Cold Day on Wildcat A

A last minute opportunity had me doing one more hike on the last day of the year. Last week I hiked to Wildcat D via the Polecat Trail on a perfect day of weather. Today I would be hiking to Wildcat A with a weather forecast calling for cold temps, clouds, wind, light snow flurries as well as a wind chill advisory posted. I was getting a later than usual start but my plan would still have me completing my hike before nightfall. My hike would take me up the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail onto the Wildcat Ridge Trail to the summit of Wildcat A (4,422').

Wildcat D via Polecat Trail

This would be a day that I was to be pleasantly surprised by the weather. The forecast called for seasonally warm temps and cloudy skies. My son and his friend wanted to snowboard at Wildcat and this would give me an opportunity to hike up to Wildcat D (4,062') for a winter 4,000 footer. I couldn't be sure what I would find for snow conditions on the Polecat Ski Trail that I would be hiking up.

Hiking Into Huntington Ravine

The Winter Solstice was to start at 6:03 this evening so it would be the last weekend before the winter 4,000 footers would be official. I didn't feel the need for bragging rights therefore I would not be hiking Sunday evening. I did feel the need to keep the hiking legs limbered up so a hike was in order. At the last minute I decided on a hike into Huntington Ravine to check out the snow and trail conditions as it looked as though it might not be a day for scenic views.

Snowshoeing the Imp Trail

I bought a new pair of winter hiking boots and it had been three weeks since my last hike so I was anxious to get out on the trail. Pinkham Notch seemed to get the motherlode of snow from last week's storm. The plan was to drop off my son and his friends at Wildcat and I would go hiking on the Imp Trail. Was not sure if I would do the entire loop not knowing what the trail conditions might be. Weather forecast called for cloudy skies, temps in the low 30's and no precipitation.

Braving Bitter Temps on Wildcat's Slopes

After yesterday's snow I wanted to get a first-hand look at the trail conditions on Wildcat. The forecast for today's weather was sunny skies but cold and windy. The higher summits forecast actually had a Wind Chill Advisory. Son Brandon decided to join me with his snowboard. So we loaded up the car and headed to Wildcat for an afternoon of shredding and carving.

Mount Moosilauke for #48

A BIG day today! I was hiking #48 on the list of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers. On March 31, 2012 I began this adventure on Mount Waumbek (4,006') for #1. Now 2 years, 7 months and 22 days later I was on my way to completing #48 on Mount Moosilauke (4,802') via the Gorge Brook Trail. The weather forecast was for cold temps, partly sunny skies and diminishing winds. I've learned to take these weather reports with a grain of salt and be prepared for anything. Fellow hikers Denise and Jill would be joining me again for this exciting day.

Loop Hike Over Whiteface and Passaconaway

I have been waiting for good weather to complete my remaining three 4,000 footers. My last 4,000 foot hike was a month ago. Today's forecast was calling for partly cloudy to clear skies and cold temps with highs in the 30's. My plan for today was a loop hike to Mount Whiteface (4020') and Mount Passaconaway (4043') with fellow hikers Denise and Jill. This hike would take us up the Blueberry Ledge Trail across the Rollins Trail over Whiteface to Dicey's Mill Trail, up to Passaconaway and down Dicey's Mill Trail back to the Ferncroft parking area.

Breaking In Boots in Carter Notch

My initial hiking plan for today was Whiteface and Passaconaway.  I woke up early to an overcast sky and a howling wind. Not knowing the current trail conditions I decided to wait on a better day for this hike.  My backup plan was to break in my new Garmont Momentum Snow Gore-Tex Hiking Boots.  I thought a trip up to Carter Notch would do the trick. Depending on how the boots felt would determine if I kept going up to Wildcat A (4422') or just head down to the Carter Notch Hut.

Winter Preview on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

With an uncertain weekend weather forecast I had no firm plans for hiking. But after driving through Pinkham Notch yesterday and seeing the snow I was anxious to get out on a trail and put down some footprints in the white stuff. High winds were forecast so I was looking for a sheltered hike. I decided to hike up to Hermit Lake via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

Rogers Ledge via Mill Brook Trail

After yesterday's rain showers today was looking a little better as far as the lack of precipitation but with lingering gray skies. I was anxious to get out on the trail and decided to do a local hike that I've been wanting to do for a long time but was busy hiking the 4,000 footers. Today's plan would take me up the Mill Brook Trail onto the Kilkenny Ridge Trail and over to Rogers Ledge for a nice out and back hike of 8 miles.

Out and Back to the Twins

I am close to completing the 48 4,000 footers and today's hike brought me two summits closer. The weather forecast was for cloudy skies, no precipitation and slow clearing throughout the day. The plan for this hike was up the North Twin Trail to North Twin Mountain (4,761') and over to South Twin Mountain (4,902') via the North Twin Spur. This would be an 11.2 mile out and back round-trip hike.

