Mount Stickney at Bretton Woods

It was a cold, windy, snowy drive on the way to an afternoon at Bretton Woods. We had to decide, skiing or snowboarding. The decision was skiing due to the fact we are better skiers than snowboarders and wanted to try out the new T-Bar lift and glades on Mount Stickney.

Lowes Bald Spot

After our Nor'easter two days ago I thought conditions would be excellent for snowshoeing in Pinkham Notch. The plan for today was a trip across the Old Jackson Road to Lowes Bald Spot. I was getting a late start and this was the perfect trail to give my new snowshoes another test.
(Note: I have seen three different spellings for this scenic view - Lowes, Lowe's and Low's, the first from the trail signs and the latter from the AMC Guide)

Snowshoeing on Christmas Day

It was late afternoon and I felt the need to get outside for some fresh air after a day of eating holiday fare and being lazy. I thought a trip up over Cummings Mountain with my new MSR Denali snowshoes would do the trick. One of my sons decided to join me.

Hedgehog Hike

I was looking for a short hike today with a good view...and I found it! The plan for today was to hike Hedgehog Mountain with the possibility of adding Potash Mountain afterward. It was a cold, clear morning on the drive through Pinkham Notch and down to the Kancamagus Highway. I was surprised to see there was some snow on the ground south of the Notch.

A Tale of Two Ravines

There was a cold wind blowing this morning as I left the house. Clouds were lingering from a passing cold front but high pressure was moving in with quickly clearing skies. It's been three weeks since my last hike and it was a good day to get back on the trail. Today's hike would take me to the floor of Huntington Ravine back down and around to the floor of Tuckerman Ravine. There have been no major snowstorms this Fall and I was curious to see what the trail conditions were in these ravines.

2012/13 Ski Season Starts

Although Bretton Woods opened 10 days ago this was the first day of skiing for us this season. It's still late Fall but was feeling like a cold winter day. The temperature was hovering around 26 degrees and there was a steady wind blowing that brought the wind chill down into the teens - perfect!

Mount Washington via The Jewell Trail

The weather forecast was perfect for a climb to the summit of Mount Washington (6,288'). This was #12 on our list to hike the 48 4,000 footers. It was a cold morning and we left before the sun was up. Arriving at the Cog Railway Marshfield Station hiker parking lot found the sun still behind the mountains and five vehicles already there. We put on some layers, strapped on our packs and were on our way to the top!

Imp Trail Loop Hike

I poked my head out the door this morning to get a weather report - it was cold, wet, windy and raw with snow flurries. A great day to go hiking! With peaks in the clouds I was looking for a hike down below the summits and close to home. I decided on The Imp Trail, a 6.5 mile loop that passes over the Imp Profile cliff with great views.

Mount Tecumseh

On the drive to the trailhead this morning we were in and out of the fog. The hike for today would be another 4,000 footer, Mount Tecumseh (4,003') via the Mount Tecumseh Trail from the Waterville Valley Ski area. This is the shortest mountain on the AMC 4,000 footer list.

Hike to Carter Dome via Mount Hight

A cold front last night brought snow to the high peaks. Cold, crisp and clear was the forecast for today. As we set out for the trailhead temps were in the 20's - wind chill was colder! Today's hike would take us up the 19 Mile Brook Trail to Mount Hight via the Carter Dome Trail then over to Carter Dome along the Carter-Moriah Trail and down to Carter Notch Hut. The return trip to the trailhead would be down the 19 Mile Brook Trail. This hike was 10.4 miles long and included a 4,000 footer, Carter Dome (4,832').

Hiking the Moats

Driving to the trailhead through Pinkham Notch I caught an occasional glimpse of white on the highest peaks, snow from last night's passing cold front. The high summits remained in the clouds all day. Today's hike would take me up to the Moats, a beautiful set of mountains that can be seen from North Conway, NH.

