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Bethlehem, New Hampshire, United States
E-mail contact: randonneur8@yahoo.com | Facebook: facebook.com/1HappyHikerNH

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27 December 2012

C'mon Man! (Mt. Pemigewasset)


If you're a football fan, then you're likely familiar with a segment on ESPN where a play or player's action causes the commentator to scratch their head and say "C'Mon Man"!

I'll be the first to admit to being wrong, but my perception is that a trek to Mt. Pemigewasset generates minimal enthusiasm among seasoned hikers who generally prefer more aggressive adventures.   And so, I'm thinking that when many folks see the destination for this hike, they might scratch their head and say "C'mon Man"!

Although my adventure did include a hike to the summit of Mt. Pemigewasset, my main goal was to bushwhack to a small ledge tucked in the woods about a tenth of a mile below the east face of this mountain.  My inspiration for this hike was generated by one of Steve Smith's Blog reports (Click HERE.)

To reach this little ledge, I left the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail at about 2,300 feet and bushwhacked nearly due south.  Luck was with me.  I arrived at the top of the ledge, rather than at the bottom, which sometimes happens when bushwhacking, with just the slightest misjudgment!

The elapsed time from leaving the trail to arrival at the ledge was under 30 minutes.  However, the reverse time from the ledge back to the trail was under 15 minutes, thanks to one of the joys of winter bushwhacking!  You can simply follow your tracks back to your starting point without the time-consuming process of route finding.

Although this ledge is small, it provides big views of mountains in the Franconia Range.  In contrast, views of these mountains from the top of Mt. Pemigewasset are partially blocked by trees.  The composite photo shown below serves to compare the view of the Franconia Range from the "bushwhack ledge", versus the view from Mt. Pemigewasset's summit. 

View of Franconia Range from "bushwhack ledge", versus view from top of Mt. Pemigewasset

The next two snapshots were taken from the "bushwhack ledge", and are intended merely to highlight the fine views from this spot.  Perhaps it should be noted that my trek was done on 26-December-2012.  On the day following this hike, there was a significant snowfall.  Therefore, the photos in this report show far less white on the mountains than currently exists. 
Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume as viewed from "bushwhack ledge"

Entire Franconia Range as viewed from "bushwhack ledge"

After visiting the "bushwhack ledge", I continued up the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail to the top of the mountain.  From there, I saw vistas that are familiar to anyone who has visited this location.  The following snapshots show some typical scenes.
(In the short span of time between visiting the "bushwhack ledge" and my arrival at the top of Mt. Pemigewasset, the sky had changed from blue to gray!)
Point of arrival at the top of Mt. Pemigewasset

Looking westward toward Mt. Wolf

 Looking southeasterly toward Loon, Scar Ridge, Osceola East Peak, Tecumseh

Tree-obstructed view of peaks in Franconia Range

Some readers might find the next composite photo to be of interest.  It shows a highly-zoomed view of the "bushwhack ledge" as seen from the parking lot for the Flume Visitor Center.  And, this composite also contains a topographic map which shows the approximate location of the ledge.
Highly-zoomed image of ledge, plus map showing approximate location of ledge

To sum it up, this little adventure was fun, and it was rewarding for me to witness the view of the Franconia Range from the "bushwhack ledge".  However, it's completely understandable that many might still just scratch their head and say "C'mon Man"!

21 December 2012

This Road is Made for Walking: Mt. Prospect Auto Road (Lancaster, NH)


The following photo collage shows typical scenes experienced on a recent romp up the Mt. Prospect Auto Road at Weeks State Park near Lancaster, NH.  As the snapshots show, it was an overcast day.  However, on a clear day, Mt. Prospect provides stunning 360-degree views which include the White Mountains to the south and east, the Green Mountains in Vermont to the west, and peaks in the Connecticut River valley to the north.   Mt. Prospect's views are attributable to its location, rather than its summit altitude of only 2,077 ft.

