Galehead Mtn (4,024 ft) & Mt. Garfield (4,500 ft) 5-12-12

Distance: 12.2 mi. (Mtn) 1.6 mi. (Road) 13.8 mi. (Total)
Elevation: 2,897 ft. (Overall) 4,099 ft. (Total)
Time: 3:03 (Galehead) 6:54 (Garfield) 9:15 (Total)
Trails: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Garfield Trail, Gale River Loop Rd

The trail starts off quite gentle and easy. Leaving the parking lot it goes mostly flat before a quick drop down to a small brook crossing. From here it rises slowly through mostly open hardwoods with patches of softwoods. Before long you get to the newly relocated section of trail avoiding the 2 crossings of the Gale River. The new section of trails leads back a few feet before going ahead again along the edge of some forest that has had some damage. The trail here was a bit soft from recent rain and due to the fact that it still has the layer of topsoil. This soft ground did make it easy to see that a moose had recently (since he rain ended yesterday) gone up the trail to a brook and then back down the trail about half as far as it had gone up.

Before the trail relocation

In places the new piece of trail goes through some thick softwoods. As you hike up it, it feels like you are going further away from the river than you would need to. Maybe this is just because rivers are nice to look at while hiking. After a small stream crossing, the trail starts heading back to towards the Gale River and downhill a bit. Both ends of the old trail are marked by signs and blocked with branches, trees, and other debris.

Stream crossing on relocated trail

Back on the original trail, the grade stays pretty easy. There are a couple small brook crossing that are easy before you get to the gravel slide where the side hill below you has slid down to the river giving a view up to the western side of North Twin. From here the trail turns to the right some and finally starts heading up steeper. Overall it isn't too steep, but it does get quite rocky. In some places the rocks have been placed as steps making it easier. Before long you come up to the Garfield Ridge Trail.

Nearing the top of the Gale River Trail

Heading to the left, the trail slowly gains elevation. After running into a couple small patches of monorail left, the trail turns more to the right and heads uphill. Still staying pretty gentle, you quickly come to the Frost Trail and the Galehead Hut. After a quick stop for the views, I headed up the trail to Galehead. You start by going down into the saddle just a bit before heading back up. There is one small scramble shortly before the outlook, but nothing bad. The trail is pretty easy and soon comes to the view less summit at a cairn. After a couple pictures I headed back to the outlook. This outlook provides a great view of the Twin Range and the hut just below. Back at the hut, I went in to check it out before chatting with two separate people that were doing a single day Pemi Loop. One of these two said that the Garfield Trail I was soon headed back out on was a "rugged trail". That was pretty accurate before the end.

Galehead Hut from the outlook

Heading back out from the hut, it was time to start working over the pointless ups and downs (PUDs) that were between me and the next peak.Past the Gale River Trail you start up the first PUD which is a quick short one. There is a bit of a scramble heading up near the top. Once up this, you get a good view back to the Twins and Galehead. You then work around to the right some before heading down a little bit. Soon you are heading back up PUD #2. This one seems to take a while and I kept wondering when I would finally get over it. On the way down the backside, there are some spots of smooth rock that looked like they could be slippery today with the water on them, but weren't bad.

Heading up PUD #1

Once to the Franconia Brook Trail, The Garfield Ridge Trail really starts to climb. This is certainly where it gets "rugged" as the other hiker put it. The trail is rocky and periodically has water flowing down it or next to it. Shortly before the side trail to the Garfield Ridge Campsite, the trail got wet enough that it became a waterfall. There was plenty of water flowing down and splashing all over the rocks. Footing wasn't bad, but it looked like it could get slippery. Shortly after this, you get to the side path for the campsite. Even though my legs were getting a bit tired, I decided to make the extra climb up to the campsite to check out the newly rebuilt shelter. It is quite a nicer looking shelter and was a great place for a break and a snack. Back down the path, I got some water from the brook at the sign just in case I needed more before I got back to the truck.