Dixville Notch and Table Rock Hike

It was probably a day to sit inside but I couldn't take it any longer and decided to drive up to Dixville Notch and take in the foliage and maybe a short hike. The weather was drizzly, gray and gloomy other than that it was a beautiful day to be in the woods.

Mount Chocorua via Champney Falls Trail

Rain showers last night gave way to clearing conditions this morning as a cold front pushed through. Clouds were quickly clearing creating a spectacular sunrise as I made my way to the trailhead. Today's hike would take me to the top of Mount Chocorua via the Champney Falls Trail. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day as I turned onto the Kancamagus Highway.

Mount Monroe via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

It was a crisp, clear and cool morning with a brisk breeze as we drove toward today's hike. We were heading for Marshfield Station, home of the Cog Railway. The plan was to hike the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to Lakes of the Clouds Hut and then summit Mount Monroe (5,372 ft.).

Mount Madison via Valley Way

After heavy rain last night the skies were clearing this morning and the air was cool. Our destination was the Appalachia trailhead. The plan was to hike the Valley Way trail to Madison Hut then the Osgood Trail to the summit of Mount Madison (5,367 feet).

Cannon Mountain Hike

It was another morning of driving to the trailhead in heavy fog. Today's hike was to summit Cannon Mountain(4,100 ft.), another 4,000 footer to add to our list. As I drove up and out of the valleys we left the fog behind. The plan was to hike the Lonesome Lake Trail to the Hi-Cannon Trail on to the Kinsman Ridge Trail that leads to the summit.

Loop Hike in Pinkham Notch

Visibility was less than 100 yards in thick fog as I drove to the trailhead this morning. Destination was the Pinkham Notch parking lot. The plan for today was a loop hike starting up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the Huntington Ravine Trail down the Raymond Path and back to the parking lot via the Old Jackson Road. This would be a solo hike today.

Mount Tom Hike

The plan for today's hike was Mount Tom (4,051 ft.), on the 4,000 footer list, with the possibility of adding Mounts Field and Willey, two more 4,000 footers. There was thick fog in the valleys that was quickly burning off as we made our way to Crawford Notch.

Mount Crawford via Davis Path

The weather finally cooperated this weekend and it was a great day for hiking! When we found out my youngest had outgrown his hiking boots we had to adjust our plans. So instead of hitting the trail early this morning we traveled to Eastern Mountain Sports in North Conway to remedy that problem. Our initial plans had us conquering another 4,000 footer but we decided to break in new boots on a less formidable hike.

A Day on the Saco River

Too hot to hike so we decided to play on the Saco River today. We arrived at the Saco Canoe Rental Company with hopes of catching a shuttle upriver with our own kayaks and paddling back to our vehicle. No such luck, they were sold out and the shuttles were full. So we took off on our own. Our destination was the Saco River off River Road.

Percy Peaks

Skies were threatening and the weather forecast was full of showers for the entire weekend. It was looking dismal for getting outdoors but I had a nice bike ride last night, a paddle this morning followed by today's hike up North Percy Peak. Before leaving I checked the online doppler radar and everything was clear with no ominous colors indicating no showers at the present time.

Into the Great Gulf

It's been a couple of weeks since I rolled my ankle coming down the Lion Head trail. Have been resting the ankle, doing some bike riding and it's been feeling pretty good so thought it was time to give it a little test on the hiking trail. The plan was to hike up the Great Gulf Trail to the Osgood Trail across the Osgood Cutoff and back down the Great Gulf Trail - about 6 miles.

Paddling on Pontook Reservoir

It was hot and humid today but a nice breeze was blowing and it seemed like a good afternoon to go paddling. We loaded up the kayaks and drove over to Pontook Reservoir, about a ten minute drive. It's great to have pristine wilderness so close.

Up Tuckerman Down Lion Head

It was a great day for this hike! The plan was to hike up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail then over to the Lion Head Trail via the Alpine Garden Trail. Was glad I had no plans to summit Mount Washington, it stayed in the clouds most of the day.