Weeks State Park is only a 20 minute drive from my home.  On a clear day, I can actually catch a glimpse of Mt. Prospect through the trees from a second-story bedroom window.   Although I visit this location several times throughout the year, only now and then do I post a report on my Blog about my little hiking adventures there.  An occasional posting, such as this one, is done mostly for the benefit of those readers who might have missed an earlier report about this place.

The Auto Road (3.2 miles round-trip) is open to traffic on a seasonal basis.  However, it's open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, XC-skiing.  As the title of this report indicates, the Auto Road is made for walking! It provides a welcome outlet for a "hike-ette", especially when you are short on time, or simply don't feel like doing a longer trek.  Also, since the roadway is paved, it's a nice hike to do when the trails are muddy from recent rain and/or melting snow.

Besides the 1.6 mile paved roadway, there are over 3.5 miles of traditional trails through the woods (Around-the-Mountain-Loop Trail; Davidge Path; Old Carriage Road).  When combining the distance of the woods trails with the paved Auto Road, there are over 5 miles of hiking available on this little mountain.  And, this trail/road system has a layout that is ideal for constructing a variety of loop hikes.

It's also worth mentioning that the northwest side of the mountain has a small ski slope (tow-rope) which is managed by volunteers from the Mount Prospect Ski Club (http://www.skiprospect.com/).  On this recent hike, I noticed that the ski club's yurt is set up and ready for the season.  Now all we need is sufficient snow to coat the slope (no snow-making equipment here)!

The trail system (plus the location of the ski slope) are shown on the map below which is also posted on the Internet at: http://www.hikenewengland.com/Prospect021116.html

And lastly, for those interested in such things, the 420-acre Weeks State Park encompasses Mt. Prospect plus the John Wingate Weeks Historical Site which was once the estate of John Wingate Weeks (1860-1926).  He was an avid environmentalist, and served as both a U.S. representative and senator and was Secretary of War under Presidents Harding and Coolidge.   More notably, Weeks was largely responsible for the Weeks Act which spurred the establishment of the White Mountain National Forest, as well other national forests in the U.S.

Weeks built his retreat at the top of Mount Prospect in 1912, and in 1941 the Weeks' children donated the property to the State of NH.  The property includes: a lodge (National Register of Historic Places); a beautiful fieldstone fire tower (National Register of Historic Lookout Towers); the Auto Road to the summit (designated as a New Hampshire Scenic Byway). 

To sum it up, for folks like me who live within a short drive, the trail system at Weeks State Park provides a nice venue for those times when you just want 1 to 2 hours worth of outdoor activity.  And for people who live out of the area, it can be included as part of a day's itinerary when visiting other locations in the North Country of NH.

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ADDENDUM (Added 21-Dec-2012):

For whatever it's worth, I just happened to recall that when I was on Middle Sugarloaf Mountain a few weeks ago, I took a highly zoomed photo which shows (way off in the distance) the main building and stone tower atop Mt. Prospect. 
(Click on photo to enlarge.)


14 December 2012

A Two Mountain Day: Mt. Starr King and Mt. Waumbek


Doing a conventional hike to conventional destinations is rarely my first choice.  And when I do one of these conventional hikes, I'm frequently remiss about writing an account of my experience since various forums related to White Mountain hiking always have an abundance of reports about treks to these popular destinations.

There is nothing about my trek that really sets it apart from what has already been reported by others on multiple occasions.  My simplistic reason for taking a moment to write this report is merely to reinforce the idea that hiking is oftentimes just as much about the journey as it is the destination.

Many times, the "journey" is more than the hike along the trail.  The drive to/from the trailhead can also be a pleasurable component of the overall journey.  To illustrate my point, please take a look at the next photo which was taken on my way home AFTER completing my hike.  Upon seeing this vista of Mt. Starr King in my rear-view mirror while driving along Rt. 116, I just had to pull over and take a snapshot!
 Mt. Starr King as viewed from Rt. 116 near Jefferson, NH

Before continuing, here is just as a brief side note for any reader in other parts of the country who might be unfamiliar with hiking in New Hampshire.  There are 48 mountain peaks in this State which rise over 4,000 feet in elevation.  For many hikers, it's a prized goal to trek to each of these peaks.  Mt. Waumbek (4,006 ft) is one of the 4K peaks.  By using the Starr King Trail, you get a bonus mountain thrown into the adventure since this route to Mt. Waumbek also takes you over Mt. Starr King (3,907 ft).

