Mt.Adams – 7/28/09

Read a report of a trip up Mt. Adams, second highest of the White Mountains!

http://whitemountainexplorer.blogspot.com

-Alex

White Mountain Explorer

Alex, our explorer, has been busy in April. Check out his adventures, they are sure to entice you to make a trip to our incredible mountains….soon!

White Mountain Explorer

Alex, our White Mountain Explorer has opened his own blog. Here we will announce his newest adventures. These are adventures with some of the most breathtaking scenery, with excellent photos to document each hike.
In Alex’s words, “Here I will share my travels throughout the majestic White Mountains of NH and also delve into some of the area’s rich history and forgotten places. I do this in hopes of getting others excited about exploring these wonderful places.”
Look for these posts:
Mt. Cabot - 2/17/09
Mt. Waumbek – 1/21/09
Mt. Liberty – 1/13/09
Enjoy!!!

The Flume and Mount Pemigewasset

I have been eagerly anticipating getting out and doing some snowshoeing and, thanks to Mother Nature dumping plenty of snow on us, it’s been prime conditions for it lately. It has been a while since the weather cooperated with me, so it wasn’t until just recently that I got a chance to do some winter wandering.
I decided a good first cold weather hike would be a local favorite, Mt. Pemigewasset, more popularly known as Indian Head. I set off along the trail under sunshine and blue skies and it didn’t take long to understand why seasoned winter trampers are so passionate about this particular time of year. It was an entirely new experience. I’ve probably been up Indian Head close to twenty times in my lifetime and it was a totally new mountain this time around. The sky seemed clearer and the views were sharper and seemed to go on forever, and because of the lack of leaves there were even entirely new views. I couldn’t help but think, “Hey, this is pretty cool!”
A storm rolled in the next day and it snowed nonstop all day but it still made for a good day to strap on the snowshoes. I decided on exploring the Flume Gorge, as I hadn’t been there in many, many years. You have access to the Flume trails in winter, for free even – just pass the Visitor Center on the left hand side of the building, however the boardwalks leading through the gorge itself are removed for the season. I explore both ends of it and the partially frozen Avalanche Falls and the headed off for The Pool, a large glacial basin. The entire loop is about 2 miles, but the trails are wide and nicely graded making for great snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
I look forward to finally making an attempt at some higher peaks and farther treks now that I’m getting comfortable out on the trails in the cold. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I also hope you take advantage of all the great places there are to explore right in this area. Don’t have the gear? Swing on over to the Lahout’s Summit Shop and rent everything you need to get you exploring. Don’t know where to go? Stop over and see Steve at The Mountain Wanderer Map and Bookstore for any maps, books, or sagely advice you might need. See you next time!

Photo Info:
A) Snow-blanketed forest alongside the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail

B) Panoramic view from ledges atop Indian Head

C) The Flume covered bridge with Mt. Liberty in the foggy background

D) Peering into the icy gorge

E) The Pool and the Sentinel Pine bridge

Winter Hiking in Crawford Notch

Here’s the latest one, a sequel to the last Crawford Notch adventure. I actually did this hike way back on Nov. 19