Franconia Bike Path

I had to make a trip to Plymouth, NH today and decided to throw my bike in the back of the truck. Thought I might take a short ride on the Franconia Bike Path. This is a paved bike trail that runs from The Flume parking lot up past Cannon Mountain. The secret is to pedal north so that you can "coast" back down to where you parked.

Mount Eisenhower via Edmands Path

We've had a great run of fine weather here in the Northeast and today was no exception. So my little hiking buddy and I decided to add another 4,000 footer to our list. We ascended Mount Eisenhower (4,760 ft.) on the Edmands Path. This is a great hiking trail with an easy, moderate grade that leads to a Presidential summit offering fantastic views. There were many photos to be taken so enjoy!

Boott Spur to Boott Spur Link

The weather forecast called for a beautiful day, temps in the 70's and plenty of sun. It turned out to be just that! After a couple of lazy weekends and a wrenched back this past Friday I was ready to hit the hiking trail. The first pair of hikers I was following were carrying skis!? I asked them if they knew there wasn't much snow left, they seemed to think there was enough. That's a lot of work for some very short-lived "pleasure". I didn't realize how little snow there was until I gained some elevation and got a good look into Tuckerman Ravine.

Kayaking on the Androscoggin

It seemed like the perfect afternoon to get the kayak wet...and it was! A quick drive over to Route 16, up past the Pontook Dam and I found a nice spot to launch the kayak. There was a nice breeze blowing with temps in the 70's.

Mount Hale

Despite a forecast of possible showers we decided to bag another 4,000 footer today, Mount Hale (4,054 ft). On the drive over we took a side road off of Route 2 (Durand Rd.) to get a pic of the "7" in King Ravine. This is usually the last prominent snow in the White Mountains and forms a perfect 7. Continuing on to the trailhead the sky was brightening and the summits were clear.

A Rainy Day in Crawford Notch

In sharp contrast from yesterday, today's visit to Crawford Notch was cold with wind-swept rain. It was a good day to test my EMS foul-weather gear. Regardless of the weather conditions our group of fifth-graders ventured out into the elements for some water analysis in the surrounding area. They were real troopers!

Highland Center Lodge To Mount Willard

Spent today chaperoning a group of fifth graders, very well-behaved I might add, for a day of outdoor activity at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. This is a fantastic destination and a great place to unwind and relax after a day of hiking in this area. For those with kids - ideal! Check out the Highland Center Lodge website.

Carter Notch Hut Via Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

Pulling into the trailhead parking lot I expected to see it filled to capacity on such a nice weekend. The forecast of cold and windy must have been a deterrent and there was plenty of parking to be had. Stepping out into the elements it was definitely cold with a stiff breeze blowing. The wind was the overwhelming factor to deal with today.

Glen Boulder

All last week I followed and tracked the weather for this weekend. Weather reports were indicating a wet and dreary weekend. Even the Mount Washington Observatory summit weather report was indicating a weekend washout. Seems New England weather forecasters are somewhat handicapped when it comes to predicting accurate future weather conditions. In all fairness, the evening local news meteorologists are very good at reporting what the weather did that day - after the fact.

Mount Pierce and Mizpah Spring Hut Hike

Leaving the driveway this morning the sun was up and the temperature was cool. During the drive to the trailhead the clouds moved in...quickly. The ride through Jefferson (NH) was overcast and grey. Arriving at the trailhead we could see the clouds moving away and being replaced by blue sky and sunshine! We hit the trail at 8:49 heading for the summit of Mount Pierce (4,312 ft).

Mount Jackson to Mount Webster

Bagged another 4,000 footer. Today it was Mount Jackson (4,052 ft.) over to Mount Webster making a loop using the Webster-Jackson Trail and Webster Cliff Trail. Brand and I arrived at Crawford Notch to cool temps and a blustery breeze. We suited up with about three layers, walked across the highway and hit the trail. Was not long before we hit the first patches of trail ice.

