Walking on Top of The Imp

With a storm approaching I wanted to get a short hike in before the new snow falls. On Friday I went cross-country skiing at Dolly Copp campground and got a close-up photo of the Imp Profile. I thought it would be nice to hike to the top of the Imp and get a close-up photo of the spot at Dolly Copp where I took Friday's profile shot.

Snowshoeing to Lowes Bald Spot

With gloomy weather being forecast I thought this would be a hikeless weekend. There were cloudy skies but no rain and the doppler radar was clear. I decided to get outside and take a short hike maybe even some snowshoeing. There's plenty of snow in Pinkham Notch so the plan was a hike or snowshoe to Lowes Bald Spot via Old Jackson Road.

First Runs at Wildcat This Season

Up until last night there had been no significant natural snow to ski and ride on. Although ski areas had been making snow it just wasn't the same. So after a night of almost a foot of snow it seemed appropriate to take a few first runs of the season down Wildcat. After snowblowing the driveway we were on our way to the slopes.

Cold Calm Before the Storm in Tuckerman

I stepped outside this morning to a temperature of -12°F but there was no wind which made it quite tolerable. But make no mistake it was still very cold! The weather forecast called for very cold temperatures with a Nor'easter on the way for the overnight hours. I was looking for a short hike to test my cold weather gear and check out the conditions in one of my favorite places that is close by. That would be Tuckerman Ravine. The plan was to go as far as the first-aid cache and capture some photos of the surrounding terrain.

Icy Hike to Mount Tom

After some warm weather and rain in the last couple of days I was anxious to see what the trail condtions would be like. Last week it was snow and ice on Mount Jackson. I was heading back to Crawford Notch for a hike to Mount Tom via the Avalon and A-Z Trails. Temps dropped overnight and it would be an icy climb to the summit.

Loop Hike Over Jackson and Webster

Any 4,000 footer worth doing once is worth doing twice. I was looking for a 4,000 footer with great views to test the patch job I did on one of my winter boots that was splitting at the seam. A loop hike to Mount Jackson over to Mount Webster via the Webster-Jackson and Webster Cliff Trails seemed to be a good choice. The temp was -4 below zero as I departed for the trailhead and the sky was crystal clear, a perfect day for hiking!

Mount Osceola and East Osceola

The weather forecast today called for clearing skies after early morning clouds. So it was a gray, overcast sky on the drive to the trailhead. Today's hike would take me over East Osceola (4,156 ft.) to Mount Osceola (4,340 ft.), two 4,000 footers. My hike would start at the Greeley Ponds Trail off the Kancamagus Highway and continue on to the Mount Osceola Trail.

Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail

It was a cold Saturday morning as I drove to the trailhead. Clouds were clearing and the wind was calming down. I was on my way to Sawyer River Road for a hike to Mount Carrigain (4,700 ft.) by way of the Signal Ridge Trail.

Hike to Mount Hayes

Looking out the window this morning the sky was dark with foreboding clouds. The weather forecast called for clearing skies so I was taking my time leaving the house hoping for some of that clearing. Today's hike would take me up the Mahoosuc Trail to Mount Hayes.

A Taste of Winter in Tuckerman Ravine

There was a very ominous sky as I departed for the trailhead this morning. The weather was less than ideal but I knew there was snow in the higher elevations and I wanted to go make some tracks. One of the best places for experiencing some snow is Tuckerman Ravine. So my hike today would take me up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the bottom of the Tuckerman headwall and return on the same trail.

Over Mount Surprise to Mount Moriah

The full moon setting and the sun rising created some spectacular scenery on the drive to the trailhead today. My destination was Gorham, NH for a hike to Mount Moriah (4,049 ft.) via the Carter-Moriah Trail over Mount Surprise.

Mount Cabot and A Sea of Clouds

After driving to the trailhead yesterday and watching the clouds roll in with obscured summits I decided to postpone my hike to Mount Cabot until today. As it turns out, yesterday was a pretty nice day. There was a very thick cloud cover this morning and the mountains were completely covered. I decided to go for it and I was in for a real treat known as undercast. The plan was to start at the York Pond Trail to Bunnell Notch Trail and up to the summit of Mount Cabot (4,170 ft.) via the Kilkenny Ridge Trail.

Avalon Trail to Mount Field

Fog was thick this morning as I departed for the trailhead. There were areas of fog and clearing all the way to Crawford Notch. Today's hike would take me to Mount Field (4,340 ft.) via the Avalon Trail and a little bit (90 yards) of the Willey Range Trail. Two weeks ago I climbed Mount Willey from the other direction. Mount Field will complete my 4,000 footers for this area having hiked Mount Tom last year.

