was just no margin for error, so away we went. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGfTbObonCfdLPpvwjsTay4Cp4uTiROamLKCbj0MsGGi6SbW2BAI9Fr9kUP7wCxOWMmyD8Yo19BEiuNnC_FHxZJl8M_kRSLh8iVrMCmPGKmzy3lFP3ZZvPgi-qDLk-Ocz6QRlEhdj7ciK-jrdbaRSEXK9P8HFyhYBWO3902U4Qo3svXlNlGI9I31v/s4032/IMG_9879.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGfTbObonCfdLPpvwjsTay4Cp4uTiROamLKCbj0MsGGi6SbW2BAI9Fr9kUP7wCxOWMmyD8Yo19BEiuNnC_FHxZJl8M_kRSLh8iVrMCmPGKmzy3lFP3ZZvPgi-qDLk-Ocz6QRlEhdj7ciK-jrdbaRSEXK9P8HFyhYBWO3902U4Qo3svXlNlGI9I31v/w300-h400/IMG_9879.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Remember just a couple weeks back when we were hiking in tank tops? No more. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kbVbHKHRrsz-FE1VV6uMuSiCJFiVN2VZcDuF_oO0C-UT-mi3Xi66SCljhWhMVRAKuGurteZO7EzkpmU8bUfSCNmPIwaxMn8PVVvRQyo_iQTGInZEHeH-RqeoJL9dO7dVPs8cUIuVPqGY2nYy21aWgqzs_xFCQuy6wV0Q8bBC1BkabUY4GIIZn9ly/s3088/IMG_9881.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kbVbHKHRrsz-FE1VV6uMuSiCJFiVN2VZcDuF_oO0C-UT-mi3Xi66SCljhWhMVRAKuGurteZO7EzkpmU8bUfSCNmPIwaxMn8PVVvRQyo_iQTGInZEHeH-RqeoJL9dO7dVPs8cUIuVPqGY2nYy21aWgqzs_xFCQuy6wV0Q8bBC1BkabUY4GIIZn9ly/w480-h640/IMG_9881.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyway. We made it down no problem (except my micro spikes keep catching on each other, or on my new boots. So I fell. TWICE and was PISSED.) But then we went to get a hot chocolate to cheer up after the cold cold day. </div><div>We definitely had a conversation about how the weather was exactly what had been forecast, and how it would have been a really lousy day to head above treeline. Unfortunately, not long after we got home we heard word of a missing hiker on Franconia Ridge. Tragically, we all know how that turned out and it certainly is a good reminder to take these mountains very seriously, even it is technically still Fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Peaks: 1</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Miles: 5.25</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Elevation: 2998</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Fun: Ugh, it wasn't the most fun but that's life </div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-24563238810187262352022-11-30T17:33:00.001-05:002022-11-30T17:33:32.115-05:00And... We begin again. 1-4 of round 3 of the NH48Why not jump right back into it??<div><br /></div><div>Eric, Ellie and I spent a fabulous weekend in Lincoln, NH for my early birthday. My only requests were a nice airbnb (check) lots of hiking (check) and a trip to White Mountain Wanderer to buy a couple books (check!)</div><div>We also ate some really adequate tacos (I think the place was called Nachos and it had pretty terrible yelp reviews, but we took a chance and it was absolutely fine. NOT special but it was 65 degrees out, we sat outdoors, and enjoyed our overpriced Mexican, hahah.)</div><div>We also ate some EXCELLENT coffee and bagels from White Mountain Bagel. Now that was some good stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ellie approved of the airbnb was was very sus of the moose decoration on a mantle. Not into it. But she was very into the comfy couch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXgPtRxGzKxq8Y8ccufIh_Te1UhtuhFcctcoxkwbyO8N-kPy77VoRaqqyuARp5sKgT7RuDv7H2RFPa392Wbr3InOiAEKXj9M8X1Vk-I-C1Y-d8edWSkXUcpybuVzK93gl7YsWewsyNHDcgjIjGgTWAYuKgWio9ckSTnI-FSpKm0G5K4Mk04NfocyZ/s4032/IMG_9731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXgPtRxGzKxq8Y8ccufIh_Te1UhtuhFcctcoxkwbyO8N-kPy77VoRaqqyuARp5sKgT7RuDv7H2RFPa392Wbr3InOiAEKXj9M8X1Vk-I-C1Y-d8edWSkXUcpybuVzK93gl7YsWewsyNHDcgjIjGgTWAYuKgWio9ckSTnI-FSpKm0G5K4Mk04NfocyZ/w300-h400/IMG_9731.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>On Friday November 4th we restarted the 48 with a trip up Cannon in summer weather. Blue skies, 60 degrees, and only a handful of other hikers on the trail. (including the most grumpy hiker we have ever met. So grumpy!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>It was really a glorious hike, and even Eric (who hates Cannon) had to admit that it was a very amazing day. (and it should be noted that we crushed our previous PR by a good amount!) Standard route up and down KRT, which was in the best shape one could ask for. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5cd8qzzK1PmDGlSh4m2PSxuuA4GGzTodNCtTXCF_fThNz2Jd456BWrVju-R5N7Ey5gdlaK9-0uVVwv7HPg-V0bYxzWKSxLvdagkW2Rp4DZj5Cr4mwEayhBTtymiZitYvLqLuAhBg5EcsuoBqmMji_9Hg51PTCR8JqEnoFqVCNi_vk6LgTjcVy_sx/s4032/IMG_9720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5cd8qzzK1PmDGlSh4m2PSxuuA4GGzTodNCtTXCF_fThNz2Jd456BWrVju-R5N7Ey5gdlaK9-0uVVwv7HPg-V0bYxzWKSxLvdagkW2Rp4DZj5Cr4mwEayhBTtymiZitYvLqLuAhBg5EcsuoBqmMji_9Hg51PTCR8JqEnoFqVCNi_vk6LgTjcVy_sx/w640-h480/IMG_9720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtLRK1_X05RqP79Ycfx2YIbQtLt8EF2fyh0fqpZq4ME_J9KjuygVGLr3SQak0vMEH9_oAFvgQdwnWfWE8nPd6APdQjInKNftbwZ9hVSPfQqqptepYf-ifVW3xZ6FuE957LiJcGax2vtaWb7CG6qJhk01PZ-Lsoy5Fiya9KBleSvnrnB1H86Be9Jfs/s4032/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtLRK1_X05RqP79Ycfx2YIbQtLt8EF2fyh0fqpZq4ME_J9KjuygVGLr3SQak0vMEH9_oAFvgQdwnWfWE8nPd6APdQjInKNftbwZ9hVSPfQqqptepYf-ifVW3xZ6FuE957LiJcGax2vtaWb7CG6qJhk01PZ-Lsoy5Fiya9KBleSvnrnB1H86Be9Jfs/w640-h480/IMG_9722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The next day it started off "cool" (48) but eventually made it all the way to 66 amazing November degrees. </div><div>It was supposed to be a very windy day up high, so we decided on the Osceolas, since they are pretty well protected and below treeline. Also, once Tripoli Road closes, they are a very long drive from where we live (and only about 20 minutes away from our AirBnb!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Loads of people on trail, it was a real summer day according to the crowd levels. </div><div>We expected the crowds to lessen between peaks but it never really happened. This is what you get for picking a very popular route on such a temperate day! </div><div>We finished in a good time, with an automatic PR since we have only done this from Greely Pond, or with the lengthy winter road walk. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Rie22-QjkUCGH5CkyDKK3A80Vsi7EwRRJCAkendq9gTSA0yIoWcsHyP6GEjy2haBeXUgg5SQabrll3_j0rIGOFV1IDzDTfszfRXadmoJ3TLnojtuOEF4VJqYhwdime2OllJ5b7V7QYs4fJ4ofLwzDqCqIDVtf1yv8kBXa8U6nsKaoCcfi8XwMZJS/s4032/IMG_9744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Rie22-QjkUCGH5CkyDKK3A80Vsi7EwRRJCAkendq9gTSA0yIoWcsHyP6GEjy2haBeXUgg5SQabrll3_j0rIGOFV1IDzDTfszfRXadmoJ3TLnojtuOEF4VJqYhwdime2OllJ5b7V7QYs4fJ4ofLwzDqCqIDVtf1yv8kBXa8U6nsKaoCcfi8XwMZJS/w640-h480/IMG_9744.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyZvsLut30OoscnKnAuu21W1WatiRrMIrSvvpSH0HPNFZM_apWP3dIRvh4fGlYJM1QXiWUfIgsh5G81iaHUbmGHp7VMi0Yf69h4oYNXu8H0MUz10BisRSg7u3e-QFDtXdvWY8rPILh_ijZ0GBAgiRWn4cwQqhVk6dl78xgP7emtn3NXSlUnPeLklW/s3088/IMG_9751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyZvsLut30OoscnKnAuu21W1WatiRrMIrSvvpSH0HPNFZM_apWP3dIRvh4fGlYJM1QXiWUfIgsh5G81iaHUbmGHp7VMi0Yf69h4oYNXu8H0MUz10BisRSg7u3e-QFDtXdvWY8rPILh_ijZ0GBAgiRWn4cwQqhVk6dl78xgP7emtn3NXSlUnPeLklW/w480-h640/IMG_9751.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>After enjoying the weirdly hot day, and the mostly very cheerful other hikers, we took off back to our temporary home to allow Ellie to spend some time with her arch nemesis, the Moose. Pure Evil.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-sKyS_iCL-KnGMwGZVaL4X4bQm217lcZYFRqnDchyQ_4YeY7AjnYfItOL-y1Rj_t4tcum11Yftdle_LuSAuuMrGqNcwNA50VsQJSGSv5YpCNyW-gtmL-ZXsYMUL_bM3m4pdw5WsMKNkvwjeWz8_lCTRDAYm-jDWviYT9bk9vPGI63Oqyx5rjQk33/s4032/IMG_9755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-sKyS_iCL-KnGMwGZVaL4X4bQm217lcZYFRqnDchyQ_4YeY7AjnYfItOL-y1Rj_t4tcum11Yftdle_LuSAuuMrGqNcwNA50VsQJSGSv5YpCNyW-gtmL-ZXsYMUL_bM3m4pdw5WsMKNkvwjeWz8_lCTRDAYm-jDWviYT9bk9vPGI63Oqyx5rjQk33/w300-h400/IMG_9755.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Day 3 dawned warm. 65 actual degrees when I headed out on a coffee run at 6:30AM. Absolutely unbelievable conditions for November, and we WERE NOT SAD. (and, the clocks changed!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoi3RuocCDfuw2Kjag1n7Fl36oQXN0Az0ycfwyzH-Zegfhh6ZxA8eXBdT54dj3AxRaiSnGrMf-P_B_u56kFaLS4XPp_F8qU-pmB-UhzRIjN3nQbsyFg3T6LIwRDJGGi-LiqLhVd4DfJDS-SCO2uU0p2wJeYAt-qtDwMfzH-iw374YstYpW2QHrqz5/s4032/IMG_9756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoi3RuocCDfuw2Kjag1n7Fl36oQXN0Az0ycfwyzH-Zegfhh6ZxA8eXBdT54dj3AxRaiSnGrMf-P_B_u56kFaLS4XPp_F8qU-pmB-UhzRIjN3nQbsyFg3T6LIwRDJGGi-LiqLhVd4DfJDS-SCO2uU0p2wJeYAt-qtDwMfzH-iw374YstYpW2QHrqz5/s320/IMG_9756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And where did we go??</div><div><br /></div><div>Owl's Head. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weren't we JUST THERE? </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, we did not want to be the fools who left it for second to last again. Also, it was a nice fall day and really quite perfect for 16 miles. </div><div>Despite the perfect weather it was definitely a more Fall like hike than last time. No leaves on the trees, everything a bit stark looking overall. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not too many others out on this trail, but we saw a handful of people tagging this silly remote peak. We had none of the struggles of traffic on the slide, but were not fast at ALL in this section due to the previous two days. Slow pokes for sure. And unlike last time, it was pretty warm at the summit so we did not have to panic and immediately put on all of our winter kit. Or any of it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDLK4IlmyXXJd2vkpF0OgYbpuEWzrJPvGg962dorngjC6Ph7uvfHD8gWdr7-KYKvJQkwAmeMcDgq88z_jZ6z66QG2dOr8fiqwRnInFHQlt7H0Az4UBhtJ40LGylVRtyjYQXfuLu5kjsYdEJRanjOnvUOoKmGDIrPYsqy1KKMrwW3-o_4Sra5E3If/s4032/IMG_9769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDLK4IlmyXXJd2vkpF0OgYbpuEWzrJPvGg962dorngjC6Ph7uvfHD8gWdr7-KYKvJQkwAmeMcDgq88z_jZ6z66QG2dOr8fiqwRnInFHQlt7H0Az4UBhtJ40LGylVRtyjYQXfuLu5kjsYdEJRanjOnvUOoKmGDIrPYsqy1KKMrwW3-o_4Sra5E3If/w640-h480/IMG_9769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was a good hike, the bushwhacks were in fine shape (Brutus was a little weird- lots of blowdowns in the past couple weeks made for some funky re-routes but it all worked out.) We enjoyed the hike and did not PR at all (but we were only like, 7 minutes slower than last time which all in all is acceptable.)</div><div><br /></div><div>We rolled back along the trail to one more Fall view before winter shows up (it's inevitable)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7mIP8N81NKrJDvSkxR5T0wubTTE_Rb9ofXcVpc_POCK6ByXceR45k47DNXtm1KL2p8rJO9p2pl_HrdZdO9wvXVqCUZkVAuNRaQ873lkysaPYfeTO29zm2qMZSF5zMSCcuPZ0dHerLRNLiO6ZhN4eClGNVUeszhYBmuZw5swtAcvt21Yg787p8gtd/s4032/IMG_9760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7mIP8N81NKrJDvSkxR5T0wubTTE_Rb9ofXcVpc_POCK6ByXceR45k47DNXtm1KL2p8rJO9p2pl_HrdZdO9wvXVqCUZkVAuNRaQ873lkysaPYfeTO29zm2qMZSF5zMSCcuPZ0dHerLRNLiO6ZhN4eClGNVUeszhYBmuZw5swtAcvt21Yg787p8gtd/w480-h640/IMG_9760.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So Stats for the Weekend:</div><div><br /></div><div>Peaks: 4</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: A little over 28</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 8466</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: TEN A TEN!!! SO FUN!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-54887962504469998392022-11-20T17:25:00.002-05:002022-11-20T17:30:58.658-05:00And that's a wrap- #46-48 of round 2 of the NH48, West Bond, Bond and BondcliffeWell, we did it! <div><br /></div><div>October 29th was the day and the Bonds were the place to wrap up round 2 of the 48 4000 footers.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a fabulous day for so many reasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>-PERFECT weather (yes, it was 27 at the start but it was well into the 60's for the majority of the hike, bluebird skies, and NOT a puff of wind!)</div><div><br /></div><div>-Evan joined in</div><div><br /></div><div>-We got to catch a ride with Marlene, who is a fucking legend</div><div><br /></div><div>-We saw people dressed as those blue dudes from Avatar, and (upon seeing their costumes) we could not remember what a "loin cloth" was called, and the phrase "DICK SKIRT" was coined. We fell down laughing. Multiple times. </div><div><br /></div><div>-Eric did not poke his eye out with a stick, but if he had, we questioned if he would be able to see, but with a different perspective. Kind of like a go pro, or selfie stick, but direct to your own brain. Since we are rational, this led to a fairly disgusting discussion of trailside first aid (Evan is an EMT)</div><div><br /></div><div>-We had a Very Serious Competition with a couple of men in the last 5 miles of the hike. They thought they were going to beat us to the finish, and we could not allow that. So, this hike really was sponsored by Unnecessary Competitiveness: winning. at all costs.</div><div><br /></div><div>So on to the nitty gritty. </div><div><br /></div><div>We started from the Zealand trailhead around 7:20AM in brisk conditions. We had packed for cool weather because it was late October. While we did need our coats for the first few miles, they were then packed up, never to be seen or heard from again. But really, it was frosty for a hot minute. Basically until the Zealand hut. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhplnUZHzt0VdWUnZ2CZo6rqBPPpqYjqQk_lISwHWrBWweMpBk7hJn8tlsUhPufMgljFUtQlwu5WNB3FwVH8ocnosMiI5nxibl2E77g2Y0oEzXwf18pN7jph2j7elCopNjsW4KQLgquSeaeFj4uiLi9qLoidnHCeg8y7NyM2_4BVgDh5gVykCEd7iX/s4032/IMG_9612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhplnUZHzt0VdWUnZ2CZo6rqBPPpqYjqQk_lISwHWrBWweMpBk7hJn8tlsUhPufMgljFUtQlwu5WNB3FwVH8ocnosMiI5nxibl2E77g2Y0oEzXwf18pN7jph2j7elCopNjsW4KQLgquSeaeFj4uiLi9qLoidnHCeg8y7NyM2_4BVgDh5gVykCEd7iX/w480-h640/IMG_9612.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We passed over Zealand just to say hello- since we started with Zealand back on September 11 of 2021 we did not technically need to summit, but we did anyway to check it off for October and for Fall season. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once we reached Guyot we realized that it was going to be a summer day. Literally perfection. The trail was quiet, you could not have asked for a bluer sky, and the wind was ZERO. Incredible and amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgWcOIyzMB5SVJiqZqpsBlYZbPjAxfjSHXb8D7wPLIRJa4ZdvWQBZo9ORGw0-EuRydYU5vOieDPlTUnQFnfM5GP1WOZZ6z4d6M_-vIwvPlyn3GGjk_hDeUNSuYK0oh4GzdpYIMdulrvp3Kxh556KDQQ6rjTT2CUhHMAJjuxzC-Txc4weLKGAhOv_/s4032/IMG_9628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQgWcOIyzMB5SVJiqZqpsBlYZbPjAxfjSHXb8D7wPLIRJa4ZdvWQBZo9ORGw0-EuRydYU5vOieDPlTUnQFnfM5GP1WOZZ6z4d6M_-vIwvPlyn3GGjk_hDeUNSuYK0oh4GzdpYIMdulrvp3Kxh556KDQQ6rjTT2CUhHMAJjuxzC-Txc4weLKGAhOv_/w640-h480/IMG_9628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>You just don't get perfect days like this too often. It was an amazing hike in every way from start to finish (although something in the leaves gave Ellie a terrible scare at one point- don't know what got her but she was pretty sad for a hot second.) </div><div>Other than that. Just a stunning and memorable time. </div><div><br /></div><div>West Bond was gorgeous </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqsHej0eHOZ7wEqCLn1h8FX3plg9iYEyozi_Y_jx97DjEHd_kzmY-oF5uRC6P6WyZoB6BTbBB4O9Iizux23hszfXaYsVwfUAwRbXZ6-6MSXVrpTBhbIJDUaoq0OtM4ba9dNwRloT5tcEU7LWzITEZg55pVE_XalAkHNfmk8XtVeI_1Ty2JtqY2Rax/s4032/IMG_9638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqsHej0eHOZ7wEqCLn1h8FX3plg9iYEyozi_Y_jx97DjEHd_kzmY-oF5uRC6P6WyZoB6BTbBB4O9Iizux23hszfXaYsVwfUAwRbXZ6-6MSXVrpTBhbIJDUaoq0OtM4ba9dNwRloT5tcEU7LWzITEZg55pVE_XalAkHNfmk8XtVeI_1Ty2JtqY2Rax/w640-h480/IMG_9638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEbXQYtCSx5kRn_TvnNpmnq5GxOf18f13xj_pLZ-v2YAqpQpVb1q7tSZz1x_KX8G7fh9Zhf1GxfCkyGRSgfBPBnuieYzeAw7DHg0HCDjDDFPD2XhZXx3DlU21De7IoChs4LP5ekkIxAvxyyCreXMt2Lwt7_wzabdzm13JHUeoI7lu7AnVueqh4HPT/s4032/IMG_9643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEbXQYtCSx5kRn_TvnNpmnq5GxOf18f13xj_pLZ-v2YAqpQpVb1q7tSZz1x_KX8G7fh9Zhf1GxfCkyGRSgfBPBnuieYzeAw7DHg0HCDjDDFPD2XhZXx3DlU21De7IoChs4LP5ekkIxAvxyyCreXMt2Lwt7_wzabdzm13JHUeoI7lu7AnVueqh4HPT/w640-h480/IMG_9643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bond was pretty decent too.....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF046M0_sK_w6BqAflOum9nsbVOfbSbaVuIrKeLQHvRJcVzk2FbfvDq3D9B4khLgMUMOP8WOm_ExKXMJo3hiRE0gA5Ilw73u2CHB-bduyA_Sy1NOxfU4UBhCK8lVckBVk27JdDiENrmQRKaP2oW2f_3nqAlBsfxd-0_SuhDHaFqqq2qZ5mAnQrBVj4/s4032/IMG_9651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF046M0_sK_w6BqAflOum9nsbVOfbSbaVuIrKeLQHvRJcVzk2FbfvDq3D9B4khLgMUMOP8WOm_ExKXMJo3hiRE0gA5Ilw73u2CHB-bduyA_Sy1NOxfU4UBhCK8lVckBVk27JdDiENrmQRKaP2oW2f_3nqAlBsfxd-0_SuhDHaFqqq2qZ5mAnQrBVj4/w480-h640/IMG_9651.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>And then, just like that, we finished up on Bondcliffe. Really, one of the prettiest places out there. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DmlsCs3vjtKrE1Z06-6JTuy2244vQooktg_5aPinEel_Rv61y0yHwCNp9Z1bovIixHnrZFXf5vdktGlbJ9OIzyezNuLJ6OpiYjfuI2wTJ06FP1EcuRUgGGfgoPfvNrkRREHblG2JYg6e56_tj-WU0u-7Ro5_uqEvqgRVl5B_Xmpujx2MC-KKCTG2/s4032/IMG_9116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DmlsCs3vjtKrE1Z06-6JTuy2244vQooktg_5aPinEel_Rv61y0yHwCNp9Z1bovIixHnrZFXf5vdktGlbJ9OIzyezNuLJ6OpiYjfuI2wTJ06FP1EcuRUgGGfgoPfvNrkRREHblG2JYg6e56_tj-WU0u-7Ro5_uqEvqgRVl5B_Xmpujx2MC-KKCTG2/w640-h480/IMG_9116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm8voRInhXMyqktXjyIvaJPjkeA1ONg4RsY-9fxvpjX-4qSBccbXAbG8a9SrkOSkVpFeWO-Zf-63mIZrYU9Um4ndKbJEQwIm_WSOkKatPaTmAPyY83QszHCHVPlX8CIBSmONdN7hWUon5lyJQVyevX-Zk9JeEo_KoJy4QgoDi5aD2GwgswtQGxUgN/s4032/IMG_9662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm8voRInhXMyqktXjyIvaJPjkeA1ONg4RsY-9fxvpjX-4qSBccbXAbG8a9SrkOSkVpFeWO-Zf-63mIZrYU9Um4ndKbJEQwIm_WSOkKatPaTmAPyY83QszHCHVPlX8CIBSmONdN7hWUon5lyJQVyevX-Zk9JeEo_KoJy4QgoDi5aD2GwgswtQGxUgN/w640-h480/IMG_9662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Then, the long walk down. </div><div>1476598678 miles on Lincoln Woods trail is always a great way to finish!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89gzMn90oDxoN5yXSir0FcBnnp1HeKWAjz1p925Xocu2GcxCbi7vI-6NKi5BjHj3tVQinzayLUUKsTeNsTXjXi8s2Z2BwP6Deh7gwXEtLqM-HF8t5V1fBHEfTxWQdF3elJh8XZZFbH0K5W4dYVgy6DDo-lazUKQ3NRm6MVXnNETAuu5ByKxTa5ekE/s4032/IMG_9667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89gzMn90oDxoN5yXSir0FcBnnp1HeKWAjz1p925Xocu2GcxCbi7vI-6NKi5BjHj3tVQinzayLUUKsTeNsTXjXi8s2Z2BwP6Deh7gwXEtLqM-HF8t5V1fBHEfTxWQdF3elJh8XZZFbH0K5W4dYVgy6DDo-lazUKQ3NRm6MVXnNETAuu5ByKxTa5ekE/w480-h640/IMG_9667.