Although it was mid-December in New Hampshire, true winter conditions were absent.  There was bare ground at the beginning of my hike.  However, there were some sporadic patches of ice along the trail here and there.  Eventually, as I gained altitude, there was a light covering of snow on the trail.  The hike required nothing special in the way of footwear.  Snowshoes were definitely unneeded.  There were a few spots where Microspikes would have provided some reassurance. However, with careful foot placement, even the use of that traction device wasn't an absolute requirement.

The next photo is a composite which shows the variety of trail conditions encountered on this hike.
 Variety of trail conditions encountered along the way to Mts. Starr King and Waumbek

The next two snapshots merely serve to show some features that are present at the summit areas of Mt. Starr King, and Mt. Waumbek.   Near the summit of Starr King is probably the most photographed fireplace in the White Mountains.  It is a remnant of a shelter that was built in the 1940s and removed in the early 1980s.
 A fireplace that was part of a shelter that once existed atop Mt. Starr King

And by comparison, shown in the next photo are less impressive features that are present at the summit of Mt. Waumbek.  There is a large cairn, and a trail sign.
 Large cairn and trail sign at summit of Mt. Waumbek

Further regarding Mt. Waumbek, there are no views of distant mountains from the summit itself.  However, thanks to a patch of downed trees, there is a nice viewpoint just about 50 yards east of the summit on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail.  Because of partial overcast conditions on the day of this hike, limited views were available from this spot (as well as from the fireplace area on Starr King).  Regardless, the next photo is a composite of two snapshots taken from the spot near the summit of Mt. Waumbek.
 Composite of two photos taken from viewpoint near Mt. Waumbek summit

Although it wasn't the best day to be viewing the high peaks in the Presidential Range, the views FROM those peaks had to have been terrific since there would have been the added dimension of an undercast cloud cover.   Perhaps the next highly-zoomed photo of Mt. Washington will illustrate my point.
 Highly-zoomed photo of Mt. Washington from Mt. Waumbek showing undercast cloud cover

Even though there were no stunning views of mountain vistas on this particular day, there was still the journey itself, which was simply delightful.  The Starr King Trail leads you through an enchanted forest which is beautiful at any time of year.  However, it takes on a special beauty when it is highlighted by snow.   The next photo is just one of many similar scenes encountered on this trek.
 One of many trailside scenes of the enchanted forest along the Starr King Trail

As noted above, the Presidential mountain range was partially obscured by clouds during my journey along the hiking trail.  However, as frequently happens, the clouds had cleared upon returning to the trailhead.  But that was okay.   Although the trail portion of my journey was over, my road journey home was just beginning.  While driving home, there was a dazzling roadside view of the Presidential Range in all its glory (next photo).
 Roadside view of Presidentials while travelling home from hike to Mts. Starr King and Waumbek

To sum it up, this conventional hike to conventional destinations was distinguished only in that it was a noteworthy example of how a hike can be as much about the journey as it is about the destination.  And, it served as a reminder that the "journey" can include travels to/from the trailhead, in addition to hiking the trails.

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ADDENDUM: Added 18-Dec-2012

While looking for something else online, I happened to across the tidbit of historical information shown below.  It seemed appropriate to add it to this Blog report.

07 December 2012

A Trek to Mt. Israel with a True Mountain Wanderer


Over a year has gone by since I last hiked with my friend Steve.  And even more years have passed since adding Mt. Israel to my informal list of places to visit.  Each time I've thought about trekking to this mountain, I've always ended up by choosing an alternative hiking option.  And so, when Steve suggested doing a joint hike to Mt. Israel, it provided me with the nudge that was needed to finally explore this 2,630 ft peak located between the Sandwich Range and Squam Range.