Part of the waterfall in the trail

Garfield Ridge Shelter

Back up the steep rocky trail, you soon hit the junction with the Garfield Trail. It was shortly after this that I ran into the only major sections of ice for the day. With careful footing, I was able to bareboot all the way up to the summit. Once at the summit I tucked away out of the wind on the back side of the foundation overlooking the Pemigewasset Wilderness (what a great view). After something to eat and a change to some dry clothes, I walked around taking pictures. The wind was averaging 12 mph, but was gusting up to 30 mph. Soon it was time to head back down the trail. Once past the ice, it got much easier.

View back towards Galehead

Owl's Head and the Pemi Wilderness

The Garfield Trail quickly works into a series of switchbacks that keep things gentle and easy. Once out of those, the trail is mostly straight and remains pretty easy. Through here there were plenty of wildflowers to look at when not concentrating on footing in the muddy patches. Getting lower, there are a few water crossings. The first one wasn't too bad as I was able to hop some tall rocks to get across while another couple took time to take their boots off. Soon after you get to another which really turns into three. These were also pretty easy. After this the trail stays pretty dry and seems to be level for quite a ways, even though the map shows it goes downhill. Before long I was at the trail head and started back up the road to the truck at the other trail head.

Muddy section in the switchbacks

Purple Trillium and Yellow Trout Lillies

Spring Beauties

Painted Trillium

Not sure what this flower is

This hike was a good one even if my feet were a bit sore by the end (my boots are getting worn out). I did it in the clockwise direction because I didn't want the second peak to be the view less one. But I think it would be easier in the other direction as the uphills would be more gradual and you could work down the steep rocky section near the campsite.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Isolation (4,004 ft) 4-29-12

Distance: 13.2 mi.
Elevation: 2,746 ft. (Overall) 4,010 ft. (Total)
Time: 5:15 (Summit) 9:00 (Total)
Trails: Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur

The trail starts off pretty gentle from the parking lot working its way slightly to the right towards a small brook. Once next to the brook, the trail gets a bit steeper and works back to the left. The lower end of this trail is a series of long gradual switchbacks that help keep the trail pretty easy. It doesn't seem very steep here, but on the way down it did seem steeper to me than on the way up. The trail keeps working its way up slowly back and forth. Soon I started to see some wild flowers that were going to be blooming soon.

Large downed tree

About two thirds of the way up to the height of land on the ridge, the trail levels out for a period and then heads downhill very gradually. This is where most of the wild flowers were and soon there should be lots of large patches of Yellow Trout Lillies in bloom. This section is wet to start, but there are rocks placed that you can step across to keep your feet dry and out of the mud. As the trail starts back up, it turns to the right. Shortly after this is where I started to see some snow. Mostly a dusting that was remaining in the shady spots. The trail continues gently to the height of land getting a bit rockier in places. I wouldn't be surprised to see a moose in here as there were plenty of trees the moose had been eating the bark off of.

Near the height of land

At the height of land I found the start of the bushwhack. I had planned on using this at least on the way to the summit. I had wanted to make it here in the winter to really see where it went, but didn't have a chance. I started onto it, but soon wasn't so sure which way it went. Even though I knew more or less what to do to follow it, I got back on the trail and stuck with that. I'll be back some other time and get it then. Coming down to the river, the trail had water running down most of it. To stay out of it, you had to hope from rock to rock. This wasn't hard, but goes on for a while. It wasn't long before I was down to the river.

The first crossing was a bit tricky as some rocks still had some ice on them from the cool night and being in the shade. I just had to be careful with my footing getting to the middle of the river. Turning right at the junction, the trail started off muddy. On my way back I saw why. I had actually gone just above the trail as the trail actually had a bit of debris in it. After some easy walking, I was up to the second crossing. It was more of the same with finding a spot that wasn't too icy.

Crossing #1

Back on the east side of the brook, the trail goes for quite a while slowy gaining elevation. I started to see more snow through here with about 2-3 inches of fluff on the ground. It doesn't seem to rocky through here, but water/ice might have been in some low spots. Nearing the third crossing, the trail goes around some muddy/wet areas. The trail stays out of them though by just skirting around the right side. Soon you get to the third crossing. Once done with this crossing, it doesn't take long and you are at the fourth crossing. The fourth was the only crossing where I didn't cross right at the trail. This was only due to ice on the rocks and not wanting to slip. Again, it isn't too far before you reach the last crossing where the brook has certainly gotten narrower and shallower.