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Things got weird</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88ntMACf8Knouk5wJEYBEpNmys3ozK1W7lTXX5z90kvkkpitaKrOI3i5Gab1w9vCYuPJ44hSLBcHYJERscJs8A8l6lOgChbyX15cYHD6kvl57jEP7VIe868--EtW_aqq-YCF6eOnZvQpTKwHKFBb7W8VyVrQy-g0LGnM_e7_pPrNm5LEeB1kopXZ3/s2436/IMG_9888.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88ntMACf8Knouk5wJEYBEpNmys3ozK1W7lTXX5z90kvkkpitaKrOI3i5Gab1w9vCYuPJ44hSLBcHYJERscJs8A8l6lOgChbyX15cYHD6kvl57jEP7VIe868--EtW_aqq-YCF6eOnZvQpTKwHKFBb7W8VyVrQy-g0LGnM_e7_pPrNm5LEeB1kopXZ3/w296-h640/IMG_9888.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div>BUT, eventually we finished and ate a whole bag of chips and a bunch of guacamole to recover. And we waited and watched our arch nemesis/people we HAD to beat, come in to the finish. Maybe someday we will just hike casually. Today was NOT THAT DAYYYYYY..</div><div><br /></div><div>So we concluded Round 2 of the 48 much faster than round one. Just over a year, and we are pretty impressed with that considering that Ellie and I both had surgery within the last year. This hike obviously brought us to 48, and checked off all 4 peaks for October, and for Fall. It was an super time, possibly the best from this round. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 19.25</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 4250</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: TEN, A SOLID TEN!!!!</div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-61982058702474049672022-10-20T18:45:00.001-04:002022-10-20T18:45:25.567-04:00Tuckerman's Ravine and Boott Spur with EllieWay back this summer, on August 14th, Eric was taking a Wilderness first Aid class at Pinkham Notch. Ellie and I were feeling like it was a good day for a hike, and decided to take a day to hike on the path less traveled. <div><br /></div><div>The plan: </div><div>-Tuckerman's Ravine, but only to the ravine. I had never been there, and was curious to stand at the base of it and take a look around. </div><div>-then, take the Boott Spur Link</div><div>-summit Boott Spur</div><div>-return on the Boott Spur Trail</div><div><br /></div><div>Big Big adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived pretty early at a packed Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center, and I was somewhat carsick because Eric had driven hastily over Hurricane Mountain Road, which is like a roller coaster. Gross. Either way, Eric hustled off to his class, and Ellen and I took to the hills.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, my rating of the Tuckerman's Ravine Trail to the actual Ravine is not terribly high. After passing by the Crystal Cascades- which were lovely, the trail was not terribly exciting. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzhG4hZxI75JMlmL-dJnfCKxYJHGPbmic7j6Qhhr8mt7QCrnx8zeUlZ7WiAM4htdZNh1eM0JN-kBWQ0gGmRVMyjLbGJ8O8BrNc2Z8OnRym0cwpt58e3D4eZzpqtbK1XKEpcBOfcbwYPD6HRsGVcQ4bHoz1lnybC26UHEJvPo89V1jWv8_NQkU0mvU/s4032/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzhG4hZxI75JMlmL-dJnfCKxYJHGPbmic7j6Qhhr8mt7QCrnx8zeUlZ7WiAM4htdZNh1eM0JN-kBWQ0gGmRVMyjLbGJ8O8BrNc2Z8OnRym0cwpt58e3D4eZzpqtbK1XKEpcBOfcbwYPD6HRsGVcQ4bHoz1lnybC26UHEJvPo89V1jWv8_NQkU0mvU/w400-h300/IMG_8736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It would be a high quality winter trail though- gradual and wide. Ellie and I saw a decent number of hikers both ascending to Washington and descending from their backpacking adventures. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we ambled along, enjoyed the day, and appreciated that the river crossings were very well bridged. (the water was low, but these crossings still looked tricky!) As we got closer, we caught a view of where we were headed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPkNuVuUeRJjQ2zy81F8zTTInUDInOhZu7McHIS7gAGEcdbTQfSmgDMxWAdc0jWkH5pTiZtlBsmb5KWGDs5pPbIZb7dMnOL9FbCSM_1XTGYOKZce3L46ATndfTNCJ3PYR00Y1FfUjD8vZi1YkkhE8NNa7kxSY2fOFVlo7HRusL0JywHzoXnzDrTw/s4032/IMG_8706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPkNuVuUeRJjQ2zy81F8zTTInUDInOhZu7McHIS7gAGEcdbTQfSmgDMxWAdc0jWkH5pTiZtlBsmb5KWGDs5pPbIZb7dMnOL9FbCSM_1XTGYOKZce3L46ATndfTNCJ3PYR00Y1FfUjD8vZi1YkkhE8NNa7kxSY2fOFVlo7HRusL0JywHzoXnzDrTw/w640-h480/IMG_8706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After passing by the hut, the trail got super steep! We definitely got a good warm up for the rest of the day in this section. </div><div>It was pretty cool checking out the Ravine. It was steeper than any photo gives it credit for, and certainly looked like it would be a long and damp climb to get out of there. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdhbYPHIyrSP130ntjD9H1EqtnIWMqO25o73O7sSut-FsKGJ-_QeV0ZJSCjFyFwZoNZtg9txItVApzw3HhjP_zI2xVdRYf_3CQo4LN0mhc0Lmzx5PPQLorLCr_APxNemghckHJHsfBlt9brdHJK048sqaaS7gs7vEOEhtkpfIOf2FEA_ooBDDzNnj/s2436/IMG_9524.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdhbYPHIyrSP130ntjD9H1EqtnIWMqO25o73O7sSut-FsKGJ-_QeV0ZJSCjFyFwZoNZtg9txItVApzw3HhjP_zI2xVdRYf_3CQo4LN0mhc0Lmzx5PPQLorLCr_APxNemghckHJHsfBlt9brdHJK048sqaaS7gs7vEOEhtkpfIOf2FEA_ooBDDzNnj/w296-h640/IMG_9524.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After checking it out, we made our way back DOWN the steepness to the next step off our day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Boott Spur link trail was easy to find, down by the large hut. Many people were there, but for the remainder of my day, I only saw 4 people (yay, goal accomplished! Always striving to take the quiet road.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me tell you WHAT. The Boott Spur Link is STEEP. SO VERY STEEP. After a short time, I looked DOWN to see where we had come from and I was like F**K!!!</div><div>This is a terrible photo but that is the hut that I JUST came from. Ellie was leaping and bounding and pumped about the steep ascent- but even SHE was panting. I was laboring along like a 96 year old woman and kept stopping to say "SHIT! TOO STEEP!" It was steep. THE END. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsIGyohm-CUOxCbpMW2R1LzG9CCsqLUUoNg9Iz8EPfj6LbpboWzcsxqMnq8jV31qIaZCtnNpdqsugaQNMtDE3oFaPk4FrS7vQX7g7kcPDBot5zE7jf2qVSCnCAd7-dOxWVK4nBrH90QOOAAKBHVnZruPnTozwvRgTs76B783rxJtg_2e-nrV7Qvmy/s2436/IMG_9528.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsIGyohm-CUOxCbpMW2R1LzG9CCsqLUUoNg9Iz8EPfj6LbpboWzcsxqMnq8jV31qIaZCtnNpdqsugaQNMtDE3oFaPk4FrS7vQX7g7kcPDBot5zE7jf2qVSCnCAd7-dOxWVK4nBrH90QOOAAKBHVnZruPnTozwvRgTs76B783rxJtg_2e-nrV7Qvmy/w296-h640/IMG_9528.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We climbed, and climbed and popped above treeline and climbed MORE! For a hot minute I was thinking that the above treeline section of the link was one of the most exposed/steep trails that I had been on in a while. Then, thankfully, it settled down. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwNgfYYP_VK9h-LFoYgMN1PWeqi3pBpYQnRei1BqXYr6VgDI8jALshVFatlQRBebfjwSwBD6xvs2nZSbHRTnBpv8O6DEMcNHVmxjm6SWhAwUW9O7UZQMgT32rbaYlpq5eYxa0IeqFyRPT_-FBnt-KbLeI3jSSabEdsqjcCQqrWUWHeq84oZpiyCS7/s2436/IMG_9527.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwNgfYYP_VK9h-LFoYgMN1PWeqi3pBpYQnRei1BqXYr6VgDI8jALshVFatlQRBebfjwSwBD6xvs2nZSbHRTnBpv8O6DEMcNHVmxjm6SWhAwUW9O7UZQMgT32rbaYlpq5eYxa0IeqFyRPT_-FBnt-KbLeI3jSSabEdsqjcCQqrWUWHeq84oZpiyCS7/w296-h640/IMG_9527.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once on the actual Boott Spur trail there was still a good bit of climbing to go, but it was on a somewhat more reasonable incline. And it was beautiful! Definitely a gorgeous vantage point, and so so quiet on this particular day. </div><div><br /></div><div>After summiting, we took a few minutes for a snack and a sit-down. I hadn't calculated how much total elevation we would be doing in this hike, but at this point I was thinking "a lot"- especially for a medium distance hike. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjN4m5P5CZs1fLuPpUXU6e-hL1iHohjVlfee-aUNo4Xq4Z1a1dZg3Nt-1uaGjhqKXppS5qBkSXaNs1dPbraLxgWBZSiCJ4VBR8RtmmOo2gNWDrD1xN64D7Kc5fKMI_T7MnEMxsWy4AeBdGPuwvW7iX7nK4z5WdJp2RKeLPRy406a1uVhPiCb2NhjM/s4032/IMG_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjN4m5P5CZs1fLuPpUXU6e-hL1iHohjVlfee-aUNo4Xq4Z1a1dZg3Nt-1uaGjhqKXppS5qBkSXaNs1dPbraLxgWBZSiCJ4VBR8RtmmOo2gNWDrD1xN64D7Kc5fKMI_T7MnEMxsWy4AeBdGPuwvW7iX7nK4z5WdJp2RKeLPRy406a1uVhPiCb2NhjM/w480-h640/IMG_8729.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Descending, more steepness, as one would expect. Still a really cool trail though, very pretty and very enjoyable. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwARM_9cRVQEsafmlpY0rh5xrWNlyatg5a1Qp-toffzyJuS0rK0qhsgvZcYbGa0KJ5Rfrl9FclvMAY-w0sNv-HvYSMighMmWpzNk-AmtPp69szpf3lBiVmlk7kxWgkBcLQ1lhZNpXK8OiNsEOGq142CSyutPao0GRUZvq7DV4BfSrxrdIQbkV0KHzM/s4032/IMG_8733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwARM_9cRVQEsafmlpY0rh5xrWNlyatg5a1Qp-toffzyJuS0rK0qhsgvZcYbGa0KJ5Rfrl9FclvMAY-w0sNv-HvYSMighMmWpzNk-AmtPp69szpf3lBiVmlk7kxWgkBcLQ1lhZNpXK8OiNsEOGq142CSyutPao0GRUZvq7DV4BfSrxrdIQbkV0KHzM/w480-h640/IMG_8733.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We were beat at the end of this monster day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zx9nDMVibSYewOccGupZ18xlTycGBwiaO4tN75bYyTVSnY6DxzUi__g19U1oaLwZAt7nTQ3-4mbpLeiNAwO3ObbFN8iu1znSiMvkpUOAZIBlp2x599MKmiP6IWRd19pYd8PRCCUVh9vOKIHWHcddVB37lN8evQJhJ-ckPIM0EyBLQS2rqBnss12f/s4032/IMG_8737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zx9nDMVibSYewOccGupZ18xlTycGBwiaO4tN75bYyTVSnY6DxzUi__g19U1oaLwZAt7nTQ3-4mbpLeiNAwO3ObbFN8iu1znSiMvkpUOAZIBlp2x599MKmiP6IWRd19pYd8PRCCUVh9vOKIHWHcddVB37lN8evQJhJ-ckPIM0EyBLQS2rqBnss12f/w300-h400/IMG_8737.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>You think to yourself- "it's not going to be that bad, we aren't even technically tagging any summits!" But this one is a good workout. Definitely a great one if you want to get above treeline without a huge crowd, and a good training hike for SURE. Lots of VERT. Also, very very pretty, from the waterfall, to the views of both Tucks and Huntington's ravine- really impressive!</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN Ellie and I went to the local brewery for a burger and the weirdest stranger interaction story of the summer happened! This random man and his children wandered over to see Ellie while I was eating (all good!) but then when I got out of my seat to let the kids interact, the father STOLE my seat and spend twenty minutes telling me about how amazing he was. He was good at: running, getting covid, overcoming covid ("Overcoming things is what I am BEST AT!!") hiking, and just everything- from what I was told. Want to know what he was not good at? Letting me eat my lunch (I should have just told him to get out of my chair, I hate that I fell into the trap of having to "be nice" because that is shit.) I eventually grabbed my plate and kept on eating while saying "oh wow. that is great. so much skill." Jesus Christ. One might have thought that he was looking for a new spouse, but his existing spouse was at an adjacent table, and my conclusion was that he really LOVED himself and wanted all the strangers to know about the greatness. Ellen and I were not sad to make new friends once they left, and we immediately became friends with a couple who had Rhodesian Ridgebacks (who kindly allowed me to eat AND listen to their stories, hahah...) </div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 7.8</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 4028 (not flat) (plus you gain like 800 feet in less than a half mile on that stupid link)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: A solid 8.5- good weather, amazing views, a heck of a workout </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-51514087084750603652022-10-09T15:25:00.004-04:002022-10-09T15:45:36.558-04:00Owls Head: #45 of Round 2 of the NH48We had every intention of trying to finish this round of the 48 several months ago. Our pie in the sky goal was to finish it prior to summer! <div>Life had other plans though, and between BOTH Eric and I needing time off to cope with injuries, and some weather that was just too hot for hiking this Summer (and things like work getting in the way) we have been left this Fall with JUST Owls Head and the Bonds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah. Just a couple little walks.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Things finally lined up for us to tackle Owls Head on Saturday, October 8th. Yep, a Saturday in peak foliage, on a holiday weekend, when there are several major tourist attractions happening (Fryeburg Fair, and Loon Resort was hosting what appeared to be a major Octoberfest.) All of this being taken into account, we decided to seize the day and make the best of it. Fall weather had been rolling in hot (cold), the water levels seemed to be nice and low, and it was a solid day to be on the trails before ice and snow become a concern. </div><div><br /></div><div>We don't haul ass to get on the hill anymore, and we arrived at the overflowing Lincoln Woods lot around 8AM. </div><div><br /></div><div>We learned a lot from our last Owls head excursion- which was in the summer of 2020. During that trip I had a number of concerns, mainly having to do with hearing tales of terrifying fast flowing river crossings, hard to follow bushwhacks, the steep and sketchy slide, and the overall length of the hike. I would say, that for round one of the 48, there was no mountain that gave me more worry than Owls Head. </div><div>I'm not going to say that they were for nothing. Armed with ZERO confidence, we quickly abandoned the Black Point bushwhack when it became hard to follow. Then, taking the long way around, we certainly discovered that the numerous river crossings were time consuming, even of a day when it was warm and the water was not too high. That day we were out for a staggering 10 hours, logging over 20 miles due to our backtracking from the failed bushwhack attempt, and then taking the long route. </div><div><br /></div><div>New year, new us, new plan. </div><div>I didn't even track the water levels, as it has been a pretty dry 10 days. We went in with complete confidence that we could follow the bushwhack and make it a 16 mile day. And armed with this positive mindset, off we went. </div><div><br /></div><div>Really, the hike went off without a hitch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVfI-LinZK0D2JwXoXfbMAow9mK-DUrC_OAVifVZbMvpPJPqUeutHcXp_UlxyalWGZ_J6s-nse9DhpZG1q6d5CA9kHdGhbghKdGIlfhDPLTxZ6ctopqjOXxFMok2p2s_Efmp8LhEHwaACssyxQ2MmmPovGogQofVZzFCmPnK-ROgIEYunPi56kWw4/s4032/IMG_9351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVfI-LinZK0D2JwXoXfbMAow9mK-DUrC_OAVifVZbMvpPJPqUeutHcXp_UlxyalWGZ_J6s-nse9DhpZG1q6d5CA9kHdGhbghKdGIlfhDPLTxZ6ctopqjOXxFMok2p2s_Efmp8LhEHwaACssyxQ2MmmPovGogQofVZzFCmPnK-ROgIEYunPi56kWw4/w300-h400/IMG_9351.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We blazed along the Lincoln woods trail, cruised up Black pond and found (and followed!) the bushwhack easily. To be honest, it is a more pleasant route than many of the maintained trails we use, and Gaia locks right on to the track. Very safe and very enjoyable. And Black Pond is just lovely. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDYtKoDyfZqQMVgr8WuEP-9B7cPkhtRVDDN_NJ8wwgsv8khPSAOD2nFPpJ3IdZHPsO673srLickoBb4fy7IWTTZ15tEEvSp4-l9LhNPlKFLmGXmtIaMPbpvkXsNAt5FnL3Ceva6F1-SBplXUHoLPh2S2f_xT-cMM6g_El4ksWTpfPeLSc2GuAv4zt/s4032/IMG_9375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDYtKoDyfZqQMVgr8WuEP-9B7cPkhtRVDDN_NJ8wwgsv8khPSAOD2nFPpJ3IdZHPsO673srLickoBb4fy7IWTTZ15tEEvSp4-l9LhNPlKFLmGXmtIaMPbpvkXsNAt5FnL3Ceva6F1-SBplXUHoLPh2S2f_xT-cMM6g_El4ksWTpfPeLSc2GuAv4zt/w480-h640/IMG_9375.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, we bypassed several river crossings, including the largest, but as expected the water levels were very reasonable- actually, on the low side. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trek up Lincoln Brook trail is partially a wet slog, but we still made short work of it. The final river crossings were simple rock hops, and we were at the base of Owls Head trail before we knew it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtv_yK4470pNmlbGKbm4R8vjNf18XJSb30b_N2djjxrzDCCetbschC62K8jrUWSLK2V3sJYAeNF4jIsZS8Odi-eV6Y8Imfcpres0ju03r39F4iAsevGXThfUZESPUTojlmxRx8dGS0cveKNfIQjzV81R9G5Ir1rvVPIxn5jzZVrmSTRaPKn_0maNF/s4032/IMG_9357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtv_yK4470pNmlbGKbm4R8vjNf18XJSb30b_N2djjxrzDCCetbschC62K8jrUWSLK2V3sJYAeNF4jIsZS8Odi-eV6Y8Imfcpres0ju03r39F4iAsevGXThfUZESPUTojlmxRx8dGS0cveKNfIQjzV81R9G5Ir1rvVPIxn5jzZVrmSTRaPKn_0maNF/w300-h400/IMG_9357.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Of course, that final mile gains over 1500 feet of elevation so it is no joke. However, this particular slide is not all that bad. Some crappy scree and loose rocks give way to a bit of easy scrambling, and then just more steep climbing. It is a cardio nightmare, but not (for me) terrifying. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are also impressive views of Franconia Ridge which is fun to see from this perspective. Literally in the MIDDLE of the Pemi Wilderness looking up at their massive bulk is pretty cool.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4qStn9qQWJU1DUPLtKCHYj4wshkWcWIuxAhJ0vAgKGgt6yBQsNJQflKs_R-qca9A6KphoN2dbgIdpSEwYFEE-5VNh9EJ149OkAO2DUNub_hmYTywzTLQ7ElPlz1n_rY1XRPE6iME_DSHbkvnox7NX4xMLPjh1o-QLDB4XEMFtcLj1_VgdV9a3NLo/s4032/IMG_9362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4qStn9qQWJU1DUPLtKCHYj4wshkWcWIuxAhJ0vAgKGgt6yBQsNJQflKs_R-qca9A6KphoN2dbgIdpSEwYFEE-5VNh9EJ149OkAO2DUNub_hmYTywzTLQ7ElPlz1n_rY1XRPE6iME_DSHbkvnox7NX4xMLPjh1o-QLDB4XEMFtcLj1_VgdV9a3NLo/w480-h640/IMG_9362.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>As it turned out, the only hiker traffic we saw all day was in the slide zone, and there were enough hikers to form a few bottlenecks. This may be hard to imagine, in a place this remote, but we clearly were not the only ones taking advantage of a pleasant and dry autumn day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The final annoying "serpentine though the woods to the summit" was a quiet stretch, and chilly, with signs of frost and the temps dipping to freezing. Ellie and I put on our jackets!</div><div><br /></div><div>The summit of Owls Head is a low value one. High value hike, low payback summit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_ujoEGo5AU9b2MKmbLIigWLPGjC1slo91w8vQPa50iSqCuZwmnmasaKppm0Y-i3wkKRNxZAWrOCglZVodwHc97saOE-sImcR59ZRNxn_l-XzED9jPwVsj18Lvg2lC83PU0atZi_YuAwAffh_gkBa-4Q3hU385GsYY3pl2G24myZV2FFMzxGr2t5o/s2436/IMG_9385.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_ujoEGo5AU9b2MKmbLIigWLPGjC1slo91w8vQPa50iSqCuZwmnmasaKppm0Y-i3wkKRNxZAWrOCglZVodwHc97saOE-sImcR59ZRNxn_l-XzED9jPwVsj18Lvg2lC83PU0atZi_YuAwAffh_gkBa-4Q3hU385GsYY3pl2G24myZV2FFMzxGr2t5o/w185-h400/IMG_9385.PNG" width="185" /></a></div><br /><div>It was too cold to hang about and we took off after a 7 minute break. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe7dCHwmr4_LZhk6sWzBwqxcVjud4QmSeC7uho7b0vacuIlqbpHXN9TLJLxPP5qaNmqBE6quYuNBylryglngfrN_R3IV3WdsF-im-y4n-iKJUmZcEPtP-wpj3N8mD4mvCe7LevsPItj8qOlUj48tkph-E8jIVz857wy2EBSrVh1-pwwsmhcnT1xcM/s4032/IMG_9366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe7dCHwmr4_LZhk6sWzBwqxcVjud4QmSeC7uho7b0vacuIlqbpHXN9TLJLxPP5qaNmqBE6quYuNBylryglngfrN_R3IV3WdsF-im-y4n-iKJUmZcEPtP-wpj3N8mD4mvCe7LevsPItj8qOlUj48tkph-E8jIVz857wy2EBSrVh1-pwwsmhcnT1xcM/w640-h480/IMG_9366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We encountered some traffic from people escaping the bottlenecked slide, and then scooted down the Brutus Bushwhack and quieter traffic conditions. Brutus was in above average condition, and even though it's a steep steep ballbuster of a descent, it beats going down the slide.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a pleasant, quiet and enjoyable walk back and admired the lovely fall conditions. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXacdFQKVPi1NaO_dM5rKy1gLthjYLmFbwamtLWuaDKifIgXCpAuPJ4czgmgACFjkkL0Nyy9g1deqoeiKzcG98FlDyVguPnksi48REVUJse9aoXEdEhnV8m5mYsRcuVJAiadpE9AVUdRA84S24-zObdelG9DLkW2NSjwWiO1_swg6Z5xDr6U_B6ncs/s4032/IMG_9373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXacdFQKVPi1NaO_dM5rKy1gLthjYLmFbwamtLWuaDKifIgXCpAuPJ4czgmgACFjkkL0Nyy9g1deqoeiKzcG98FlDyVguPnksi48REVUJse9aoXEdEhnV8m5mYsRcuVJAiadpE9AVUdRA84S24-zObdelG9DLkW2NSjwWiO1_swg6Z5xDr6U_B6ncs/w480-h640/IMG_9373.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once back to Lincoln Woods, the quiet ended and it was all out tourist pandemonium. </div><div><br /></div><div>We escaped quickly to our car, clocking in at just under 7 hours, and just over 16 miles. Tired, but happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>It then took us 4 hours to make the normally 1:20 drive home, due to aforementioned tourists and fall time events. Luckily, it was a nice day for a drive. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weirdly, Owls Head is a favorite of mine. I love a nice long walk in the woods, punctuated by a brutal uphill mile! </div><div><br /></div><div>This brought us to #45, and ticked off Owls Head for Fall, and for October. </div><div><br /></div><div>ONE MORE HIKE TO GO.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 16.2</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3300</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 6:50:19</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun:</div><div>Sara: 9.5</div><div>Eric: 7.5</div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-85570718387400628072022-10-05T18:34:00.001-04:002022-10-05T18:34:24.657-04:00Passaconaway and Whiteface. On two different days. #43 & 44For whatever reason, we did not feel like cracking out Passaconaway and Whiteface in one fell swoop this time around (probably because it's not really a terrific hike.) (or because we want to see an occasional new trail) (or other, who knows)<div><br /></div><div>So, as we do, we headed out for two separate hikes (one for 10 miles, one for 7) instead of just cutting to the chase and grinding out the whole mess in one 11 miler. Logic. </div><div><br /></div><div>We hiked Passaconaway on the hot and toasty July 4th, came across a wildfire (really) and saw hardly another soul on the trail. </div><div>It should be noted that we did not find a wildfire and then casually go hiking. A ranger came in right away and let us know that it was fine if we stayed, and perfectly fine to park. This wildfire, although an acre in size, was more of a smolder than a raging inferno (thank heavens!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH31lJ2MdqyIVEsx5ZfrNJixh6QLix-nv5jMFQbFQa5nUpM8vKdDiDT-3SpSKdRBVK9_HG8FGlIOjcLbN1mZVAf8Q_hqva1No4dBO2FZbaBYHOOhEUM2AeAr_O1nlw5csUw2zeUtlCK6hd7DCyaKh8oCJVyiT-ZQUeg1abK-5yy3MnQlpfCuV4e_8/s2436/IMG_9306.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH31lJ2MdqyIVEsx5ZfrNJixh6QLix-nv5jMFQbFQa5nUpM8vKdDiDT-3SpSKdRBVK9_HG8FGlIOjcLbN1mZVAf8Q_hqva1No4dBO2FZbaBYHOOhEUM2AeAr_O1nlw5csUw2zeUtlCK6hd7DCyaKh8oCJVyiT-ZQUeg1abK-5yy3MnQlpfCuV4e_8/w640-h296/IMG_9306.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We headed up Oliverian Brook trail (very pleasant) to the Passaconaway cutoff, eventually connecting to the ledge trail, and summiting on the walden trail (I think.... I feel like it was less complex than this sounds!) The only people we saw were hiking the loop, and after a few summit encounters we saw a grand total of zero people on the descent. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6f-p_bf5L4triKPahW1zHcvGeGo6yh2fgoOtVaIAhiHy5cr9jEoGk-zehTwXChA8myYCkWkKw9DyAqOCISphnrGxpK2Q0SD5ajnM1Nb4e__DaGFp_zj0twQZoV0W6z1-KpWF9FtOoVpDSfny-33Er-qzCjOdt0_fW3iIJVGYmOMfoOXbnhl6uEfW/s4032/IMG_8286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6f-p_bf5L4triKPahW1zHcvGeGo6yh2fgoOtVaIAhiHy5cr9jEoGk-zehTwXChA8myYCkWkKw9DyAqOCISphnrGxpK2Q0SD5ajnM1Nb4e__DaGFp_zj0twQZoV0W6z1-KpWF9FtOoVpDSfny-33Er-qzCjOdt0_fW3iIJVGYmOMfoOXbnhl6uEfW/w640-h480/IMG_8286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The wildfire was still smoking along at the finish. It was a very strange thing too see, started by a renegade firework (not cool)</div><div><br /></div><div>Total distance: 10.6 miles</div><div>Elevation: 3110</div><div>Fun: 9 </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next week we headed out on a dry and sunny day to smash Whiteface. We headed both up AND down Blueberry Ledge trail (the ledges are totally fine to descend when dry!) </div><div>No good story here. We made short work of it, even though it was a grind. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXq3FH3YGwf74_RqADXJs5dQQxOiq6maSRNeoHoLrgproTXkNTGivRFumWMyYV-ECkAOSqegARXUPqtolqgz6UE3nZthcftWOa-AvbHRT1BzNT-B2z6E2c-DaWQp-h_XRBhUmACKWYzrA2EG5zhR_Hp1vcGMd7rK4RQ6AvXVdJMWgBIrSi2aSHKE0/s4032/IMG_8347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXq3FH3YGwf74_RqADXJs5dQQxOiq6maSRNeoHoLrgproTXkNTGivRFumWMyYV-ECkAOSqegARXUPqtolqgz6UE3nZthcftWOa-AvbHRT1BzNT-B2z6E2c-DaWQp-h_XRBhUmACKWYzrA2EG5zhR_Hp1vcGMd7rK4RQ6AvXVdJMWgBIrSi2aSHKE0/w480-h640/IMG_8347.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Eric ended up having some miserable foot problems that then sidelined us for a good bit of time. With Owls Head and the Bonds left, nobody wants to find themselves in the middle of the wilderness with lousy feet. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6mj7wwbkv1YB-uwrPjDs8qo6lOMaBvnA_Rn_OyzPUquiVwgLnQeG7S9WJ8bK76DTTfVyg_CerypuJsPGulR2Y8FEUHhRA0ErvrQ4SytZWphjyLVNXR_eIe7ckGpe1_oy2QwXAFN8Q3jgUnL8DPccjdeppVMZAZAxN5ke_kPIW4zyMQNK6qtKWo0/s4032/IMG_8348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6mj7wwbkv1YB-uwrPjDs8qo6lOMaBvnA_Rn_OyzPUquiVwgLnQeG7S9WJ8bK76DTTfVyg_CerypuJsPGulR2Y8FEUHhRA0ErvrQ4SytZWphjyLVNXR_eIe7ckGpe1_oy2QwXAFN8Q3jgUnL8DPccjdeppVMZAZAxN5ke_kPIW4zyMQNK6qtKWo0/w480-h640/IMG_8348.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 7.9</div><div>Elevation: 3048</div><div>Fun- I had a good time, so an 8. Eric hurt his feel so a 2</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway. 44 down, 4 to go. </div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-63705458639683843462022-09-15T18:08:00.003-04:002022-09-15T18:08:58.975-04:00The Adams FamilyWe had the chance to hike with Evan on July 3rd, and instead of dragging him along to slog Owl's head (or similar) we opted for an above treeline adventure on the path less traveled. <div><br /></div><div>The weather was projected to be amazing (yes) and it was a holiday weekend (a big one) so we knew it could be wild if we went with a standard choice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Appalachia was already jam packed when we drove by, but barely anyone had parked at Lowe's Store. In fact, we only saw one descending hiker until we made it to Thunderstorm Junction. </div><div><br /></div><div>So for those of you who don't know- The Adams 5 consists of the Big Kid- Mt Adams, and his family, Abigail, JQ, Sam and FIVE. Poor five kind of missed out on the naming. </div><div><br /></div><div>So first of all you climb for a good long time up Lowe's Path, pop above treeline, and scoot up and over Abigail Adams. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOYxpbBHym2DCHitZG-Y5y2Ct9SlLba4kEKNwSbE3dWmfEy2m1SLtfb9L2MtAHIvHiXsByGQeAzZrs0MwC3gUpHby2DaB4lc8gZpdYAj0rjmhDDwTlor3JbWheeCSBy8UWB1Jm6lpMDIZIe3p4YsXz8v8t4WN2nTo1hZeuDR_hbkRphZGD-H26XTo/s4032/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOYxpbBHym2DCHitZG-Y5y2Ct9SlLba4kEKNwSbE3dWmfEy2m1SLtfb9L2MtAHIvHiXsByGQeAzZrs0MwC3gUpHby2DaB4lc8gZpdYAj0rjmhDDwTlor3JbWheeCSBy8UWB1Jm6lpMDIZIe3p4YsXz8v8t4WN2nTo1hZeuDR_hbkRphZGD-H26XTo/w300-h400/IMG_8238.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From Abigail, you go off path for a bit and climb the obvious prominence to the right, which is Sam Adams. Sadly, we did not bring a Sam Adams to drink (also, it was like 9:15 AM which is early..) The whole trip up and down was just straightforward rock-hopping, very easy to completely avoid the vegetation.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjUsvK2LTa0KcIe17OzueSdcV4b0QZJ4uW0XtxP3eovg9bzdROClGMnu_nGmSoMxO5vjz43eQuUcwa4IiedVy3vKD0ZG0G2spr5h6NxBQUQB-G9tRDXeHbkG79bbNstPMP_CyyvHm9bfnLaEHEz0c0PKP0a4jln1fykYLctAkEPbPYLAF8xWq3Qqh/s4032/IMG_8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjUsvK2LTa0KcIe17OzueSdcV4b0QZJ4uW0XtxP3eovg9bzdROClGMnu_nGmSoMxO5vjz43eQuUcwa4IiedVy3vKD0ZG0G2spr5h6NxBQUQB-G9tRDXeHbkG79bbNstPMP_CyyvHm9bfnLaEHEz0c0PKP0a4jln1fykYLctAkEPbPYLAF8xWq3Qqh/w640-h480/IMG_8244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After the summit of Sam, we headed to Thunderstorm Junction, and proceeded to take Gulfside around the looming mass of Adams. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3GYvjvAWSfVxnrymOvxhvSfwgm9EYuxrl-cjRGIXrx-zKGbBXGiqQuAo8CQESZfigmJekSH0iMGqsLFuRzM2iCPkm-N_XLklEKV56Aq6Z4J4zkNiv5kL1JNFsJrPyN1a14gNEKBYaOUeuvStTexfZzbynKIDYEJbeVQgI4bdll9RxLZ51ndiOrS0/s4032/IMG_8249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3GYvjvAWSfVxnrymOvxhvSfwgm9EYuxrl-cjRGIXrx-zKGbBXGiqQuAo8CQESZfigmJekSH0iMGqsLFuRzM2iCPkm-N_XLklEKV56Aq6Z4J4zkNiv5kL1JNFsJrPyN1a14gNEKBYaOUeuvStTexfZzbynKIDYEJbeVQgI4bdll9RxLZ51ndiOrS0/w480-h640/IMG_8249.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After the intersection to proceed up Adams, just a short way in, we took a detour to the left to conquer JQ Adams. A fun little rock hop, not at all unlike the rest of the trail! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGw7pRLIQo-Z69nAE7Q-YUcSRtoBHAFonYUSx1s-YOvrfMOaaub7UfsFkLEXavI_KvqVJvrGZWYoMd4seC1VUAnTiIR4tp66ySkNj7lFDuExL94zStNzrkmMZqg3dmsllPyAEi-BNjFsdYy8VZ-tDeSHbXZwgjNVd8KmcPUtyVV_Veuzv2-HTdL4P/s2436/IMG_8266.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGw7pRLIQo-Z69nAE7Q-YUcSRtoBHAFonYUSx1s-YOvrfMOaaub7UfsFkLEXavI_KvqVJvrGZWYoMd4seC1VUAnTiIR4tp66ySkNj7lFDuExL94zStNzrkmMZqg3dmsllPyAEi-BNjFsdYy8VZ-tDeSHbXZwgjNVd8KmcPUtyVV_Veuzv2-HTdL4P/w296-h640/IMG_8266.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From there we kind of raced up Adams Adams because the trail was a little congested. A quick stop at the top to recover, and we were off to our last peak of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_IU6zwudPe_-veHuudUUo9WBpZh1Qs8rg-Umg3c9J0fBI_nW9DaAQPeFrFOAtHFmj-jQJv4qZKY9EihM9YJKvBsv6vvyhz_48WfADyj2fOTiFWaNk1_M0__RcWdUk0P7-mzWCH21MK4H6R1Dt7NMyEspcgOqZ0bf0rxZvmUYASH1sbijsPEGCYOP/s4032/IMG_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_IU6zwudPe_-veHuudUUo9WBpZh1Qs8rg-Umg3c9J0fBI_nW9DaAQPeFrFOAtHFmj-jQJv4qZKY9EihM9YJKvBsv6vvyhz_48WfADyj2fOTiFWaNk1_M0__RcWdUk0P7-mzWCH21MK4H6R1Dt7NMyEspcgOqZ0bf0rxZvmUYASH1sbijsPEGCYOP/w480-h640/IMG_8257.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>From Adams Adams, wer descended along Lowe's path back to Thunderstorm Junction, and then took a left onto Gulfside. Not long after the Junction of Israel Ridge Path, we found little forgotten about Adams 5, and took the short walk to its summit. We enjoyed a little lunch, and then made our descent. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wIvgqMqR-NGR3EjbdJ2qvRyCqciZWJ_mYKh2oIAcAsp5re80PPxWMOAPWrfxp_UPjONPW6VkkO-MvNe9e1yRTQ3TrzkZz48DJDo4re2iNfP9_TStuaYyLE04SOVkWNC6u54k4IF-2FH1fVtJ34C4FFAhImUHZfcKX2rofWoZeInkb5fPkEFYjziE/s4032/IMG_8261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wIvgqMqR-NGR3EjbdJ2qvRyCqciZWJ_mYKh2oIAcAsp5re80PPxWMOAPWrfxp_UPjONPW6VkkO-MvNe9e1yRTQ3TrzkZz48DJDo4re2iNfP9_TStuaYyLE04SOVkWNC6u54k4IF-2FH1fVtJ34C4FFAhImUHZfcKX2rofWoZeInkb5fPkEFYjziE/w400-h300/IMG_8261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We (again) took the path less popular- and saw not a soul. Israel Ridge path took us to the Perch Path (and shelter- which is a nice site!) We then took Randolph Path, before, (eventually) getting back on Lowes. </div><div><br /></div><div>PHEW! This was an awesome day but definitely a big adventure, with all the rock hopping and multi peaking. We did have a wonderful time though, and it was an awesome above treeline day!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Stats:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Miles: 11.1</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Elevation: 4940, no wonder we were tired</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Time: 7:16:37</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Fun:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Sara: I'm just saying it was a 10 of a day1</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Eric:</div></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-56664152908771443302022-09-15T17:37:00.002-04:002022-09-15T17:37:15.529-04:00Mt Washington #42 for round 2 of the NH48<div>On June 25th we headed off to tag Washington, since it (and Ellie's feet) had eluded us earlier in the season. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it turned out, it was Race the Cog day- where a few intrepid and crazy fools race the train up the hill. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, we did the same thing. We headed up the Jewell Trail with the hopes of catching the lead pack as they made their way up the crappy cog trail. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lovely day. Warmer than expected (actually hitting 70!) with very little wind. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD2o3BWMIor8Ij7qcteUAbWsop1pudfegZEgc8FjbUPL2GVEyKcKdi6-mC0pdcXJw-0yvcoTt-FCgAfUXTMlcKVvN-Un29tRrx3YYho0U6EdR2DCMDix_0_JFfUKL77eM7ONsqRG8uVyH941938szu0Yn0ZEnt3_KrJ8KFhCymV07lpDMOLAUcawe/s4032/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD2o3BWMIor8Ij7qcteUAbWsop1pudfegZEgc8FjbUPL2GVEyKcKdi6-mC0pdcXJw-0yvcoTt-FCgAfUXTMlcKVvN-Un29tRrx3YYho0U6EdR2DCMDix_0_JFfUKL77eM7ONsqRG8uVyH941938szu0Yn0ZEnt3_KrJ8KFhCymV07lpDMOLAUcawe/w400-h300/IMG_8132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, we saw no other hikers while making the climb. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlA_dN3_c0GAwc-Ru0kJzI8GD71uYwSTV1mfpp4cciuwyPuDEc9rL3buaB-vK7rL7kHAw80nBCp8eyoR4ALlnIiEVNsnHl0ZvjBGaoBaCAR3cTk94rG9l1_1toTvVwm30CIuOpDdAjTHuxCs14uuLolviTj5c9vg7ZhkgB1I9opOubVJKTaip6JpS/s4032/IMG_8141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlA_dN3_c0GAwc-Ru0kJzI8GD71uYwSTV1mfpp4cciuwyPuDEc9rL3buaB-vK7rL7kHAw80nBCp8eyoR4ALlnIiEVNsnHl0ZvjBGaoBaCAR3cTk94rG9l1_1toTvVwm30CIuOpDdAjTHuxCs14uuLolviTj5c9vg7ZhkgB1I9opOubVJKTaip6JpS/w480-h640/IMG_8141.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Much to our delight- we were indeed able to catch a glimpse of the winning runner in the final stretch. Bunch of tough people- no way I could run up that hill in under an hour!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8DGy0LtyV9KZKiFkPDHW30Sylb80zGMMdyJADvTS50XpHBl5fY-LssTTGP-UOYr5GYx3kTBn6Z6nFMzs6rm-YZMQ2h19ERELShzYCQchOXq7W5x2F2hVQ9a_AUVqAFiWrxUp-m_ZZZkgbjCBBAZsAylhdYfUFkufr8vOP8Roct25ozD1yRtvKM2t/s2436/IMG_9123.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8DGy0LtyV9KZKiFkPDHW30Sylb80zGMMdyJADvTS50XpHBl5fY-LssTTGP-UOYr5GYx3kTBn6Z6nFMzs6rm-YZMQ2h19ERELShzYCQchOXq7W5x2F2hVQ9a_AUVqAFiWrxUp-m_ZZZkgbjCBBAZsAylhdYfUFkufr8vOP8Roct25ozD1yRtvKM2t/w296-h640/IMG_9123.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was quite busy at the summit, so after watching a few finishers, and taking in the view from all sides, were made our way down. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxEZt46n6132v8nJiBmzm3MPUzD4qCTfiKNDIC0XpSh0k0A1uTSK5HR6rWzFulQEZVHH0D5Dd5_qtUq8S9cQqJDlgZiyRDWfOAvUpNLd-BjxiNPgpZnlzZaG2sp1uJ2DUBEj4PB5eXGZNLZ58MZwRjA9SViSqiaOzW_DVl0TDSmzcUOu7ldVbd528/s4032/IMG_8153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxEZt46n6132v8nJiBmzm3MPUzD4qCTfiKNDIC0XpSh0k0A1uTSK5HR6rWzFulQEZVHH0D5Dd5_qtUq8S9cQqJDlgZiyRDWfOAvUpNLd-BjxiNPgpZnlzZaG2sp1uJ2DUBEj4PB5eXGZNLZ58MZwRjA9SViSqiaOzW_DVl0TDSmzcUOu7ldVbd528/w400-h300/IMG_8153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We chose to take the Cog "trail" to continue cheering on our friends- and I can't really recommend that as a route! Pretty much a drag- but great fun being the cheer squad. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished feeling good, and happy to have enjoyed a really gorgeous day in the mountains. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Stats:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Miles: 7.5</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Elevation: 3747</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Time: 4:03:05</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Fun:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Sara: 8 (only because the cog "trail" sucks)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "News Cycle"; font-size: 15px;">Eric: 9</div></div><br />middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-49110665979585782042022-07-14T17:39:00.003-04:002022-07-14T17:39:32.443-04:00North & Middle Tripyramid: 40 & 41 for round 2 of the NH48The Tripyramids are a couple hills that don't offer a high bang for your buck value. There is a great deal of work getting to the top, and neither summit is particularly delightful. <div>This being said, we have hiked these monsters several times. so something keeps us coming back, but who knows what it is. <br /><div><br /></div><div>The majority of this hike, on June 12, may have been one of our better trips up these two dumb mountains. Not the whole hike, but some of it was decent. </div><div>I'll admit, it was a nice day and pleasant to be out and about. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe7IRnfwue2zK-tVqzTr0kMFVZP4JLW9cjEH9hlbGiyrAgM8_xEF2sWWl0IxV2aTAEmTZppRMQ6Yb_qg2bCR6m6RVPA3auRIlEdf7TN_NMt0UqXC5wZBvusCEykiC7l1RTbXrzUAik0CRnTqzscdCIqLnxQIepFDeZpuB5YlB50uqcw2tHhmp9DT0/s4032/IMG_8018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDe7IRnfwue2zK-tVqzTr0kMFVZP4JLW9cjEH9hlbGiyrAgM8_xEF2sWWl0IxV2aTAEmTZppRMQ6Yb_qg2bCR6m6RVPA3auRIlEdf7TN_NMt0UqXC5wZBvusCEykiC7l1RTbXrzUAik0CRnTqzscdCIqLnxQIepFDeZpuB5YlB50uqcw2tHhmp9DT0/w300-h400/IMG_8018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We went up Pine Bend Brook trail, as we avoid the infamous slides. Pine bend brook starts innocently enough and then is just steep and rocky and annoying. And THEN you are the top of North Tri and it's not a big event. </div><div><br /></div><div>THEN you walk over to middle tri, and THAT is not a big event either! (the walk between peaks is pretty nice though. A decent time.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPym_BZrcpXuAUf11-KkefpjvJmBQvlMiQULD_Mn4gTQRc9IqZB2BdjBUKwUl2zowe-NSOnWgi6wuzq5QI8X18NWqo_mZAs19gdd_GRbeBjBu7deDSr0MWUs7DXujXHEg5H25BeKAUD-Irq7colZU1zQ1UhJT0tRVO1FLIoJhLLdCwxV0RG5KGeYg/s4032/IMG_8019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPym_BZrcpXuAUf11-KkefpjvJmBQvlMiQULD_Mn4gTQRc9IqZB2BdjBUKwUl2zowe-NSOnWgi6wuzq5QI8X18NWqo_mZAs19gdd_GRbeBjBu7deDSr0MWUs7DXujXHEg5H25BeKAUD-Irq7colZU1zQ1UhJT0tRVO1FLIoJhLLdCwxV0RG5KGeYg/w640-h480/IMG_8019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>THEN you walk down Sabbaday Brook trail which is stupid for two reasons. ONE is that there is a stupid steep slidey dumb section of trail. And TWO you seriously cross the brook a zillion times. Back and forth, back and forth. And if the water is a little high it is a pain in the ass (probably impossible if the water is very high!) And if you are like me, you lose your balance and fall IN the brook ass over teakettle and are dripping sopping soaked. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YMgC-LcSG4g8La6l-NLXbh2gAcWR8n5Ku3gwegfJXUS1txUpsJaRQ9KdEWDvZRcqF4V-LlMZDaitsuZU12jcG2fwzsL7o8_Qwijg0KlKD-AG6Tg1bw_xFwf7YgfCGSqwfT17myFbpVMLrTQiOI13yjXDIfbg7QwwQ5F5UoxpteQI4yabSuVrl3Zz/s3088/IMG_8031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YMgC-LcSG4g8La6l-NLXbh2gAcWR8n5Ku3gwegfJXUS1txUpsJaRQ9KdEWDvZRcqF4V-LlMZDaitsuZU12jcG2fwzsL7o8_Qwijg0KlKD-AG6Tg1bw_xFwf7YgfCGSqwfT17myFbpVMLrTQiOI13yjXDIfbg7QwwQ5F5UoxpteQI4yabSuVrl3Zz/w300-h400/IMG_8031.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>At the very end Sabbaday Brook trail is amazing and lovely and one might forgive it, if one did not have a gallon of water still in each shoe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway. Got it done. Check for this round, for June and maybe for Spring (can't remember)</div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 10.75</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3219</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 5:04:02</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun:</div><div>Sara: 5</div><div>Eric: Negative 4 </div></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-63535090987655300142022-07-10T17:10:00.003-04:002022-07-10T17:10:34.876-04:00Cannon #39 of round 2 of the NH48Cannon is not our favorite. Not every mountain can be, after all, and there's something about the short, steep climb followed by droves and droves of people who take the tram to the summit that we find off putting. Weirdly, when I blogged about our maiden voyage up Cannon back in 2020, we didn't mind it and I believe I may have absurdly rated it easy. I can only assume now that I did so due to the fact that it is short, most of it is relatively protected and because I was young and dumb. <div><br /></div><div>Short and sweet: Sunday June 11 we had very limited time, and we were already camping in the area. So, Cannon it was. We got up there early and made short work of it. There was literally nobody at the summit, and we barely saw anyone until the descent. It was steep and dumb and generally annoying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good weather. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFihkFo0CeAKdLhaKBVVhI1A_-DIXx23r5jKEdiPMXN76dG2k66HqVqj6dX5UjweMJzbHPqfq7OopNGJuyhg_tbbdPQA5adOrhTY5DI4jNb0IJqHqTfMBxuvrdbqXM-cTJWhexCrVCyFhj26nWN82GdbTwNBMoLqJFY4TXt8a2KhryEL7I5ohvdgYQ/s4032/IMG_8013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFihkFo0CeAKdLhaKBVVhI1A_-DIXx23r5jKEdiPMXN76dG2k66HqVqj6dX5UjweMJzbHPqfq7OopNGJuyhg_tbbdPQA5adOrhTY5DI4jNb0IJqHqTfMBxuvrdbqXM-cTJWhexCrVCyFhj26nWN82GdbTwNBMoLqJFY4TXt8a2KhryEL7I5ohvdgYQ/w640-h480/IMG_8013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>No crowds. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnaSauV9gBPf8gHRdoTDlTwco49gR6DUlgCjKOiEjdgS4pkw8HV67kGWj3daIXMMplDeWESMHL_AzkqDRxjSLOl8x-8TTSbA26GCuzlCyXdnd3CIUPe48UsSQz_tmPi5A_sXAcIuiRu-UWAnKHrgW5U1sK03Q4DhvTan6tXLbFFh3PCn2AEoP8M-2/s4032/IMG_8007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnaSauV9gBPf8gHRdoTDlTwco49gR6DUlgCjKOiEjdgS4pkw8HV67kGWj3daIXMMplDeWESMHL_AzkqDRxjSLOl8x-8TTSbA26GCuzlCyXdnd3CIUPe48UsSQz_tmPi5A_sXAcIuiRu-UWAnKHrgW5U1sK03Q4DhvTan6tXLbFFh3PCn2AEoP8M-2/w640-h480/IMG_8007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And we still don't like it. </div><div>But it's done for this round, for Spring and for June</div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div>Miles: 4.25</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 2306</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 2:23:56</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Sara: 6</div><div>Eric: negative one million</div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-8487177413883994982022-07-07T19:02:00.005-04:002022-07-07T19:03:28.905-04:00North and South Kinsman, #37 & 38 of round 2 of the NH48There are a few ways to Hike the Kinsmans. Sitting across the street from the famous Franconia Ridge, "That" side of the mountain tends to see some pretty heavy traffic. (a popular route is from the Lafayette place campground, and follows the Basin-Cascade train to the infamous Fishin Jimmy.) Another pretty horrible route takes you over Cannon, and then over a rather horrendous stretch of trail and a couple sub peaks called the Cannon Balls. If you take that route, don't be like us and try it in a very hot day. It's really hard and not awesome when you are dying of heat and swatting at horse flies. <div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I digress. To take the road somewhat less travelled, simply drive to the "other" side and take the Mt Kinsman trail.</div><div><br /></div><div>We did this hike on June 10th on a fairly decent weather day. When we did this hike last year it was completely socked in- just one big cloud. </div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, with the exception of having to cross several streams (all of which were running high due to the previous days rain) the hike is pretty uneventful. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf69U67Jpapdc6pLAlGdtCQJ26QGUZSux92VSkjRdFDmCMan567IYJ9tnyVjPYuoYDR0xl-_ydGyepeS5Cfsg4ywwHEAJUKgZ4HRRcPp7LP48UXBB6kFHqNWFLF_ZuPTkwakvN-5dnqzF6rGK7LoAiGP8mdnwoiHhTjesCpWVm21SFXvhbZ41YD10/s4032/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf69U67Jpapdc6pLAlGdtCQJ26QGUZSux92VSkjRdFDmCMan567IYJ9tnyVjPYuoYDR0xl-_ydGyepeS5Cfsg4ywwHEAJUKgZ4HRRcPp7LP48UXBB6kFHqNWFLF_ZuPTkwakvN-5dnqzF6rGK7LoAiGP8mdnwoiHhTjesCpWVm21SFXvhbZ41YD10/w300-h400/IMG_7954.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A fairly easy start on what must have been a logging road eventually turns into a fairly long and steep grind. None of the shenanigans of Fishin Jimmy, just a long walk uphill in the (very pretty and mossy and flowery) woods. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxODEHRPVLrFVyyK7JvUqsJR5UVm2mi7lWuHedOO9KvcO2F4Azmvc6s7YD6GijXsYLXOZU26QhH0UrKwKaSKbpX4Rm3GaQnCl0Y_ur6Mt_KhHEKAgQ7x2ZnKRdIckDn7UdClWp0wcWPN2WjjM6Zkub3hW_aakuLkaaWdJr6PwOWCEFV2nzNE2hIARv/s4032/IMG_7957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxODEHRPVLrFVyyK7JvUqsJR5UVm2mi7lWuHedOO9KvcO2F4Azmvc6s7YD6GijXsYLXOZU26QhH0UrKwKaSKbpX4Rm3GaQnCl0Y_ur6Mt_KhHEKAgQ7x2ZnKRdIckDn7UdClWp0wcWPN2WjjM6Zkub3hW_aakuLkaaWdJr6PwOWCEFV2nzNE2hIARv/w300-h400/IMG_7957.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After about 3.75 miles you'll intersect with Kinsman Ridge Trail and find your first view. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa7r7TmPn9aH0Ciy2o5hbU0JhYvI8wZWLWMVIEzhU6xJIy5bIF3vxuJ0Y47N8ATWy6WX_gpu4vhAAIdmWI74SuT_ZPwRG7DVkCRsJhmohLm37fDpCUOCKBZi6vJ1xFPHY-1GiHe2h8Tvd2DoFVsLmFqNIKXl5gxoOFp9XNN1Dabt2wfrzozEFuhzF/s4032/IMG_7961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa7r7TmPn9aH0Ciy2o5hbU0JhYvI8wZWLWMVIEzhU6xJIy5bIF3vxuJ0Y47N8ATWy6WX_gpu4vhAAIdmWI74SuT_ZPwRG7DVkCRsJhmohLm37fDpCUOCKBZi6vJ1xFPHY-1GiHe2h8Tvd2DoFVsLmFqNIKXl5gxoOFp9XNN1Dabt2wfrzozEFuhzF/w400-h300/IMG_7961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>About a half mile later you'll come to the blink and you'll miss it summit of North peak. There is a little overlook right in the vicinity that we did not check out, as a few of the only other hikers of the day were out on it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, you walk another mile up some rocks and down some rocks (hahah)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67OjQrlo5w---4ZxTEMKF56ae-1CTlU9XH3yO6bjWHJeeodE8y6dRhtsbg9SfiLt6_3Y_Z5_mEe4bEW8pDEL8J1dq7VNmJ_QuZxMrf9FZCKgq0dj5s2wAq13Sz2vVswXPn0edBehmBwDlKjWcFk6M2TuBi21PY0D8sHwdnG5loB6CJp2RjAI_AG_U/s4032/IMG_7964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67OjQrlo5w---4ZxTEMKF56ae-1CTlU9XH3yO6bjWHJeeodE8y6dRhtsbg9SfiLt6_3Y_Z5_mEe4bEW8pDEL8J1dq7VNmJ_QuZxMrf9FZCKgq0dj5s2wAq13Sz2vVswXPn0edBehmBwDlKjWcFk6M2TuBi21PY0D8sHwdnG5loB6CJp2RjAI_AG_U/w480-h640/IMG_7964.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>And then you'll find your throne on the summit. (FYI) maybe 200 yards or so before the summit is an overlook that VERY easily could be mistaken for the summit if it is cloudy. The first time we did this mountain we almost stopped early because we could not see the slightly higher summit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfAPq_8BxNhFvBDLD9kTKltn-H0d0epPZi4VAdnr_VNXWyAWsfEcYqqVNiP4ff-eLKP1teA0CC90wFbWkXhUVQqtA97l1vtTS7a-lIhZ8R6iCvZz-yxXMqAhBtsWW4UCFRBPC9v1OwEm_lf-t82VRD7cliSobIrkYi6mXcTwKcMC3wVs26cwhSX1C/s4032/IMG_7970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfAPq_8BxNhFvBDLD9kTKltn-H0d0epPZi4VAdnr_VNXWyAWsfEcYqqVNiP4ff-eLKP1teA0CC90wFbWkXhUVQqtA97l1vtTS7a-lIhZ8R6iCvZz-yxXMqAhBtsWW4UCFRBPC9v1OwEm_lf-t82VRD7cliSobIrkYi6mXcTwKcMC3wVs26cwhSX1C/w480-h640/IMG_7970.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>If you're lucky, you'll see some gliders out taking a spin. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bw-zCDItvFrOEtiyFjkWfK41Dt4m45dDS5lNeZphG8mtWmMtg7jUcPLxb0aeREwB3qeyVmJPViaHsK3Gmyhm8ZAZ9HuK0tYniS2ks2ixgs14e98GKMvcqiA-G7WY2a3KQTNAe74v3YPhoB1yJU2xa0yG6FA0hPq_yAAGFI6-GFRAm04KtjRrrulD/s1936/IMG_8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bw-zCDItvFrOEtiyFjkWfK41Dt4m45dDS5lNeZphG8mtWmMtg7jUcPLxb0aeREwB3qeyVmJPViaHsK3Gmyhm8ZAZ9HuK0tYniS2ks2ixgs14e98GKMvcqiA-G7WY2a3KQTNAe74v3YPhoB1yJU2xa0yG6FA0hPq_yAAGFI6-GFRAm04KtjRrrulD/w640-h640/IMG_8169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We took a quick detour on the way down to check out Bald Peak which is DEFINITELY worth doing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3yYZuct6iEHQ-rOTflV_weqj5Szajhg3tI0uC1F8MPqPe0WRYqfaqHKuhQ6Q-sq0TRyt2eDpAJi1Cy0u4sr3GFVDnxCcUnXx5qYzvin45dJdYHrWya9tc-AC7fnypskc5pnKwofiIcbM448kBJ6kYq1ensz_eiF187e_Po6HlBuD6tFU7RT8fIIn/s4032/IMG_7992%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3yYZuct6iEHQ-rOTflV_weqj5Szajhg3tI0uC1F8MPqPe0WRYqfaqHKuhQ6Q-sq0TRyt2eDpAJi1Cy0u4sr3GFVDnxCcUnXx5qYzvin45dJdYHrWya9tc-AC7fnypskc5pnKwofiIcbM448kBJ6kYq1ensz_eiF187e_Po6HlBuD6tFU7RT8fIIn/w640-h480/IMG_7992%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Anyway, after that we scooted right down.</div><div>To be honest, this hike was a low key mess because I ended up having enough cell service to deal in real time with a multi hour work emergency that took place when we were as far away as possible. Fortunately, all was resolved prior to us getting off the trail but it was not a great way to spend a couple hours!</div><div><br /></div><div>This hike crossed this off the list for this round of the 48, for Spring and for June. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stats:</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 10.6</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3979</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 5:44:27</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Sara: 4 (just a lame day)</div><div>Eric (7) unaffected by work crisis </div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-52825139023927579532022-06-25T16:43:00.003-04:002022-06-25T16:43:58.083-04:00Eisenhower and Monroe, #35 & 36 of round 2 of the NH48May 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. <div><br /></div><div>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! </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trek up Edmands Path was pleasant- we always enjoy this trail. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcpudk_-3kTbbbnxeH0q7nBY8q6e-dE-78YKOLjLrBFCRMkrGUzxuXEBll4OdbLQesxXTUHQ921qP4uNzVkjPHqnfHlw_QP6z3-NeK2AGw8kaJxMa-GG7CU41095l-H-WKTxy4JptEFNu3Y8cAZ-bN4u3qA-B4sfPnnCfHvlBsk8QZzl77BmmEMhr/s4032/IMG_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcpudk_-3kTbbbnxeH0q7nBY8q6e-dE-78YKOLjLrBFCRMkrGUzxuXEBll4OdbLQesxXTUHQ921qP4uNzVkjPHqnfHlw_QP6z3-NeK2AGw8kaJxMa-GG7CU41095l-H-WKTxy4JptEFNu3Y8cAZ-bN4u3qA-B4sfPnnCfHvlBsk8QZzl77BmmEMhr/w300-h400/IMG_7795.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qy_rzd_WO7pZxA5q1KwD12aHFB91_vDLzn2jca9VKfKPAGVIDG8jbZORNaPS32Kq_HmAoDzEheOzoIVmsuv-V-4XecWV1Yn4lvu_Ww7Bh5bMdSF7XwEnLguBRjGI23cncJRSHyatb_6W3ikE6FKDLe4CsO5_Ho28numOhBJ0ZiOTZVjPgM0GrWFk/s3088/IMG_7798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qy_rzd_WO7pZxA5q1KwD12aHFB91_vDLzn2jca9VKfKPAGVIDG8jbZORNaPS32Kq_HmAoDzEheOzoIVmsuv-V-4XecWV1Yn4lvu_Ww7Bh5bMdSF7XwEnLguBRjGI23cncJRSHyatb_6W3ikE6FKDLe4CsO5_Ho28numOhBJ0ZiOTZVjPgM0GrWFk/w300-h400/IMG_7798.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZa9pU1qYfAxlRQRF-KgQRQQ-HKK8_x_ibihIJsRe5z122_7Pm2EFTAFdd23P3_frqwAqbq_QkHxJA5BUAb73cRNGJbs_guDcuLptVGtwYeyZBhNNKTNb6Ek951TCosicDU_nFWzQvDBGA3Izla5QdAo9mlfLBscT6rD4jUcMkG8kRC84IwP5vvPI/s4032/IMG_7799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZa9pU1qYfAxlRQRF-KgQRQQ-HKK8_x_ibihIJsRe5z122_7Pm2EFTAFdd23P3_frqwAqbq_QkHxJA5BUAb73cRNGJbs_guDcuLptVGtwYeyZBhNNKTNb6Ek951TCosicDU_nFWzQvDBGA3Izla5QdAo9mlfLBscT6rD4jUcMkG8kRC84IwP5vvPI/w300-h400/IMG_7799.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Next up was the walk to Monroe which was just fabulous. There was absolutely nothing for us to complain about.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IFZb6GoZDB0qVV7BdC4FrXDTK0Vfkbvim5OPKzLtfahy-RuMAGjvK6Ias07FXbor9TDORUV-j0rTKDYj-Xe6Cjr8UjdU1GGP4Eefi165dY7LeTI4T4DHWhhu7OuAIgZUlD7zSX4afNE08DCH62o5HSel1AOXmlNoo0u6-68s42YSuIN0HvREJBaP/s4032/IMG_7807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IFZb6GoZDB0qVV7BdC4FrXDTK0Vfkbvim5OPKzLtfahy-RuMAGjvK6Ias07FXbor9TDORUV-j0rTKDYj-Xe6Cjr8UjdU1GGP4Eefi165dY7LeTI4T4DHWhhu7OuAIgZUlD7zSX4afNE08DCH62o5HSel1AOXmlNoo0u6-68s42YSuIN0HvREJBaP/w300-h400/IMG_7807.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Spring was everywhere, yay!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb6pQwUDUhqPK85GiVH4pDpCVjgHmoYdtfpPMYGd7eEHNvLduVRihsfLFPQX55xTeXCy9gBB4s_2EWbrsPodcc-dd8XO8nRLCouXiShTR6RitKUftz1NwiZ4n2gegixsnK_AAfDhKw3tr33CDvfCIsaScgd8T0utxwD4AsfgLqe4iWjTQ13rSW4yf/s4032/IMG_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb6pQwUDUhqPK85GiVH4pDpCVjgHmoYdtfpPMYGd7eEHNvLduVRihsfLFPQX55xTeXCy9gBB4s_2EWbrsPodcc-dd8XO8nRLCouXiShTR6RitKUftz1NwiZ4n2gegixsnK_AAfDhKw3tr33CDvfCIsaScgd8T0utxwD4AsfgLqe4iWjTQ13rSW4yf/w300-h400/IMG_7818.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>UGH STOP!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7c-J2PdYRz-02RcbVW0XprKsBTJifLdwUwxUIZ53s9Uoe7YpyIerf9c6gIlEh16SqAxwFwx69Ypiu8le-Dd7RA8xvnL1lGLzLQ1CsX6qbj5Z8ASQQ3VAMbCWAVBXl8oNwCjb5WLjIf1X7oaNRwDeLrcXii5KfkXCsmZ8orwU-qk2hawLnOqaY_Kt/s4032/IMG_7813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7c-J2PdYRz-02RcbVW0XprKsBTJifLdwUwxUIZ53s9Uoe7YpyIerf9c6gIlEh16SqAxwFwx69Ypiu8le-Dd7RA8xvnL1lGLzLQ1CsX6qbj5Z8ASQQ3VAMbCWAVBXl8oNwCjb5WLjIf1X7oaNRwDeLrcXii5KfkXCsmZ8orwU-qk2hawLnOqaY_Kt/w640-h480/IMG_7813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Just going to let the photos take us to Monroe....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLCQrMJ51G28sm6QVm8exMi7dPraw-2B6EXBxZGaVzzecisVbrQUXhGLCiif9uEm7HM7ql3CNC19sxYYjT9nYQeZodVOUogkWcFUsEpHuigIq9S5mogdwJuE7Y5-T8Px2o30uuYSvMy5D64djSkb5DFbpMyfXVMYKSeIHd1wy1PBEI2QrOcDj45go/s4032/IMG_7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLCQrMJ51G28sm6QVm8exMi7dPraw-2B6EXBxZGaVzzecisVbrQUXhGLCiif9uEm7HM7ql3CNC19sxYYjT9nYQeZodVOUogkWcFUsEpHuigIq9S5mogdwJuE7Y5-T8Px2o30uuYSvMy5D64djSkb5DFbpMyfXVMYKSeIHd1wy1PBEI2QrOcDj45go/w640-h480/IMG_7843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE89dTKr5qRbiTL_Kk1BKyWZ5vbRm8ZXq6u5yZoOEfNuxZaNpPuTePnSR6E4aYu4YqLTPIkX7ge9xzBNH2BMkUpoi_YCzWY_Iz0H_kzQc4SSOPkNHuEBoWj4Qma9IqCef-BnFf80nKql4LxrcW-TChzHeFC3esHohMW_oQhgvmbyYgCKMyuOOqPU7/s4032/IMG_7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE89dTKr5qRbiTL_Kk1BKyWZ5vbRm8ZXq6u5yZoOEfNuxZaNpPuTePnSR6E4aYu4YqLTPIkX7ge9xzBNH2BMkUpoi_YCzWY_Iz0H_kzQc4SSOPkNHuEBoWj4Qma9IqCef-BnFf80nKql4LxrcW-TChzHeFC3esHohMW_oQhgvmbyYgCKMyuOOqPU7/w480-h640/IMG_7825.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMM0iV3IokKJLRzWeUxdRZeCEmTxH8wSqVOwsm4rAPNjFI2Qp6pzHwCzORO3zsgO6w4AOweboWXrwdjpJvT-CHu5XEXEAEBXEFr6N4v7YcW7Xp05rzYSD1WPXe2d4UTGnGVx4eGGy7Q9gkHxGDafA1N8RmnYfM_MOecacszGGPCCQk0KfbGCnTVYXP/s4032/IMG_7822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMM0iV3IokKJLRzWeUxdRZeCEmTxH8wSqVOwsm4rAPNjFI2Qp6pzHwCzORO3zsgO6w4AOweboWXrwdjpJvT-CHu5XEXEAEBXEFr6N4v7YcW7Xp05rzYSD1WPXe2d4UTGnGVx4eGGy7Q9gkHxGDafA1N8RmnYfM_MOecacszGGPCCQk0KfbGCnTVYXP/w640-h480/IMG_7822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>We summited happily!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDNWNnl2ugfChD8D-YPblnKl8jcrSrir9TYGATkPmb2N5_en7xXGh-MYkTo0t9DMvYAw0dPG47-iRqzr0U3LaEDd9zS8XIUPgurvcuFiqU05_osYKu-ZZsoEDadCwhznqOEZrjEuyFqAvNs6SXn120aeWZleuX8pa-Jj-LKLgie8_13IrDZ-Ags2r/s4032/IMG_7831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDNWNnl2ugfChD8D-YPblnKl8jcrSrir9TYGATkPmb2N5_en7xXGh-MYkTo0t9DMvYAw0dPG47-iRqzr0U3LaEDd9zS8XIUPgurvcuFiqU05_osYKu-ZZsoEDadCwhznqOEZrjEuyFqAvNs6SXn120aeWZleuX8pa-Jj-LKLgie8_13IrDZ-Ags2r/w640-h480/IMG_7831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>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. </div><div>From there, we began the walk back. Since we have never taken Gulfside Trail around Monroe, we choose this route and really enjoyed it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSrbYyo7sEGQmb0aLQKuf3RfiUuB0T-84NfsuuXAAp8gHiHzwv7oa2xHwZnATil66_kukf0b4ehnZ15ZDNEXR9I04PQ601dTI2V2GjA5ewVyenDgILnWmaFRk26iH9olPfLkpnBYoFnypFd0_aJzxO4yJhnn8JT4RHCWChhZANUqZOCHmQBo-DOhv/s4032/IMG_7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSrbYyo7sEGQmb0aLQKuf3RfiUuB0T-84NfsuuXAAp8gHiHzwv7oa2xHwZnATil66_kukf0b4ehnZ15ZDNEXR9I04PQ601dTI2V2GjA5ewVyenDgILnWmaFRk26iH9olPfLkpnBYoFnypFd0_aJzxO4yJhnn8JT4RHCWChhZANUqZOCHmQBo-DOhv/w640-h480/IMG_7843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We trekked over the low key summit of Franklin before heading back towards Edmands.