A Walk Up Willey

The scenery and views on the drive to the trailhead were impressive this morning. There was fog in the valleys, mountain peaks touching blue sky and a combination of both along the way. I was heading for Crawford Notch and a hike up to Mount Willey (4,285 ft.). The plan was start on the Kedron Flume Trail to Ethan Pond Trail and up the Willey Range Trail onto the summit.

Mount Crag and Middle Mountain

The forecast called for early morning rain followed by clearing and breezy. While waiting for the deluge of rain to stop I decided to hike something short and low. The plan was to hike Mount Crag and Middle Mountain in Shelburne, NH using the Gates Brook Trail, Yellow Trail to Mount Crag then back to Gates Brook to the Middle Mountain Trail and return on the same trails.

Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine

Today's weather forecast called for high clouds, temps in the 70's and no rain. Seemed like a great day for a hike to the top of Mount Washington. My route would take me up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the summit, back down to the Lion Head Trail making a loop to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and returning to Pinkham Notch.

Nelson Crag to Glen Boulder

I postponed my hike one day because of the weather. Hurricaine force winds blasted the summits on Saturday leaving gusty winds today but very tolerable. My plan for today was to do a loop hike around Huntington and Tuckerman Ravines continuing over the Gulf of Slides. I would start from Pinkham Notch using the Old Jackson Road to the Nelson Crag Trail across the Alpine Garden Trail up a little section of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail turning onto the Lawn Cutoff over to the Davis Path down the Glen Boulder Trail and finally across the Direttissma Trail and back to the Pinkham Notch Parking area.

Boott Spur Trail

My initial hiking plan for this weekend was a loop around the Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines using Nelson Crag Trail over to Boott Spur. I was ready to walk out the door Saturday morning when the large blob of colors on the doppler radar hit and we got a two hour downpour. That was enough for me and I decided to postpone my hike for one day. Continuing questionable weather had me planning a shorter loop up Boott Spur and around to the Glen Boulder Trail. This would also change.

Awesome Hike to Mount Adams

With a one day break in the foul weather that we've been having I decided to hike Mount Adams (5,799 ft.) and add this to my list of 4,000 footers. Today's hike would take me up the Valley Way trail across the Scar Trail and onto the Air Line Trail all the way to the summit. There were no showers in the forecast but the high peaks were in the clouds. I was hoping they would clear by the time I reached the summit.

Scudder Trail to Mount Ingalls

After dealing with heat, storms and power outages for the past couple of days I decided to go for a short hike today and then get back home to do some work around the house. I did learn a lesson, never assume a short hike will be quick and easy.

A Ride Down the Saco River

High temps and humidity were forecast to make a return today after a nice break yesterday. We decided it would be a nice day to be on the water. Our plan was to paddle from River Road to the covered bridge in Conway, about a 5.5 mile run down the Saco River.

Mount Jefferson via Caps Ridge Trail

Checking the weather forecast this morning it appeared we were going to get a small break in the heat and humidity. I decided this would be a good day to tackle the Caps Ridge Trail and summit Mount Jefferson (5,716 ft.). It was a foggy start but quickly cleared. The temperature was cool and it felt good compared to the heat and humidity of the last two weeks.

Morning Mountain Biking at Bretton Woods

I knew it was going to be a triple H day (hazy, hot and humid). Not being a fan of hot and humid I had no desire to hike in this weather. So I loaded up the mountain bike and was on my way to Bretton Woods early this morning. The sky looked rather threatening at times but it never did rain. The mountain summits were shrouded in clouds.

Hot and Humid Day on Wildcat A

Another hot and humid one forecast for today. I got an early start in hopes of a semi-cool morning and missing the showers and thunderstorms predicted for later on. My plan for this hike was to summit Wildcat A (4,422 ft.) via the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail. Two weeks ago I hiked to Wildcat D (4,062 ft.), both of these are on the 4,000 footer list.

An Afternoon on the Ammonoosuc River

This was the weekend for being on the water, warm with increasing humidity. So it was another afternoon paddling on another river. The plan was to kayak from West Milan to Stark, NH. What would seem like a short paddle is actually longer than I thought with this being a very winding part of the Ammonoosuc River.

Two Kayaks and a Canoe on the Androscoggin

There has been some fantastic weather this week so my sons and I decided it was a great day to take a paddle down the Androscoggin River today. We used our two kayaks and rented a canoe. With the trucks loaded up we headed north on Route 16 alongside the Androscoggin River.