In continuing to gear up and get ready for my first season of winter hiking I returned to Crawford Notch for the next exploration. I wanted to go back and “bag” Mt. Jackson (my 44th peak) since I was unable to do so on my previous attempt. The conditions were even more winter-like than before.
This time, instead of taking the Webster Cliff Trail up and over Mt. Webster on the way to Jackson, I opted to take a more direct route and used the Webster-Jackson Trail. This was good practice for winter hiking, as the conditions were very similar. I had to keep adding and subtracting layers of clothing to keep myself warm during but perhaps more importantly to avoiding overheating and sweating which leads to chilling that could potentially turn into hypothermia. I was also able to test out some traction devices as the trail was very icy in sections. I used microspikes and they were a big help.
The hiking was spectacular and despite only a little sun it was pretty warm while walking amongst the snow-laden trees. Above tree line and on the exposed Bugle Cliff, however, was entirely different story. The cliff offered an interesting perspective on Crawford Notch, the AMC’s Highland Center and the East side of Mt. Willard, but at the price of some exposure to very cold and fast winds.
Just below the summit was a steep ledge that was a little tricky to climb as it was covered in ice, but the change of pace added another “texture” to the trip. This section was short and was traversed fairly quickly. Just above this was the summit which was home to the coldest wind I’ve yet to experience. This was a big factor in also making this my quickest summit visit to date. I snapped a couple quick pictures and then I began the descent to the Notch, before my hands got to cold.
As actual calendar winter approaches I’m looking forward to some nice sunny, crystal clear days to get out there an experience this wondrous season. If you choose to do the same, and it’s you first time venturing out into the elements during the cold season, please be sure to be properly equipped, clothed, and educated in winter travel, it could save your life! If you’ve any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section here, give us a call, or ask in person at our resort. If we can’t answer your question we can direct you to someone who can. We have some great resources in the area. Have fun and be safe out there!

Enjoy the pictures and see you on the next trip!

Picture Descriptions:
A) From Bugle Cliff, looking across Crawford Notch to Mt. Willard (foreground), and the Willey Range (behind).

B) The sun playing hide-and-seek through the trees and clouds.

C) A gorgeous section of the Webster-Jackson Trail. The essence of the whole trip (and cold-weather hiking in general) is in this picture.

D) Trail signs at the summit of Mt. Jackson. This is facing west toward Crawford Notch again.

E) Also from the summit, looking northeast this time, the Southern Presidentials and Mt. Washington loom in the clouds.

F) Bonus Picture – I had to make a quick stop on the way home to take this picture of Mts. Liberty (left) and Flume (right) from the Flume Gorge parking area. This trip was done on 11/19/08 so they look even more “arctic” now.

Crawford Notch

Crawford Notch is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s got a little something for everybody and it’s loaded with history. The oldest maintained footpath in all of the US is located here, the Crawford Path, which along with the notch itself is named after the famous Crawford family who used to own and operate the Crawford House here (located where the Highland Center now sits) and pioneered all through these mountains.

There are places you can sit and enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the mountain scenery and gorgeous lakes, there are also quick hikes that are kid-friendly while still offering views that are sure to please (Mt. Willard, I’m looking squarely at you), and not one but four of the White Mountain 4,000 footers (Mts. Tom, Field, and Willey on the West side and Mt. Jackson on the east) are also accessed from this mountain pass.

This past week (mid November) I decided I’d try to “bag” one of the few remaining peaks on my own NH 4000 Footers list, being the aforementioned Mt. Jackson. I decided to take the longer, and more strenuous , but also more scenic and rugged route up and over the Webster Cliffs and Mt. Webster then on to Mt. Jackson. Nature and my beat-up pair of boots had slightly different plans.

Starting off on the Webster Cliff Trail there was a dusting of snow on the ground about a centimeter deep, I knew this would slightly increase as altitude was gained, but it turned out to be less than I thought. The trek up the cliffs was fairly relaxed and went through some beautiful forest, but there were some icy sections that required some careful footing. Upon reaching the first open ledge of the cliffs I was mesmerized by the views off toward Mt. Carrigain, the Hancocks, and the Bonds. Also very captivating was the view across the notch and nearly straight down to the site of the Willey House. This was the location of the famous Willey Slide in 1826, a rockslide that careened down Mt. Willey and killed nine people, including the Willey Family and two hired hands, after barreling through the makeshift shelter they built for protection against such an event. In the ultimate ironic twist to this story, the house they fled from was untouched by the slide. Even the family’s dog survived, and some believe he still haunts these peaks. I didn’t make that last part up either, and for the record I never saw this “ghost dog” on my trip through the Willey Range.