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8SCJUzS5CkxFpOl6uXGOOr51VbtoMx0hZI6izY7J4GbekKZskRgQ-8XxaC29NFPNx3yUZCotd_QNOy2Azu-31MQDs8bXgsaWxvF5O_FQiq4jmDBRhCjOYrkktYNMuN-ZlCjXFfBoHGm2DZWXG3byjKSTSRclb3KluW8CWlxRNxw8Q6udi0VLAYvl/s4032/IMG_7848.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8SCJUzS5CkxFpOl6uXGOOr51VbtoMx0hZI6izY7J4GbekKZskRgQ-8XxaC29NFPNx3yUZCotd_QNOy2Azu-31MQDs8bXgsaWxvF5O_FQiq4jmDBRhCjOYrkktYNMuN-ZlCjXFfBoHGm2DZWXG3byjKSTSRclb3KluW8CWlxRNxw8Q6udi0VLAYvl/w640-h480/IMG_7848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There were some shenanigans along the way....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwrKQCc5vxfv55pI0gIZ393xwJ99QOVzS2odRJFejBH0Fi5FYCOOdu4iYKXKjZH0CqLgpcY4DCo1RvdwOOum4VHofxkDyz4uSGt-eRWlN4vy-YfUsoKOz5M6cibsWSE_cEyS5LLNxiALKVPOGhEykm5r9HMLCtKGZhiVh-UbNF7Iim9GlN2brvp7j/s2436/IMG_7864.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwrKQCc5vxfv55pI0gIZ393xwJ99QOVzS2odRJFejBH0Fi5FYCOOdu4iYKXKjZH0CqLgpcY4DCo1RvdwOOum4VHofxkDyz4uSGt-eRWlN4vy-YfUsoKOz5M6cibsWSE_cEyS5LLNxiALKVPOGhEykm5r9HMLCtKGZhiVh-UbNF7Iim9GlN2brvp7j/w185-h400/IMG_7864.PNG" width="185" /></a></div><br /><div>And more pretty things to look at!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCFJ3clZebwBEWnN2rGMjQiVl2iN6KE9qro5bCI_ktkZmtZa7MTTbX9l4bFXJj42yAfx-qF5LvLtfQ5o3Pv__kKPaHc71nUx7Get8fAXlf70lrAb1KyFrDQvZWc5iVu09299iUQbsq4mstzqT1UPxiP4oM8MyqrzjUQOt_VDPzxSY13rpO0PGSJy/s4032/IMG_7852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQCFJ3clZebwBEWnN2rGMjQiVl2iN6KE9qro5bCI_ktkZmtZa7MTTbX9l4bFXJj42yAfx-qF5LvLtfQ5o3Pv__kKPaHc71nUx7Get8fAXlf70lrAb1KyFrDQvZWc5iVu09299iUQbsq4mstzqT1UPxiP4oM8MyqrzjUQOt_VDPzxSY13rpO0PGSJy/w640-h480/IMG_7852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 10.7</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3967</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 5:21:50</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Sara: 9.5</div><div> 8<br /><div><br /></div></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-588789881595240842022-05-21T07:26:00.001-04:002022-05-21T07:26:12.713-04:00Update on pesky foot problemWe are in the midst of a mini break from hiking prompted initially by the onset of 90 degree temperatures, that only arrive for the weekends. Bullshit! Very similar to January when every weekend was -32 degrees and 67MPH winds, just on the opposite spectrum. <div><br /></div><div>Last October prior to my surgery I was having foot pain which seemed to be directly related to trail running/hiking and twisting my ankles and generally beating the crap out of myself. It was less that idea but I certainly could understand why it was happening (gone are the days of my early 30's and the "oh gee I have noooo idea why I could possibly be hurt- insert random bullshit reason instead of saying "I'm going too hard." Anyway, long story short is that we went pretty hard last fall and it made sense that I was having some pain and suffering. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to late winter. I had recovered from surgery and was literally a blank slate. Brand new woman. I figured it was a good time to rebuild in a super smart way (again- I'm not 30 anymore. No more "accidentally" running long miles on untrained legs.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I did everything SO correctly. Walking before running, teeny tiny runs, smaller hikes building to larger ones, and extremely regular trips to see my top notch Chiropractor to get my body running like a well oiled machine. Early on in the winter, I damaged my rotator cuff and subsequently fucked up my back. This was a drag but actually demanded that I make a return to strength training and really prioritize continuing with Chiro/massage/PT etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>So long story SHORT. After all this love and care and legit couch to 5k return to athletics, HOW PISSED WAS I when my damn foot began to hurt back in April. I was pretty pissed but figured if I did my due diligence it would go away. So, I iced, stretched and rolled. Did my exercises. Backed wayyyy off on the 3 miles a week I was running. And nothing helped. </div><div><br /></div><div>Off to my PCP I went (unless I have bones sticking out of my body I try to go through the steps at home before wasting time to have a Dr tell me to ice/stretch/compress/rest.) My PCP sent me for an x-ray (looked good as expected- although it seems that I fractured my big toe at some point and have a couple extra foot bones. Go figure.) And then she sent me to see a Sports Medicine Dr. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Sports Medicine Dr was great. GREAT! She said that I certainly do have Plantar Fasciitis (LAME) and she added a couple steps to my already busy rehab regimen (more agressive rolling, possible dry needling, shoe inserts) AND she suggested a cortisone injection. Sick and tired of having foot pain all day every day, I took her up on that. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that brings us to today, weekend 2 of no hiking due once again to 90 degree temps, but also due to the fact that I had that cortisone shot yesterday and need to stay off my feet for a little bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>The injection itself was NO big deal at all. My doctor used ultrasound to show me my fascia (very swollen) and explained to me that first, a lidocaine injection would numb the whole area prior to the cortisone shot, and that besides from a little initial pinch I should not feel a thing. This was all correct and it was over before I knew it! It was extremely interesting to see the inner workings of my foot, and to watch the injection take place in real time. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far 17 hours in- I would say my foot feels good. I did not have the problem of having a flare up from the cortisone that some people experience. (actually- I would say I felt better instantly.) After 48 quiet hours I'll be able to ease back into my routine and I am VERY hopeful that I get some relief! </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course- this injection is NOT a cure and I will continue to be very diligent about my rehab. This has been very obnoxious, and I do not wish to continue with the foot pain of death so I plan to do everything I can to improve. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, I have not been told to back off of my normal activities unless the pain becomes really bad. (my sports dr did say she would NOT recommend beginning to train for a marathon right now, but I can continue to stay active.)</div><div><br /></div><div>So we'll see how it goes. I'm cautiously optimistic that this injection will improve my comfort and allow me to have better days on my feet. And I'm VERY determined to continue with my rehab and get past this bump in the road. </div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-61430330344536896622022-05-15T18:29:00.002-04:002022-05-16T06:55:45.721-04:00Madison, Adams, Jefferson (Clay) #32, 33, 34 of Round 2 of the NH48We had been waiting for a low wind/not sub zero day to tackle Madison through Washington, and finally landed on it last Sunday, May 8th. <div><br /></div><div>We arranged for a ride to pick us up at the Cog and drop us off at Appalachia. </div><div>This all went quite well, we were one of two cars at the cog, and one of about eight cars at Appalachia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yYGPAOXbvQ5zq5ICQIxk6Xgsrju8PwCkEX1TR21P0c_9L3WDTLK8AF2D_GAm34Sa4MR7MTHfPYFaXR9_Y3w8EHpwkLqPl8-HYkfaPDaMv_QlKNgOQ_5LODAjq1LVw-Ypy5JG0_BkQu9mka29n0WuIMm1dYdoDdDYD5_Dbhq-qA9TyOFHbUXkHpzL/s4032/IMG_7621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yYGPAOXbvQ5zq5ICQIxk6Xgsrju8PwCkEX1TR21P0c_9L3WDTLK8AF2D_GAm34Sa4MR7MTHfPYFaXR9_Y3w8EHpwkLqPl8-HYkfaPDaMv_QlKNgOQ_5LODAjq1LVw-Ypy5JG0_BkQu9mka29n0WuIMm1dYdoDdDYD5_Dbhq-qA9TyOFHbUXkHpzL/w400-h300/IMG_7621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Our driver promised that would not be pulled over this week (good) but mentioned that the car seemed ready to break down (less good) and they then drove us v-e-r-y slowly to our destination which normally would be b-a-d but was mostly fine because we got to hear more of their legit insane stories. Getting a shuttle ride in this area is always an adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got off to a slightly late and chilly, but sunny start and did our best to hoof it up Madison speedily. We were sort of successful. I have been struggling with some foot problems, so going super hard hasn't been that thrilling. Plus, it was coats on/off spikes on/off weather which always slows a person down. </div><div><br /></div><div>Valley way started dry enough. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixefWq3ypWj71lV7_UeNwrg5lvEn2n4FiKs9sty86jYqtjYVtP1-mMjUoSEanRRoFTSbbhYfB5CriZ20-fWb4UMIY1z2ptmRw2UpRnCQtP1aG2FVPKWUHw7YF43P8lkkIq-46mq19T-p1qLOWldCsuhHZY9BPnmUOkPRTLusKQzzhF8Y4GeMlxOWCl/s4032/IMG_7623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixefWq3ypWj71lV7_UeNwrg5lvEn2n4FiKs9sty86jYqtjYVtP1-mMjUoSEanRRoFTSbbhYfB5CriZ20-fWb4UMIY1z2ptmRw2UpRnCQtP1aG2FVPKWUHw7YF43P8lkkIq-46mq19T-p1qLOWldCsuhHZY9BPnmUOkPRTLusKQzzhF8Y4GeMlxOWCl/w300-h400/IMG_7623.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>But became hard pack snow/ice about 2.5 miles in. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJHY_z3LSgP4Nn90nZ0174aH9ZI_waZ3JekxU9JiVuhYqwfor3hOABvsTPXGEiBoIDrMh-0f1BVTe_WFWLnryVtiAuWUlnvyuu3btMREwOFrdeUtRGx2F_1EFptQuGubkrLs28dsjJ8VyqieWxyrmJGf9Uc-VD3nkSEE7PaciBClscsKWOlx8XC3/s4032/IMG_7624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJHY_z3LSgP4Nn90nZ0174aH9ZI_waZ3JekxU9JiVuhYqwfor3hOABvsTPXGEiBoIDrMh-0f1BVTe_WFWLnryVtiAuWUlnvyuu3btMREwOFrdeUtRGx2F_1EFptQuGubkrLs28dsjJ8VyqieWxyrmJGf9Uc-VD3nkSEE7PaciBClscsKWOlx8XC3/w300-h400/IMG_7624.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The sun was shining beautifully, and we were glad it was not a sneaky hot day like the previous week. It basically hovered around 35-40 until the afternoon. (when it suddenly was 50!)</div><div><br /></div><div>At the Madison hut, we were able to pull traction to make the final climb to the summit. We also dropped our packs, which makes for a nice break!</div><div><br /></div><div>We encountered some wind on Madison but managed to get a quick photo. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv_eIGKEWtPwCVlb_vG2nZdybYlPXRjyRe-dQWwFTEtXgcp5AWZeNxLNFK8ZZ5sXDwRE14wqAEnyYQiupgl5nl0ekkia3TbnX5EOVn7jVnV0Ttb6b-drfPDU_FMe6CPa6D9P3FRJ88XCkfXQ5DO1eaNA4b_mY3rHBaaSJADnj3CKQCPjn33XHvX40/s4032/IMG_7627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv_eIGKEWtPwCVlb_vG2nZdybYlPXRjyRe-dQWwFTEtXgcp5AWZeNxLNFK8ZZ5sXDwRE14wqAEnyYQiupgl5nl0ekkia3TbnX5EOVn7jVnV0Ttb6b-drfPDU_FMe6CPa6D9P3FRJ88XCkfXQ5DO1eaNA4b_mY3rHBaaSJADnj3CKQCPjn33XHvX40/w640-h480/IMG_7627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We knew the winds would continue to diminish as the day went on, so were continued to Adams with confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, on the way to Adams, the stupid talus fields showed up. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy2c8GMJJONzGYfuKp4R6qb0J9RcZ3OZSNQAtYTcA6A7AveAQ-He8oLzf27hJPhMJaoLwguRkO-eCUYvGIpu0F4RSD4s3_V9VS5Gj2LSmenr39YYcGPhPrKuS9f6XmUX3RTTbY2tIC9MTBj7d7p43FAd2B3LENdRNzgMNZ_nP7TgQKYnjgvCs7QQ6/s4032/IMG_7636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy2c8GMJJONzGYfuKp4R6qb0J9RcZ3OZSNQAtYTcA6A7AveAQ-He8oLzf27hJPhMJaoLwguRkO-eCUYvGIpu0F4RSD4s3_V9VS5Gj2LSmenr39YYcGPhPrKuS9f6XmUX3RTTbY2tIC9MTBj7d7p43FAd2B3LENdRNzgMNZ_nP7TgQKYnjgvCs7QQ6/w480-h640/IMG_7636.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>And then got more intense, as expected....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMvPM0mxbphN_zsMz0BJf7xEylklhngl_gIT-S3sQl2Ajk7nKrnzRYnp9yWwwlglgQA_Wpm6sftnVOTZLIzok1-Us7NYxpmnFo4-NppVN5h2VC41d9VBUhKT0fHJn6qrKpMB3HYo9gNzS2eqliQMfuoGy2OUeQzY77QtnCmBWRCh6xmRlgUlqVrZp/s4032/IMG_7639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMvPM0mxbphN_zsMz0BJf7xEylklhngl_gIT-S3sQl2Ajk7nKrnzRYnp9yWwwlglgQA_Wpm6sftnVOTZLIzok1-Us7NYxpmnFo4-NppVN5h2VC41d9VBUhKT0fHJn6qrKpMB3HYo9gNzS2eqliQMfuoGy2OUeQzY77QtnCmBWRCh6xmRlgUlqVrZp/w640-h480/IMG_7639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We made quick work to the summit, and managed to take another pic on our second summit of the day that we had all to ourselves. Not a soul in sight. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BDpFh4FopthLBj2vHUi00_tfNleGh_f2eNJkMgSNmYxKVYnoTizEzIqZIuvbIOA1wZs1W10IkIBQWNZCZj58JY8nvchyiObAg8LkEuNFkt6_mED9G5io8dYzVDQsryIBOtTGqtwflk3uegNRpnP3VKxfZGUeys5DrSlxk27EJ-YS81MVBD_wSxhK/s4032/IMG_7641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BDpFh4FopthLBj2vHUi00_tfNleGh_f2eNJkMgSNmYxKVYnoTizEzIqZIuvbIOA1wZs1W10IkIBQWNZCZj58JY8nvchyiObAg8LkEuNFkt6_mED9G5io8dYzVDQsryIBOtTGqtwflk3uegNRpnP3VKxfZGUeys5DrSlxk27EJ-YS81MVBD_wSxhK/w640-h480/IMG_7641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>There is something really unique about being on these trails when there is nobody else (or very few) people out there. We really enjoyed the solitude, and took time to enjoy the landscape with no others around. We saw a grand total of 17 people all day, and spent hours at a time seeing absolutely nobody. </div><div><br /></div><div>After Adams, the trip to Jefferson took some time. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was the coats on/off spikes on/off dance performed at least a half dozen times. Conditions were variable, and having wet shoes from the snow and puddles made dancing over the rocks more tedious. Plus, there is really no way to sugarcoat the fact that my foot was bothering me, and causing me to second guess many of my steps. </div><div><br /></div><div>From a distance, we could see the Jefferson snowfield, and even though I had read that it was safe enough to cross, it looked like a dangerous nightmare. </div><div>Thankfully, upon arrival we discovered it was quite alright, unless you decided to be an idiot. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1gaSpF3V_pu7Lbx4SC-hu9eAIdygnt6RPUmkxaU-4sSEA1Kopjnfd6VHbz8XqN11GIIDoEwenGmshQpSNpm5SsT4tsshEmfSwYKX22naRy78IBenPxgy8SNm8NQGdo8dEsBu0DsAdm9MVwYQGUfgFsc_OAY8Sp_eczT0ECgT0wIq2PATpQ2Ft5O/s2436/IMG_7705.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC1gaSpF3V_pu7Lbx4SC-hu9eAIdygnt6RPUmkxaU-4sSEA1Kopjnfd6VHbz8XqN11GIIDoEwenGmshQpSNpm5SsT4tsshEmfSwYKX22naRy78IBenPxgy8SNm8NQGdo8dEsBu0DsAdm9MVwYQGUfgFsc_OAY8Sp_eczT0ECgT0wIq2PATpQ2Ft5O/w640-h296/IMG_7705.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was very pretty (you really can not appreciate the steepness!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFevMD6H4uJF5lYRwAc7YzPboXyZGhlLskS5cZJWkvpBTYPowxnKEYM8f283ShPKt_O6eStm2q_s7UiMFKyNZJAY8oT2YUHK1zIlAQdAnmttuco-UHrPnuWegylHPVYmFGvIQ_2NX51-dejjOuroNOzcTkmzsnz41GZ0rp0ajucscdcZfP8znu4Dd/s4032/IMG_7648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFevMD6H4uJF5lYRwAc7YzPboXyZGhlLskS5cZJWkvpBTYPowxnKEYM8f283ShPKt_O6eStm2q_s7UiMFKyNZJAY8oT2YUHK1zIlAQdAnmttuco-UHrPnuWegylHPVYmFGvIQ_2NX51-dejjOuroNOzcTkmzsnz41GZ0rp0ajucscdcZfP8znu4Dd/w640-h480/IMG_7648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Between the snow/rocks/incline we all were feeling the miles as we made the last climb to Jefferson. Honestly though- I always think that once Jeff is checked off the list, the worst of it is over. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, it was the one peak that we didn't have to ourselves (2 other hikers there! First people we has seen since half way between Madison and Adams.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, a couple quick pics. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAVOxWD5acmDLIRup-u0qTHxhH0SZlRvY2j_V_ijDgVhO1qBaU1oB-jxwDvsB9s_y7kXi637IAofxiGLQXMlwUbKW3qayr4nJdhjqlq7j6dd_0u-AazYp19ODL26wtx9VmGDQ-rmZ9uPNN6J11GIx7sLqNqRpLTVzH3bsEhtSGZ-dNFKAXDE0H46b/s4032/IMG_7655.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAVOxWD5acmDLIRup-u0qTHxhH0SZlRvY2j_V_ijDgVhO1qBaU1oB-jxwDvsB9s_y7kXi637IAofxiGLQXMlwUbKW3qayr4nJdhjqlq7j6dd_0u-AazYp19ODL26wtx9VmGDQ-rmZ9uPNN6J11GIx7sLqNqRpLTVzH3bsEhtSGZ-dNFKAXDE0H46b/w640-h480/IMG_7655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Of very pretty everything. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoshENjwOlw1k6cM8QjTbLqeN4TuIfoLPJIXoZDABZi16Ln3yfh7Ty5_bOdbsuRwo7LRfgyMbQ5SlVX7RO66Co3Qi-8yYsUIdvMRNXDgd1wRggqZ01ufXYeJh-kdBbXt_eLVFDzqjGcjNelEleeNqTmRwO3k63GS1x_3FXcFPAUV-FMlXTXAmN_Wx/s4032/IMG_7652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoshENjwOlw1k6cM8QjTbLqeN4TuIfoLPJIXoZDABZi16Ln3yfh7Ty5_bOdbsuRwo7LRfgyMbQ5SlVX7RO66Co3Qi-8yYsUIdvMRNXDgd1wRggqZ01ufXYeJh-kdBbXt_eLVFDzqjGcjNelEleeNqTmRwO3k63GS1x_3FXcFPAUV-FMlXTXAmN_Wx/w640-h480/IMG_7652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And we were off to Clay and Washington. </div><div><br /></div><div>This stretch of trail can either go by very quickly (it did for me when I did a solo prezi last summer) or it can take for absolutely ever! On this day- it was the latter. The weather was just spectacular, but there was nothing about the conditions to inspire ease or speed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We debated going over Clay (it doesn't count for a Prezi- but we were not doing that! It does, however, have some of the best views of the Great Gulf and is one of those underrated mountains. So, we decided that an extra few hundred feet of elevation was worth it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, just before we reached the summit, Ellie had had enough. This is RARE for her, and we were both extremely concerned. We knew we had kept her water and food needs well met, so when she ran off the (rocky) trail, and plopped down we assumed her little feet were hurting. (we felt that this was correct when we came too another long stretch of snow, and she pranced happily along!) With this new piece of information, we quickly began to descend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stuff like a sad dog is really worrying and upsetting to us, and the trip down (although fast!) was not very much fun. We have a rescue harness for her, so 100% could carry her if needed, but she was able to get along just fine. At this point, we just felt like bad dog parents and it took the wind out of our sails. (on a side note, she was just fine! She slept a lot the next day but her feet looked good and she was back to her normal self in short order!) (she is better off than I am- my foot got taken to the doctor the next day...)