Wildcat D via Wildcat Ridge Trail

After getting the latest weather forecast this morning I chose a hike that would be somewhat potected from a constant beating from the expected wind. Starting from the Pinkham Notch parking area I would use the Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat Ridge Trail. My destination was the Wildcat D peak, a 4,000 footer. The return trip would take me down the Wildcat Polecat ski trail and back to the Pinkham Notch parking, that was the plan. The plan would change.

A Hike to East and West Royce Mountains

I kept watching the sky on the drive to the trailhead. In one direction was dark, ominous clouds and in another direction was blue sky with clearing clouds. There was also low clouds over the summits so I was not sure what kind of weather I was in for today and just hoped for the best. My destination was Evans Notch for a hike to East and West Royce Mountains. I would be using East Royce Trail to East Royce Mountain then back down to Royce Connector and Royce Trail to West Royce Mountain.

Mount Martha and the Other Owl's Head

Hazy, hot and humid, I'm not a fan of any one of those but today I would be experiencing all three of them. My hike would take me to the summits of Mount Martha and Owl's Head using the Cherry Mountain Trail and Martha's Mile. I spent last night tossing around several different hikes before deciding on this one. My intent was to try and beat some of the midday heat as well as any showers or thunderstorms that were in the forecast.

North and South Doublehead

There was snow on the high summits from the storm this past weekend, it was a beautiful drive through Pinkham Notch. The plan for today was to hike North and South Doublehead in Jackson, NH. My hike would take me up the Doublehead Ski Trail to North Doublehead then over to South Doublehead via the Old Path and New Path. It would be a backtrack down the New Path to the col and then descend the Old Path where it joins the Doublehead Ski Trail at the bottom.

Hike to Mount Tremont

The day began with a deep blue cloudless sky. It was a beautiful ride through Pinkham Notch as I drove to the trailhead, a complete turnaround from last Saturday when it was foggy, cold and wet. Today's hike would take me to the top of Mount Tremont using the Mount Tremont Trail. The trailhead is on Route 302 and it took me two drivebys to find it. There is a small pulloff across the road from the trail and when I arrived there was one vehicle parked here that drove off as I was getting ready for the hike. 

Blue-Sky Day on Mount Kearsarge North

We've had a great stretch of Spring weather this past week and this was another blue-sky day. It was a good day for a hike to Mount Kearsarge North and its 360 degree views. The trailhead parking had room for a couple of more vehicles. Didn't look like there would be many people on the this trail today. I threw on my pack and was on my way along the Mount Kearsarge North trail.

Giant Falls and Dream Lake

This morning started cold but was quickly warming up. It was going to be a nice warm Spring day and my plan was to hike the Peabody Brook Trail that would take me to Giant Falls and Dream Lake. The trailhead is located in Shelburne, NH on North Road. Today's lesson: DO NOT let the Spring sun and warm temperatures lull you into a sense of, "there can't be that much snow at the top of this trail."

Lonesome Lake and Northeast Cannonball

As I left for today's hike there was a cold wind blowing and snow flurries in the air. Even though we are a month into Spring this morning was starting out with Winter conditions but the weather forecast was predicting temps in the 40's and clear blue sky. My destination was Franconia Notch. From there I would proceed up to Lonesome Lake and then on to Northeast Cannonball.

"Winter" Hike to Hermit Lake

Earlier this past week I had planned on hiking above treeline today but that changed this morning with wind chills dipping to -35 degrees below zero. This was going to be a hike with mid-winter conditions. I wanted to get outdoors, work off some of the winter flab and stretch the hiking legs. The choice today was Hermit Lake and  even though it was a solo hike I knew I wouldn't be alone.

Bretton Woods Beach Party

Today was the 26th Annual Bretton Woods Beach Party. There was snow volleyball, beach party BBQ, live music and skimming the slush pool. My youngest son was with me and another would meet up with us later at the ski lodge. Lift tickets were $25 for those that wore beach attire. I had my tropical shirt on.

A Day of Skiing and Riding at Cranmore

After receiving some good snow over this past week it was time check out the trail conditions. We decided on Cranmore Mountain. They have $25 lift tickets every day for the rest of the season for local residents. The day was starting off cloudy but cleared up through Pinkham Notch. The summits were in the clouds and would stay that way all day. The sun was bright and the sky was deep blue as we drove into North Conway.

St. Paddy's Day Skiing at Attitash

We've been wanting to ski Attitash this winter and were waiting for the right day. Today was the right day. A St. Patrick's Day ski deal had lift tickets selling for $17. The price was right and the weather was cooperating with a spectacular winter day awaiting us. As we drove to Attitash this morning the temperature was 2 degrees with a slight breeze - perfect skiing weather!