Back to the Kinsmans

What a difference another day makes! Two weeks ago during a hike to North and South Kinsmans the weather was less than optimal. It was cold, windy and cloudy with very limited visibility. Thinking I was at the summit of South Kinsman I found out later that the true summit was another 300 yards. So it was back to tag South Kinsman to make it official for summit #43.

North and Almost South Kinsmans

I usually prefer to hike on Saturday during the weekend but I postponed this hike until Sunday based on the weather forecast. Well, here in New England you take the weather forecast with a grain of salt. The plan for today was to summit North Kinsman (4,293') and South Kinsman (4,358') via the Mt. Kinsman Trail to the Kinsman Ridge Trail. I would find out later that I did not carry my plan far enough.

The Other Sugarloaf

After feeling "under the weather" yesterday I was not on my "A-game" today. But it was such a beautiful day that I had to get out and hike somewhere. So after sleeping in this morning I found the perfect hike for today. Back in March I hiked the Sugarloafs off of Zealand Road. The plan for today was to hike Sugarloaf Mountain deep in the Nash Stream Forest via the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.

A Hike to North and Middle Tripyramids

After a busy week at work I was feeling pretty tired but wanted to get a hike in on what was to be the best weather day of the weekend. Today's hike would start on the Kancamagus Highway and follow the Pine Bend Brook Trail to North Tripyramid (4,180') and across the Mount Tripyramid Trail to Middle Tripyramid (4,140').

Zealand and The Bonds Beyond

Up at 3:00 am, out the door at 3:50 for a Bond traverse. I'd be joining up with fellow hikers Denise, completing her 48 4,000 footers today and Jill, a veteran Bonds climber having made several trips to these summits and wanting to hike them again. We delayed our trip one day to await the spectacular weather that was forecast for today. Turned out to be a great decision!

The Long Hike to Owl's Head

Today's hike would take me deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The weather was looking good except for some possible afternoon showers. This would be another hike with fellow hiker Denise who would be completing #45 of the 4,000 footers. The plan for this hike would take us along Lincoln Woods Trail to Franconia Brook Trail turning onto Lincoln Brook Trail and finally the climb to the summit up the slide known as the Owl's Head Path.

Mount Isolation via Glen Boulder Trail

Another weekend starting off with favorable weather and promising a great day for hiking. The plan for today was to join fellow hikers Denise and her brother Roger for a hike to Mount Isolation (4003') via the Glen Boulder Trail and Davis Path. Denise is very close to completing her 48 4,000 footers and Roger has already completed them.

Tuckerman to Washington Down Nelson Crag

Today I planned a hiking route that would keep me above treeline for a good portion of the hike to take advantage of the good weather that was forecast. This would be a loop hike, up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Mount Washington down the Nelson Crag Trail and across the Old Jackson Road back to Pinkham Notch parking lot.

Up Flume Slide Down Liberty Spring

After watching the weather all week I decided it would be a great day to go up on Franconia Ridge and enjoy the views from the summits of Flume and Liberty. Today's hike would start at the Whitehouse Trail to Liberty Springs Trail turning onto Flume Slide Trail across the Franconia Ridge Trail and back down the Liberty Springs Trail.

Gale River Trail to Galehead Mountain

With hot temps forecast for today I was looking for a 4,000 footer with some shade, Galehead Mountain seemed like a great choice. I was up early and on my way to the trailhead at sunrise. I drove up out of the valley where I live into a clear blue sky.

Lincoln and Lafayette Loop Hike

With great weather forecast for today I was up early and on my way to Franconia Notch. Two more 4,000 footers were in the plan. Mount Lincoln (5089') and Mount Lafayette (5260') were calling. My hike would take me up the Falling Waters Trail across the Franconia Ridge Trail over Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette, down the Greenleaf Trail to Greenleaf Hut and back to the parking area via the Old Bridle Path completing the loop.

Hiking the Hancocks

It was a cool 39 degrees as I left the house for the Kancamagus Highway this morning. The weather forecast called for warm temps and sunshine. There was a beautiful sunrise to greet me as I made the drive to the trailhead. Passing through Franconia Notch the sun was rising on Cannon Mountain with a setting moon above. Today's hike would take me up the Hancock Notch Trail to the Cedar Brook Trail and finally the Hancock Loop Trail.

Garfield Trail to Mount Garfield

With sunshine and warm temps forecast for today I was anxious to get out on the hiking trail. So early to rise and I was on my way to the trailhead at 5:00 am. Today's hike would take me up the Garfield Trail to Mount Garfield, another 4,000 footer that I could add to my completion list.

Spectacular Day on Mount Eisenhower

I took today off from work in hopes the weather would cooperate for a hike, and did it ever! Higher summits forecast this morning reported there would be the warmest temperatures so far this year. I wanted to get above treeline and chose Mount Eisenhower via the Edmands Path. It turned out to be an ideal day for a great hike!

Windy Morning at Glen Boulder

After a hiking hiatus of seven weeks it was time to get back on the trail again. The weather forecast called for mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers early then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Looked like I would need to squeeze a short hike into this small window of opportunity. Glen Boulder seemed like a good choice with its above treeline views.

Ramblin' 'round the Ravines

Woke up this morning with the wind howling, cold temps and cloudy skies. The plan today was to hike into Huntington Ravine then around to Tuckerman Ravine. My son Brandon did not have any plans so I asked if he would like to go...and he did, the first time in a year and a half. It was sure nice to have him along!

Annual Beach Party at Bretton Woods

With gray skies, above-freezing temps and sloshing through thawed puddles of water it was hard to get motivated for a day of skiing and riding. We loaded up the vehicle and set out for Bretton Woods hoping the day would improve. The summits were covered with low clouds on the drive to Bretton Woods. But the sky cleared as we pulled into the parking area with lots of warm sunshine!

Mount Kearsarge North on a Spring Day

I wanted to do this hike today for a couple of reasons. First, I really enjoy this hike and the views that it offers. Second, this is a hike that I did two years ago on March 22, 2012. That day was warm with temps in the 80's, no snow on the ground, I wore shorts and short sleeves and carried a light load in my backpack. There would be no repeat of those conditions.

Hiking Middle and South Carters

The morning was cool but not the frigid temps of this past week and it actually felt quite comfortable. Clouds were moving in but there was ample sunshine as I drove toward Pinkham Notch. This would be a loop hike and my route today would take me up the south branch of the Imp Trail to North Carter Trail then south on the Carter-Moriah Trail to Zeta Pass and down the Carter Dome and Nineteen Mile Brook Trails.

Prime Winter Conditions at Bretton Woods

March 2nd and it was the first time this season that I have skied at Bretton Woods. This has been my ski area of choice in past seasons because of the Sunday afternoon discount for local residents. Early in the season I purchased a Vertical Value Card. This is good for discount skiing at Wildcat and Attitash. Bretton Woods increased the local resident discount to $25 but it's still a good deal.

Hiking the Sugarloafs

After one too many terrain park jumps with my skis this past week I was left with a bruised heel and sore ankle. So I was looking for a short hike with good views today. My hiking plan was the Sugarloaf Trail to Middle and North Sugarloafs off the Zealand Road.

Enjoying the Slopes at Attitash and Bear Peak

It's school vacation week, so with son Brandon and his friend we headed to Attitash for some weekday skiing and riding. Temps were cold and the sky was gray but the sun managed to show itself through a persistent overcast.

Wrapping Up the Weekend on Wildcat

After a fantastic hike to Mount Pierce yesterday it was nice to finish the weekend with some Sunday afternoon skiing at Wildcat. My youngest son Brandon joined me with his snowboard. The temps were mild with an occasional breeze and the skies were partly cloudy. A perfect afternoon to be on the slopes.

Snowshoeing to Mount Pierce

There were high winds in the forecast and I was thinking of maybe doing a sheltered hike today but went ahead with my plans for a hike to Mount Pierce. The morning sky was clear with a third quarter moon, 50% of full, hanging above the summits on the way to the trailhead.

Skiing and Riding on the Sherburne Ski Trail

It was a bright and clear blue-sky day but the biggest factor today would be the wind. My son Ryan and I made plans to hike up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail so we could ski and ride down the Sherburne Ski Trail. As we made our way up into Pinkham Notch the wind continued to increase.

Mount Hale via Hale Brook Trail

Partly sunny, cold temps and windy on the high summits was in the forecast for today. I decided to hike Mount Hale but was not sure which trail to use. It was a choice between the Fire Warden Trail or Hale Brook Trail. After the fresh snow from this past week I figured the best bet for a broken trail would be the Hale Brook Trail. So I left the house at 6:30am heading for Zealand Road.

An Afternoon of Skiing at Attitash

This was Military Appreciation weekend at both Wildcat and Attitash ski areas. Military active duty and retirees were treated to a free lift ticket on Saturday and Sunday. Having already skied Wildcat this season my son Brandon and I decided to ski Attitash.

Snowy Sunday Morning on Waumbek

Weather forecast called for snow showers and it was snowing when I left for the trailhead this morning. Roads were slippery and summits were in the clouds on the drive to my hike today. I chose a hike with limited vistas knowing there wouldn't be much in the way of views so it was the Starr King Trail to Mount Starr King and Mount Waumbek for a Winter 4,000 footer.