Last crossing

After the last crossing, the snow and ice get deeper and more frequent. It seems like this section of trail could get quite wet at times. I had to be careful not to slip on ice or to fall through and get my feet wet. Luckily, one person had come down the trail and I could tell where some weak spots were. Eventually I started to come across small sections of monorail. Further up they were pretty long sections and in places looked almost knee deep still. Nearing the Davis Path, the snow started to get back to only a few inches deep with occasional monorail that was hard ice a few inches thick.

Brief clear section of trail thanks to the sun

The Davis Path was pretty easy and went by quick. It isn't overly steep, but it was pretty windy through here. There was plenty of sections of monorail here to be careful on. You could tell some of them were actually on bog bridges though. Shortly after a brief viewpoint to the west, you come to the path to the summit of Isolation. I stopped here to put on dry socks, shirts, and an extra layer or two. I knew it would be windy up on the summit. The first step on the spur path was the only spot I was concerned I might slip on without traction (the spikes stayed in my pack all day). After this, it is just a quick steep climb (the only one) to the open summit.

Once up on the summit, the view was amazing. The open summits of the presidentials were still covered in snow and there were almost no clouds at all. I can see why this is one of the most popular peaks to finish your 4000 footers on. I set my pack down and got out a little more wind gear for my head and face before getting out my weather meter. It was 27 degrees and the wind was averaging 17 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Stil much lower than the summit of Mt. Washington was getting today though. You could see the snow being blown off the higher peaks. After having a bit to eat, seeing a couple birds, and taking in the great views it was time to head back. The hike back went well and the rocks at the river crossings had cleared off making them easier.

Davis Path nearing the summit

What a view

I saw this bird at the summit. It's a White Winged Crossbill

Snow blowing off the summit

One of only a few flowers that have blossomed. Yellow Trout Lilly

Driving up this morning, you could tell it was going to be a great day

All in all this was a great hike. The view at the top makes up for the lack of views getting there. Even though it was windy, it wasn't bad since I was ready for it. It was interesting seeing how much wind you got on different parts of the trail though.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Passaconaway (4,043 ft) & Mt. Whiteface (4,020 ft) 3-31-12

Distance: 10.5 mi.
Elevation: 2,943 ft. (overall) 4,145 ft. (total)
Time: 4:30 (Passaconaway) 7:17 (Whiteface) 10:10 (Total)
Trails: Wonalancet Range Trail (with cutoff), Walden Trail, Dicey's Mill Trail, Rollins Trail, Blueberry Ledge Trail

The Trail starts out going uphill gently over smooth ground. It wasn't far up the trail before I jumped two deer up that ran across the trail in front of me. Unfortunately they went too far into the woods for pictures. Things stay pretty easy and gentle as you soon enter the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Soon after this, you come to an area that has large rocks to walk across before getting back to the same conditions as before. Then the trail starts to turn uphill to the left some as it enters the softwoods. Just after doing this and passing a large ice flow next to the trail, I came to the cutoff trail. I planned on going this way to avoid a bit of distance and an extra up and down in the trail.

Where the deer ran across the trail

It was around here there started to be a dusting of snow on the ground. The cutoff trail starts off running next to a large rock face before coming back out into the hardwoods. The trail stays gentle and traverses the side of the hill easily. Before long you head uphill a bit and come back to the main trail. Back into the softwoods, the trail keeps going easily. As you get to Hibbard Mtn, you come to a side path that goes to the right of a big rock and to a small opening with a view south. This path was easy enough to follow as I didn't even realize I missed the left turn the trail actually made. This made it a bit more confusing when leaving the viewpoint as the path abruptly hits thick trees. After a quick backtrack, I was back on the trail. The one set of tracks in the snow ahead of me just pushed through the thick stuff rather than going back. Quickly you come to a limited view over the trees looking to the west over the bowl. There was plenty of old moose droppings right in the area showing the moose stayed here for a few days before moving on.