Winter Hike to Mount Pierce

The clocks were set forward last night and it was a little tough getting an early start for today's hike. My plan was to do a loop hike of Mount Pierce (4310') using the Crawford Path up to the Webster Cliff Trail down to the Mizpah Hut. From there use the Mizpah Cutoff back to the Crawford Path and Crawford Connector to the parking lot. With only ten days until spring this hike will probably be my only winter 4000 footer this season.

Back to Black

While I like skiing different ski areas I also like a bargain. We had two complimentary lift tickets to Black Mountain so it was an easy decision to ski here again this Sunday. The trail conditions were even better than last Sunday after all the snow that's been falling over the past week. Lift lines were non-existent. The sky was cloud covered with only occasional blue patches and we never did see the sun. It was a great day of skiing!

Skiing on New Snow at Black Mountain

Snow started falling last night and was forecast to continue all day. On the drive over to Black Mountain ski area there was a moderate amount of snow coming down and the roads were wet but clear. Heavy, wet snow clung to the trees and it created a spectacular winter scene. 

Up Tuckerman and Down Sherburne

With another winter storm on the way and an extended period of snow forecast I thought it would be a good day for hiking and skiing. The plan was a hike up to Hermit Lake via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and ski down the Sherburne Trail. Was not feeling up to par having had a touch of the flu this past Thursday. Woke up with a lingering monster headache today that wasn't going away and had to drag myself out of the house. I figured today's hiking and skiing would either cure me or kill me.

A Cold Windy Winter Hike to Carter Notch

The day started with wind-blown snow creating a hazy sky. I decided to start my hike a little later today in hopes that the sun may warm things up a bit and the wind would calm down. No such luck in either case. It was a day of howling wind and bitter cold.

Skiing on Packed Powder

The weather forecast called for wind and cold temps with wind chills zero and below. So we were pleasantly surprised to find very little wind with temps tolerable after arriving at Bretton Woods. I'm not a fan of warm weather skiing or even cool. I like it cold when I ski. The snow conditions always seem better. This was certainly the case today and there was fresh powder and packed powder on all the trails with snow continuing to fall.

Skiing on a Bluebird Day

We had two vouchers for a free day of skiing at Cranmore  Mountain Resort. My son and I decided that it would be a perfect day to use these lift tickets especially after yesterday's Nor'easter dumped some nice powder on the slopes. We would not be disappointed.

Finding (Winter Storm) Nemo

Winter Storm Nemo!? Since when did we start naming Nor'easters...and who comes up with the name? It appears southern New England took the brunt of this storm. Up here in the North Country it was a minimal storm at best. We got maybe 8-10 inches depending on where you placed the measuring stick. Winds were on the mild side. I decided to venture outdoors in my quest of finding (Winter Storm) Nemo...or at least take in the winter scenery from what little snow we got from this storm.

Super Bowl Sunday Skiing

After heavy rain this past week I was wondering what the trail conditions would be like on the ski slopes. My destination was Bretton Woods for some afternoon skiing on Super Bowl Sunday. It was cold, partly cloudy with an abundance of sunshine. I was VERY surprised with the amount of snow on the ground as I drove through Twin Mountain, let me rephrase that, by the lack of snow as in bare ground. The rain really took a toll on the snow pack.

A Cold and Windy Wildcat

Northern New Hampshire is still being held in the grip of an Arctic blast of very cold air. This was military appreciation weekend at Attitash and Wildcat with free lift tickets for veterans. I couldn't pass that up so I braved the cold, windy temps and decided to ski Wildcat today. It was very cold with below zero wind chill readings. Aside from that it was a beautiful, clear, blue-sky day with spectacular views of the Presidentials!

Breaking Trail and Bushwhacking in Kilkenny

With an Arctic cold front moving in the winds started howling at 8:45 this morning. It started with a temperature of 43 degrees and rain squalls that quickly turned to snow squalls. I set out on a snowshoe adventure with my son and his girlfriend joining me. We got a late start and it was 2:00 in the afternoon when we began our hike into the Kilkenny wilderness. Our plan was to summit an unnamed mountain using old logging roads and trails. The best laid plans do not always go well.

An Afternoon of Snowboarding

It's usually a last minute decision as to whether we will bring the skis or snowboards. This was planned in advance and my little buddy and I would be snowboarding for the first time this season. The weather was very cloudy with snow flurries and temps in the 20's. There would be no stunning scenery shots from Bretton Woods today. The only photo of any summit would be Mount Moriah as we were leaving Gorham.