My Free-Spirited Child: Mt. Tremont

A rainy spell is predicted for the upcoming days.  That situation, combined with a number of other factors, will likely keep me off the trails during most of the upcoming week.   Rather than let this Blog sit idle, I offer the following.   But please be forewarned from the outset that this particular posting contains very few pictures.  It's mostly just chit-chat about the Mt. Tremont Trail, which is one of the trails I've adopted under a program administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

If you've had dealings with children, either as a parent, or as an aunt, uncle, etc, then you know that there are certain kids who are free-spirited, and some might even say rabble-rousers!  However, despite the child's behavior which is often wild and maddening, you can't help but admire their spunk!

Of the six adopted trails that I maintain, by far the Mt. Tremont Trail is the most troublesome of the bunch, or to be a bit kinder, let's say "free-spirited".   Each time I visit this "adopted child", I can be assured of discovering some problems that have occurred while I was away.

The rambunctious nature of this trail will often result in downed trees laying across the trail, and/or debris scattered everywhere.  Such was the case on my most recent visit on 11-May.  And this time, in addition to the expected outbreaks, I encountered other "mischief".   A small brook that normally runs harmlessly across this trail was now running lengthwise down the trail's treadway.   A short bushwhack up the brook revealed a log jam which was causing this problem.  Once the clog was removed, the problem was solved.

Despite the troublesome nature of this trail,  I truly admire its wild beauty.  It is so full of excitement and youthful energy!  I like to retain some of the untamed nature of this trail by not totally removing all the remnants of the impish activity that occurs here.  If a downed tree presents no hazard or undue hardship for the hiker, then I'll often leave it alone, especially if it can easily be stepped over, or walked under with a slight duck of the head.   For certain, some will disagree with this style of trail maintenance, and some might even consider it laziness.  It's not a practice that I use for all my trails.  Just as with children, each one needs individualized treatment.

Since this trip involved so many "toys" to pick up and things to be put back in place, there was only enough time to visit the lower half of the playground where my free-spirited "child" so freely romps.   But as said earlier, it's difficult to harbor any lasting irritation, especially when you are provided with terrific "peace-offerings" such as picturesque cascades and delightful wildflowers.

And occasionally, there will be a surprise awaiting for me that is quite pleasant.  On this visit, just off to the side of the trail, there was a beech seedling. Okay,  I know that might not sound overly exciting.  But nonetheless, it was something that I'd not seen before.  At first,  I thought it was a wildflower.  It wasn't until I posted the photo online that I learned it was basically a "newborn" seedling which was possibly only a few hours old.  How can you help but overlook troublesome behavior when you are provided with prizes such as this? :)

Here is just one last snapshot.  Believe it or not, it is related to maintenance of the Mt. Tremont Trail.  On my way to "work", I must drive by the Mt. Washington Hotel.  Many times, this roadside vista verges on being simply stunning, as was the case on this particular day.

To sum it up, on my next maintenance visit to the Mt. Tremont Trail, I'll be going to my free-spirited child's upper "playground" area.   I'm certain there will be copious pick-up and clean-up required at that location as well.  But, all will be quickly forgiven when I reach the top of Mt. Tremont and am gifted with the awesome vistas seen from there.