Looking down onto Mt. Wonalancet

After some more easy walking, you come to the junction of the Walden Trail where the tracks I had been following turned right. Heading left, the snow was a bit deeper here, but still bare bootable. Pretty much immediately, the trail heads down hill and passes a small view to the Presidential Range. While it was cloudy at this point, the clouds were high and I was able to see the snow capped Mt. Washington just fine. The trail had a fresh coating of snow here and microspikes would have given me a bit more confidence walking down the rocks, but I decided I didn't need them quite yet. The trail goes down into the saddle and then continues downhill to the left rather than going right back uphill. Here the trail could use just a bit better marking, but it is still followable if you pay attention. The trail turns back around to the right and now head up pretty steeply. There were a few patches of ice here, but there was just enough room you could get around or hold on to rocks to stay upright. Once up on the small subpeak, the trail stays pretty easy as it passes the Squareledge Trail and comes to the East Loop Trail.

Mt. Washington off in the distance

Heading back up out of the saddle

Just before the East Loop Trail, there was a patch of ice that just couldn't be avoided and I decided it was time for the spikes. There was enough snow they wouldn't be awkward now on the rocks. The spikes were a good idea as the trail goes up some steeper rocky sections that also had some ice. It then levels out some to a more moderate incline is the trail goes to the right some then swings back left. Coming along the side of Passaconaway, the trail passes the viewpoint that looks out to the left. There is a nice view over to Mt. Whiteface that showed some snow on the trees near the summit. Continuing on, you loop around to the left and go up another small climb before soon coming to the open rock area that provides nice views to the north and east. There was probably 6 inches of snow here and I could see only small animals had been on this viewpoint before I got here. I took a break here having a snack and grabbing some pictures before doing the short distance to the actual summit. I didn't go do the trail to the viewpoint to the north. Based on the lack of track between the summit and the rocky viewpoint, I am lead to believe most people don't walk the short distance to this nice viewpoint that is closer then the one down the trail and doesn't drop down as much. If you have the time, you should make the short trek to this point.

Viewpoint just before the summit

Northeast view

Just after leaving the short path to the true summit, you get some great views to the northeast including out to Franconia Range. It was still cloudy here, but I could see a bit of the blue sky coming that was predicted for the afternoon. Dicey's Mill trail starts off a bit steep and rocky and was where I saw my first hiker for the day. Soon the trail gets less steep and then goes through a couple easy switchbacks on the way down to the Rollins Trail. This certainly seems like it would be the easier of the two trails up to the summit.

Franconia Range

Large ice flow in the trail

On the Dicey's Mill Trail and Rollins Trail, the monorail started to come out from the heavier traffic these trails see. It was still pretty easy to negotiate though. There were a few ice covered spots on the trail and people had started going around them. Crampons would be good for walking across them or possibly microspikes if you were careful. The trail is a pretty nice walk without many hard sections and just some short steep sections. I met a couple in here that only had one set of traction devices and the guy had let the girl take them. He was having a bit of work today to stay on his feet. By the time I got to the first view point on the trail, I could tell the sun had come out. It was surprising how quickly the sky cleared considering the lack of wind today. Each of the view points have a nice view to the south over The Bowl with a bit of a view back to Mt. Passaconaway as well. After a little more distance on the trail, you come to the summit cairn at the view less summit. I had another snack here and a quick chat with a couple that had caught up to me and was headed over to the Tripyramids.

