Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Passaconaway and Whiteface. On two different days. #43 & 44

For 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)

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. 

We hiked Passaconaway on the hot and toasty July 4th, came across a wildfire (really) and saw hardly another soul on the trail. 
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!)



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. 




The wildfire was still smoking along at the finish. It was a very strange thing too see, started by a renegade firework (not cool)

Total distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation: 3110
Fun: 9 


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!) 
No good story here. We made short work of it, even though it was a grind. 




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. 



Miles: 7.9
Elevation: 3048
Fun- I had a good time, so an 8. Eric hurt his feel so a 2

Anyway. 44 down, 4 to go. 

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