There are likely many readers who know Steve.  He has decades of hiking experience from his many and varied wanderings throughout the mountains.  He has authored many books about hiking in the NH White Mountain region.  Steve willing shares his knowledge by providing folks with expert advice when they drop by his Mountain Wanderer Map & Book Store in Lincoln, NH.  His website (click HERE) allows you to do an online order of a full range of hiking books and maps.  However, many hikers prefer to visit his store to make their purchases since this provides an opportunity to swap stories and experiences about hiking adventures.

My Blog report about our hike to Mt. Israel will mostly consist of a few photos.   Facts about this mountain's history, geography plus a plethora of other interesting information about Mt. Israel can be found at the "Paths & Peaks" tab of Steve's website. (Click HERE to link to Steve's article about Mt. Israel).  Also, Steve has his own Blog where he will post a narrative and photos about our hike (Click HERE for a link to Steve's Blog).  

On my way to the trailhead for the hike to Mt. Israel, I made a short side trip.  Frequent readers of my Blog might recall that in mid October, I hiked in the Squam Lakes Region.  And, from the Eagle Cliff viewpoint, I photographed a distant church steeple protruding above the autumn canopy.  In my Blog about this hike (click HERE), I asked if anyone knew the location of this steeple.  The overwhelming opinion was that the steeple belonged to a church located in Center Sandwich, NH.  Therefore, since this small village was on my route of travel, I stopped to take a snapshot of the little church with the tall steeple.

Below is a composite photo showing what I saw from Eagle Cliff in October, and what I saw in Center Sandwich in December while en route to the trailhead for my hike to Mt. Israel.
Distant church steeple seen on October hike, and the church associated with that steeple 

Israel Gilman was a settler who lived in this area in the 1760s.  I find it interesting that his given-name of Israel was used to name this mountain, rather than his surname of Gilman.  It was also of interest to learn from Steve that Moses Sweetser’s guidebook of 1876 describes a trailless route to Mt. Israel which traversed pastures for first two-thirds of the ascent.  The present-day Wentworth Trail that we used for our trek doesn't traverse pastureland.  However, there are cows grazing in a pasture just a few feet from the trailhead parking lot.
Cows grazing in pasture just a few feet from trailhead parking lot for Wentworth Trail 

And even though the present-day route to Mt. Israel doesn't traverse any pastures (as noted in Sweetser's old guidebook), some pasture walls made of stone are still visible as you hike along the lower end of the Wentworth Trail.
Old pasture walls made of stone, as seen while hiking lower end of Wentworth Trail 

With the oblique sunlight of early December, and the drabness of a leafless and snowless landscape, it's can sometimes be challenging to take any dazzling photos.  Nonetheless, shown below are a few snapshots.  These are merely some of my favorites from this hike.  There are far more (and far better) views from this mountain than those shown in these photos.
Southeasterly view of the Ossipee Mountain Range

View of Sandwich Dome mountain

View of Squam Lake (location for "On Golden Pond" film of 1980s)

Northwesterly view of Mt. Moosilauke on distant horizon

Highly zoomed photo showing Mt. Paugus on left and Mt. Chocorua on right

Steve taking one last look at Squam Lake before our descent to the trailhead

Mt. Israel (far right) as viewed at sunset from the roadside on the way back home

Mt. Israel provides a magnificent panoramic view of peaks  in the Sandwich Range.  Steve kindly provided me with a photo which shows this vista, and he even names the peaks.
 Steve's photo showing panorama of peaks in the Sandwich Range as viewed from Mt. Israel


To sum it up,  this hike provided a double treat!  Not only was it a delight to hike again with Steve, but it was also a treat to finally make a first-time visit to Mt. Israel after many years of merely thinking about doing it.

05 December 2012

Change of Heart: an Improvised Trek to the Leadmine Brook Area


Yesterday (04-December) was a day when I wanted to hike, but with an overcast sky and intermittent drizzle, it was difficult to generate enthusiasm for venturing forth.  Nonetheless, by late morning I decided to drive over to the Appalachia trailhead and just do a short, low-elevation loop of some sort.   However, on the way over there, I had a change of heart.  It would be much more fun to do something new, rather than the "same old, same old".

