Franconia Ridge

Franconia Ridge

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Humid Hike to Waumbek


The weather forecast was indicating the start of a heat wave. I am not a fan of the heat and humidity so something short and early was the requirements for a hike today. I would be joining Jill and Larry for a hike to Mount Waumbek (4,006') via the Starr King Trail over Mount Starr King. This is a short, easy hike and for me not a long drive. I also needed Waumbek for the month of June. Our plan was to meet at 7:00 AM.

It was a cool morning but I could feel the humidity in the air. When I pulled into the trailhead parking lot Larry was waiting, Jill pulled in just after me. We were the first three hikers there this morning. While we were getting ready I thought the bugs might be a problem but once we got started up the trail they were no trouble at all.

It was still cool and there was a slight breeze but the air was muggy. I was expecting it to only get worse as the sun got higher and hotter. It was a pleasant hike up to the Starr King summit. The distant peaks were hazy but we still had a good view. After a short break to hydrate we continued on.

It was a nice hike across the ridge to Mount Waumbek. We arrived at the summit and moved down to the cleared outlook. It was getting very warm and the bugs were waiting for us. I got a few good bites on my arms. After another short break we started our return trip. 

As we started back we saw many more hikers on their way up. We arrived at Starr King and took one more break to hydrate then it was all downhill from here. The cool breeze we had earlier was gone and the moist heat was starting to hang heavy in the air. I was very glad to be on the way down and not starting up.

We got back to the parking lot around noontime after about five hours of hiking. It was a nice pace for the warm, humid conditions. Thanks for the fun hike and early start Jill and Larry!

Enjoy the pics!

The hike starts here


Mossy log


Bluebead lily


Another bluebead lily


Forest greenery


Starr King summit


Arriving at the Starr King clearing


Starr King fireplace


View from Starr King


Resting on Starr King


A leaner over the trail



Three-leaf clovers


Mossy stump


Summit trail sign


Personal note on the trail sign


View from Mount Waumbek


Looking down into the valley below


A fern patch


Waumbek summit cairn


Moss


Returning to Starr King


A look back at Waumbek from Starr King



Lots of mushrooms along the trail today


Taking a sweaty break on a burl seat


Wood sorrel





Red trillium "melting"



Gnarly tree


Well reflection


End of the hike just ahead


Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!


No comments:

Post a Comment