Clear view over Mt. Wonalancet

Leaving the summit, there is a bit of a dip to go through before coming out to another great viewpoint at the top of the Kate Sleeper Trail. There is great views here over the lakes region. Soon after this you get to some more openings that include views up to the Presidential Range over the saddle between the two peaks. Now going down you come to the series of ledges. Go down these was a bit awkward. There was some snow and ice on them so I kept on the microspikes, but the clear slanted rocks make for a bit of slow going. At one point I was facing downhill going over a lip, and the bottom of my pack hit the lip and almost sent me forward off of the rocks. In some places, going down backwards was easier than forwards. Below the ledges the snow was getting thinner and the trail had been made into a series of stone steps. Once below these, the trail is pretty easy with a more gentle grade and only some rocks to go over. It is a nice walk through here. The opening at the top of the Blueberry Ledge Cutoff Trail surprised me as I saw it through the trees. I didn't expect that big of an opening on the trail. I continued down over the ledges which weren't slick at all. Below them, there was some fresh moose droppings that appeared to be from within the last 24 hours. There was also more piles along the trail looking like a moose had been in the area for the last few days. The end of the trail is easy and was followed by the short walk along the road back to the parking lot.

Great view between the peaks

A closer view of Mt. Washington (I'm liking the big lens I am currently borrowing)

Ledges where the steps use to be

This was a good hike and it was interesting to see how quickly the skies cleared off today. Temps were around freezing on the summits and there was almost no wind. It was nice starting off seeing deer and being on a trail that hadn't seen much traffic.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Owl's Head (4,025 ft) 3-4-12

Distance: 15 mi.
Elevation: 2,890 ft. (Overall) 3,218 ft. (Total)
Time: 7:57 (Summit) 12:09 (Total)
Trails: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Black Pond Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, Brutus Bushwhack

The trail starts off nice and gentle on the old railroad bed that leaves from the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. The trail was packed smooth and wide all the way to the Black Pond Trail. I barebooted until here and then put on the snowshoes for the Black Pond Trail. While the walk along the Lincoln Woods Trail is 2.6 miles and pretty uneventful, it still went by pretty quickly.

Damage from Irene

When I started up the Black Pond Trail, I looked back down the Lincoln Woods Trail and could see a couple other hikers way off in the distance. The first of only a few I would see. Zig zagging side to side some while slowly gaining elevation, the Black Pond Trail has some nice scenery next to it. Soon you get enxt to a brook where I was entertained by tracks from a mink that had slide down some banks and hopped down stream for quite a distance. Before long, you come to the outlet of the pond and the view up to Owl's Head that is very common in trip reports (this one included).

The southern peak of Owl's Head from the outlet of Black Pond

At the start of the Black Pond Bushwhack, what had appeared to be two sets of snowshoe tracks now turned to one. I guess someone only hiked out the pond before turning back. The hiker ahead of me made the bushwhack easy to follow. Although, the couple inches of fresh snow hadn't hidden it much. The bushwhack featured some ups and downs but nothing major before the biggest drop at the end. The bushwhack dropped me and the two hikers that had caught up to me out just before the crossing of Lincoln Brook right where expected.

The Lincoln Brook Trail is a gentle trail that stay very near to the brook. It slowly gains elevation and only had a couple of tricky places where the track was narrow on side hills. Following the brook is nice as the water is good to look at and you start to get views of Owl's Head through the trees. But the trail seemed more interesting to me as it went out into the trees some.

Following the edge of the brook

After what is a long distance on this trail, you get to the crossing of Lincoln Brook. The brook isn't as wide this far up and the snow bridge was nice. Just after crossing over the brook, I saw what I believed to be the start of the Brutus Bushwhack. I looked at it and thought about taking it, but decided I didn't want to break trail up it. I didn't want to use the energy on it and having never done it before, didn't want to loose the track. Afterwards, I wish I had tried it though. I followed the trail that was broken by the now 3 hikers in front of me up to the base of the Owl's Head Path. At 6.8 miles so far to get here, I firmly believe there needs to be a bench here to sit at. I tried to have some trail mix and more drink while taking a break here.