Once I started getting closer to the top of Mt. Webster the snow and ice started to get a little thicker. It was at the summit of Mt. Webster itself that I decided to abandon the rest of the trip to Jackson and return the way I had come. I wasn’t wearing proper winter footwear and at this point my feet were getting cold. Still having a little over 6 miles to go I decided I was fond of my toes and wanted to keep them, despite the rest of my body wanting to continue onward. The trip thus far over the cliffs was magnificent and by itself was well worth the hiking I had done. I plan to go back out to Mt. Jackson via a different route next week and will be sure to bring you along with me, so to speak. Stay tuned and enjoy the pictures!

Photo Descriptions:
A) The view North through Crawford Notch from the Webster Cliffs. Mt. Willard is the small, ledgy peak at the end.

B) View down to the Willey House site, with Mt. Willey looming behind it. Many old rockslides visible on the slope.

C) View toward Mt. Carrigain (left) and the Hancocks (right).

D) The summit of Mt. Webster. The trees are coated in a mixture of snow and “rime ice”, which is essentially frozen fog.

E) View from Mt. Webster over snow-covered trees toward Bretton Woods.

Alex, The White Mountain Explorer

Hiking Loon Mountain

I have lived in the Lincoln-Woodstock area my whole life, so it may come as a shock that I don’t ski and have never actually been to the top of Loon Mountain. The new ski trails on Loon’s South Mountain are plainly visible from the grounds of our resort, and after staring at them day after day I decided I’d like to hike up them and see what the view is like from up there. I know what you’re thinking, “Quite the White Mountain Explorer, he’s never even been to the top of Loon!” While this trip was a first for me, it surely won’t be the last.
I was surprised by how nice it was to hike on these trails, even the steep new double black diamond trail, Ripsaw, was pleasant walking. There were some interesting views along the way. The peaks of Moosilauke and the Kinsman Ridge start to appear over the town of Lincoln, and as you near the top Cannon Mountain comes into view. Much more spectacular than I imagined. Another pleasant surprise was the serene shores of Loon Pond. The view across the water to the North Peak was most certainly photo-worthy, and I was in awe of the backcountry feeling of this particular spot, despite it being one of the state’s largest tourist attractions. The heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the sharp peaks of the Franconia Ridge, all lined up in a row, are displayed before you as you approach the North Peak Express Quad chairlift. It’s a wonder people can actually pull themselves away from these views to do any skiing while up here. The views on a crystal-clear winter day must be the stuff of legend. I’ll have to find out for myself sometime soon. Enjoy the pictures from this trip and see you on the next adventure!

Picture Descriptions;
A) Town of Lincoln from South Mountain ski trails

B) Loon Pond

C) The entire Franconia Ridge, seen from Loon’s North peak

Pictures from the White Mountain Explorer

Here are four recent pictures for you to enjoy of our incredible area. All of these are possible within a 30 minute drive to a one days hike from our resort. Let me know what you think, or better, where you wish for me to hike, I’d be glad to add it to my schedule.
From the left we have the following:
1) The slopes of Loon Mt. to the left and the town of Lincoln to the right. As seen from Mt. Liberty.
2) Mt. Washington (furthest left) and the Northern Presidentials seen from Middle Carter.
3) The peaks of Mt. Osceola seen from the Kancamagus Highway. Picture taken 11/2/08.
4) The town of Lincoln as seen from First Ledge on Little Coolidge mountain.

White Mountain Explorer

Greetings! My name is Alex and I am a maintenance engineer here at InnSeason Resorts South Mountain. I grew up in this neck of the woods and have spent all of my life in these hills. Over time I’ve developed a love for hiking and exploring all over this region. I was recently asked if I would like to share my love of the White Mountains, both the places and the area’s rich history, with those who frequent our blog (as well as first-time visitors). Any opportunity to help educate someone about the area, or encourage them to get out and explore it for themselves, is a welcome one in my book, so I embrace the chance to do so with much enthusiasm, and plan on contributing an entry as often as I am able. For more, please see my pages.