</div><div><br /></div><div>So this was the longest and trickiest day of the 2022 season for sure. At the same time, it was also beautiful and amazing, and almost completely devoid of other hikers (Mother's Day hiking is a quiet time!) We enjoyed our first real parking lot picnic of the season, and soaked up the sun. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGgZI5Psdcr_DXY2tqe7FoWeMNnRFy_EWhNT7mfAXSmjF2Wnz3Ps4AYbcvrEDEue_RDn2S-7qiXnuwmPziilHLfvWsnW1hCr7RcR434pd6igvpuD1o3N9jcVq12bw7SW8iNBs0t7Y6nBQtGd9iuWvyKJbTwSdKfDfodQBrgStH2ihkGWRemsC5ezD/s4032/IMG_7666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGgZI5Psdcr_DXY2tqe7FoWeMNnRFy_EWhNT7mfAXSmjF2Wnz3Ps4AYbcvrEDEue_RDn2S-7qiXnuwmPziilHLfvWsnW1hCr7RcR434pd6igvpuD1o3N9jcVq12bw7SW8iNBs0t7Y6nBQtGd9iuWvyKJbTwSdKfDfodQBrgStH2ihkGWRemsC5ezD/w300-h400/IMG_7666.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So.... This checks off 32-34 of round 2 off the 48, checks off all peaks for Spring (well, except Madison, as we got a spring climb in there last year) and all 3 peaks for May. Phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 12</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 6413</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 8:04:59, ugh</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Eric: 7.5 until Ellie broke then it changed to a 2 until we decided she was ok</div><div>Sara: 6 because my foot hurt and it was tricky and then a 1 when Ellie broke. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-39636635788341704832022-05-04T19:07:00.006-04:002022-05-14T16:42:50.262-04:00An epic day-Flume, Liberty (haystack) Lincoln, Lafayette #28-31 of round 2 the NH48I love big hiking days like this one. Even though this hike "only" logs in at 14 miles, it racks up over 5k elevation and takes you over some pretty decent spring terrain (Ice covered ladders on Osseo Trail anyone??) <div><br /></div><div>This was our first official "BIG" hike of Spring 2022, and our first time hitting so many peaks in one go for the year. The forecast showed a MONEY day with little to no wind, bluebird skies, and temps in the low to mid 30's (more on that) Needless to say- it was ON and we were super excited to welcome May in with a track over Franconia Ridge. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have done the Franconia Loop a couple times, as recently as last August actually. However, this was our first time making a traverse of it, and we were super excited to get after it. (I literally woke up SO PUMPED!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw no need to get a stupid early start, so we casually made our way out planning to begin hiking at 9:00. We had arranged for a shuttle service to pick us up in Franconia at the Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path lot. That transaction began so smoothly, they arrived right on time to pick us up, and all was well. </div><div>Until 4 seconds later when they got pulled over! WHOOPS! so long story short- it was a truly hysterical encounter that involved a missing license plate, a random gun in the glove compartment, and expired registration (with a 14 day printed extension!) and just so, so much on brand extra. I was DELIGHTED, as nothing makes for a better story than a little excitement (and I am a white woman with extreme privilege, I am very lucky not to have to fear for my existence during a routine traffic stop.) So anyway, after the driver and the cop literally became BFF for life, we got on our way. OMG. And yes, I would totally use this shuttle again, they might have been a little chaotic but the driving was fine, and they packed heat so ummmmm safety??? OMG.</div><div><br /></div><div>ANYWAY. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was 60 degrees at Lincoln woods. We melted. The end. </div><div><br /></div><div>We hoofed it off along Lincoln Woods, which is a favorite of ours because we can crank up the pace. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yrz0cqQNrhZ4ANh71i-LovG8y4d01pZ9QX_YOZ-d45iLOM8LGK0x_bFZb-jukh33zeIvZv5XL5aGomG715-Fgs7qzx10-VXVj8eXvqOyYOy8_fcvOxwlKnFIlV26fgtnRF14vR2hb-qOyKRcsRsgDvYCKiE15_6-2pxE2OTDhnWpKt7jdLVpp1jm/s4032/IMG_7508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yrz0cqQNrhZ4ANh71i-LovG8y4d01pZ9QX_YOZ-d45iLOM8LGK0x_bFZb-jukh33zeIvZv5XL5aGomG715-Fgs7qzx10-VXVj8eXvqOyYOy8_fcvOxwlKnFIlV26fgtnRF14vR2hb-qOyKRcsRsgDvYCKiE15_6-2pxE2OTDhnWpKt7jdLVpp1jm/w300-h400/IMG_7508.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Just over a mile later, we headed up Osseo and it was just lovely (for a while...) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pcPKfdK11N_TZxZkORclUn6IB4RpECclzNp9DXKgvSUvTqxk-cnvEzgn4yC5Mafs7IuqJoyQtsvUjirzEnQL4_HGyL0xFqtq0FqecOHKEulWNE2YNHbTMOBV49k2hIZkUNtnOLVY9I2wB9oLZ2o8n3U6LSuEKJhiY9XAq81kSH7NWTmIbNnj-TEC/s4032/IMG_7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pcPKfdK11N_TZxZkORclUn6IB4RpECclzNp9DXKgvSUvTqxk-cnvEzgn4yC5Mafs7IuqJoyQtsvUjirzEnQL4_HGyL0xFqtq0FqecOHKEulWNE2YNHbTMOBV49k2hIZkUNtnOLVY9I2wB9oLZ2o8n3U6LSuEKJhiY9XAq81kSH7NWTmIbNnj-TEC/w300-h400/IMG_7510.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We both stripped down to the bare minimum attire because it was hot AF! NOT ready for temps in the 60's FOR SURE. We comforted ourselves with the "knowledge" that it would be 20 degrees cooler at the summits. </div><div><br /></div><div>About 3.5 miles in the snow showed up. At this point, it was mostly packed snow ice crap but it definitely required spikes. </div><div>I'm pretty sad that I didn't take a picture of the famous/infamous Osseo Ladders but HONESTLY they required full and complete attention on this particular day. They were fully frozen and each step had to be taken with the utmost care. We made it up unscathed- but thankful we did not have to go down them! </div><div><br /></div><div>After the ladders, the remainder of the trek to Flume was just tedious uphill work through unconsolidated spring snow. And the temps remained well in the 50's causing us a bit of grief. And sweating. And cursing....</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, we made it, and it was glorious. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had to take 5 minutes for various photo ops. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BZ21qZyt7qwzCdrA6PVJ_HPx23kPuaF7Iggf4K1To4pv4L3BBkgC8UCgu1-dFkqRpsglZxZ7DZAb53FaslYCLxa-zQ8ny276QWU92SriBmt_Wfwy33zWARK2UB51PY6f31lx__e0qLalGxXnbYWknvO9jUhzQxBEL-N8GwDYbsW6Sb5KunLA-iR_/s4032/IMG_8719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BZ21qZyt7qwzCdrA6PVJ_HPx23kPuaF7Iggf4K1To4pv4L3BBkgC8UCgu1-dFkqRpsglZxZ7DZAb53FaslYCLxa-zQ8ny276QWU92SriBmt_Wfwy33zWARK2UB51PY6f31lx__e0qLalGxXnbYWknvO9jUhzQxBEL-N8GwDYbsW6Sb5KunLA-iR_/w640-h480/IMG_8719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>To visit the snowman. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgT8cuaR0Z6qRNtLb2p4RHfOWeMUd0bDQFF3m7YVEqMXcBqXW6uBtLfv4aCKIKRAQtwM0hjQrETRpeIBNtTimimjSg6OumQAJm15ab3y5tau0yWZRckrH_f_LTUTNLvxjZoJ56oBZU0kyO_1_d1-S1JrZTVnti4gG39GQDAj2xuxk4-exsxqxQdim/s4032/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgT8cuaR0Z6qRNtLb2p4RHfOWeMUd0bDQFF3m7YVEqMXcBqXW6uBtLfv4aCKIKRAQtwM0hjQrETRpeIBNtTimimjSg6OumQAJm15ab3y5tau0yWZRckrH_f_LTUTNLvxjZoJ56oBZU0kyO_1_d1-S1JrZTVnti4gG39GQDAj2xuxk4-exsxqxQdim/w300-h400/IMG_7526.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To appreciate the rocky face of Flume. You know, the usual. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyeNNtHEBiVy9FKA5b8ABmyFSvbHiIaloWnuelNmAHO72QW8Bt4UCmbNa5W_pLnkT9KJr8nHn53RWqEiOgq5W_L6IZWBR4xX0rpeOhqeqmkWGmCRvsS7QmaaudwqbYOkkzCPpBV-bLQC3Pud_mS8zN3u4VPa1tuudFNFgdOgKWwFDX4KB1LXCA0r/s4032/IMG_7516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QyeNNtHEBiVy9FKA5b8ABmyFSvbHiIaloWnuelNmAHO72QW8Bt4UCmbNa5W_pLnkT9KJr8nHn53RWqEiOgq5W_L6IZWBR4xX0rpeOhqeqmkWGmCRvsS7QmaaudwqbYOkkzCPpBV-bLQC3Pud_mS8zN3u4VPa1tuudFNFgdOgKWwFDX4KB1LXCA0r/w640-h480/IMG_7516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The stretch between Flume and Liberty had probably the best (snow) trail conditions of the day- probably since it was still pretty shady. We made the trip between peaks very quickly and took in our second view of the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>From there, it is a 1.8 mile SLOG to Haystack. No idea what this trail is like in the Summer, but it was a fairly untraveled route and truly suffering from the mid week snow dump, and the rapid melt in the (still) very warm temps. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUBpvC5p2uykDO7D8Q_p7xujqV6ld1HOZ307DRf6MHfkVBvGOm_e8Bl621dv57bj1Bj1NXCEMJtAqUD82H95yb9l8XROGM5tAXQh8W9WWbFVDnwIApII6L79WYLGfXXBy1Qxa8yt_dQrdZshK-OLv_qL2g0i8z_WUk0t8hy6zUx08Zh5WLi_jX_Jp/s4032/IMG_7536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUBpvC5p2uykDO7D8Q_p7xujqV6ld1HOZ307DRf6MHfkVBvGOm_e8Bl621dv57bj1Bj1NXCEMJtAqUD82H95yb9l8XROGM5tAXQh8W9WWbFVDnwIApII6L79WYLGfXXBy1Qxa8yt_dQrdZshK-OLv_qL2g0i8z_WUk0t8hy6zUx08Zh5WLi_jX_Jp/w480-h640/IMG_7536.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This walk was a lot longer and harder than it should have been, but it was a lovely day and we were in good moods. (and trying to remember to embrace Beast Mode and Tough Training Miles and EXTREME hiking and all that....)</div><div>But to be honest, we were both happy to finally get to Haystack and to stand on top of the Ridge! (where it was still WELL into the 50's! Thank heavens we had thoroughly sunscreened pre hike...)</div><div><br /></div><div>It was satisfying too look back at the two peaks we had already CRUSHED.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc3NdxHsWUMTJnvaHuUWVTobL569FyYB-MeDKA2ptM4wy9oCSrEQSwNgJOIFjpRN7VpTl8u-7yIVqykVZYlRTAjsDTD7Ejv8vFCo5e0wO7-MVtU9I9wsEPx0xla-ytfHk1V0hGXDOaJoFFnX_-VPFSrEWW-yRdZIBjriSIwEvjanTXzpxUBtgS4er/s4032/IMG_7537%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc3NdxHsWUMTJnvaHuUWVTobL569FyYB-MeDKA2ptM4wy9oCSrEQSwNgJOIFjpRN7VpTl8u-7yIVqykVZYlRTAjsDTD7Ejv8vFCo5e0wO7-MVtU9I9wsEPx0xla-ytfHk1V0hGXDOaJoFFnX_-VPFSrEWW-yRdZIBjriSIwEvjanTXzpxUBtgS4er/w640-h480/IMG_7537%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Spikes off. Snacks had. And the walk across the ridge began! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lYET0bOQovKXKpI4qGasu63CldKySWj2zgYFIyMCkrG0O-nDr5wftaFNW0mruVW5oNSuLjtMbk_WCo07-9LpNZNVSewx9fuWLwxCrBQ2J9YI8SdRY140Itu1D6XsTIIfCzhmXau7kGKjmBX-lYnnVFc-UHfNTztVMWuOfNt-lH721BcXWuFbbzV/s4032/IMG_7544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lYET0bOQovKXKpI4qGasu63CldKySWj2zgYFIyMCkrG0O-nDr5wftaFNW0mruVW5oNSuLjtMbk_WCo07-9LpNZNVSewx9fuWLwxCrBQ2J9YI8SdRY140Itu1D6XsTIIfCzhmXau7kGKjmBX-lYnnVFc-UHfNTztVMWuOfNt-lH721BcXWuFbbzV/w480-h640/IMG_7544.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>No matter the conditions, walking across Franconia Ridge is always a super experience. The walk from Haystack to Lafayette took longer than usual/than expected simply due to the conditions (some bare ground, plenty of water, snow, slush, more water, the usual for May.) We also had to stop and filter water from a little snow melt stream (it tasted legitimately like a mountain glacier!) We also procrastinated a little because we were hot (it was hot...)</div><div><br /></div><div>We also became distracted by gliders flying over! It was amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK4M85DTIAR5KRR4h8E-EmY2dUe5ap7VsGoc86IvzVUIO9NBh85GmWOkCA4396pCC951XRgN4PTThIfXgaRq4ZwT51MHpRBUizXbfm9mqjyf473r3kZ4PGFs8JcQ-npW_Aa2GtuxJgFuAC4-wPaHIOBVjI1mbLNmcEauovMAXEwSnoT7QywetVCsT/s1936/IMG_7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK4M85DTIAR5KRR4h8E-EmY2dUe5ap7VsGoc86IvzVUIO9NBh85GmWOkCA4396pCC951XRgN4PTThIfXgaRq4ZwT51MHpRBUizXbfm9mqjyf473r3kZ4PGFs8JcQ-npW_Aa2GtuxJgFuAC4-wPaHIOBVjI1mbLNmcEauovMAXEwSnoT7QywetVCsT/w400-h400/IMG_7578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We did finally make to Lafayette which never fails to be impressive. You basically tower over all the other little mountains you just walked over and it is a good feeling. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn747NYEC9tsVrc8uu8EtNTKZ9OyFHZKP9BFhx0nmlGVDwGC0aYPyADUBwi47zPrnnPuwPwo6PM4XjvIj3B25D_SGngF3FqUnPZGDTHRCmV4bjmlFeGpAV7GzXShtu_g-lx51LDaty7gVZFvW7P2gb5Pzf8agTatHixNgBMGwcpoKruQYqo6-_SprK/s4032/IMG_7547%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn747NYEC9tsVrc8uu8EtNTKZ9OyFHZKP9BFhx0nmlGVDwGC0aYPyADUBwi47zPrnnPuwPwo6PM4XjvIj3B25D_SGngF3FqUnPZGDTHRCmV4bjmlFeGpAV7GzXShtu_g-lx51LDaty7gVZFvW7P2gb5Pzf8agTatHixNgBMGwcpoKruQYqo6-_SprK/w640-h480/IMG_7547%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And then.... The shit bag descent! What a mess. MESS. MESS! The trail to the Greenleaf Hut was laughably BAD. Completely unstable mashed potato ankle deep slush mess. We laughed and laughed and I fell down in it about 60 times and we laughed some more. SPRING is CRAZY! </div><div><br /></div><div>Old Bridle Path was marginally better, and while we didn't really make up any time, we also did not continue to lose time by falling over in the slush a million times. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finally made it back to the parking lot (where it was about 70 degrees!) and were were glad to be done, hahaha. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDX9KP1M3ZUSLtMMSLVuPTmwEUF_TRbnlHwQeE_LqXGU93ztA_CJTyUq7tYmOiPSIQ3KEIRwaF0yrS9QdsmF-bhFdxRXfW_AVVBpsup9YxbQpEQ6L5WM3o9j4w_-P7TsYf3zjfdvggVsLQJclQdEZqgg7nowdrHV0O7F-hYPPcBLYF_wn0hyOtT_H/s3088/IMG_7551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDX9KP1M3ZUSLtMMSLVuPTmwEUF_TRbnlHwQeE_LqXGU93ztA_CJTyUq7tYmOiPSIQ3KEIRwaF0yrS9QdsmF-bhFdxRXfW_AVVBpsup9YxbQpEQ6L5WM3o9j4w_-P7TsYf3zjfdvggVsLQJclQdEZqgg7nowdrHV0O7F-hYPPcBLYF_wn0hyOtT_H/w300-h400/IMG_7551.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it really was an amazing day and a good combo of type 1 and type 2 fun. Still pretty low crowds (it was no zero person Easter- but we counted 65 other hikers and that's about 500 less than you'll see up there in August.)</div><div><br /></div><div>SO. Yes. A big day, a fun day, a warm day and a slushy day. </div><div><br /></div><div>This trek checked off Flume, Liberty, Lincoln and Lafayette for May, for Spring, and for this round of the 48!</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 13.73</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 5349</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 7:24:18</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Eric: Type-1 fun: 7 Type-2 fun: 8.5</div><div>Sara: Type-1 fun: 7 Type-2 Fun: 9.5</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-65388561006316189462022-05-03T18:37:00.003-04:002022-05-21T07:28:01.347-04:00Moosilauke, #27 of round 2 of the NH48Every 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. <div><br /></div><div>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.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The winter gate was open (yay! no road walk) and there were about 20 or so cars parked in various places along the road. </div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLhwWYBjcHrGWSfnuTUhNXOoL80LvHgeIjE-6sgJDCo0sfk14yKbANA5T7QjDr89IYm2Y6pid6x2IznK48R1qZo90sbtnotiaXgr2wlLCIQMZ6OU4QEyD-5T-wxoteq56V0X9w5ETzx47o7wGUWuPuT0sbo6lOyxhjGGb8XCCAcZm3W3vOfrXvK25/s4032/IMG_7483.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLhwWYBjcHrGWSfnuTUhNXOoL80LvHgeIjE-6sgJDCo0sfk14yKbANA5T7QjDr89IYm2Y6pid6x2IznK48R1qZo90sbtnotiaXgr2wlLCIQMZ6OU4QEyD-5T-wxoteq56V0X9w5ETzx47o7wGUWuPuT0sbo6lOyxhjGGb8XCCAcZm3W3vOfrXvK25/w300-h400/IMG_7483.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>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.)</div><div><br /></div><div>As we continued up the trail, winter became more and more evident. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUEiEepBiUIzOzmwLPf5GvMu6rzYtwhmp8tXQ9CQboniG-qa-GvJxIZ13tkG_QZDoOWVO0VaFTpUkiphsCNDoczTFsXyfoOJmOmPYw3_glmQaKfgDZKVYmTZlLMvIJhST2Bwh44zSUKlbc9MjVNSShQZT5YEWWJaF9u-Hlyfh86qWfK97tDQnppR/s4032/IMG_7485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUEiEepBiUIzOzmwLPf5GvMu6rzYtwhmp8tXQ9CQboniG-qa-GvJxIZ13tkG_QZDoOWVO0VaFTpUkiphsCNDoczTFsXyfoOJmOmPYw3_glmQaKfgDZKVYmTZlLMvIJhST2Bwh44zSUKlbc9MjVNSShQZT5YEWWJaF9u-Hlyfh86qWfK97tDQnppR/w640-h480/IMG_7485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CUR5brqLhS3wBzsiNrroCD7lJYItOCFohTHpEZWJpUNK_Yy00OsXRfzaCItVpM2cID6oJtedQSCdTs2WlnnhwAC4vHpa6pcDNAvTOIAmMxT6JKJBkRHmGSppwmKRjk5JKU028irJ5e8K-PZCYOgmVg_HiEsa17CM9Upen9UEN5q0KUbHCluSJqSk/s4032/IMG_7484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CUR5brqLhS3wBzsiNrroCD7lJYItOCFohTHpEZWJpUNK_Yy00OsXRfzaCItVpM2cID6oJtedQSCdTs2WlnnhwAC4vHpa6pcDNAvTOIAmMxT6JKJBkRHmGSppwmKRjk5JKU028irJ5e8K-PZCYOgmVg_HiEsa17CM9Upen9UEN5q0KUbHCluSJqSk/w640-h480/IMG_7484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>While it was windy and cool (27) at the summit, the clouds were high enough so that we could see all around us. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdux_2ju-Qh0xTZZ-ZOLvdTbirfmmECRCy69tgaj4UkQpNTcWDHyoyiN4p-zCycJ27T5ZNekKSprSLNSIdJDjuU5hZa359Y9TvEJ69VagvdociEeyfxVHJxzMQnfyZmIjGx2pbIDZ590k5tM0L9JJorHEB4u46lhJLEfgIw5luvK3kBLQKv4x6B0p/s4032/IMG_7494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdux_2ju-Qh0xTZZ-ZOLvdTbirfmmECRCy69tgaj4UkQpNTcWDHyoyiN4p-zCycJ27T5ZNekKSprSLNSIdJDjuU5hZa359Y9TvEJ69VagvdociEeyfxVHJxzMQnfyZmIjGx2pbIDZ590k5tM0L9JJorHEB4u46lhJLEfgIw5luvK3kBLQKv4x6B0p/w640-h480/IMG_7494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We didn't linger much- as it was pretty brisk.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nWb1YVJq8CGbjc_ThmqNxBuEaueqPJmmYH4ZtqqfF2FVcAglDnRVPY5QqyJO1mzaRvAtVwf_P3BBrBeITdwOsx8-rBm1Oy7DqEEMTOLROMo3HUBkmmMs8rlRvlgWcMthlAILj8-zqqi2LN4i-JW0v1QNSLQzfx8xxwh8SaaL_az5dkTbsc6WiXbj/s4032/IMG_7491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nWb1YVJq8CGbjc_ThmqNxBuEaueqPJmmYH4ZtqqfF2FVcAglDnRVPY5QqyJO1mzaRvAtVwf_P3BBrBeITdwOsx8-rBm1Oy7DqEEMTOLROMo3HUBkmmMs8rlRvlgWcMthlAILj8-zqqi2LN4i-JW0v1QNSLQzfx8xxwh8SaaL_az5dkTbsc6WiXbj/w400-h300/IMG_7491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Still winter here! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck0rzYUmXArtm3C9DsFQaojLVZyNsThGP45AJ-ibo3BQOtdrzhIJJq49qsP5geNex--SBf2zGKN5mNIgJoyR8ezv1i1u25cM5U65fNeStbdFfkUBhmsMc3NgM9t6WcITWEIuBEpINlC9WlMEeospJmPnd90Q2mjNisdTugBdpskvj0HWtNmzfP3sE/s4032/IMG_7493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck0rzYUmXArtm3C9DsFQaojLVZyNsThGP45AJ-ibo3BQOtdrzhIJJq49qsP5geNex--SBf2zGKN5mNIgJoyR8ezv1i1u25cM5U65fNeStbdFfkUBhmsMc3NgM9t6WcITWEIuBEpINlC9WlMEeospJmPnd90Q2mjNisdTugBdpskvj0HWtNmzfP3sE/w480-h640/IMG_7493.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From the summit to South peak the snow got fairly stupid! Full blown drifts and winder madness. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6eIL3ZhLhkFA2PLK7d7TkgGLgn6CGYcJZSSLYvVr1AGSqTbmanU4xsEdTjEK0MKWVoA97Mg1d9VSbjQwdl15q_tP6inRcNTwNYikh4vSxKIa5gwVdrzgLDv97QzmZwWKDxtvoAoV8JdD8vb3vGU1_F2vPPHlWeTs-82lfYG-mlyZj4lpzBY07bUW/s4032/IMG_7497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6eIL3ZhLhkFA2PLK7d7TkgGLgn6CGYcJZSSLYvVr1AGSqTbmanU4xsEdTjEK0MKWVoA97Mg1d9VSbjQwdl15q_tP6inRcNTwNYikh4vSxKIa5gwVdrzgLDv97QzmZwWKDxtvoAoV8JdD8vb3vGU1_F2vPPHlWeTs-82lfYG-mlyZj4lpzBY07bUW/w480-h640/IMG_7497.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGySbsK_pCT3tUWlZk5MRMT2u0AEjaW-Ig7MWXjHPJOp2YiAnwoaV-3veQBXym6VEvTTrC0hrGZYJ14xfJR7Y7hCiyjmuN0xMQX3PmrOsr-jNN4aiMvaiYCmwy-wy8rrFieHyyBdRqL6BWnuUqnIwG0uwXTF1_fOoRGdiT8OtEHTiEXnxZ8XiwQxyK/s4032/IMG_7499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGySbsK_pCT3tUWlZk5MRMT2u0AEjaW-Ig7MWXjHPJOp2YiAnwoaV-3veQBXym6VEvTTrC0hrGZYJ14xfJR7Y7hCiyjmuN0xMQX3PmrOsr-jNN4aiMvaiYCmwy-wy8rrFieHyyBdRqL6BWnuUqnIwG0uwXTF1_fOoRGdiT8OtEHTiEXnxZ8XiwQxyK/w480-h640/IMG_7499.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>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!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS3fXIyWWuxoBoPqxZDT-tn36YhZrHMKY8PSC9VIA--rvpcFeLgby0pc8bqwnI9vdbl4ubi9OzPBt1GbPKEnb1_eC0_qF80kLKPcRG8VztC18KMFj5hJ2iCQdVreLGIeVOC-JPyPK1hKiXD6UOY0-wgABBFMC_SnwHoctasr-qJ-jsXvSCYixBRH3/s2436/IMG_7576.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS3fXIyWWuxoBoPqxZDT-tn36YhZrHMKY8PSC9VIA--rvpcFeLgby0pc8bqwnI9vdbl4ubi9OzPBt1GbPKEnb1_eC0_qF80kLKPcRG8VztC18KMFj5hJ2iCQdVreLGIeVOC-JPyPK1hKiXD6UOY0-wgABBFMC_SnwHoctasr-qJ-jsXvSCYixBRH3/w640-h296/IMG_7576.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>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??)</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 7.9 (no roadwalk today!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 2653</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 3:27:36 (like a literal hour PR)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: Eric 7.5, Me 6.5</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-75905676562503115062022-05-02T18:33:00.001-04:002022-05-02T18:33:14.828-04:00Carrigain, #26 of round 2 of the NH48April 24 was expected to be wind free but cloudy, and we decided it was a good day for Carrigain. We actually JUST did Carrigain in September so it felt pretty familiar. We had an amazing day last year so figured if the views sucked we had already seen it. <div><br /></div><div>*I should mention, that the views from this hill are stunning- you can see EVERYTHING, and it is a mountain to save for a perfect day*</div><div><br /></div><div>We parked at the road and did the 2 mile road walk to the Signal Ridge Trailhead. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTEdbVBchCDv7pYXnxYViQrbZR-WK6Q3qNppHZTg2ZA6PIIbB2sQzWwcSHiL-4l1n-C8LLAnPGMOnH7bLgLOHGH_SBKkdLQhIJ-yD6-TbD-KGIOgmyxdHDIHdw6YD_ymJ2_dlOsJJtrtNkYDyBeuR52fLoLcptyI-VXSPSCsbBiD4vadTrmzLTDRg/s4032/IMG_7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTEdbVBchCDv7pYXnxYViQrbZR-WK6Q3qNppHZTg2ZA6PIIbB2sQzWwcSHiL-4l1n-C8LLAnPGMOnH7bLgLOHGH_SBKkdLQhIJ-yD6-TbD-KGIOgmyxdHDIHdw6YD_ymJ2_dlOsJJtrtNkYDyBeuR52fLoLcptyI-VXSPSCsbBiD4vadTrmzLTDRg/w300-h400/IMG_7424.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a pretty nice day with dry lovely trails for quite some time. It made for a nice walk and a good start!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ2Pw1SIiAlz1Xj6a7oQPpgPvEPRiggLA9ECEO5PjIBs03oEQY3yf30N4G2k9vzw_8Pw3-VIfPZE2Ahk-DCpBDaJdMqFF-L3teOnCMD0hMTFoVVmZW3jGfTp4-9h9_homo8rcOXDfINy6-Tk9hEUyv0dU62ugAEscsVROYbBZBwpIwQofCsn51hxQ/s4032/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ2Pw1SIiAlz1Xj6a7oQPpgPvEPRiggLA9ECEO5PjIBs03oEQY3yf30N4G2k9vzw_8Pw3-VIfPZE2Ahk-DCpBDaJdMqFF-L3teOnCMD0hMTFoVVmZW3jGfTp4-9h9_homo8rcOXDfINy6-Tk9hEUyv0dU62ugAEscsVROYbBZBwpIwQofCsn51hxQ/w300-h400/IMG_7426.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div>There really was no "there's a little snow, and a little more....." Suddenly, the snow just was THERE. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPPBkunKyec59GW7x9-ifYQkzggi4BfhTFkm0n81BeRx37ejjwSqk-pJAsUxC9SAvmyFqi-_fwTR32V0EfBw3bPCDGSizx-kjQkkJgTNYOuKdY0UxXXlnBEXhVGQzkoF8ZevvcW9lKOSvL_wQRUNlONxEB5cBlU_iyS2_e8Lv8WzAquPILJUZlIQ/s4032/IMG_7427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPPBkunKyec59GW7x9-ifYQkzggi4BfhTFkm0n81BeRx37ejjwSqk-pJAsUxC9SAvmyFqi-_fwTR32V0EfBw3bPCDGSizx-kjQkkJgTNYOuKdY0UxXXlnBEXhVGQzkoF8ZevvcW9lKOSvL_wQRUNlONxEB5cBlU_iyS2_e8Lv8WzAquPILJUZlIQ/w300-h400/IMG_7427.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The conditions were outstanding though. It was NOT a winter wonderland for a change- and also not so warm that things were turning to soup. Basically perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped on the ridge prior to the summit to soak in the views. We also were thankful for the lack of wind. While you can limit your exposure by minimizing time on the little ridge and the summit- you would not love it here in a gale force day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6n6kVYpexx4X2ihyzX03lN8dwooHRdBnjGjOxpc8tynMM3fR6RMSJ8mUiOktkt5vN3M-kcCm2SukBHfpyH4RycEi9U0NvwDZFaLlo01X5HdowotVaASWDU5ZqL9hexmjj6juV-jKyr0slUKyESXX2sgoRTSNNvFVg-OSiSegLL410i7Nf92KC7Nh/s4032/IMG_7430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6n6kVYpexx4X2ihyzX03lN8dwooHRdBnjGjOxpc8tynMM3fR6RMSJ8mUiOktkt5vN3M-kcCm2SukBHfpyH4RycEi9U0NvwDZFaLlo01X5HdowotVaASWDU5ZqL9hexmjj6juV-jKyr0slUKyESXX2sgoRTSNNvFVg-OSiSegLL410i7Nf92KC7Nh/w640-h480/IMG_7430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We scooted right up the final half mile and were thrilled to find that the clouds were high enough to allow for amazing views in every direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>I climbed the tower for some bonus visuals. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p1M2NCGjUBbSAQCzCKPodogN_ADbzz50T6BRZ-RzUn0A4KVOb1rN6jOHtbJgQygiiu49uWK2K42_4oOL4kRM4TMjuE1Qp9We5PLCbHXQsLXD5jlu5RDQuHMp1tkLYZESSAOHciGwrIMw8VWZ5-o7apZ2KeOhkz7fKnVzrlDHvWQ66STPtwEUiAPF/s4032/IMG_7435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p1M2NCGjUBbSAQCzCKPodogN_ADbzz50T6BRZ-RzUn0A4KVOb1rN6jOHtbJgQygiiu49uWK2K42_4oOL4kRM4TMjuE1Qp9We5PLCbHXQsLXD5jlu5RDQuHMp1tkLYZESSAOHciGwrIMw8VWZ5-o7apZ2KeOhkz7fKnVzrlDHvWQ66STPtwEUiAPF/w640-h480/IMG_7435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Mostly of myself....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qy3AP00l0z3C6y4eLjVcDYBDuFH_s5jkCyryWmKYAjwgnh58ap1AUt__w3bt9bwwejJVLeFUNmOySMXGpj6i9pBzKVgRPs_bnB-spme3YpZdnW_cKRcpAoy95kkBwZT6_GvC76SJ6KfJ9BTYbdCQbfJclf4XrlrzYXX4thffEMbzMVfyqvD8Mjqp/s4032/IMG_7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qy3AP00l0z3C6y4eLjVcDYBDuFH_s5jkCyryWmKYAjwgnh58ap1AUt__w3bt9bwwejJVLeFUNmOySMXGpj6i9pBzKVgRPs_bnB-spme3YpZdnW_cKRcpAoy95kkBwZT6_GvC76SJ6KfJ9BTYbdCQbfJclf4XrlrzYXX4thffEMbzMVfyqvD8Mjqp/w400-h300/IMG_7438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We congratulated ourselves for being so fit, hahaha. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9pa3tRXucTpHBAUFcM5vSKt9ZCdWQ5U2Ncm4FPKyPB3QBALGvfJ1jD2IjIyYF1kjIgo6zNWJVDyr4xwNfpk9_Igi4-qOfkXlYvC7a4LK3N3RkAuDNm2bAEqeorVo7mDNfx0BrCT9oN7GxmdFkWFtiOKiUWpaJ_oRwgDMBh_uRVrc2YSJdRWKYlhQ/s4032/IMG_7445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9pa3tRXucTpHBAUFcM5vSKt9ZCdWQ5U2Ncm4FPKyPB3QBALGvfJ1jD2IjIyYF1kjIgo6zNWJVDyr4xwNfpk9_Igi4-qOfkXlYvC7a4LK3N3RkAuDNm2bAEqeorVo7mDNfx0BrCT9oN7GxmdFkWFtiOKiUWpaJ_oRwgDMBh_uRVrc2YSJdRWKYlhQ/w640-h480/IMG_7445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Another lucky weather day on a perfect mountain! 2/2 for Carrigain delivering the goods. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was extremely quiet on this hill, we only saw 3 other hikers. Amazing. In the summer this trail is a conveyor belt of chaos- so if you don't mind the extra 4 miles with the road walk, April is a nice time to enjoy a spectacular location with low/no crowds. We really enjoyed this hike again- and appreciated that the snow smoothed out the little rocks that pave signal ridge the majority of the time. (pretty typical feelings for us to have in winter.) </div><div><br /></div><div>We made extremely good time on the way down, and enjoyed the warmest (50 degree!) weather of the season. It was a good workout, despite the pretty flat "warm up" there is a good amount of relentless "up" on this hike. One expects that when mountain climbing, but we continue to express our shock every week when we discover the need to gain vert. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 14.1 (4 mile road walk)</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3866</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 5:35:56</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: I said 9, Eric said 8.5</div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-52587856130357832382022-04-23T17:10:00.003-04:002022-05-21T07:29:09.464-04:00OHHHHH WE'RE HALFWAY THERE!! Osceola and East Osceola, #24-25 of round 2 of the NH48Sunday April 17 was the day for the Osceolas. It was cold again, with summit temps expected to be 19 (close, 24) winds to 30MPH (it wasn't that bad) and snow showers (yes.) We were thankful for the lower than expected winds, and for some nice peeks of sun. <div><br /></div><div>We started on the Waterville Valley side, which is a heck of a drive for us. However, we did this hike from the Kanc (Greely Pond Trail) a couple summers ago, and that trail is No Joke Steep. So, with ice still in full effect we decided the drive was warranted. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also got a 5 mile road walk with this option, but we look at is as good practice for the longer days ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was Easter Sunday and the trend of this holiday making for quiet hills continued. We saw nobody on the trail, and one hiker finishing before we began (doesn't count.) </div><div><br /></div><div>As is typical, we saw all seasons. Some Spring (the rocks are emerging.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZbizKZRyTdSHjPfXlo5BruaZzXJQkUVWuZj8DUVAQujzhAvcKKmuWFl-KpOKes7i3QTJfJ0zIwkOOPzMH6836HjmKRwvywwplkLsMwnrDVz-DF68PYpJ0n80USInRsMKU7b1yiBW-y3OzVcUX7C8rWqdbVl1-vjpDyWzqBjyV9e75zcAk8LAGDoL/s4032/IMG_7380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZbizKZRyTdSHjPfXlo5BruaZzXJQkUVWuZj8DUVAQujzhAvcKKmuWFl-KpOKes7i3QTJfJ0zIwkOOPzMH6836HjmKRwvywwplkLsMwnrDVz-DF68PYpJ0n80USInRsMKU7b1yiBW-y3OzVcUX7C8rWqdbVl1-vjpDyWzqBjyV9e75zcAk8LAGDoL/w300-h400/IMG_7380.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Definitely some winter, and for SURE the worst conditions we have had this year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9dgLchhoxEGrIBskSXYdiXC17D6E6UDmDAgCe6j11GzflC7hQcPPb_J48mGq3_y8OAHFdD5BY1kB0pa10MNs5Y0fNDGZiQsXwdkNg4wXCE9FpH3RFylGa_4kzVEJYiJR3wa4szU2ZxxUJ_KE75aNg1e29joS7ts1EYQE-m3UxqUxEiwFWBVAa4_C/s4032/IMG_7346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9dgLchhoxEGrIBskSXYdiXC17D6E6UDmDAgCe6j11GzflC7hQcPPb_J48mGq3_y8OAHFdD5BY1kB0pa10MNs5Y0fNDGZiQsXwdkNg4wXCE9FpH3RFylGa_4kzVEJYiJR3wa4szU2ZxxUJ_KE75aNg1e29joS7ts1EYQE-m3UxqUxEiwFWBVAa4_C/w480-h640/IMG_7346.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Post hole slime city mess, PLUS about 3" new snow for most of the hike which made it a drag. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyIn4-bmP-PBlLPtLRzyCpRhZglRMTGQzlcJoiaJlQWQA_FuyHhNh7aeyYRHByUcp6XNcKLdNbdto6ygwbt06nYfHzB8muzQf9bGyl0ixdLvtko2zRQ-XAOVJuZIM3K-uD7-lEpHzXwduSvzNq_HQ8GtQ1SSkn4D5lnRrpRbimzE-7SkIp3-5A5QP/s4032/IMG_7378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyIn4-bmP-PBlLPtLRzyCpRhZglRMTGQzlcJoiaJlQWQA_FuyHhNh7aeyYRHByUcp6XNcKLdNbdto6ygwbt06nYfHzB8muzQf9bGyl0ixdLvtko2zRQ-XAOVJuZIM3K-uD7-lEpHzXwduSvzNq_HQ8GtQ1SSkn4D5lnRrpRbimzE-7SkIp3-5A5QP/w480-h640/IMG_7378.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Despite the mess, we had a good hike and enjoyed being able to catch a few views. </div><div><br /></div><div>The main summit is always lovely, and we did manage to see off into the distance. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnq8aU0c4tJm1D9slkIOvgv6Bo9UifncBMmHIbNnLrrqMgVfIFfSkkdCd7NgcZcB6p4zWwI0e7K2O5RCIGPbD88oD2SES9G3sLJ8NCDvGAeP_amklqd3wFgXwYx25mcV4n00UvlNKybbe2SadkVWWqIVJHBiva1LpW2gG_prgHZuXc82CUJxk8Wo4/s4032/IMG_7347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnq8aU0c4tJm1D9slkIOvgv6Bo9UifncBMmHIbNnLrrqMgVfIFfSkkdCd7NgcZcB6p4zWwI0e7K2O5RCIGPbD88oD2SES9G3sLJ8NCDvGAeP_amklqd3wFgXwYx25mcV4n00UvlNKybbe2SadkVWWqIVJHBiva1LpW2gG_prgHZuXc82CUJxk8Wo4/w640-h480/IMG_7347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We could also see things like the next storm coming!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g3IqQoPbVO8QrH-j-BuggHjsOBc-UoVdqpsqcjPZobn_WW45mbiCJUUIk3NQcEj6EphP715cOMinYuCotYj1aFs2saB5UFzg5-4eUuDjJSrA-9T1mXjrMp2QSX_G6nAXRuO3uo23dVTZbdk4ipq5OubFlf8f10y9I0ufpcq_1pYHX7b1ImvNVE22/s4032/IMG_7375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g3IqQoPbVO8QrH-j-BuggHjsOBc-UoVdqpsqcjPZobn_WW45mbiCJUUIk3NQcEj6EphP715cOMinYuCotYj1aFs2saB5UFzg5-4eUuDjJSrA-9T1mXjrMp2QSX_G6nAXRuO3uo23dVTZbdk4ipq5OubFlf8f10y9I0ufpcq_1pYHX7b1ImvNVE22/w640-h480/IMG_7375.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The stretch to the East peak is the hardest part of this hike. Mt. Osceola trail is considerably easier than Greely Pond, so the trickiest stuff you'll find is on the way to East. The chimney bypass was quite passable- and the bypass to the bypass was as well. There were a couple pretty steep stretches that provided a challenge- too much slush for our micro spikes to gain purchase on, but we managed well enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>Low quality Summit at east peak. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYiEpMWuXZ6dhxxcN2nByXsAcFohkwOti8mJNv3FdGzJNqfOJFgSd3XkJE1bZa7WHZlKAj26QHKKzFYVNF9I81LtrnL6EOCxNvQzYseo0PhsdhZOdafkrzgMJvqaENQDpm25jMPL9a7mE9Cn_zLOw9pYPa1DYzUsQ2DtMcMBHF4vVa9lBtvlo9L0r/s4032/IMG_7355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYiEpMWuXZ6dhxxcN2nByXsAcFohkwOti8mJNv3FdGzJNqfOJFgSd3XkJE1bZa7WHZlKAj26QHKKzFYVNF9I81LtrnL6EOCxNvQzYseo0PhsdhZOdafkrzgMJvqaENQDpm25jMPL9a7mE9Cn_zLOw9pYPa1DYzUsQ2DtMcMBHF4vVa9lBtvlo9L0r/w300-h400/IMG_7355.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But, the sun shone on us!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBDDjg9CCqr7letxTRetGXDM7DJkAJcZk0KQPKRz0X9DD1E_7bW7AsdeGaKNNLK_oNVD3HTyhE7WqI8z_huZ0g8pM1tpylJBDhvHZcJXm1Jc0sR-Haoag-DBN47R-pU0gI4F9a0ZAgf5D8yhEABmy6bY_v3T8k4zyBMhbBbKaDToEwHDxc4Xn8d8h/s4032/IMG_7371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBDDjg9CCqr7letxTRetGXDM7DJkAJcZk0KQPKRz0X9DD1E_7bW7AsdeGaKNNLK_oNVD3HTyhE7WqI8z_huZ0g8pM1tpylJBDhvHZcJXm1Jc0sR-Haoag-DBN47R-pU0gI4F9a0ZAgf5D8yhEABmy6bY_v3T8k4zyBMhbBbKaDToEwHDxc4Xn8d8h/w640-h480/IMG_7371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And winter was still in full effect. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIoV7V_8DrpXCRjH78JY3WDRwUU0PSIpe0zhYBEBo5uFtTdacugxg1TnGdmNSysA1aP-oWipTz0HnaZEXFa4se51zm4U2RYMRLImqcjeX6UZ718nXqPzOikW2gf9GI6gMyVlfQ9FKkseBXxXYdhco6XiYARa0poU0L0p91mB4vr5PUcKT5UZ8Uiso/s4032/IMG_7361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIoV7V_8DrpXCRjH78JY3WDRwUU0PSIpe0zhYBEBo5uFtTdacugxg1TnGdmNSysA1aP-oWipTz0HnaZEXFa4se51zm4U2RYMRLImqcjeX6UZ718nXqPzOikW2gf9GI6gMyVlfQ9FKkseBXxXYdhco6XiYARa0poU0L0p91mB4vr5PUcKT5UZ8Uiso/w300-h400/IMG_7361.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We did not crank up the time on the descent as we usually do, conditions were just too shitty. It snowed. It was dumb. We fell in postholes. Growing tired of the tricky conditions, my left foot began squeaking and complaining with a mile of trail to go, which was annoying. Weak ass foot. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VfH6xYFOCiFIXgV4su2Zste5Onb1Xrf_ApQqjL5EurnLokenNSvhGgdEqcxaTRWFNcIjlsHqOtqRu8hIFjcVLWDtNQ3tVOTbO3YkSM0XoFw4NZAG1-v733MvoIaz94M6zbBZpAHLnfkjAGfyys-jYpL1Fjrd64TXNd-dVFSkpbJJJyYh9OcRp6dB/s3088/IMG_7379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VfH6xYFOCiFIXgV4su2Zste5Onb1Xrf_ApQqjL5EurnLokenNSvhGgdEqcxaTRWFNcIjlsHqOtqRu8hIFjcVLWDtNQ3tVOTbO3YkSM0XoFw4NZAG1-v733MvoIaz94M6zbBZpAHLnfkjAGfyys-jYpL1Fjrd64TXNd-dVFSkpbJJJyYh9OcRp6dB/w480-h640/IMG_7379.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were happy to get back to the road and make up some time! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a good hike, and a fun one despite the crap. Pure type 2 fun today, to be honest (we cursed a lot...) So this takes care of the Osceolas for spring, April and for this round of the 48. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the moral of the story here, is that this is the far easier route up this mountain. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 13.1</div><div><br /></div><div>elevation: 3670</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 5:31:52</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: 6.5 (but both of us remember it much more fondly now that 6 days have gone by, hahaha!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-46117924923543502802022-04-11T18:26:00.000-04:002022-04-11T18:26:50.783-04:00Garfield, #23 of round 2 of the NH48Last time we climbed Garfield it was on a lovely clear summer day- July 5th of 2020 I believe. <div><br /></div><div>We decided to tackle it in different conditions this time, and an overcast and snowy April day is certainly a stark contrast.</div><div><br /></div><div>We parked at the gate of there Gale River loop road and enjoyed the 1-ish mile walk in. We love road walks (we do)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pkJJ1YxrS77f3hoXGkXFcITXrsyUSHvvkjXcaP6sAmR-3dgKneMmqxl0CDqH3mR7VPqsDWmx1dywLwr7QO0kDYmQTeCkaXA51lAPvU9Su15ohzgOnkVRcHPFNaX58zyYq4GPf1xNvwUhuF0qBPGPqrSVO4vw7lehPXywQPFDBKD9jFK8R_fuCae1/s4032/IMG_7311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pkJJ1YxrS77f3hoXGkXFcITXrsyUSHvvkjXcaP6sAmR-3dgKneMmqxl0CDqH3mR7VPqsDWmx1dywLwr7QO0kDYmQTeCkaXA51lAPvU9Su15ohzgOnkVRcHPFNaX58zyYq4GPf1xNvwUhuF0qBPGPqrSVO4vw7lehPXywQPFDBKD9jFK8R_fuCae1/w300-h400/IMG_7311.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The first 2.5 miles of trail were full Spring conditions. some good trail, plenty of wet trail, some mud, the usual. The river crossings were rock hoppable despite the pretty significant rain that had fallen during the week. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtMJxxKA1-maDst5vkqkqEs4iNPm3t2IKFa1z0riBrca6YSJZyabWZfVBv6kgKca3o_KntWpk8YvNyDmxu1fOlZXDOE0oRzcB5dc2YqV9QMTLPSSff7VqeSGG-arw4PA_e2rlbVNcH9Ecdv6LXCw2CheCaYl8EdzUQTZWy8CBDA7eob4T-Keo48R4/s4032/IMG_7297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtMJxxKA1-maDst5vkqkqEs4iNPm3t2IKFa1z0riBrca6YSJZyabWZfVBv6kgKca3o_KntWpk8YvNyDmxu1fOlZXDOE0oRzcB5dc2YqV9QMTLPSSff7VqeSGG-arw4PA_e2rlbVNcH9Ecdv6LXCw2CheCaYl8EdzUQTZWy8CBDA7eob4T-Keo48R4/w300-h400/IMG_7297.