I wanted to take advantage of the weather before the return of heat and humidity. So it was back to hiking a 4,000 footer today, my last one was almost a month ago. I planned on getting an early start so that I would at least maybe get some cooler temps on the ascent.
I arrived at the parking area and found lots of parking available but I knew that would change over the course of the day as this is a very popular hike. When I got out of my car the mosquitoes attacked and they were fierce. I quickly got myself ready and was soon on the trail. As long as I was moving the biting bugs weren't bad but once stopped they were immediately on me.
As I moved up the trail the mosquitoes slacked off. It was quite warm and there was no breeze and I was sweating profusely. I did enjoy a slight breeze on Signal Ridge and continued on up to the summit. There were three ladies that quickly passed by me. The third one had a small pack on her back and carrying a sleeping baby on the front of her. That was impressive especially at the pace they were moving!
I reached the summit and quickly climbed up the tower while no one was there. It was nice to have high thin clouds overhead to provide some relief from direct sunlight. I was able to get a few photos and video before I was joined by another hiker. I was done and let him have the tower to himself. At the bottom of the tower the black flies were relentless. I grabbed something quick to eat and started my descent.
On the way down there were many hikers coming up. I did my best to social distance myself from them but it was tough in some places where the trail was narrow so I would stick my head as far off the trail as I could. As I got closer to the trailhead the number of hikers dropped off but the mosquitoes picked up and I continued a quick pace to stay ahead of them.
I arrived back at the trailhead to find the parking lot overflowing with vehicles as I expected. The mosquitoes didn't disappoint, they were there to greet me back from my hike. A quick change of clothes and I was on my way home. Only my second 4,000 foot summit for the month of June so it was great to hike Mount Carrigain today!
Enjoy the photos and video!
The hike starts here
Whiteface Brook
Easy water crossing
An area of old beaver activity with lots of mosquitoes
Blooming bunchberry
Crooked tree
Bog bridge
A view from the trail
First view from Signal Ridge
On Signal Ridge
Vose Spur
Labrador tea
The summit is up ahead
Ring around the sun
Signal Ridge from the summit
Tripyramids
Osceolas
Hancocks
Franconia Ridge
Presidentials
Looking down from the top of the summit observation tower
Not doing Desolation Trail on this hike
Looking straight down from Signal Ridge
A patch of labrador tea
Heading back down from Signal Ridge
Rock hopping descent
Tree beside the trail is completely charred
Tree swallowing a rock
This blowdown at just the right height to make me groan going under
Tree capturing a rock
Back at the trailhead
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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