Starr King/Waumbek

The last day of March and it seemed like a good day to start tackling the 4000 foot peaks. Today's hike was up the Starr King Trail and over to Mount Waumbek. There were 3 cars in the small parking lot but room for a few more. It was a cool morning, upper 20's and we had about 3 layers on and were wearing our summer hiking boots.

A Warm "Summer" Day Hike on Mount Kearsarge

"The mountains are calling and I must go."
                                           ~John Muir

After peering out the window at work yesterday and seeing the clear blue sky with warm temperatures the mountains were calling me and I had to go. So I took a day of leave and decided to get out for a hike today. Although it wasn't summer it had the same feel as a warm day in June. I've been wanting to see the 360 degree views on Mount Kearsarge so I set out for Hurrican Mountain Road. Upon reaching the trailhead parking lot I soon realized that I was overdressed and quickly put on shorts and short-sleeves before heading out on the trail.

A Warm Winter Day in the Tuckerman Bowl

"And it's a fair wind, blowin' warm,
Out of the south over my shoulder,
Guess I'll set a course and go..."

Wooden Ships  ~Crosby, Stills and Nash

Upon arriving at Pinkham Notch we were greeted by a nice, surprisingly warm breeze from the south. At 9:00 in the morning it was only going to get warmer. I took one of the last spaces in the parking lot and cars were already parked along Route 16. We were faced with the decision of what clothing to wear as well as the correct footwear. I decided on two thin layers and my summer hiking boots. We put on our packs and set out for the trailhead.

A Perfect Afternoon of Skiing and Riding

The snow along the route to Bretton Woods is quickly fading. There is a couple of lingering inches from this past week's snowstorms. But it's that time of year when new snow doesn't have a long life expectancy. So it was with hopeful anticipation that the ski slopes were high enough in elevation to have kept any snow that had fallen.

Late Winter Skiing at Bretton Woods

It's always a dilemma before I leave for the slopes - skiing or snowboarding. Today it's skiing. On the drive over today I found signs of an early Spring/mud season. Sparse snow and bare fields were seen along the route to Bretton Woods.

Snowboarding Bretton Woods

It was a solo venture to Bretton Woods today. A windy, cloudy day turned out to be beautiful, calm, and full of sunshine! The snow conditions were the best I'd seen this season.

Hiking Up and Skiing Down

Could not make up my mind today - hiking or skiing. So I did both. I fastened my skis and boots to my backpack and headed for Pinkham Notch. Arriving at the parking lot the thermometer was reading 8 degrees with a stiff wind blowing but there was plenty of sun and blue sky. The estimated wind chill value was -10 to -15 below zero. There were plenty of people ignoring the cold and either hiking or skiing up the Tuckerman Ravine trail. I strapped on my pack with skis and took off!

Military Appreciation Day at Attitash/Bear Peak

Every ski season Attitash/Bear Peak hosts a Military Appreciation weekend. Those that have served our country in the military and have an ID ski for free this weekend. Being a Navy retiree I took advantage of this and appreciate a ski resort that extends this courtesy toward our military members. Brand had his 5th grade Snowsports Passport that had one free Attitash lift ticket. We were doing well until he discovered that his ski pants were left at home and we had to purchase a pair in the Attitash ski shop. Oh well, c'est la vie!

Cross-country Skiing at Dolly Copp

It was a cold, crisp day and the conditions were right for cross-country skiing. I set out for Dolly Copp campground. While I had been here camping many times throughout my life I had never been here in the winter. I arrived to find no one around, I had the place to myself!

Snowshoeing in Kilkenny

It was a nice cold day with a brisk wind blowing. There was fresh snow and conditions were right for a little snowshoe adventure into the Kilkenny. Up to this point it has been a rather bleak winter with lackluster snowstorms producing very little snow but there was just enough to have fun breaking new trail today.

New Year's Day Hike

What better way to start the New Year than with a hike in the beautiful White Mountains on a gorgeous winter day. We set out for Pinkham Notch to hike across the Old Jackson Road up to Lowe's Bald Spot. The temperature was just cool enough to keep from working up a big sweat but not frigid.