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Right at mile 2.5 winter began to arrive in more ways than one. The snow on the ground quite suddenly became significant (although no sign of a monorail on this trail either- perhaps just not enough snowfall this year.) Also, snow began to fall from the sky in a steady manner. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjAmLnjrgg7GjGhw7KrUyMVdkV8dK60jL0iYUmUOWuP_ER3IWQq2B7IXWX5vjsz6TqpYX71NZo96lHPQ1DYhy3inSksXGrmb8f8cQfVbOX46bz1yZshcQY9FLTYs4drhQcwA4mgdKdoOMB-Xkh-s39n7iqIFbf6FmRjcaF74sHp9D61d5o8fAP5Zf/s4032/IMG_7299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjAmLnjrgg7GjGhw7KrUyMVdkV8dK60jL0iYUmUOWuP_ER3IWQq2B7IXWX5vjsz6TqpYX71NZo96lHPQ1DYhy3inSksXGrmb8f8cQfVbOX46bz1yZshcQY9FLTYs4drhQcwA4mgdKdoOMB-Xkh-s39n7iqIFbf6FmRjcaF74sHp9D61d5o8fAP5Zf/w300-h400/IMG_7299.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We had encountered rain on the drive, and clearly, it had snowed in the higher elevations as we discovered about an inch of fresh snow. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVZEc4363Kx4GYzWYp7UT6fi5ExBATQYjhWepM6c0tyHCOHO_NZrKbWNYxSdNyqjVUf8zLjmO6Icpmj4N7B0K2jFrX-EiyI__9i4DQLLq_okt55GtdIu2Cx7tNTPk9VUZHzZYgEcJD-DNjJpLCED0rGX3GQ465thR15rnkjul2CCKvgezM0eQeaNZ/s4032/IMG_7303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVZEc4363Kx4GYzWYp7UT6fi5ExBATQYjhWepM6c0tyHCOHO_NZrKbWNYxSdNyqjVUf8zLjmO6Icpmj4N7B0K2jFrX-EiyI__9i4DQLLq_okt55GtdIu2Cx7tNTPk9VUZHzZYgEcJD-DNjJpLCED0rGX3GQ465thR15rnkjul2CCKvgezM0eQeaNZ/w300-h400/IMG_7303.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ellie loves snow, so she had no issue with this!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H6wRjlTr12zXh2rCZF_5KDhahs9fruoOyP2-b0kWGjVXdmJTRjQNwOBzoV343fHVf4uiHydsEiEKDkCKAivT5YxykB1aVmPTLPRcxCwZ7So7rdeOf-43qwAEA1vChazthMFsaMD_322kD4-PERJHnczSyIEN-6ouTcb-_mkEbRFPAor0qNVpegXd/s4032/IMG_7300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H6wRjlTr12zXh2rCZF_5KDhahs9fruoOyP2-b0kWGjVXdmJTRjQNwOBzoV343fHVf4uiHydsEiEKDkCKAivT5YxykB1aVmPTLPRcxCwZ7So7rdeOf-43qwAEA1vChazthMFsaMD_322kD4-PERJHnczSyIEN-6ouTcb-_mkEbRFPAor0qNVpegXd/w300-h400/IMG_7300.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Garfield Ridge trail is a nice one. It is undoubtedly long (10 miles without the road walk) but it is not too steep until the very final stretch. There are even a few switchbacks to make your day a little easier. </div><div><br /></div><div>The final stretch is undeniably steep- and while we got away with micros there would be a real need for crampons in colder/icier weather (the rocks are fully snow/ice covered and it could be tricky to self arrest if you slipped here.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9jXuJiuQJR-e7AFRETm6wNxNIPEGfSblnlOyr-Ak4r-DH2kiDa6T0ZH4jAoIFJkb8SWRXq2orzwkFGTX2d9Y-DtvGY1SktFShl3UQsn8kYQmKpZr8tNDsIsh-1Kbf2pUUWtLBcIbM2SxZX-LNQX2mqMAtSgPIqbQuh4H0_RBTnKU9NmXTHzeU6xx/s4032/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9jXuJiuQJR-e7AFRETm6wNxNIPEGfSblnlOyr-Ak4r-DH2kiDa6T0ZH4jAoIFJkb8SWRXq2orzwkFGTX2d9Y-DtvGY1SktFShl3UQsn8kYQmKpZr8tNDsIsh-1Kbf2pUUWtLBcIbM2SxZX-LNQX2mqMAtSgPIqbQuh4H0_RBTnKU9NmXTHzeU6xx/w300-h400/IMG_7302.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, on to the crazy windy freezing summit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhWe19-Z1nPokq2-v460CLcFoT5Dqt7bzVGVvCNuelGeD_YKicMEqcIkxyFeMR5ht1iq5m4Thh1Lr70COU52Wl6OuS3jvQ10CytkbCOiRHm3MBaOrv-XP7ZgD_-FH4btv55r15KowonbtH8QudWeILLp1575FbKPgwa8dOU-vY9DEHN-MhEWUmxWN/s4032/IMG_7304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhWe19-Z1nPokq2-v460CLcFoT5Dqt7bzVGVvCNuelGeD_YKicMEqcIkxyFeMR5ht1iq5m4Thh1Lr70COU52Wl6OuS3jvQ10CytkbCOiRHm3MBaOrv-XP7ZgD_-FH4btv55r15KowonbtH8QudWeILLp1575FbKPgwa8dOU-vY9DEHN-MhEWUmxWN/w640-h480/IMG_7304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This vantage point boasts one of the best views in the Pemi, believe it or not. Not so much today, but that's alright. We remember how nice it was from last time. Here's a pic from last time, haha. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS_QaRq4-DH8MmOde1J4et2HmpNfKpOQEN0CKBDloQATFEOduImsI5jf-nB5WbexUSObeBqTsVmqTWE9C9OQQFUkEdIdjVXcMNWHil6iulxsI9SbHYzBbSPdc1xf1SroQoqqeZIB7OaVF7rPOCc9crE21fPLaAcjb3mj9_Gg2x6arFm-zqF1EqlMD/s4032/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS_QaRq4-DH8MmOde1J4et2HmpNfKpOQEN0CKBDloQATFEOduImsI5jf-nB5WbexUSObeBqTsVmqTWE9C9OQQFUkEdIdjVXcMNWHil6iulxsI9SbHYzBbSPdc1xf1SroQoqqeZIB7OaVF7rPOCc9crE21fPLaAcjb3mj9_Gg2x6arFm-zqF1EqlMD/w640-h480/IMG_1155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We scooted right down. Fucking cold and stupid windy. (for April anyway!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Took a pic. It was instantly better weather off the summit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglQZU-kMWSjKjxSZp7YIqVSEnnVJGndHzjPnTlCXLy41399lrklV-ESKOq9RK26Ln5j--rZwh7APCKPoTt_Thnp5y40hrEB_z-QmLP1SfUnYxPzKGv2bAh6iESFGaeM8zFy_TlymWyYrMsQ3jErgC0imKn7qLjbv_IJHFvokZfftBowYD94x68YLs/s4032/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglQZU-kMWSjKjxSZp7YIqVSEnnVJGndHzjPnTlCXLy41399lrklV-ESKOq9RK26Ln5j--rZwh7APCKPoTt_Thnp5y40hrEB_z-QmLP1SfUnYxPzKGv2bAh6iESFGaeM8zFy_TlymWyYrMsQ3jErgC0imKn7qLjbv_IJHFvokZfftBowYD94x68YLs/w640-h480/IMG_7308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Got off the hill lickedy split. </div><div><br /></div><div>We like Garfield even in the snow. Always a good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 12</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation gain: 3523</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 4:26:44 (like an hour PR even with 2 miles road walk!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: 8</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-14002253828357947462022-04-08T07:21:00.000-04:002022-04-08T07:21:15.653-04:00Hale, #22 of round 2 of the NH 48Sunday April 3rd, and time to tackle Hale again. <div><br /></div><div>We did Hale in May of 2019 up the Hale Brook Trail and really enjoyed it, even though many don't care for Hale (it is a viewless summit.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Since it is Spring and the Zealand Rd is closed (access road to Hale Brook trailhead, among others) we hiked up the "bushwack" that is the Firewardens Trail. This involves parking at the Seven Dwarfs Motel in Twin Mountain (this little motel may be lovely during peak months, and it's so nice that we are allowed to park here (for $10) But off season, it's a tad spooky.)</div><div><br /></div><div>From there you hike up Little River road (bearing right at the "Private Road" sign, you go over a couple small bridges and then turn left at the "trail" sign. This takes you up a footpath that connects to Haystack Road. You turn left, and continue to the North Twin Trailhead. From there, you take the North Twin Trail .8 miles until the water crossing. Instead of going right over the river, you bear left, and continue with the river to your right another .3 miles. At this point, on your left, the Firewardens Trail climbs a Rooty bank and bears sharply left. I'm sure this would be VERY easy to notice if you were following snowy footsteps- but you really need to keep an eye open for it this time of year when the ground is bare. (we met a couple at the motel planing to do the same route as us- and we suspect they could not locate this junction as we never saw them again.) FYI- the Gaia app is very useful and accurate (just make sure you have downloaded the trail and have plenty of battery, duh.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Nice spring conditions until mile 3 when we spiked up. While this is an un-signed, un blazed, and un-maintained trail- someone must take care of it, as some major blowdowns had clearly been chainsawed away. The trail was actually easier to follow than some legit trails we have been on (but we suspect that once the plants grow and leaves develop some places could be much more difficult to follow.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gVOA_3201XtsZeJ4sbXIRn-jxipLCUTOD7DN1c90SoQdgOyOkk0hw5WVncyOHhlczJEz4z3V-pluxEzJ_tyn5zeRo8rC7cbT3ingDLrsbjQd-8_Vd7uo_iSzNfF_zCXH1yOegKz-XJKQXLdgILObTE_QKMrkstGmrbqhl7x9ZoVjWgzyIQ_YZSFC/s4032/IMG_7265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gVOA_3201XtsZeJ4sbXIRn-jxipLCUTOD7DN1c90SoQdgOyOkk0hw5WVncyOHhlczJEz4z3V-pluxEzJ_tyn5zeRo8rC7cbT3ingDLrsbjQd-8_Vd7uo_iSzNfF_zCXH1yOegKz-XJKQXLdgILObTE_QKMrkstGmrbqhl7x9ZoVjWgzyIQ_YZSFC/w300-h400/IMG_7265.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>From mile 3 on, it was winter conditions again. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXReGA0_SY6GBWVDmtt6r__x55XOSZ4Rt0gYyY83f4DSaY7xRiMMTUKHNCsUK9vHZyBExErgj99chFWUIS0Q_c5yyqL4Mui0Hu6ORZxlpi8oSbLpXeG-qsgjFYtJY88rvHu-NqKPyjDEiJYNhp629NHxVByBsTdc7qsusuXxwTmKUewiPsatP1oRb/s4032/IMG_7251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXReGA0_SY6GBWVDmtt6r__x55XOSZ4Rt0gYyY83f4DSaY7xRiMMTUKHNCsUK9vHZyBExErgj99chFWUIS0Q_c5yyqL4Mui0Hu6ORZxlpi8oSbLpXeG-qsgjFYtJY88rvHu-NqKPyjDEiJYNhp629NHxVByBsTdc7qsusuXxwTmKUewiPsatP1oRb/w480-h640/IMG_7251.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We did come across a lovely view, which was a nice surprise on this beautiful day!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYQfaIM5wQPEznZfxOk3j3jXoYSHUahA_3rJTsRT3M6xh3sPOMJTpRGLN4su2JI6LwsWwH5fLbEHi4Xu95B7cravtLo7lFCMNP__4sSU_QsGkm7gYH0pxZjsTcIgdJ-5W4wMJ72gJAqYUHK8lFs2OigNV5mYri3WlDHxSHg199qrN-LZ3n-8GDaAE/s4032/IMG_7250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYQfaIM5wQPEznZfxOk3j3jXoYSHUahA_3rJTsRT3M6xh3sPOMJTpRGLN4su2JI6LwsWwH5fLbEHi4Xu95B7cravtLo7lFCMNP__4sSU_QsGkm7gYH0pxZjsTcIgdJ-5W4wMJ72gJAqYUHK8lFs2OigNV5mYri3WlDHxSHg199qrN-LZ3n-8GDaAE/w640-h480/IMG_7250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We took a couple "shortcuts" along the way- there are lovely switchbacks, and some intrepid hikers had cut the corners off a couple with a more direct path.(bushwhacks within the bushwhack??) While it was steep in these areas, this generally was a very moderate trail. We enjoyed the lovely birch groves, as well.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNMqYqLciylg3Dn4eN5gHIsjTEmmFi5ne0pL9I2VMI3MyIIgn7Yq39x2VmGehIYg0BHzsClotCZgzLXAgAbDj6NlnLZeKqZ6isfFwCyBrShrIbUKc4DCdclH2hvq2k8YSbpg2LsHyda8HWOpChFiXvc6JLxicQIXex7nK-QGk-KGuSbhfYupxHpRt/s4032/IMG_7264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNMqYqLciylg3Dn4eN5gHIsjTEmmFi5ne0pL9I2VMI3MyIIgn7Yq39x2VmGehIYg0BHzsClotCZgzLXAgAbDj6NlnLZeKqZ6isfFwCyBrShrIbUKc4DCdclH2hvq2k8YSbpg2LsHyda8HWOpChFiXvc6JLxicQIXex7nK-QGk-KGuSbhfYupxHpRt/w300-h400/IMG_7264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Before we knew it, we were there! We spent about 15 minutes soaking up the warm sun and having a snack. Hale is lacking views, but we have never had a bad day on Hale, so it rates pretty high with us. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuW14mikwYCPEtg6Hppcg1FmiBMem0QApogwp9NchkkndTVm39yYG7Q2HCr5nWnfGC5FbYusfXE2I-TDa_TMpOSN3xbnOFUwWJFmlvGYAP0WilozQUy_8YT-snhD5aLNX6gGD5F-9qkon-k2VuFT0I4Aph7KRCYXrnPCeXhWwYWrijRTwYDYTwI94/s4032/IMG_7253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuW14mikwYCPEtg6Hppcg1FmiBMem0QApogwp9NchkkndTVm39yYG7Q2HCr5nWnfGC5FbYusfXE2I-TDa_TMpOSN3xbnOFUwWJFmlvGYAP0WilozQUy_8YT-snhD5aLNX6gGD5F-9qkon-k2VuFT0I4Aph7KRCYXrnPCeXhWwYWrijRTwYDYTwI94/w640-h480/IMG_7253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We cruised down quickly, and made it back to civilization in good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a very quiet day on the hill, despite the very decent weather (forecast to be cloudy- and it was overcast but all high clouds. And NO wind!) We saw 8 other hikers, and that includes the 2 in the parking lot that didn't seem t0 make it, and two others who we saw at the summit who had come from Zealand Road. </div><div><br /></div><div>A very good day overall. Checked off Hale for April, and for this round of the 48. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 9.2</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 2541</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 3:38:39 (road walks make us fast)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: 8.5 Eric and I agreed that it was a very fun day</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860278297666470159.post-73484420185757771302022-04-06T07:21:00.001-04:002022-04-06T07:21:54.148-04:00Tom, Field, Wiley (and Avalon) #19-21 of round 2 of the NH48Well, due to the continuation of winter weather suckfest 2022, we had a little hiking break before getting around to this monster hike. <div><br /></div><div>To be accurate, Eric and Ellie had snuck off to set a massive PR on Pierce the weekend before while I was traveling. Hence, they were in good shape and I was not feeling super strong for a hot minute. I ended up being good, but this hike is a sneaky little fucker. </div><div><br /></div><div>So right. Sunday March 27, and the best weather that we have had in ages meant 28 degrees up high, snow flurries all day, but thankfully- little to no wind. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have hiked these peaks a weird amount considering that none of them really have remarkable merits (except Avalon which can be quite lovely.) This being said, we have never managed to do all 4 in one go, so this was actually a new adventure. Fun!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We went to Avalon first, which meant climbing up a stupid steep icy hellscape of death. Pretty standard procedure for this trail in the winter. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLozYHJg_Oj7CIfeZXkBCD4w4jajRMGmQV66UpO8RMiqzeIO3bHC0vOrZBdu1nyfNuAsXd9IDxwAAK5BGZGAHRp5Y-yelXhFQIfSYu2V8bY7_jSCEbE9zZGnO1ZsPgWtoIgYW2a_8kQF1DOdLbZE7kr7tpAnmRUwEGyHola9qlFZnqUY__6AIHsjd/s4032/IMG_7164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLozYHJg_Oj7CIfeZXkBCD4w4jajRMGmQV66UpO8RMiqzeIO3bHC0vOrZBdu1nyfNuAsXd9IDxwAAK5BGZGAHRp5Y-yelXhFQIfSYu2V8bY7_jSCEbE9zZGnO1ZsPgWtoIgYW2a_8kQF1DOdLbZE7kr7tpAnmRUwEGyHola9qlFZnqUY__6AIHsjd/w640-h480/IMG_7164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After that, of course, it was off to Field. A one mile walk which, oddly, felt like 1200 miles. Gross. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XfW2PeafaZrHw2DGQ_D0JHvzGbBTPiVXbV815k1kUNcmBWqa3iuO1v0zyIFFoUny7y9clUsfip2TdTpMxgUojO-QTd08BeQ4JEAwW71oaAqzsL9kUdS_XTHqkIsyLdlMnecxVhd4z02U4uGoxbzmVQqqb28OcxUnuQh9xhd9TVTeUo8zpnBBpGaM/s4032/IMG_7173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XfW2PeafaZrHw2DGQ_D0JHvzGbBTPiVXbV815k1kUNcmBWqa3iuO1v0zyIFFoUny7y9clUsfip2TdTpMxgUojO-QTd08BeQ4JEAwW71oaAqzsL9kUdS_XTHqkIsyLdlMnecxVhd4z02U4uGoxbzmVQqqb28OcxUnuQh9xhd9TVTeUo8zpnBBpGaM/w640-h480/IMG_7173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, after that marathon of stupidity, things improved immensely. The walk to Wiley was quite pleasant and we made great time. So much so, that we were actually stunned to come to the summit as quickly as we did (the summit is like, in the woods. There is a lookout a short walk down trail where you can see clouds and snow, if you are lucky like us!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaq9qoGQI2HYbD9lbJu9SlmX8DbJNxmhV4snChnA5rgwlRhKjqupQ3Rt5cQeygoKg1WN-V3dFrTIplTuA2tesUIiMCec4odCoLrApkkAoLNkXMAKvKRfziAvFNFbvrd5yY5UiWO4Ys8IeD1H9zw1kwDVkYHWdl_SX1yF2RlqtQk6u3StQJMIvlRmV/s4032/IMG_7178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaq9qoGQI2HYbD9lbJu9SlmX8DbJNxmhV4snChnA5rgwlRhKjqupQ3Rt5cQeygoKg1WN-V3dFrTIplTuA2tesUIiMCec4odCoLrApkkAoLNkXMAKvKRfziAvFNFbvrd5yY5UiWO4Ys8IeD1H9zw1kwDVkYHWdl_SX1yF2RlqtQk6u3StQJMIvlRmV/w640-h480/IMG_7178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>From there, we absolutely led the CHARGE back to Field, where we were able to point some slightly disoriented hikers in the right direction (we totally get this- for some reason, Field really screws with you. Turn around ONCE and you have no idea where the christ you came from, or are going.) </div><div>We took some silly pics, and then headed off at high speed towards Tom.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3BHjAhF8l3UheN0z_g5WjgmmYza_CFPWIJ_BmUPhZnGZxTBlQheuQiNI87x2uNOo_H5yVdBD4kwHqUlBLuQRlL8ZzskyPU3GJIcXv4RMBtvB4BxKOdq3U-dFjdjeHQE2pQi3JHtpw2ObnjLAY8B2mn472jUr6P-HYEExJYm-xxYrVLp2plUOx6sl/s4032/IMG_7183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3BHjAhF8l3UheN0z_g5WjgmmYza_CFPWIJ_BmUPhZnGZxTBlQheuQiNI87x2uNOo_H5yVdBD4kwHqUlBLuQRlL8ZzskyPU3GJIcXv4RMBtvB4BxKOdq3U-dFjdjeHQE2pQi3JHtpw2ObnjLAY8B2mn472jUr6P-HYEExJYm-xxYrVLp2plUOx6sl/w400-h300/IMG_7183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We definitely grew progressively snowier, but it was actually a pleasant hiking day, and it was also pretty. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdGzUSyOSRc1HuW-v3wDRUUmJF04WTpjyzzaNdZJBJ_y_nDVCNCOUi3wTPr0V_f4FaMCPK-65cfYLcSW_DGKDqPzl1pbpZoZQSrzMBxRCE_-UvURWfr0gFVk7tAqCjbHPufg_R4O0Fntw_OwOvJWkXviSgrAotFH6XGY9Tq0emuBtBCAvJgjg6ZgI/s4032/IMG_7176.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdGzUSyOSRc1HuW-v3wDRUUmJF04WTpjyzzaNdZJBJ_y_nDVCNCOUi3wTPr0V_f4FaMCPK-65cfYLcSW_DGKDqPzl1pbpZoZQSrzMBxRCE_-UvURWfr0gFVk7tAqCjbHPufg_R4O0Fntw_OwOvJWkXviSgrAotFH6XGY9Tq0emuBtBCAvJgjg6ZgI/w300-h400/IMG_7176.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tom was lame. I held a Grey Jay which made up for it! Poor Tom. It's just how it is!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-R4sBtENNm5u5oHPgDDAkYhwZ4O_C1hoT4i8-5WXnHRH0_DqqfAzfUAloio15Mh6ha0MOK0fMdJqlPl2_OrPrcqLdrpFgyIvXVyM12RGulGiF79XAyCd5nh8kuYYTxMPtRJz3p0HKOSTD8BYxa7uo6GLTyUd5zZq0K87421aSAkxdKH4MJABQmT3/s4032/IMG_7188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-R4sBtENNm5u5oHPgDDAkYhwZ4O_C1hoT4i8-5WXnHRH0_DqqfAzfUAloio15Mh6ha0MOK0fMdJqlPl2_OrPrcqLdrpFgyIvXVyM12RGulGiF79XAyCd5nh8kuYYTxMPtRJz3p0HKOSTD8BYxa7uo6GLTyUd5zZq0K87421aSAkxdKH4MJABQmT3/w640-h480/IMG_7188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We flew down, top speed, and that was that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the dubious start, this turned into a good day. What the hell is it with this trio/quad of mountains that is such a grind? I'll admit we made good time, but they are sneaky and harder than one would expect. (and then once you have accepted the suck, they get easier and better. you just need to get Avalon and Field done and then it gets decent.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, let's see. That was 19-21 of round 2 (almost half way!) Plus, we checked them off the grid for March. Go us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Miles: 9.5</div><div><br /></div><div>Elevation: 3719</div><div><br /></div><div>Time: 4:19:12</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun: I say... 7. The first few miles were crap and then it got better</div><div>Eric says 8.5, because he is crazy</div>middleagedrunnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08641686876056222621noreply@blogger.com0