I have a friend who is a resident of Shelburne, NH, and I recalled him telling me of lovely walks he had taken along Leadmine Brook, and that he had even encountered some cascades on his treks.   That thought sparked another memory that I had about a pathway diverting  off the Centennial Trail which I'd spotted a few years ago.  Hmmm! That might also be fun to investigate!

And so, now that I was armed with two ideas for brand new adventures, the needle on my enthusiasm gauge shot over to "high".  This was despite the fact that my windshield wipers were on "intermittent wipe", and the sky was dreary and grey.

Weather conditions had improved somewhat by the time I reached the turnoff onto Leadmine Road in Shelburne.  At least my windshield wipers were no longer needed!  I parked at a spot along the road where my friend had said it would be okay to do so.  Then, I began my trek, which was initially along Leadmine Road itself, but then eventually I made my way to the brook and followed along its bank for some distance.

Leadmine Brook is indeed picturesque.  The next photo shows a portion of the brook.
Leadmine Brook in Shelburne, NH

Eventually, I came to a cascade.  I suspect this is only one of a series of cascades on this brook.  However, I wasn't equipped to wander further upstream in search of other cascades.  And besides, I didn't want to eat all the "candy" in the jar on this outing.  Instead, I wanted to save something in the "jar" to savor on another adventure!

Shown below is the cascade that I just mentioned.  As you can see, it’s a mixed bag of frozen and flowing water.
 Cascade along Leadmine Brook in Shelburne, NH
  
After taking a few minutes to admire the cascade and take some photos, I turned around and headed back to my car.  I was eager to embark on the second half of my improvised adventure.   From Leadmine Road, I drove about a mile to Hogan Road where I parked at the trailhead for the Centennial Trail.

Just a few hundred feet from the trailhead, the Centennial Trail makes a hard left turn.  It is at that point where an unofficial pathway continues straight ahead.  This pathway is quite well worn and prominent at first.  Eventually, it becomes less apparent, but is still followable.  Perhaps the pathway is so well-worn at the beginning because some hikers miss the Centennial Trail's hard left turn and continue straight ahead until it's realized that they are not on the official trail.

Regardless, my suspicion about this pathway was that it would eventually lead to an overlook from a nearby ledge.  Although the pathway became fainter and fainter, and meandered in one direction and then another, I stuck with it.  Sure enough, in less than 30 minutes, it eventually took me to a ledge.  That was nice, except the overcast weather conditions prevented me from seeing any distant views toward the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Range.  The next two photos are representative of the "view" that I had.
View from unnamed ledge looking southwesterly toward cloud-obscured Presidential Range

View of Reflection Pond from unnamed ledge

And so, after hanging out for awhile on the unnamed ledge, I headed back down to my car.  But rather than returning via the meandering pathway, I took a more direct route by simply bushwhacking through the open hardwoods.

On the way home, I made a stop along Route 2 at the pull-off area for Reflection Pond.  From here I was able to see a small sliver of Giant Falls off in the distance (next photo).
Small sliver of Giant Falls as seen from Route 2 pull-off area at Reflection Pond

Despite the overcast, there were some muted reflections in Reflection Pond as sunset approached.
Muted reflections in Reflection Pond, as sunset approached

As we all know, weather can sometimes change quickly in the mountains.  By the time I reached the Randolph area along Route 2, there was some patchy blue sky!   Unbelievable!  Once again, I pulled off the road and took some snapshots, one of which is shown below.
Patches of blue sky over the Presidential Range, as viewed from Route 2 in Randolph
And, just as I was approaching my home, I spotted a grove of white birch that was set "ablaze" by the reddish-colored clouds at "twilight's last gleaming".  So, once again, I pulled to the side of the road to take a snapshot!  It was a pleasant ending to a day that began with unpleasant weather.
White birch set "ablaze" by the reddish colored clouds at sunset
For anyone who might be interested in the location of the two places I visited on this trek, they are marked on the map shown below. (Click on map to enlarge it.)
Map showing location of the two spots visited on this trek
To sum it up, this type of adventure would certainly not be everyone's "cup of tea".  However, for me this improvised trek was far more thrilling and fun than doing a traditional hike to familiar places.