One of the last brook crossings before Owl's Head

Having forgot them earlier, I put on my gaiters and headed up the path. Before long you are onto the slide and the steep climb begins. The climb didn't seem too bad to start, with a straight path headed up the slide. It was a little slow going, but it was a steady pace. As I got higher, it just became slow going for me. Even with my snowshoes on, it was hard to get good traction in places so you could push yourself up the mountain. I could tell that the hikers in front of me had had the same problem. In a couple places the trail/path headed up the edge of the trees. It looks like we all were pulling ourselves up by tree branches in places. I tried to take in the view from the slide, but didn't stop much for pictures. With all the snow, there weren't many good places to take a pack off and get out the camera. You get a bit of an uneasy feeling as you notice there isn't much to slow you down if you were to slip or fall here.

Early on the slide, pretty easy going here

It's a little steep as the path crosses the slide

The further I went up the slide, the more I wished I had tried to to the Brutus Bushwhack. Coming up the slide in winter has been the single hardest trail I have hiked ever. I kept going up, as I realized that even if I wanted to turn around, there was no good and safe place to do it on this trail. But after a hard climb, I eventually got back into the trees and off of the slide. Quickly you come to the upper end of the Brutus Bushwhack that had now been broken out by a group of 9 hikers that had gotten past us on the slide. I thought about turning down and bailing out here, but I was so close and had come so far on this long hike, that I didn't want to give up. Plus, now that the trail wasn't as steep, I was starting to do better.

View to Franconia Range from the slide

As I neared the old summit, the other hikers started to come down past me. I said hi to some of them and the ones that passed me in the morning were glad to see I had made it this far safely. Hikers sure are a friendly and helpful bunch of people. Soon I was at the sign on the old summit and headed over to the new summit. This quarter mile went by pretty quick an easy. I found what looked like the high point on the path, and went to take a rest at the large packed down area from the other hikers. I changed out my wet layers for some dry ones and took some pictures. You can see through the trees some, but since it had started to snow, the surrounding peaks weren't all that clear.

Franconia Range from near the summit

After some more to eat, I started down as it was already midafternoon and I was only at the halfway distance. Before long I was to the Brutus Bushwhack and I was certainly taking it this time. This path is a little steep near the top, but no where near as bad as the slide. Normally I am not a fan of when people butt slide down trails. But since it was slow going on snowshoes where others had done it and I eventually fell onto my butt and started sliding, I decided I was going to go for it. It's actually kind of fun after a tiring hike, especially when it goes for a long distance.

Brutus Bushwhack

In what seemed like no time, I was back to the Lincoln Brook Trail and had a long gradual trek back to the truck ahead of me. As I knew I would be finishing in the dark, I was glad I brought both my headlamps with me. The large group that was hiking today told me they had broken out trail on an upper version of the Black Pond Bushwhack and I took this on the way back. I'm not sure if they intended to leave a branch in the trail marking where it started or not, but it got my attention either way. I was disappointed with how steep it started, but it ended up being good once it went downhill.

Heading back down the trail with a dusting of snow on the trees

I got to Black Pond at 6:15 and decided that half an hour after sunset, the trees were thick enough that I got out my headlamp. The hike from here out was uneventful and dark. Once back to the Lincoln Woods Trail, I took the snowshoes back off and barebooted back to the truck. In the dark with snow falling, it is hard to tell how much further it is back to the parking lot as there are only a few places that give you a point of reference to where you are on the trail.

All in all it was a long but good hike. It was great weather for Owl's Head being mostly cloudy but high enough clouds to still give a view when there was one. When I was back to the truck I was certainly tired and ready for a break. The two hours home wouldn't go by quick enough. I slept great after this hike.

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE

Mt. Carrigain (4,700 ft) 2-4-12

Distance: 9.2 mi. (Mountain hiking) 4.0 mi. (Road hiking) 13.2 mi. (Total)
Elevation: 3,768 ft. (Overall) 3,952 ft. (Total)
Time: 5:34 (Summit) 9:04 (Total)
Trails: Sawyer River Rd, Signal Ridge Trail

The trail starts off pretty easy with the two mile warmup walk along Sawyer River Rd. The road was freshly groomed and hadn't been ridden on much yet today so it was pretty firm. I wore microspikes through here, but could have gotten away without them just fine. After a little under an hour, I was at the Signal Ridge Trail and stopped for a drink. The trail starts off easy and soon reaches a crossing of Whiteface Brook. This was well bridged out with a bit of a zig-zag path across it.

Sawyer River Rd

Whiteface Brook crossing

From here the trail follows the edge of the brook for quite a ways while slowly gaining a bit of elevation. A couple very small brooks cross the trail to the river, but you can easily step over them. Soon the trail turns away from the brook. The trail heads northwest with some long mostly flat straights. So far it has been pretty easy going.

Long mostly flat straight

After 1.7 miles on the trail, you reach the junction with Carrigain Notch Trail which was used recently, but certainly not as heavily. In about 50 ft you come to the crossing of Carrigain Brook. There are plenty of small stones to step across to stay out of the water here. With microspikes it was nice and quick. The group I was behind at this point had mostly been wearing snowshoes so far and took those off to cross. They went a little slower across with bareboots. After some more straight easy stuff, the trail crosses on small brook (bridged) and then starts to head uphill some more. About 4 miles in, and finally getting to some climbing.

Carrigain Brook crossing

The trail isn't overly steep, but it is finally heading uphill. After a short distance, you come to a series of small switchbacks that are pretty easy. After these, you are still heading up steadily. Now you go through a long section of hiking along the side of the mountain. For the most part, you do this all the way to Signal Ridge except for the second set of switchbacks.

Sidehill trail

It was towards the end of this section that my legs started acting up. The upper thighs were getting a bit tired, and near the viewpoint just before the upper switchbacks, my lower thighs cramped up quite bad. I think this was mostly due to poor meal choice this morning and last night, and not drinking enough water so far this trip. I took a break at the viewpoint to get rid of the cramps.

Nearing the ridge

Going up through the switchbacks, my legs were still bothering me some and made this section seem much longer than it did on the way back down. I kept hiking when I could and took breaks when I needed to. Eventually, you hike straight while heading uphill for a short bit and pop out on the ridge. There is a small viewpoint on the right, but just a few feet further you get a much better view up on the ridge.

Carrigain Notch

I stopped here for some pictures and to give my legs a break. The summit was finally in sight and I knew I could slowly make it the rest of the way up. I was out in the open on the ridge, but there were clouds around in almost all directions other than south. It had been predicted to be somewhere between partly cloudy and partlly sunny, but it was looking like it would stay cloudy. But since it was snowing heavy for the last hour of the drive up, that wasn't surprising.

The summit in sight

I headed over the ridge and back into the trees. The last stretch up to the summit is probably the steepest, but isn't overly long and was still pretty easy today. When I got to the base of the tower, the two hikers just packing up said I was there at a perfect time as the clouds were starting to clear. I guess tired and crampy legs can have a benefit. I set down my stuff and geared up for the wind I knew I would see on the tower. Up I went and sure enough, It was clearing off nicely. The Presidentials were still mostly in the clouds, but most other directions were clear.

View towards the presidentials

I took a bunch of pictures and took in the views. I got out my weather meter and it was 5 degrees with a -17 windchill. The wind was averaging around 10 mph and gusting around 22 mph. It certainly seemed windier than those numbers show though. After enjoying the view and having something to eat, I geared up and started back down. It was after 2pm and I was already glad I had what I needed to hike in the dark. The legs slowed me down almost an hour more than expected for the hike up.

Towards the Bonds

Going down, my legs felt pretty good and the hike went smooth and pretty quick. Once off the ridge, I was always in the mountains shadow as the sun was getting lower. My main goal was to get to the Carrigain Notch Trail before sunset, but would really like to get to Sawyer River Rd by that point. The hike went quick enough, that I came out to the road 15 minutes before sunset and was back to the truck 40 minutes later. With a nearly full moon and clear skies, the headlamp was never used.

This hike retaught me a lesson I thought I had already learned about meal planning before hiking. But considering it was probably the longest hike distance wise and possibly elevation gain wise, it went pretty well. The day turned out great and I enjoyed some terrific views. I can't complain about that.

Looking back at the ridge

Crawford Notch and Washington trying to come out

Another look back up to the summit

For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE