tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41162534301114982922024-03-13T10:28:59.164-04:00RamblingsThis Blog is a collection of hiking trip reports and other general "ramblings about our ramblings". We love to hike, paddle, walk in the woods or the city and in general just be out in this beautiful world. Hope you enjoy the rambles...Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-40395372797477957772013-08-24T06:30:00.000-04:002013-09-08T19:34:04.262-04:00Katahdin Redux - Hamlin PeakIt had been an amazing week in Baxter already, but there was one goal still remaining. When we did Katahdin last year we just got Baxter peak (and of course the Knife Edge). At the top of the Saddle Trail we briefly considered continuing on to Hamlin, but it had already been a long day and we wanted a good ending. We never regretted skipping Hamlin as we knew it would be waiting for us this year. After the rather hot weather in the beginning of the week there was a cold front coming with cool, dry air - perfect hiking weather! Friday and Saturday were both supposed to be really nice, but on Thursday night we made the call to wait for Saturday, hoping that nothing changed. It turned out to be a great decision as Friday wound up being cloudy the first half of the day. Saturday was spectacular!!<br />
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On Friday and Saturday the Baxter Bash crew was down to just four people - Lori, Bernie Nat and me. Bernie and Lori both decided to join us for the hike. Bernie had met Julie and Lori on Pamola on Monday and hiked down with them and then became our adopted Baxter Bash member for the rest of the week (and hopefully in future years). We were glad that he was going to get another shot at the mountain after getting turned back by the winds on Monday. We got an early start again and were on the trail by 7am. Our plan was to head up to Chimney Pond and then up the Saddle Trail, over to Hamlin and down Hamlin Ridge.<br />
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<i>Heading for Hamlin</i></div>
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About half way up to Chimney Pond we took the short spur out to the viewpoint and got our first look at what was ahead for the day. The moon was setting over the mountain and it couldn't possibly have been a more perfect morning.</div>
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<i>Moon setting over Katahdin</i></div>
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<i>North Basin</i></div>
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<i>Moon over Hamlin</i></div>
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<i>Nat looking at where we're heading</i></div>
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<i>I think she's looking forward to this</i></div>
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<i>Me too!</i></div>
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<i>Boulder field along Chimney Pond trail</i></div>
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<i>Almost to Chimney Pond</i></div>
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We stopped at Chimney Pond and took a break along the shore. We surprisingly hadn't seen too many people on the trail. The must have all headed up Helon Taylor and gone across the Knife Edge. The "line of ants" that we saw on the Knife Edge and congregated on Baxter Peak later proved the point.<br />
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<i>Chimney Pond</i></div>
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<i>The Great Basin</i></div>
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<i>Cave below Hamlin Peak</i></div>
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<i>Bernie at Chimney Pond</i></div>
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<i>Aerosmith is playing in my head. "I'm back in the..."</i></div>
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<i>Heading up the Saddle</i></div>
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<i>Time to top up the water</i></div>
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<i>Top of the Saddle ahead</i></div>
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Coming down the Saddle Slide after Baxter Peak last year hadn't been my favorite part of the hike. There were a few steep, ledgy spots that I disliked as much as going down the Chimney. Going up the slide didn't present any of those problems. If was a fun hike up and we were soon in the Saddle.<br />
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<i>Beginning of the slide</i></div>
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<i>Pamola and the Chimney</i></div>
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<i>Nat on Saddle Slide</i></div>
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<i>Meadowsweet</i></div>
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<i>This was harder going down last time. Pretty easy in this direction</i></div>
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<i>Bernie and Lori</i></div>
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<i>Nat saying "what's taking you so long?"</i></div>
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<i>The Knife Edge appearing</i></div>
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<i>Nat at the top of the Saddle</i></div>
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From the top of the Saddle we got our first look at the beautiful path to Hamlin ahead. It's hard to imagine a nicer above treeline trail.<br />
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<i>Hamlin ahead</i></div>
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<i>Baxter Peak and the Knife Edge beyond</i></div>
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<i>Bernie and Lori hit the top of the Saddle</i></div>
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<i>I'm enjoying the day - and the best is still to come!</i></div>
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<i>Heading for Hamlin. What a beautiful walk!!</i></div>
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<i>Nat looking out to the Brothers</i></div>
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<i>Nat pointing to where we were a couple of days ago - Coe and the Brothers</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Lori</i></div>
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<i>Labrador Tea</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0L_xH2qoMc/UiXUhn6Wj0I/AAAAAAAAthk/lagWmUnrbWk/s1600/P8241234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0L_xH2qoMc/UiXUhn6Wj0I/AAAAAAAAthk/lagWmUnrbWk/s640/P8241234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful path</i></div>
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The final approach up Hamlin is a typical New England rock pile. It felt like being in the northern Presis. At the top of the rockpile is the broad, flat summit that is a place you just never want to leave.<br />
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<i>Final way up the rockpile</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Bernie near the top</i></div>
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<i>Volunteer SAR team</i></div>
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<i>Three-Toothed Cinquefoil</i></div>
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<i>Nat waiting for me just before the summit</i></div>
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<i>I'm coming, I'm coming...</i></div>
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<i>Nat on Hamlin (NE67 #63)</i></div>
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<i>Me on Hamlin (NE67 #62)</i></div>
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<i>Howe Peaks in the background. We'll visit there another day</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg_EsShTNZ8/UiXU0FyhzkI/AAAAAAAAtjw/3iHcLp7NDIs/s1600/P8241275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg_EsShTNZ8/UiXU0FyhzkI/AAAAAAAAtjw/3iHcLp7NDIs/s640/P8241275.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Bernie on Hamlin</i></div>
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<i>Lori setting up the group shot</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Hamlin</i></div>
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<i>Looks like ants crawling on Baxter Peak. Glad we're over here</i></div>
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<i>Pamola</i></div>
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<i>Pamola and the Chimney</i></div>
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<i>The Knife Edge</i></div>
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<i>The gang hanging out on Hamlin</i></div>
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<i>Three-Toothed Cinquefoil</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ei6K4vzeys/UiXU9szDeWI/AAAAAAAAtk0/tqHi3dBJVK8/s1600/P8241287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ei6K4vzeys/UiXU9szDeWI/AAAAAAAAtk0/tqHi3dBJVK8/s640/P8241287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mountain Cranberry</i></div>
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We spent a long time on the summit - nobody was in any hurry to go. We knew that some of the best was still ahead though - Hamlin Ridge. We'd heard so many people tell us how beautiful it was, but we really weren't prepared for what we found when we finally got there.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3-djvIOHSU/UiXU_MXWmbI/AAAAAAAAtlA/7_uyfD2Hv20/s1600/P8241290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3-djvIOHSU/UiXU_MXWmbI/AAAAAAAAtlA/7_uyfD2Hv20/s640/P8241290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time to go...</i></div>
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<i>North Basin from the top of Hamlin Ridge. Wow!</i></div>
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<i>South Turner and Katahdin Lake over North Basin</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89KU6XFyfa4/UiXVDkLgx9I/AAAAAAAAtlc/gzMZCk8QrkI/s1600/P8241294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89KU6XFyfa4/UiXVDkLgx9I/AAAAAAAAtlc/gzMZCk8QrkI/s640/P8241294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>On top of the world!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGnxrAgZ0f0/UiXVEvdh20I/AAAAAAAAtlo/KJFb-pKwgBo/s1600/P8241297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGnxrAgZ0f0/UiXVEvdh20I/AAAAAAAAtlo/KJFb-pKwgBo/s640/P8241297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat's lovin' the day!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzwE7HJflYg/UiXVF4CkkQI/AAAAAAAAtlw/L6f_wT8DNY4/s1600/P8241296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzwE7HJflYg/UiXVF4CkkQI/AAAAAAAAtlw/L6f_wT8DNY4/s640/P8241296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Getting ready to take flight</i></div>
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<i>Liftoff!</i></div>
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<i>Lori takes her turn</i></div>
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<i>Bernie on Hamlin Ridge</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LkXA7Ax2j0/UiXVKlyuL-I/AAAAAAAAtmQ/ycqoe_0XT_I/s1600/P8241302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LkXA7Ax2j0/UiXVKlyuL-I/AAAAAAAAtmQ/ycqoe_0XT_I/s640/P8241302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A crow? I thought there'd be ravens up here</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVnC146rMFg/UiXVLorS4HI/AAAAAAAAtmY/rncfiFZgOf4/s1600/P8241303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVnC146rMFg/UiXVLorS4HI/AAAAAAAAtmY/rncfiFZgOf4/s640/P8241303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading over the edge</i></div>
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<i>Bernie</i></div>
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<i>The Mountain</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Phe9LnJvjew/UiXVPi9Y2xI/AAAAAAAAtm4/bL8N-Efjn3M/s1600/P8241311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Phe9LnJvjew/UiXVPi9Y2xI/AAAAAAAAtm4/bL8N-Efjn3M/s640/P8241311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hamlin Ridge appears - amazing!</i></div>
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The walk down the ridge is undeniably hard - particularly for someone with bad knees. Bernie and I both took our time while Nat and Lori scampered over the rocks well ahead of us most of the time. I didn't mind the slow pace though - it just gave more time for taking in the incredible views. Basically every step of the way down the ridge those views are right in your face. Definitely not something you get tired of.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgwaVIdJBjA/UiXVQkdTNBI/AAAAAAAAtnA/SWGeJaXw0I0/s1600/P8241312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgwaVIdJBjA/UiXVQkdTNBI/AAAAAAAAtnA/SWGeJaXw0I0/s640/P8241312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Basin Ponds below Hamlin Ridge</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---y3JgKGkAE/UiXVS0WhEJI/AAAAAAAAtnQ/ftg-SZQ-sUo/s1600/P8241317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---y3JgKGkAE/UiXVS0WhEJI/AAAAAAAAtnQ/ftg-SZQ-sUo/s640/P8241317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Chimney Pond and the Great Basin</i></div>
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<i>Scrambling down</i></div>
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<i>Rare flat stretch</i></div>
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<i>Dry Pond in North Basin</i></div>
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<i>Nat playing mountain goat</i></div>
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<i>Lori taking a break</i></div>
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<i>Meadow? Bog? ??? At the end of the boulder field we saw on the way in</i></div>
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<i>Still not getting tired of this view</i></div>
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<i>Looking back up to Hamlin</i></div>
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<i>South Turner, Basing Ponds, Sandy Stream Pond and Katahdin Lake</i></div>
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We were finally back down and took the Basin Cutoff to avoid repeating any more of the Chimney Pond trail than necessary. I had remembered the bottom section of Chimney Pond as dragging on forever last year, but this time it zipped by. Nat and I found our end-of-hike legs and were back at Roaring Brook much more quickly than I had expected. Our Baxter 4K peaks were now in the books and we've just got four more Maine peaks (plus Old Speck for me) to finish our 67. We're so glad that we decided to venture beyond NH after we finished the 48 last year. Maine and Vermont have some really great mountains.<br />
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It had been a simply incredible day - one of the best above treeline days that I can remember. Sadly our Baxter Bash week was at it's end and we'd be heading home in the morning, but what a wonderful week it was. We're already looking forward to next year!<br />
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<i>Back on level ground (sort of)</i></div>
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The interactive GPS track is here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=bclosmrbmhcrtswu" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=bclosmrbmhcrtswu</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com2Hamlin Peak, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04462, USA45.9242127 -68.92865619999997821.8214802 -110.23725019999998 70.0269452 -27.620062199999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-6605725727893119422013-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-08T18:10:09.000-04:00Coe and the BrothersWhen we came to Baxter Bash this year we only had two specific hikes in mind. Nat and I have been working our way through the NE67 since we finished the NH48 last fall and we had Hamlin and North Brother still on the list in Baxter. They're both long hikes with considerable steep rocky sections (this is Baxter after all) so the weather would be the deciding factor as to whether we got them in. There was definitely not a weather problem on this week though - not a single day of rain. We decided to go for Coe and the Brothers on Wednesday, hoping to get an even nicer day for Hamlin toward the end of the week as it was supposed to get cooler and drier by then. The forecast for Wednesday was sunny with highs in the mid-80s which was going to make for a long hot day. As it turned out, the heat wasn't that much of a factor as we had a good breeze on all the summits and temps were not bad in the trees.<br />
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The downside to staying at Bear Brook is that everything except the Katahdin trailheads is a long drive. The Marston trailhead at Slide Dam for this hike is over 20 miles and we got an early start in hopes of beating the heat. We left the campground a bit after 5:30 and were on the trail before 7am. Kelly and Peter had decided to sleep in and start later. Knowing how fast they are we knew it wouldn't take long for them to catch up. We did the loop the "usual" way - going counterclockwise so that we'd hit the Coe Slide going up rather than down. <br />
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<i>The gang is ready for Coe and the Brothers</i></div>
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<i>The walk in on Marston</i></div>
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<i>Following the brook on the Mt Coe trail</i></div>
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<i>Mt Coe Trail</i></div>
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<i>Hole in the clouds</i></div>
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<i>We can see the Coe Slide ahead</i></div>
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I'm always a bit nervous about anything steep and exposed. I like scrambling and have enjoyed going up almost all of the slide trails that we've done so far (with the exception of O-J-I last year). Everything that I'd read made the Coe slide seem pretty reasonable as long as it was dry. That was definitely the case on this day and it turned out to be much easier than I'd figured. There is just one part near the top where you have to traverse the slabs from left to right that got my attention a bit, but it was fine too. We were at the top of the slide much quicker than we'd expected and soon were on the beautiful open summit of Coe.<br />
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<i>Bottom of the slide. Looks greasy. Glad it was dry!</i></div>
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<i>Doubletop peeking out over O-J-I</i></div>
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<i>On the Coe Slide</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K3z8Ti4CKM/UiXSTz1VyNI/AAAAAAAAtTk/fz6XT3NXSvU/s1600/P8210986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K3z8Ti4CKM/UiXSTz1VyNI/AAAAAAAAtTk/fz6XT3NXSvU/s640/P8210986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>This part is easier than the slabs</i></div>
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<i>Pretty steep!</i></div>
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<i>Squaw's Bosom behind Doubletop</i></div>
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<i>Almost there...</i></div>
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<i>Tree hugging is allowed</i></div>
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<i>Top of the slide! Easier than we thought</i></div>
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<i>Still a ways to go to the summit</i></div>
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<i>Roberta doing a little trail maintenance</i></div>
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<i>Mt Coe summit</i></div>
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<i>Doubletop and beyond</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1NIy6pgnc/UiXShdas9GI/AAAAAAAAtU8/7yAxklYuujQ/s1600/P8211001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ1NIy6pgnc/UiXShdas9GI/AAAAAAAAtU8/7yAxklYuujQ/s640/P8211001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The Brothers ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxWYJDu7z28/UiXSiT3rExI/AAAAAAAAtVE/HWYmpV0ffC8/s1600/P8211002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxWYJDu7z28/UiXSiT3rExI/AAAAAAAAtVE/HWYmpV0ffC8/s640/P8211002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Katahdin over the Klondike and the Owl</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMTHB_1lldM/UiXSjHz2n4I/AAAAAAAAtVI/TtjMvnBuRFc/s1600/P8211005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMTHB_1lldM/UiXSjHz2n4I/AAAAAAAAtVI/TtjMvnBuRFc/s640/P8211005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat enjoying the views</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5Lx7u4X3Zo/UiXSkUgPWaI/AAAAAAAAtVU/H8amzAKkmlE/s1600/P8211007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5Lx7u4X3Zo/UiXSkUgPWaI/AAAAAAAAtVU/H8amzAKkmlE/s640/P8211007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>First group summit shot of the day</i></div>
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We hung out on Coe for a while taking in the views and figuring that Kelly and Peter would probably show up while we were there. With lots of trail still ahead we decided not to wait too long and headed for South Brother. The hike down the ridge from Coe was just beautiful, as was the walk through the col. It seemed like it took longer than it should to get to the South Brother spur, but we were soon there and scrambling up the few tenths to the summit. We were once again greeted by incredible 360 degree views and our first looks at North Brother and the rest of the route ahead. We took an even longer break up here - it was just so beautiful. Kelly and Peter still hadn't caught us and we were beginning to wonder if they'd changed their plans.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbDR5ou8LtQ/UiXSl47u5eI/AAAAAAAAtVY/R0yZkI3pIwk/s1600/P8211008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YbDR5ou8LtQ/UiXSl47u5eI/AAAAAAAAtVY/R0yZkI3pIwk/s640/P8211008.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading for South Brother</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weHNaftuXxw/UiXSnMy_VmI/AAAAAAAAtVg/mPIKHLVQ8Hw/s1600/P8211010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weHNaftuXxw/UiXSnMy_VmI/AAAAAAAAtVg/mPIKHLVQ8Hw/s640/P8211010.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Tons of Mountain Cranberries up here</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1qGcI_Z3zg/UiXSpcnHaKI/AAAAAAAAtVo/YMc2EtiJBA0/s1600/P8211011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1qGcI_Z3zg/UiXSpcnHaKI/AAAAAAAAtVo/YMc2EtiJBA0/s640/P8211011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Brothers from the Coe ridge</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gaQh7S-QM8/UiXSqhnaUoI/AAAAAAAAtVw/X2Okjcg5M-c/s1600/P8211012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gaQh7S-QM8/UiXSqhnaUoI/AAAAAAAAtVw/X2Okjcg5M-c/s640/P8211012.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful walk through the col</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoOri2biMGo/UiXSsB7aL3I/AAAAAAAAtV8/tgc08OHyPnw/s1600/P8211013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoOri2biMGo/UiXSsB7aL3I/AAAAAAAAtV8/tgc08OHyPnw/s640/P8211013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EGjWZH-Q5E/UiXStY8QmlI/AAAAAAAAtWE/QDMnm1ZLO7M/s1600/P8211014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EGjWZH-Q5E/UiXStY8QmlI/AAAAAAAAtWE/QDMnm1ZLO7M/s640/P8211014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat nearing the summit of South Brother</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsKys0HaW48/UiXSu4OW_qI/AAAAAAAAtWM/lBkwFZMkWu0/s1600/P8211015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsKys0HaW48/UiXSu4OW_qI/AAAAAAAAtWM/lBkwFZMkWu0/s640/P8211015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>North Brother ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vosxek8U6U/UiXSv6G56FI/AAAAAAAAtWU/P1HGBAz702s/s1600/P8211016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vosxek8U6U/UiXSv6G56FI/AAAAAAAAtWU/P1HGBAz702s/s640/P8211016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Through the scrub</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JF184R1y4mI/UiXSxOW4bCI/AAAAAAAAtWc/Twi5ltxiskk/s1600/P8211018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JF184R1y4mI/UiXSxOW4bCI/AAAAAAAAtWc/Twi5ltxiskk/s640/P8211018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Julie with Doubletop in the background</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBXlOy8DthM/UiXSyEl6QXI/AAAAAAAAtWk/RqgY3LWZoDE/s1600/P8211019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBXlOy8DthM/UiXSyEl6QXI/AAAAAAAAtWk/RqgY3LWZoDE/s640/P8211019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Summit sign could use some help</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Up1jnaDKk/UiXSzC-xFZI/AAAAAAAAtWs/79olI485MNY/s1600/P8211021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Up1jnaDKk/UiXSzC-xFZI/AAAAAAAAtWs/79olI485MNY/s640/P8211021.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat on South Brother</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIYZMZcTJBc/UiXS0ex3u3I/AAAAAAAAtW0/OA5Ap8TejP0/s1600/P8211022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIYZMZcTJBc/UiXS0ex3u3I/AAAAAAAAtW0/OA5Ap8TejP0/s640/P8211022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Mt Coe behind us...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLu-4kw35uY/UiXS1W_6U1I/AAAAAAAAtW4/dKWWfOwSMGo/s1600/P8211023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLu-4kw35uY/UiXS1W_6U1I/AAAAAAAAtW4/dKWWfOwSMGo/s640/P8211023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>...and North Brother ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt5dyshDhyM/UiXS2tdoM7I/AAAAAAAAtXE/fwb3CX0PFBs/s1600/P8211024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt5dyshDhyM/UiXS2tdoM7I/AAAAAAAAtXE/fwb3CX0PFBs/s640/P8211024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Brother summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-micBzTKVtAc/UiXS4D6afQI/AAAAAAAAtXM/A0kIn7VtKys/s1600/P8211025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-micBzTKVtAc/UiXS4D6afQI/AAAAAAAAtXM/A0kIn7VtKys/s640/P8211025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxEAtTgjRVA/UiXS5eI_dbI/AAAAAAAAtXU/fYq4VD7zKUE/s1600/P8211029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxEAtTgjRVA/UiXS5eI_dbI/AAAAAAAAtXU/fYq4VD7zKUE/s640/P8211029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Here come Roberta and Lori</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgqbvlgVerQ/UiXS6gR8aqI/AAAAAAAAtXg/mnGftMCMNDQ/s1600/P8211030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgqbvlgVerQ/UiXS6gR8aqI/AAAAAAAAtXg/mnGftMCMNDQ/s640/P8211030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Lori claiming the summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzpkrgrOKx0/UiXS7qCQgUI/AAAAAAAAtXo/YijKQY0-QCc/s1600/P8211032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzpkrgrOKx0/UiXS7qCQgUI/AAAAAAAAtXo/YijKQY0-QCc/s640/P8211032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The gang on South Brother</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4RipRQcXQI/UiXS9Gwp_vI/AAAAAAAAtXw/ZzLix13ocQo/s1600/P8211033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4RipRQcXQI/UiXS9Gwp_vI/AAAAAAAAtXw/ZzLix13ocQo/s640/P8211033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat looking for the high point</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svP61A1H3WI/UiXS-WZ7O_I/AAAAAAAAtX4/ha7OGu6cavU/s1600/P8211034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svP61A1H3WI/UiXS-WZ7O_I/AAAAAAAAtX4/ha7OGu6cavU/s640/P8211034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Roberta</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2N8QHtFHRMg/UiXS_Z9mfzI/AAAAAAAAtYE/ehKp-ZOaDAU/s1600/P8211035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2N8QHtFHRMg/UiXS_Z9mfzI/AAAAAAAAtYE/ehKp-ZOaDAU/s640/P8211035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Head in the clouds</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_n25PXoGD8/UiXTAZc2T-I/AAAAAAAAtYI/EE2YIRSzDuc/s1600/P8211039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_n25PXoGD8/UiXTAZc2T-I/AAAAAAAAtYI/EE2YIRSzDuc/s640/P8211039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A bit of rock hopping</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAFw4xGCZLk/UiXTBVITaJI/AAAAAAAAtYQ/f7hse50TOqU/s1600/P8211040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAFw4xGCZLk/UiXTBVITaJI/AAAAAAAAtYQ/f7hse50TOqU/s640/P8211040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Katahdin views</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DW3Z6JxuTVQ/UiXTCoJDPxI/AAAAAAAAtYY/ELBruEJeO10/s1600/P8211042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DW3Z6JxuTVQ/UiXTCoJDPxI/AAAAAAAAtYY/ELBruEJeO10/s640/P8211042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and Mt Coe</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5BR6lj_tyA/UiXTD02xqAI/AAAAAAAAtYg/m_w6pPpvCyQ/s1600/P8211043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5BR6lj_tyA/UiXTD02xqAI/AAAAAAAAtYg/m_w6pPpvCyQ/s640/P8211043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and I on South Brother</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhDaPEU0vz0/UiXTEv8tI6I/AAAAAAAAtYo/pn-ESz4ppkU/s1600/P8211047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhDaPEU0vz0/UiXTEv8tI6I/AAAAAAAAtYo/pn-ESz4ppkU/s640/P8211047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Show off ;-)</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRJ7NSn3aIA/UiXTF0gdu-I/AAAAAAAAtYw/s-xVvxEv-r4/s1600/P8211049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRJ7NSn3aIA/UiXTF0gdu-I/AAAAAAAAtYw/s-xVvxEv-r4/s640/P8211049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Julie on the high point</i></div>
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The hike was still less than half done, so we gave in and abandoned out views to head for North Brother. On the way down the spur we ran into Kelly and Peter for the first time. They had started two hours after us and were taking their time (and still caught us half way into the hike). They headed up South Brother while we continued on. The section between the Brothers is another nice col with many pretty sections. When we hit the Marston Trail junction the conditions deteriorated a bit. There are many parts that are quite grown in and really need to be brushed. There were a few times that we felt more like we were bushwhacking (well, not really). The climb up North Brother from the col is only about 700' but there's quite a bit of boulder scrambling and it goes somewhat slowly. The last couple of tenths is through the alpine scrub and then up the rockpile to the summit - just beautiful! The views from the summit were perhaps the best of the day. These are three really gorgeous peaks to be able to hit on the same day.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_hHsQ00vLk/UiXTHL0CwjI/AAAAAAAAtY0/xcfjKonf8NQ/s1600/P8211051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_hHsQ00vLk/UiXTHL0CwjI/AAAAAAAAtY0/xcfjKonf8NQ/s640/P8211051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading for North Brother</i></div>
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<i>Sidewalk?</i></div>
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<i>Another pretty col</i></div>
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<i>North Brother ahead</i></div>
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<i>Starting up the rock pile</i></div>
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<i>Getting close</i></div>
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<i>Last steps into the sky</i></div>
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<i>Nat on North Brother</i></div>
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<i>We fixed the sign!</i></div>
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<i>Roberta, Julie and Lori arrive at the top</i></div>
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<i>Fort ahead and the Travelers in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Lori having "second lunch"</i></div>
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<i>Northwest Basin and Klondike Pond (?)</i></div>
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<i>Julie on North Brother</i></div>
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<i>Lori on North Brother</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on North Brother (NE67 #62 for her and #61 for me)</i></div>
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<i>The gang on North Brother</i></div>
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We looked at Fort from the summit of North Brother and sort of half heartedly talked about the idea of going over. Nobody really had any desire for it though. Perhaps someday if we decide to the the hundred highest we'll wish we had, but I didn't feel any need that day. We had expected Kelly and Peter to show up while we were still on the summit of North Brother, but they had apparently taken a long break on South (and why not). About half way back down from the summit we met them again on their way up. Would have been nice to get some summit time with the whole gang together, but it just didn't work on that way. It's still almost 5 miles to go from North Brother back to the trailhead, so we pushed on. It was a bit hotter during the afternoon but still much better than I'd expected. I usually hate long downhill sections, but somehow I got my second wind (and legs) and was actually leading the way for a bit near the bottom (which <u>never</u> happens). We made it back to the car just before 4:30 - making the total time about 9-1/2 hours. Within 5 minutes Kelly and Peter showed up, beating our time by two hours (as I would have expected). I'm not really sure about the total mileage for this loop - there are known mistakes on a couple of the maps and even the trail signs don't agree. My GPS said that it was 10.5 miles with about 4100' of elevation gain, which seems about right. It wound up being an awesome day and the perfect warm-up for our Hamlin hike that was still to come...<br />
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<i>Headin' down</i></div>
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<i>Still a few miles to go</i></div>
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<i>No-name pond on the Marston Trail</i></div>
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<i>North Brother over the pond</i></div>
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<i>Nice section of Marston</i></div>
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<i>Good place to cool off on a hot day</i></div>
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<i>Heading out...</i></div>
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The interactive GPS track is here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=rswzhazjlpniwtxb" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=rswzhazjlpniwtxb</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com0North Brother, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04462, USA45.9578232 -68.985046721.8550907 -110.2936407 70.0605557 -27.6764527tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-60601431296757982372013-08-19T10:00:00.000-04:002013-09-06T18:58:43.705-04:00A South Turner Warm-UpOn Monday of Baxter Bash the weather was looking good and the whole group decided that it was the time to go for Katahdin. The plan was to go up Helon Taylor and over the Knife Edge to Baxter Peak, and then if things went well also hit Hamlin. We hadn't hiked in nearly a month and I didn't feel like my legs were up to that hike without some warm-up first (and I also didn't know that I wanted to do the two-peak hike vs. just doing Hamlin this year as we'd planned). We decided to sleep in and do South Turner instead. It's only two miles each way and the first 0.7 is the flat walk along Sandy Stream Pond to the outlet that we'd done the evening before. That leaves just 1.3 miles from the South Turner junction to the summit and just 1600' of elevation gain - how hard could it be? <br />
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As it turns out, the first few tenths from the junction are pretty flat too (although there's quite a lot of rock hopping on some big boulders), so all of that elevation gain is in about a mile. It's really steep and it feels it! That trail really kicked my butt and I kept thinking what I would have felt like on Katahdin. Definitely the right choice. The other reason I was glad to be there was that the wind was howling all morning at probably 30mph or higher. We were nearly getting knocked off our feet on the summit of South Turner and I couldn't imagine being on the Knife Edge in that. We heard from the rest of the group later in the day just how tough it was. A couple came back after hitting the summit of Pamola and being knocked over too many times by the wind. The rest went across Baxter and Hamlin and down Hamlin Ridge - a really long tough day. They were all tired but very happy when they got back to camp that night.<br />
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Our hike turned out the be really nice and just what we needed. The views were beautiful and we got a bonus on the way back, seeing the lady moose that seen the night before taking an afternoon break in Sandy Stream Pond. South Turner is really a nice 'little' mountain and like so many of the peaks in Baxter it has an open summit with 360 degree views. Not much to dislike there. Pretty much a perfect first day of Baxter Bash.<br />
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The pictures tell the story from here...<br />
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<i>Just 1.3 - piece of cake!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5X246CKsmI/UiXRl9KYAZI/AAAAAAAAtOk/LUbMzT6zNlA/s1600/P8190877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5X246CKsmI/UiXRl9KYAZI/AAAAAAAAtOk/LUbMzT6zNlA/s640/P8190877.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Lots of this</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmnbI9NrtZM/UiXRmyRkq6I/AAAAAAAAtOs/aXKF3WV7Lk0/s1600/P8190878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmnbI9NrtZM/UiXRmyRkq6I/AAAAAAAAtOs/aXKF3WV7Lk0/s640/P8190878.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Getting close to treeline</i></div>
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<i>Start of the slide</i></div>
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<i>First views to Katahdin</i></div>
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<i>Sliding up</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJKSXSW7-PI/UiXRseFvSiI/AAAAAAAAtPU/TsKUfWGUk4w/s1600/P8190884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJKSXSW7-PI/UiXRseFvSiI/AAAAAAAAtPU/TsKUfWGUk4w/s640/P8190884.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost on top</i></div>
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<i>Views from South Turner summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_a0X30y7ST8/UiXRuVlvvoI/AAAAAAAAtPk/rrk8pR_Ry4Y/s1600/P8190886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_a0X30y7ST8/UiXRuVlvvoI/AAAAAAAAtPk/rrk8pR_Ry4Y/s640/P8190886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Katahdin Lake below</i></div>
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<i>Nice spot for lunch</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4hcHBlZ0zU/UiXRwguwIGI/AAAAAAAAtP0/H6A9nikCN0k/s1600/P8190888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4hcHBlZ0zU/UiXRwguwIGI/AAAAAAAAtP0/H6A9nikCN0k/s640/P8190888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sandy Stream Pond and Katahdin</i></div>
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<i>Summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftVrWCohYJc/UiXRympj6mI/AAAAAAAAtQA/OovyWra3ho4/s1600/P8190890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftVrWCohYJc/UiXRympj6mI/AAAAAAAAtQA/OovyWra3ho4/s640/P8190890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looks like there could have been a lot of fines</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCh5BXs6Ryg/UiXR0CqrAyI/AAAAAAAAtQM/MUSlF1xIIOA/s1600/P8190895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCh5BXs6Ryg/UiXR0CqrAyI/AAAAAAAAtQM/MUSlF1xIIOA/s640/P8190895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Travelers in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Our group is up there somewhere</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3XddPQnh0Q/UiXR463MyjI/AAAAAAAAtQs/BKctZCo0Z7w/s1600/P8190903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3XddPQnh0Q/UiXR463MyjI/AAAAAAAAtQs/BKctZCo0Z7w/s640/P8190903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Going exploring</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qeKBgLOh-w/UiXR6A9ScrI/AAAAAAAAtQ0/BYQrr_68AMI/s1600/P8190905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qeKBgLOh-w/UiXR6A9ScrI/AAAAAAAAtQ0/BYQrr_68AMI/s640/P8190905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3hJIjQHGXI/UiXR7D1IkFI/AAAAAAAAtQ8/nGdAN4LDrKo/s1600/P8190908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3hJIjQHGXI/UiXR7D1IkFI/AAAAAAAAtQ8/nGdAN4LDrKo/s640/P8190908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Windy up here!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEPEjxghd14/UiXR8aOyFhI/AAAAAAAAtRA/s4uhQ22eqxU/s1600/P8190909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEPEjxghd14/UiXR8aOyFhI/AAAAAAAAtRA/s4uhQ22eqxU/s640/P8190909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and I on South Turner</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8EqI_R0t3k/UiXR9r5lIhI/AAAAAAAAtRM/IYvmYHODkSM/s1600/P8190910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8EqI_R0t3k/UiXR9r5lIhI/AAAAAAAAtRM/IYvmYHODkSM/s640/P8190910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading down</i></div>
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<i>Spring</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv9NN90sJE4/UiXSD80hWtI/AAAAAAAAtR0/wMYYC1m3hyU/s1600/P8190919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv9NN90sJE4/UiXSD80hWtI/AAAAAAAAtR0/wMYYC1m3hyU/s640/P8190919.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking back at South Turner over Sandy Stream Pond</i></div>
<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com1South Turner Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04462, USA45.9411577 -68.85337670000001345.9411577 -68.853376700000013 45.9411577 -68.853376700000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-44837513269463467802013-08-18T17:00:00.000-04:002013-09-05T18:42:10.618-04:00Pond-ering Baxter 2013We returned to Baxter State Park this year for our second Baxter Bash. It was quite a different event this time. There were many fewer people (but still a great crowd and many new faces) and the location was changed from Foster Field to Bear Brook. This gave us the opportunity to do some different exploring than we did our first time. The weather for the week was fabulous too - the park rangers said it was the best week of the summer. We got in several fantastic hikes (there will be future posts for those), but just like last year some of the best days were spent wandering around and over the ponds and lakes in the lowlands. The views from the top may be amazing in Baxter, but those from below can be just as good.<br />
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<b>Sandy Stream Pond - Take 1</b><br />
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One of the advantages to staying at Bear Brook is that you're only a couple of miles from the Katahdin trailheads. You're also equally close to Sandy Stream Pond which is known as perhaps the best place in the park to see wildlife. We took full advantage of that proximity during the week.<br />
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After setting up camp on Sunday afternoon we took an early evening walk around the pond. We figured that it was probably too early for moose to be out, but still a nice walk. We got a pleasant surprise...<br />
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<i>Home sweet home at Bear Brook</i></div>
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<i>South Turner over Sandy Stream Pond</i></div>
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<i>We have a visitor</i></div>
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<i>Grazing in the pond</i></div>
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<i>Close enough to hear her munching</i></div>
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This was the first time that we'd actually seen a moose anywhere in the wild (other than by the side of the road in NH). It was certainly a wonderful way to start the week.<br />
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<b>Sandy Stream Pond - Take 2 (South Turner)</b><br />
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On Monday we decided to hike South Turner while the rest of the group tackled Katahdin. We hadn't hiked in a few weeks and figured our legs needed some warm-up before a big hike. It turned out to be a good choice for several reasons. The trail to South Turner begins at the outlet of Sandy Stream Pond and we got the morning views on the way out and some unexpected afternoon views on the way back...<br />
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<i>Morning views of Katahdin over Sandy Stream Pond</i></div>
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<i>The view from Big Rock</i></div>
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<i>From the pond outlet - my favorite viewpoint (particularly with morning light)</i></div>
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Coming back from the hike in early afternoon we figured it was way to early for any wildlife sightings. We were obviously wrong. We're assuming that this was the same girl we hung out with the night before.<br />
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<i>She's back!</i></div>
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<i>Cedar Waxwing on the rock - didn't even notice him</i></div>
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She stayed for a long time, grazing on the bottom of the pond. We hoped we'd see her again on future trips to the pond, but this was the last time. Still pretty great.<br />
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<i>A little refreshment back at the campsite at Bear Brook</i></div>
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<b>Kidney Pond Paddle</b><br />
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Last year we hiked around all of the ponds near Foster Field (Kidney, Daicy, Elbow, Tracy, Grassy, etc.). The views over the ponds from the shore were beautiful, but this time we decided to get an on-the-water perspective. We rented kayaks (quite the bargain at $1/hr) and spent a couple of hours paddling around the pond and down the outlet which goes almost all the way to Daicy. Just beautiful!<br />
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<i>Gearing up at Kidney Pond</i></div>
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<i>Kidney Pond from the boat launch area</i></div>
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<i>Nice spot for a cabin!</i></div>
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<i>Katahdin views</i></div>
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<i>Double Top and Squaws Bosom</i></div>
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<i>Loons</i></div>
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<i>Morning reflections on the glass</i></div>
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<i>Heading into the pond outlet</i></div>
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<i>Katahdin over the outlet</i></div>
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<i>Grass Leaf Arrowhead</i></div>
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<b>Cranberry and Caverly Ponds</b><br />
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On the drive back to camp from Kidney Pond we stopped and took a short hike out to Cranberry Pond and Caverly Pond. Both are located less than a mile off the tote road and the views are way more than worth the small amount of effort.<br />
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<i>Pitcher Plants at Cranberry Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZtJ1pQZM8Y/UiXQltm6YsI/AAAAAAAAtGg/fYkP48m2huk/s1600/P8200961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZtJ1pQZM8Y/UiXQltm6YsI/AAAAAAAAtGg/fYkP48m2huk/s640/P8200961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cotton Grass and Pitcher Plants</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wMloXE4k-4/UiXQm79OyJI/AAAAAAAAtGs/E_Gm8QUoemA/s1600/P8200963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wMloXE4k-4/UiXQm79OyJI/AAAAAAAAtGs/E_Gm8QUoemA/s640/P8200963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sphagnum Moss</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIv-norD6io/UiXQoWjio9I/AAAAAAAAtG0/E0AmW2IUh4M/s1600/P8200965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIv-norD6io/UiXQoWjio9I/AAAAAAAAtG0/E0AmW2IUh4M/s640/P8200965.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Pitcher</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fiwNqQVyro/UiXQpdZL56I/AAAAAAAAtG8/AdTKA6dqe_E/s1600/P8200966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fiwNqQVyro/UiXQpdZL56I/AAAAAAAAtG8/AdTKA6dqe_E/s640/P8200966.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Katahdin over Caverly Pond</i></div>
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<b>Paddling Katahdin Lake</b><br />
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Last year we took one day of paddling on Katahdin Lake and really enjoyed it. There's a 6 mile (flat) hike involved that makes this an out of the way place to paddle and once again we didn't see anyone else on the lake the whole time we were out there. The keys to both of the canoes were available so Lori and Bernie were able to join us. It was a beautiful day and the views were awesome. There were no moose, but we did get to watch a eagle sitting in a tree next to the lake (but no pictures). We also made a stop at the island for a lunch break which was nice until we discovered that we'd all been attacked by a bunch of tiny leeches! Who knew that you could use pretzels to remove leeches?? I'll never paddle without a bag of pretzels handy again!!<br />
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<i>Eggs Benedict on a camping trip? Only at Baxter Bash! (thanks Lori)</i></div>
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<i>Heading for Katahdin Lake</i></div>
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<i>Confluence of Sandy Stream and Roaring Brook</i></div>
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<i>Trillium fruit</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NgjGRt6ZUs/UiXQvOSExYI/AAAAAAAAtHk/uHXBOIIPmTs/s1600/P8221095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NgjGRt6ZUs/UiXQvOSExYI/AAAAAAAAtHk/uHXBOIIPmTs/s640/P8221095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>False Violet</i></div>
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<i>Katahdin Lake canoe launch</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38WPrjAMpOg/UiXQxTcQWcI/AAAAAAAAtH0/pBqsVK3Tp5A/s1600/P8221096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-38WPrjAMpOg/UiXQxTcQWcI/AAAAAAAAtH0/pBqsVK3Tp5A/s640/P8221096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Lori in Katahdin Lake</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vkslrzh7Mw/UiXQybI4RyI/AAAAAAAAtH4/1SpVgFZFuDY/s1600/P8221097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vkslrzh7Mw/UiXQybI4RyI/AAAAAAAAtH4/1SpVgFZFuDY/s640/P8221097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat's going wading too.</i></div>
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<i>Lori and Bernie with Katahdin beyond</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSMNzC8wN0Y/UiXQ0YPNiSI/AAAAAAAAtIM/F_BZGyl0z-c/s1600/P8221099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSMNzC8wN0Y/UiXQ0YPNiSI/AAAAAAAAtIM/F_BZGyl0z-c/s640/P8221099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The mountain is trying to hide in the clouds</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq3j-nzflFw/UiXQ1O5vO8I/AAAAAAAAtIU/Vh_IEt-eNH8/s1600/P8221100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq3j-nzflFw/UiXQ1O5vO8I/AAAAAAAAtIU/Vh_IEt-eNH8/s640/P8221100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Leech Island</i></div>
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<i>Bog bridges</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wCGAhn_H1A/UiXQ4cU_TOI/AAAAAAAAtIs/i0i8xNgHI3g/s1600/P8221104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wCGAhn_H1A/UiXQ4cU_TOI/AAAAAAAAtIs/i0i8xNgHI3g/s640/P8221104.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Hobblebush berries</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXzN7ilFRgU/UiXQ5X4qmNI/AAAAAAAAtI0/k2OHKWduIsE/s1600/P8221106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXzN7ilFRgU/UiXQ5X4qmNI/AAAAAAAAtI0/k2OHKWduIsE/s640/P8221106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>'Shroom</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_CFJOIY1Wo/UiXQ6VQTiZI/AAAAAAAAtI4/5ae4LShD9y4/s1600/P8221107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_CFJOIY1Wo/UiXQ6VQTiZI/AAAAAAAAtI4/5ae4LShD9y4/s640/P8221107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a hot day and we stopped at the brook on the way back to cool off.<br />
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<i>Refreshing</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSGdRTj8Zs8/UiXQ8n82NQI/AAAAAAAAtJI/E5X6fkVGmUQ/s1600/P8221110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSGdRTj8Zs8/UiXQ8n82NQI/AAAAAAAAtJI/E5X6fkVGmUQ/s640/P8221110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Really refreshing!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrvb0YB3qnA/UiXQ-KlGm6I/AAAAAAAAtJQ/AE1f2k5b5AQ/s1600/P8221109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrvb0YB3qnA/UiXQ-KlGm6I/AAAAAAAAtJQ/AE1f2k5b5AQ/s640/P8221109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Ahhhhhhh</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3O4SHthqi8/UiXRAaYlORI/AAAAAAAAtJk/AY89zja67HE/s1600/P8221115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3O4SHthqi8/UiXRAaYlORI/AAAAAAAAtJk/AY89zja67HE/s640/P8221115.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Swim Lori!!!</i></div>
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<b>Sandy Stream Pond - Take 3</b><br />
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Since we had to go back to Roaring Brook to drop off the canoe key we figured we'd visit Sandy Stream Pond again to see if the moose might be back. She wasn't , but we had a bunch of other visitors. The shore was swarming with Cedar Waxwings that were alternating between perching in the trees on the shore and flitting around catching insects over the pond. I don't know how we hadn't noticed them on our previous visits. It was a very nice way to end the afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNqjwuGy48E/UiXRBPDzsDI/AAAAAAAAtJs/IyrCAeVDUzo/s1600/P8221116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNqjwuGy48E/UiXRBPDzsDI/AAAAAAAAtJs/IyrCAeVDUzo/s640/P8221116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Turner over Sandy Stream Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQYdFCV7hNw/UiXRCc_glFI/AAAAAAAAtJ0/vyQc9INH_pc/s1600/P8221119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQYdFCV7hNw/UiXRCc_glFI/AAAAAAAAtJ0/vyQc9INH_pc/s640/P8221119.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><i>Cedar Waxwings</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne1MfvdQtmQ/UiXRFeKDKFI/AAAAAAAAtKQ/tmThztmbRpM/s1600/P8221125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne1MfvdQtmQ/UiXRFeKDKFI/AAAAAAAAtKQ/tmThztmbRpM/s640/P8221125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Tm9vefbYA/UiXRGK30mFI/AAAAAAAAtKY/O-d0if96Y9s/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Tm9vefbYA/UiXRGK30mFI/AAAAAAAAtKY/O-d0if96Y9s/s640/IMG_6201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NP8yjBfKg8/UiXRHLaf9_I/AAAAAAAAtKs/syg6mEdcTDw/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NP8yjBfKg8/UiXRHLaf9_I/AAAAAAAAtKs/syg6mEdcTDw/s640/IMG_6206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Bird watching</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxAprDHHGw/UiXRHiWKRUI/AAAAAAAAtKk/qkvDjWHd7pg/s1600/IMG_6207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxAprDHHGw/UiXRHiWKRUI/AAAAAAAAtKk/qkvDjWHd7pg/s640/IMG_6207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Showing off his color highlights</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KivUUa7b5A/UiXRI_C8IDI/AAAAAAAAtK8/GOUiJzA3Y70/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KivUUa7b5A/UiXRI_C8IDI/AAAAAAAAtK8/GOUiJzA3Y70/s640/IMG_6214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hanging out on Big Rock</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2ZXOC52HLI/UiXRJrMdDhI/AAAAAAAAtLI/IayKqdZ1gsw/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2ZXOC52HLI/UiXRJrMdDhI/AAAAAAAAtLI/IayKqdZ1gsw/s640/IMG_6215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Late afternoon sun over Katahdin</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocRIi-Ntdy0/UiXRKW5vUFI/AAAAAAAAtLA/IhPanFI0RYI/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocRIi-Ntdy0/UiXRKW5vUFI/AAAAAAAAtLA/IhPanFI0RYI/s640/IMG_6216.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Not much of a perch!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VX5DNlqZJqw/UiXRK_6evvI/AAAAAAAAtLQ/BA2gZrWJAS4/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VX5DNlqZJqw/UiXRK_6evvI/AAAAAAAAtLQ/BA2gZrWJAS4/s640/IMG_6219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Turner summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqim2dzdRPo/UiXRNbbZPHI/AAAAAAAAtLo/jQKIt1v0rsU/s1600/P8221128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqim2dzdRPo/UiXRNbbZPHI/AAAAAAAAtLo/jQKIt1v0rsU/s640/P8221128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hoping for a moose sighting at Sandy Stream Pond outlet. (not today)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OT3QLbSDmBU/UiXROgNYQtI/AAAAAAAAtLw/4CgM5KE3DyM/s1600/P8221129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OT3QLbSDmBU/UiXROgNYQtI/AAAAAAAAtLw/4CgM5KE3DyM/s640/P8221129.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Sun sinking over Katahdin</i></div>
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<b>Nature Trail and Sandy Stream Pond - Take 4</b><br />
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We were debating doing our Hamlin hike on Friday, but decided to wait for what looked like the perfect weather on Saturday. It was a good decision as Friday stayed cloudy most of the day. We made it down day with a big, late breakfast and yet another trip to Sandy Stream Pond. Still no moose, but lots of Cedar Waxwings again. We also hiked the one mile loop of Nature Trail at Roaring Brook which turned out to be quite nice. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFIra4QJf20/UiXRPhQitcI/AAAAAAAAtL4/dkPPTB07rls/s1600/P8231132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFIra4QJf20/UiXRPhQitcI/AAAAAAAAtL4/dkPPTB07rls/s640/P8231132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Roaring Brook Nature Trail views</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR9-szs3CPM/UiXRQ5Uj_ZI/AAAAAAAAtMA/hJS-F7HuKYM/s1600/P8231136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR9-szs3CPM/UiXRQ5Uj_ZI/AAAAAAAAtMA/hJS-F7HuKYM/s640/P8231136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cotton Grass and a hole in the sky</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrhHZhfrKAg/UiXRR5l5_NI/AAAAAAAAtMI/kE7q_ws6fW4/s1600/P8231137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrhHZhfrKAg/UiXRR5l5_NI/AAAAAAAAtMI/kE7q_ws6fW4/s640/P8231137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Pamola Peak</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqvwYKQgC-E/UiXRS8sJ2FI/AAAAAAAAtMQ/ouK1mfzoGZ0/s1600/P8231139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqvwYKQgC-E/UiXRS8sJ2FI/AAAAAAAAtMQ/ouK1mfzoGZ0/s640/P8231139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Clouds on Katahdin</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xG_h-4nXuPE/UiXRTkyd3nI/AAAAAAAAtMY/ba0Booih3PI/s1600/P8231140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xG_h-4nXuPE/UiXRTkyd3nI/AAAAAAAAtMY/ba0Booih3PI/s640/P8231140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Slide on South Turner</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4if649AV5S0/UiXRUp7yr4I/AAAAAAAAtMg/y__UaqyqF70/s1600/P8231142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4if649AV5S0/UiXRUp7yr4I/AAAAAAAAtMg/y__UaqyqF70/s640/P8231142.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Cotton Grass</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQP-Zvf65jg/UiXRVvhXq6I/AAAAAAAAtMk/J3R6hJ1coOU/s1600/P8231144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQP-Zvf65jg/UiXRVvhXq6I/AAAAAAAAtMk/J3R6hJ1coOU/s640/P8231144.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Tree sculpture</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIUK3DVWuDU/UiXRW0HOYQI/AAAAAAAAtMw/-dtpBEFheWA/s1600/P8231145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIUK3DVWuDU/UiXRW0HOYQI/AAAAAAAAtMw/-dtpBEFheWA/s640/P8231145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cotton Grass</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-DBtDgAdV0/UiXRXyDToLI/AAAAAAAAtM4/a9FOdI-scmM/s1600/P8231147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-DBtDgAdV0/UiXRXyDToLI/AAAAAAAAtM4/a9FOdI-scmM/s640/P8231147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtaT9D5B3HU/UiXRbn1wP7I/AAAAAAAAtNQ/uvs3Uybjy9s/s1600/P8231152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtaT9D5B3HU/UiXRbn1wP7I/AAAAAAAAtNQ/uvs3Uybjy9s/s640/P8231152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sphagnum Moss</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FQFZmc9vkc/UiXRdIuJ-zI/AAAAAAAAtNY/j0qPVxVRyz4/s1600/P8231153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FQFZmc9vkc/UiXRdIuJ-zI/AAAAAAAAtNY/j0qPVxVRyz4/s640/P8231153.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Elephant tree?</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4iWdGR3Bfs/UiXReO7Bv3I/AAAAAAAAtNg/22nrbEfVfGY/s1600/P8231155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4iWdGR3Bfs/UiXReO7Bv3I/AAAAAAAAtNg/22nrbEfVfGY/s640/P8231155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another beautiful Katahdin day</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AbdggHJk64/UiXRfJibeQI/AAAAAAAAtNw/qCC51m4WBOk/s1600/P8231158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AbdggHJk64/UiXRfJibeQI/AAAAAAAAtNw/qCC51m4WBOk/s640/P8231158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Another beautiful Katahdin day</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrYynDQ-nq0/UiXRfwIv0XI/AAAAAAAAtNs/UlevmKs6tKA/s1600/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrYynDQ-nq0/UiXRfwIv0XI/AAAAAAAAtNs/UlevmKs6tKA/s640/IMG_6230.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfJvwGmX0eM/UiXRgkm-iFI/AAAAAAAAtN0/5B8Yr6j9fJ4/s1600/IMG_6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfJvwGmX0eM/UiXRgkm-iFI/AAAAAAAAtN0/5B8Yr6j9fJ4/s640/IMG_6232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Breezy!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaNCSuXOm-o/UiXRhZrhuOI/AAAAAAAAtOA/ZCvSS1MAFNU/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaNCSuXOm-o/UiXRhZrhuOI/AAAAAAAAtOA/ZCvSS1MAFNU/s640/IMG_6235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Taking flight</i></div>
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These days all proved to us once again that Baxter has so much to offer beyond its mountains. I think I could spend every minute there just exploring the woods, ponds, streams and other lowland feature and never feel cheated a bit. But Baxter surely has amazing mountains too, and we didn't let those go to waste...Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com2Baxter State Park, Maine, United States46.0612509 -68.93677149999996345.7083659 -69.582218499999968 46.4141359 -68.291324499999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-32002320235709680732013-07-22T09:30:00.000-04:002013-07-25T18:07:35.228-04:00A Morning Jaunt to Owl's Head (Cherry Mountain)I've always wanted to say that I "took a jaunt to Owl's Head". Well, actually I never <u>really</u> did, but it sounds cool. The "other" Owl's Head was another time and another mind set. This one is a different animal altogether...<br />
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We had two days left of our Seek the Peak trip and were hoping for two more hikes. After the great day on the Baldpates on Sunday and skipping Mt Washington I had hoped for a another chance at a Presi day. We weren't up for anything huge, and Caps Ridge up Jefferson had sounded perfect. On Monday morning I checked the MWObs higher summits forecast and got a bit of bad news. What was originally another clear, sunny day had now turned sour (much the reverse of Saturday) and the summits were now forecast to be in the clouds all day. Caps Ridge would still be fun, but it seemed a shame to get up there just to be staring into a cloud. Time for the second Plan B of the weekend (and this time we had one).<br />
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I'd been figuring that after getting a Presi day on Monday we could hit Cherry Mountain on our way home on Tuesday. We hadn't been up there yet, and after catching the Presi views from Pondicherry last year I was anxious to check it out. With possible storms in the afternoon on Monday this shortish hike made a great alternative for today.<br />
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We decided to take the west approach on the Cherry Mountain Trail from Rt 115. This is the shortest (and most common) approach. John Compton (the trail adopter for the east branch of the Cherry Mountain Trail and Martha's Mile) details the different approaches <a href="http://1happyhiker.blogspot.com/2013/06/some-stats-about-hiking-to-cherry.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Leaving the campground in the morning the weather was still nice - a bit warmer than Sunday but nowhere near the awful heat and humidity of the last week. We got to the trailhead at about 9:30 and were the only car there. We'd only see a few other people all day.<br />
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The beginning of the trail is a gentle climb on a soft path surrounded by many wildflowers. If we hadn't had a view at the summits these would have been enough to make it a great hike. I later found out from my "flower expert", Kevin Talbot, that the first sighting on the trail was probably the best - a rare Large Purple Fringed Orchid. I didn't know what I was looking at at the time - just that it was beautiful.<br />
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<i>Purple Fringed Orchid (apparently rare)</i></div>
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<i>Heal-all</i></div>
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<i>First Indian Pipes of the day (there were many)</i></div>
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<i>First views of the day (there were many of these too)</i></div>
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<i>Shrooms</i></div>
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<i>Shinleaf</i></div>
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<i>Cherry Mountain trail</i></div>
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<i>Wood Sorrel</i></div>
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The upper sections of the trail get steeper and rockier, but are still very nice. While this is still an "easy" climb, it does gain 1900' in the 1.9 miles to Mt Martha (and more than 2500' overall with Owl's Head). Making the turn at the junction with the Cherry Mountain Trail east branch the final 0.2 up to Mt Martha is on a wide path that leads to a summit with some pretty beautiful views. It takes standing on the "viewing rock" to get the full picture (and it takes a day somewhat clearer than this one), but it's worth the effort.<br />
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<i>Upper Cherry Mountain trail</i></div>
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<i>At the crossroads</i></div>
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<i>Presis disappearing into the clouds from Mt Martha</i></div>
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<i>The Mt Martha "viewing rock"</i></div>
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<i>White Yarrow</i></div>
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<i>Old fire tower foundation on Mt Martha</i></div>
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<i>Views from the back of Mt Martha</i></div>
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Leaving the summit of Mt Martha, the truly beautiful part of this hike begins. Martha's Mile (actually 0.8 miles) is one of the most beautiful stretches of wooded trail that you're likely to find in the Whites (it's hard to compare anything in the woods to open ridges). The only thing I can compare it to is the "enchanted forest" that we encountered on the Isolation Trail last summer. Thank you John, for taking such obviously loving care of your charge.<br />
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<i>And what a beautiful mile it is!</i></div>
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<i>Start of Martha's Mile</i></div>
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<i>Magical woodland</i></div>
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<i>So much green</i></div>
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After the long stretch of soft paths and green surroundings there is the short, steep section up Owl's Head. One could perhaps compare it to a mini-version of the approach to the other Owl's Head, but that would be most unfair. There are one or two slightly tricky sections where one has to use the strategically placed trees to pull up over the steep rocks, but that's just part of the fun. A few minutes of this and we arrived on the summit to a muted version of what are clearly amazing views.<br />
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<i>Starting up Owl's Head</i></div>
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<i>One of the Owl's Head challenges</i></div>
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<i>First Owl's Head views</i></div>
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<i>Mt Martha from Owl's Head</i></div>
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<i>Presis in the clouds</i></div>
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When we got to the summit there was a large group of college kids there. They were a bit noisy and enjoying their day, but we really didn't mind. It's great to see young people out there enjoying these kinds of places. We sat on the ledges and ate our lunch and they soon left and were replace by a woman and her canine companion - a three year old Lab that could have been a twin to the younger version of our Jake. When he saw me watching him he strained at his leash and gave me that big doggie smile that Labs are so good at. The woman smiled sheepishly at me and said "he really wants to say hello". I replied "so do I", and so we did. It makes me so happy to see a happy dog like this out on the trail. I talked to him for a few minutes (and his "mom" as well) and then went back to finish my lunch. They did some summit sitting together and then headed off before we got a chance to say goodbye. Everything else that day was wonderful, but meeting them really made my day.<br />
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<i>Summit sitters</i></div>
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<i>North</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wde9NgJMWTM/Ue75o1FFZII/AAAAAAAAswg/z4FAOtSdLNw/s1600/P7220844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wde9NgJMWTM/Ue75o1FFZII/AAAAAAAAswg/z4FAOtSdLNw/s640/P7220844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Below the summit ledge</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eH1U846N88/Ue75plgrjOI/AAAAAAAAswo/kCgkOeklk5E/s1600/P7220845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eH1U846N88/Ue75plgrjOI/AAAAAAAAswo/kCgkOeklk5E/s640/P7220845.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat loves the ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raWWQuUIFqY/Ue75qNpC6wI/AAAAAAAAsw0/sBI8AfoDbVI/s1600/P7220846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raWWQuUIFqY/Ue75qNpC6wI/AAAAAAAAsw0/sBI8AfoDbVI/s640/P7220846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A little Alpine Hammock promo</i></div>
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The skies were starting to darken and we thought we might be in for some of the thunderstorms that were forecast for the afternoon, so we headed down. On the way we noticed even more of the flora and fauna that we had missed on the way up.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VCXCyVa_nY/Ue75q3wuIcI/AAAAAAAAsw8/Upyr7UkafJA/s1600/P7220850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VCXCyVa_nY/Ue75q3wuIcI/AAAAAAAAsw8/Upyr7UkafJA/s640/P7220850.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Grand-daddy</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdkwn0aDC60/Ue75ri5xdOI/AAAAAAAAsxA/R6pbXOpyCwQ/s1600/P7220851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdkwn0aDC60/Ue75ri5xdOI/AAAAAAAAsxA/R6pbXOpyCwQ/s640/P7220851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Meadowsweet</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzvYy6Y-lCA/Ue75sH4BaVI/AAAAAAAAsxM/gEyJULGs648/s1600/P7220853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzvYy6Y-lCA/Ue75sH4BaVI/AAAAAAAAsxM/gEyJULGs648/s640/P7220853.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading down</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7vvsn1WC80/Ue75tEMoAcI/AAAAAAAAsxU/cU2cXlxfUYc/s1600/P7220854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7vvsn1WC80/Ue75tEMoAcI/AAAAAAAAsxU/cU2cXlxfUYc/s640/P7220854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More of the many Indian Pipes</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMHhRCFvaP4/Ue75tuOhWgI/AAAAAAAAsxY/OS019uMCQMQ/s1600/P7220859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMHhRCFvaP4/Ue75tuOhWgI/AAAAAAAAsxY/OS019uMCQMQ/s640/P7220859.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJ9GB5sblE/Ue75uKUtemI/AAAAAAAAsxc/_Ce6DTke9cA/s1600/P7220861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJ9GB5sblE/Ue75uKUtemI/AAAAAAAAsxc/_Ce6DTke9cA/s640/P7220861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heal-all</i></div>
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By the time we got back to the car the sky was clearing again. We went back to the campground and spent a relaxing afternoon reading, listening to the birds and watching the clouds drift along the now blue sky. We had clearly made the right choice for this day (particularly since it was pouring rain by the time we got up on Tuesday morning, washing out our final potential hike). This was one of the nicest "small" hikes in recent memory, and one that we'll definitely repeat - hopefully on a crisp, clear fall (or perhaps spring) day with those incredible views on display.<br />
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Here's the interactive GPS track: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ffdwprmbqsaxccno" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ffdwprmbqsaxccno</a><br />
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And the overview of the route<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb1uSc7k4q0/UfGdxZQkrTI/AAAAAAAAs_c/HqyNZGbJgW0/s1600/Route.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb1uSc7k4q0/UfGdxZQkrTI/AAAAAAAAs_c/HqyNZGbJgW0/s640/Route.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OomL41R2h3w/UfGdx88HwpI/AAAAAAAAs_k/yWXwKLvBbOA/s1600/Profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OomL41R2h3w/UfGdx88HwpI/AAAAAAAAs_k/yWXwKLvBbOA/s640/Profile.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com4Cherry Mountain, White Mountain National Forest, Carroll, NH 03598, USA44.314507 -71.49230239999997120.211800999999998 -112.80089639999997 68.417213 -30.183708399999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-33488921955617203652013-07-21T10:30:00.000-04:002013-07-24T21:46:24.472-04:00A Baldpates GatheringIf you've read my previous post you know the story of what happened to this year's Seek the Peak event. The "weather delay" was unfortunate, but it was the right call. It sadly meant that a number of people that were heading home on Saturday night or Sunday wouldn't be able to do their Mt Washington hike. In our case we were staying until Tuesday, but had made plans months earlier to do a Sunday hike on the Baldpates if the weather was good. As bad as the Saturday forecast had been, Sunday was equally good. The warm front that had been hanging around and making things generally miserable had moved out overnight and was replaced by cool, crisp air and blue skies! It was reminiscent of the day we hiked Mt Isolation after STP last year. We'd hiked Mt Washington many times before, and although it would have been the perfect day for it, we couldn't pass up a day like this for the Baldpates. Kevin and Judy had already decided to join us. They'd done it for the first time last year and Judy had declared it to be her new favorite hike - high praise indeed. Erich and Gloria were also going to be around for another day before their long drive home and decided to join us as well. Although we've know Erich since our first Seek the Peak and have seen him every year since, including a chance meeting in Yosemite a few years ago, we still hadn't hiked together. It was shaping up to be the perfect gathering.<br />
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I had made the drive from Gorham to Grafton Notch multiple times in the last two weeks for the car spots and pickup for our Mahoosucs backpack. I was looking forward to returning and having a hike that I could remember a bit more fondly. I wasn't going to be disappointed. We got a leisurely 10:30 start, but we had no place to be and a beautiful day ahead. We scoped out the many pies at the "pie lady" stand as we went by and promised to return to get desert for the evening meal on the way back. With another day of white blazes ahead we were off...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTXvbWSWjHI/UfBXihhcOhI/AAAAAAAAs2s/_4eC6DsyIkw/s1600/P7210746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTXvbWSWjHI/UfBXihhcOhI/AAAAAAAAs2s/_4eC6DsyIkw/s640/P7210746.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Typical trail (at least when there weren't steps)</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lxB6057x2GI/UfBXjReo9CI/AAAAAAAAs20/2EvtNFXpGjY/s1600/P7210748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lxB6057x2GI/UfBXjReo9CI/AAAAAAAAs20/2EvtNFXpGjY/s640/P7210748.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Never saw one of these before. Very cool!</i></div>
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We took our time on the ascent of Baldpate West Peak. The trail was pretty nice with no real features of note in this part except the MANY stone steps up the final steep sections to the summit (and the AT benchmark along the way). It's a nice enough trail and another testament to the experience we've had on all the trails in Maine so far. When we got to West Peak things got a bit more interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmpO-L1EWZE/UfBXkSP5wjI/AAAAAAAAs28/VeLG2Rkk0W8/s1600/P7210749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmpO-L1EWZE/UfBXkSP5wjI/AAAAAAAAs28/VeLG2Rkk0W8/s640/P7210749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Reaching the summit of West Baldpate - East Peak ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2ZEGWNi9hw/UfBXlGezAnI/AAAAAAAAs3E/7VvfK6I82rA/s1600/P7210750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2ZEGWNi9hw/UfBXlGezAnI/AAAAAAAAs3E/7VvfK6I82rA/s640/P7210750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Love these Maine views!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YQIoD7udoc/UfBXl-FHEHI/AAAAAAAAs3M/-hQlfjxv5Fg/s1600/P7210751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YQIoD7udoc/UfBXl-FHEHI/AAAAAAAAs3M/-hQlfjxv5Fg/s640/P7210751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mountain Cranberry</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5ojQgErym0/UfBXm098RgI/AAAAAAAAs3Y/y2ewEYi01vk/s1600/P7210752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5ojQgErym0/UfBXm098RgI/AAAAAAAAs3Y/y2ewEYi01vk/s640/P7210752.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Trail down to the West Baldpate ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tf-ZgyrR62w/UfBXnuMykOI/AAAAAAAAs3g/wHTYDhTvafA/s1600/P7210753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tf-ZgyrR62w/UfBXnuMykOI/AAAAAAAAs3g/wHTYDhTvafA/s640/P7210753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sheep Laurel</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WA1HJ0m5EHM/UfBXoT_vMwI/AAAAAAAAs3k/pPLjeZilzDs/s1600/P7210754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WA1HJ0m5EHM/UfBXoT_vMwI/AAAAAAAAs3k/pPLjeZilzDs/s640/P7210754.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The path awaits</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnMbBbvHiQc/UfBXpE4U2II/AAAAAAAAs3s/IXpRNvNxYtk/s1600/P7210755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnMbBbvHiQc/UfBXpE4U2II/AAAAAAAAs3s/IXpRNvNxYtk/s640/P7210755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took a long lunch break on West Peak, enjoying the amazing views and anticipating the fun ahead. The path up East Peak follows the line of ledges at the far left. What a great path!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xppSsvBtEs/UfBXp9fc-CI/AAAAAAAAs30/vgbF6Q-S008/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xppSsvBtEs/UfBXp9fc-CI/AAAAAAAAs30/vgbF6Q-S008/s640/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Lunch break</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXpl2bjEfE8/UfBXqX_nCbI/AAAAAAAAs38/qUY9ndYPAVo/s1600/P7210757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXpl2bjEfE8/UfBXqX_nCbI/AAAAAAAAs38/qUY9ndYPAVo/s640/P7210757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin heading into the col</i></div>
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The walk across the col between the peaks is just gorgeous. I could walk in places like this forever!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go4PJ5698YM/UfBXrIiN1RI/AAAAAAAAs4E/iH0ljBY6_KI/s1600/P7210758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go4PJ5698YM/UfBXrIiN1RI/AAAAAAAAs4E/iH0ljBY6_KI/s640/P7210758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>First ladder</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm-I3bQqXAE/UfBXsAJHjqI/AAAAAAAAs4M/GSzM9iyZufY/s1600/P7210759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm-I3bQqXAE/UfBXsAJHjqI/AAAAAAAAs4M/GSzM9iyZufY/s640/P7210759.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHMJmTSvyps/UfBXs0r-QNI/AAAAAAAAs4Y/PgRjDFLxwb8/s1600/P7210761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHMJmTSvyps/UfBXs0r-QNI/AAAAAAAAs4Y/PgRjDFLxwb8/s640/P7210761.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking back to West Peak from the col</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU0tJZwc6aM/UfBXtdCjl8I/AAAAAAAAs4c/tEQthgpSLhw/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU0tJZwc6aM/UfBXtdCjl8I/AAAAAAAAs4c/tEQthgpSLhw/s640/IMG_0807.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Bog bridges through the col. What a beautiful section!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2OvZPcWmH8/UfBXu3t32ZI/AAAAAAAAs4s/5ehmWAJtM8c/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2OvZPcWmH8/UfBXu3t32ZI/AAAAAAAAs4s/5ehmWAJtM8c/s640/IMG_0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgHFKCwdX4k/UfBXvj1lABI/AAAAAAAAs40/SArGja0-Nok/s1600/P7210762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgHFKCwdX4k/UfBXvj1lABI/AAAAAAAAs40/SArGja0-Nok/s640/P7210762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>East Peak ahead</i></div>
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After crossing the col we were treated to a wonderful walk (and occasional scramble) up the East Peak ledges. They're quite steep, but very manageable and the views along the way make you forget where you are. These are the kinds of places in the mountains that I love the most.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6xNLFhT-L0/UfBXwbT58LI/AAAAAAAAs48/WU1mXWSaD3g/s1600/P7210763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6xNLFhT-L0/UfBXwbT58LI/AAAAAAAAs48/WU1mXWSaD3g/s640/P7210763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Old Speck on the other side of Grafton Notch over West Baldpate</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXUsdaCIntM/UfBXxLuYfTI/AAAAAAAAs5M/pChqAUNiecQ/s1600/P7210764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXUsdaCIntM/UfBXxLuYfTI/AAAAAAAAs5M/pChqAUNiecQ/s640/P7210764.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Going up!</i></div>
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<i>Yes, the West Peak ledges are pretty steep</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djWhwKLE89g/UfBXyowXY0I/AAAAAAAAs5U/sWuwY2A-G3M/s1600/P7210767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djWhwKLE89g/UfBXyowXY0I/AAAAAAAAs5U/sWuwY2A-G3M/s640/P7210767.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Another cool AT marker</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYDuj_2WpXo/UfBXz90Xl9I/AAAAAAAAs5c/Yj3CeXUsve0/s1600/P7210768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYDuj_2WpXo/UfBXz90Xl9I/AAAAAAAAs5c/Yj3CeXUsve0/s640/P7210768.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin coming up</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95J0KOBppqc/UfBX019gyfI/AAAAAAAAs5k/d47ANW0vNHc/s1600/P7210769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95J0KOBppqc/UfBX019gyfI/AAAAAAAAs5k/d47ANW0vNHc/s640/P7210769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Mahoosucs over West Baldpate</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwPRQDjMUVI/UfBX1vKtflI/AAAAAAAAs5s/jGPFd4JIHuA/s1600/P7210770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwPRQDjMUVI/UfBX1vKtflI/AAAAAAAAs5s/jGPFd4JIHuA/s640/P7210770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Ledge views</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnOJUu8RKmA/UfBX2ZeX4UI/AAAAAAAAs50/e4yWPmUNT7A/s1600/P7210771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnOJUu8RKmA/UfBX2ZeX4UI/AAAAAAAAs50/e4yWPmUNT7A/s640/P7210771.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Cairns leading into the sky</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwHRu-spULY/UfBX3CGtr-I/AAAAAAAAs58/QOctJDUXY_8/s1600/P7210772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwHRu-spULY/UfBX3CGtr-I/AAAAAAAAs58/QOctJDUXY_8/s640/P7210772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Mountain Sandwort</i><br />
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The summit plateau is no less spectacular than the ledges. The actual summit of East Peak is on the opposite side and the walk across is simply gorgeous. More of the 360 views open up the further across you get.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeKuJeTYeQE/UfBX35rF28I/AAAAAAAAs6E/orTuvUbzfaU/s1600/P7210773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeKuJeTYeQE/UfBX35rF28I/AAAAAAAAs6E/orTuvUbzfaU/s640/P7210773.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Approaching the summit plateau</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEjwIjNi5i4/UfBX4lBfBnI/AAAAAAAAs6M/aZkTojSf1Yc/s1600/P7210774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEjwIjNi5i4/UfBX4lBfBnI/AAAAAAAAs6M/aZkTojSf1Yc/s640/P7210774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin and Old Speck</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0igDI_Uzou4/UfBX5akmvFI/AAAAAAAAs6U/2pWKGEKwP7A/s1600/P7210776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0igDI_Uzou4/UfBX5akmvFI/AAAAAAAAs6U/2pWKGEKwP7A/s640/P7210776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Summit plateau</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbnGYcV_SCE/UfBX6I0nUXI/AAAAAAAAs6c/e2Bc99gAv7U/s1600/P7210777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbnGYcV_SCE/UfBX6I0nUXI/AAAAAAAAs6c/e2Bc99gAv7U/s640/P7210777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and Judy on the summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4L0tvzwIegU/UfBX69vSj1I/AAAAAAAAs6k/_8iFOBQwNi0/s1600/P7210779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4L0tvzwIegU/UfBX69vSj1I/AAAAAAAAs6k/_8iFOBQwNi0/s640/P7210779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>On Baldpate East Peak summit with Old Speck in the distance</i></div>
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<i>360 views!</i></div>
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<i>Wind farm with Mt Blue beyond</i></div>
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We hung out on the summit for a long time. Kevin, however, declared that it had not been long enough. He decided that it would be easier to die up there and have the helicopter remove his body sometime later. If you had to pick a place to die, this wouldn't be the worst choice...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtwkTE8gtfY/UfBX97d2umI/AAAAAAAAs7E/NevgDtLZxxQ/s1600/P7210784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtwkTE8gtfY/UfBX97d2umI/AAAAAAAAs7E/NevgDtLZxxQ/s640/P7210784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin, Erich and Gloria</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIPnjqz2VrQ/UfBX-iyYs2I/AAAAAAAAs7M/BZ8-vrgvCUc/s1600/P7210785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIPnjqz2VrQ/UfBX-iyYs2I/AAAAAAAAs7M/BZ8-vrgvCUc/s640/P7210785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin waiting for the evac chopper</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Baldpate East Peak. Another NEHH...</i></div>
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Despite the prior caption, we have no aspiration toward the NEHH. Repeat three times - "I will not start another list, I will not start...". Oh, who knows - the lists haven't lead us any bad places so far.<br />
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All good things must come to an end and we finally headed back. While I generally prefer loop hikes to out-and-backs, I didn't mind this one at all. Lots of great spots to revisit the second time of the day (and the promise of a visit to Table Rock as well).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DARwqBn7XUA/UfBYASEjjDI/AAAAAAAAs7c/sqmb7A3LNBQ/s1600/P7210789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DARwqBn7XUA/UfBYASEjjDI/AAAAAAAAs7c/sqmb7A3LNBQ/s640/P7210789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading back</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp03vkvuGE8/UfBYBNjQuxI/AAAAAAAAs7k/Ci8o-7wt_hk/s1600/P7210791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp03vkvuGE8/UfBYBNjQuxI/AAAAAAAAs7k/Ci8o-7wt_hk/s640/P7210791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>West Peak, Old Speck and the Mahoosucs</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FurUjZz32vg/UfBYB8PEVLI/AAAAAAAAs7o/6C3LnIgiGuQ/s1600/P7210792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FurUjZz32vg/UfBYB8PEVLI/AAAAAAAAs7o/6C3LnIgiGuQ/s640/P7210792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Downward</i></div>
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<i>Warning - kilts and ladders ahead!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ac-hRLshQyE/UfBYFD-r7kI/AAAAAAAAs8E/34p1OOpxoAE/s1600/P7210795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ac-hRLshQyE/UfBYFD-r7kI/AAAAAAAAs8E/34p1OOpxoAE/s640/P7210795.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat on the ladder</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4MQ6RAlSQ/UfBYGA2I1bI/AAAAAAAAs8M/7HhB663Bgis/s1600/P7210796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NP4MQ6RAlSQ/UfBYGA2I1bI/AAAAAAAAs8M/7HhB663Bgis/s640/P7210796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Back on West Peak</i></div>
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The walk back to West Peak was really nice. The walk down the rest of the way was long. Somehow those many stone steps from the way up had managed to double or triple on the way down. Not sure how this happens. About half way down the steps I almost made a serious mistake, slipping and taking a head first plunge that I somehow managed to catch with my arm, shin, hip and toe wedged under multiple downhill rocks without more than a couple of minor scrapes. This serious lack of grace on my part is why I always take my time going downhill. We made our way back to the Table Rock junction without further incident. We now had a decision - 0.9 down to the car or an additional 0.7 out and back to Table Rock. The views were rumored to be excellent. The MATC sign at the junction sealed the deal. During our prior Maine hikes we've been learning the MATC "view rating system". Any view that is described with an expletive beginning with "E" (Excellent, Exceptional, Extraordinary) is NOT to be missed. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PkLnxiEl8/UfBYHO3W8lI/AAAAAAAAs8U/6o9VpUlPmrw/s1600/P7210797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PkLnxiEl8/UfBYHO3W8lI/AAAAAAAAs8U/6o9VpUlPmrw/s640/P7210797.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>MANY stone steps</i></div>
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<i>Another day of white blazes</i></div>
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<i>We've learned to trust the MATC view rating system</i></div>
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<i>Final climb onto Table Rock</i></div>
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The walk out to Table Rock involved regaining a bit of the elevation that we'd just lost and then a climb up a set of iron rungs on the final section to the ledge. We emerged from the trees to find the view which was, well, Extraordinary!<br />
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<i>View from Table Rock. The MATC was right again!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvWYHZJCDC4/UfBYL6dUboI/AAAAAAAAs9A/DcvT4p3J4L0/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvWYHZJCDC4/UfBYL6dUboI/AAAAAAAAs9A/DcvT4p3J4L0/s640/IMG_0825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Judy and I on Table Rock looking across Grafton Notch</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEAVbXKa2U/UfBYMgEjs2I/AAAAAAAAs9I/2gnTpR95TGQ/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEAVbXKa2U/UfBYMgEjs2I/AAAAAAAAs9I/2gnTpR95TGQ/s640/IMG_0827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Close to the edge? Yes.</i></div>
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<i>Me on Table Rock - too close to the edge!</i></div>
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<i>Erich on Table Rock - WAY too close to the edge!!</i></div>
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<i>Nat - dancing on the edge! :-O</i></div>
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After enjoying the views and taking our turns hanging on the brink, we headed down and demonstrated our respective approaches to down-climbing a ledge with iron rungs.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAc5Q7KzUbA/UfBYP8VP__I/AAAAAAAAs9s/DsXfs5B2Gek/s1600/P7210803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAc5Q7KzUbA/UfBYP8VP__I/AAAAAAAAs9s/DsXfs5B2Gek/s640/P7210803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kevin's approach to the rungs</i></div>
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<i>Judy's method (mine too)</i></div>
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<i>Nat's method. Show off!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2JlflIvwzM4/UfBYS8IzF0I/AAAAAAAAs-E/_X_cDp_02kQ/s1600/P7210806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2JlflIvwzM4/UfBYS8IzF0I/AAAAAAAAs-E/_X_cDp_02kQ/s640/P7210806.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Erich too. Must be something about people in skirts - uh, kilts</i></div>
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The last mile to the car seemed longer than it was. It had been an amazing day, but we were ready to get back for a much needed shower our swim and get together for dinner (and the soon-to-be-purchased pie).<br />
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<i>The huge AT crossing symbol in Grafton Notch</i></div>
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<i>Hike on...</i></div>
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Our stop at the pie lady stand was disappointing - everything was gone for day! We stopped at the other stand back near Sunday River and found two remaining pies and a few whoopie pies left. An apple pie and a whoopie were secured and we headed back to camp. That night we got together for a great community meal and looked back on a most excellent day. It wasn't Mt Washington, and we never even made it above 4000 feet, but it couldn't have been a much better gathering of friends in a more beautiful place. Thanks Kevin, Judy, Erich and Gloria (and Nat of course) for making this a day to remember.<br />
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Here's the interactive GPS track: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=eruthttzxvcsluzm" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=eruthttzxvcsluzm</a><br />
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And the map of the route. Interesting that the GPS track seems to differ significantly from the map of the AT. This is the third time in the last month or so where we've done an AT section hike with this result. I really don't think the GPS is off. In this particular case the path that we were on was definitely flatter and along the contour lines as the GPS track would indicate and not up and down over the "bump" shown on the map along the trail. Is it possible that the AT map is out of date? This is consistent on both the Open Cycle Map version shown here and and the USGS topo maps as well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-492bomkxH5I/UfB-oYvf_kI/AAAAAAAAs_E/ENPNP0nxSBI/s1600/Route+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-492bomkxH5I/UfB-oYvf_kI/AAAAAAAAs_E/ENPNP0nxSBI/s640/Route+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com2Baldpate Mountain, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA44.6117251 -70.89507359999998920.509046100000003 -112.20366759999999 68.7144041 -29.58647959999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-22888028624080203482013-07-20T18:50:00.000-04:002013-07-24T20:06:19.111-04:00Seeking the Peak of Pine MountainIt was once again the time for one of our favorite weeks of the year - our annual pilgrimage to Seek the Peak. This was to be our sixth straight year hiking for the Mt Washington Observatory and spending a few days with many of the friends that we've made through this connection over the years. You can see the progression of our previous hikes on this blog if you haven't already heard the stories. They are truly some of our most memorable times in the mountains. This year we were once again staying at Moose Brook campground in Gorham, surrounded by a number of our friends. It was going to be hard to improve on last year's series of wonderful hikes and impossible to repeat the wonderful event that was the tribute to our friend Brad. We were ready to try though...<br />
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As the event approached the word from the MWObs observers looked grim. The forecast for Saturday was not looking good and there was a chance that the event might not happen for the first time in its 13 year history. We drove up on Friday morning and arrived in North Conway to a sweltering 95 degree afternoon - reminiscent of the 100 degree day two years ago. We got lunch at Flatbread (our favorite N.C. eatery) and then met Kevin and Judy at the registration event. We had hoped to perhaps get in a short hike on Friday to warm up our legs, but it wasn't happening in this heat. We instead headed to Moose Brook and set up camp and then headed back to the swimming hole by Stony Brook Rd on the Peabody river. It was a great way to escape the heat.<br />
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<i>An omen (based on the Saturday forecast)?</i></div>
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<i>Cooling off on a hot afternoon</i></div>
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That night we had dinner at the campsite and then went out for a walk. We'd never explored beyond the sites and Kevin mentioned that there was a snowmobile trail that went to a spot with nice views. He was definitely right. If the weather was going to get ugly tomorrow there was certainly no evidence yet.<br />
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<i>Moose Brook sunset</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB9n0d8QXcA/Ue-22x-wKwI/AAAAAAAAsyY/q4uCu2X8mNQ/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB9n0d8QXcA/Ue-22x-wKwI/AAAAAAAAsyY/q4uCu2X8mNQ/s640/IMG_0792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Moriah on the horizon</i></div>
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On Friday night we got the message from the Obs - the STP participants were being asked to not hike on Saturday due to the weather conditions. Heavy rain, very high winds, frequent lightening and large hail. OK, that's enough for us. We've all been to the summit of Mt Washington enough times that we don't need to risk life and limb to do it again. Time for plan B. We didn't actually have a plan B at this point, but there were plenty of options. Kevin suggested Pine Mountain in Gorham. A close drive, easy hike in the still very hot temperature and an easy escape if the predicted weather kicked in. The bonus was to be a great view of where we would have otherwise been hiking.<br />
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There are multiple approaches to Pine Mountain and we chose the Ledges Trail that goes from the road to the Horton Center to the summit. The parking area is about half way between Rt 2 in Gorham and Dolly Copp campground on Pinkham B Rd. The hike is about a mile or so of road walk and another 0.6 miles on the Ledges Trail to the top. Perfect for a day like this.<br />
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<i>Time to leave the road</i></div>
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<i>Walking the ledges</i></div>
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We were quickly out on the first set of ledges below the summit and got all the views that were promised. What a beautiful spot! The clouds were looking a bit ominous, but there were still breaks of sun and blue sky. So far, so good.<br />
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<i>Presi views from the Pine Mtn ledges</i></div>
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<i>Judy taking it all in</i></div>
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<i>Cloud cap on Mt Washington</i></div>
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<i>Ominous clouds</i></div>
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<i>Carters and Wildcats</i></div>
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<i>Sun on Washington</i></div>
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After a break we moved up the ledges to the summit and more of the great views. The weather was actually starting to look better!<br />
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<i>Nat heading up the ledges</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful morning!</i></div>
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<i>Nat , Kevin and Judy</i></div>
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<i>Old fire tower foundation</i></div>
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<i>Mahoosucs</i></div>
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We left the summit and headed over to Chapel Rock. This is the location of the <a href="http://www.hortoncenter.org/" target="_blank">Horton Center</a> (a UCC camp) outdoor chapel. They hold services here in a place as beautiful as any cathedral.<br />
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<i>Chapel Rock</i></div>
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<i>Snacks!</i></div>
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<i>Pulpit above the notch</i></div>
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<i>On top of Chapel Rock</i></div>
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<i>Presis over Pine Mountain</i></div>
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<i>Heading into the clouds</i></div>
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<i>Chapel views</i></div>
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I didn't really feel like heading back down the ledges and suggested that we continue through the Horton Center and down the road and the others agreed. It was still a nice walk and we got to check out the yurts and other features of the camp - including the bell. Perhaps we didn't need to check out <u>everything</u>...<br />
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<i>Horton Center yurts</i></div>
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<i>It would be fun to ring this!</i></div>
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<i>Oh, guess we shouldn't</i></div>
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We were back at camp in the early afternoon (after a stop along the Peabody river to check out the views) and escaped to the pond in Moose Brook to cool off. After hanging out for a while we headed over to the Seek the Peak after party for the traditional turkey dinner and a few hours to visit with the rest of the friends that we hadn't seen yet. In the end, the extreme weather that had been expected never materialized. There were severe storms all around the region, but Mt Washington was spared - much the opposite of a typical day. I'm glad that the observers and the STP organizers erred on the side of caution. This mountain is no place to get caught in extreme weather. We were also happy for the nice evening for the party and the promise of a beautiful day on Sunday. Although that was now the official hiking day and would have been a great day to be on Mt Washington, we already had other plans (and another story). We were happy to still be able to support the MWObs and thanks to our wonderful friends contribute another $1200 to the cause. We truly appreciate everyone's support! <br />
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<i>Mt Washington over the Peabody River</i></div>
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<i>What a spot for a house! (arrow center)</i></div>
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<i>At the STP party</i></div>
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<i>Snow cat</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful evening</i></div>
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com0Pine Mountain, White Mountain National Forest, Gorham, NH 03581, USA44.3658953 -71.214797620.2632163 -112.5233916 68.4685743 -29.906203599999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-2162186454513207182013-07-04T08:30:00.000-04:002013-07-16T21:52:46.299-04:00Backpacking the MahoosucsI usually try to find some appropriate, witty title for my posts, but this time I'm keeping it simple. If only the actual trip had been that way...<br />
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This trip was planned many months ago (and thought about for much longer) by Kim. The plan was a Fourth of July long holiday weekend backpack across the whole Mahoosuc Range between Gorham and Grafton Notch. From the minute I heard about this hike I was some combination of intrigued, excited and intimidated. I knew that I was also "in", as was Nat. The list of potential participants fluctuated over several months but in the end wound up being Kim, Nat, Jen, Christine, Geneva (Christine's dog) and me. None of us had done any large part of the Mahoosucs before and all of us were really looking forward to it. From the time that Nat and I first ventured into this part of Maine last summer with <a href="http://theramblingsblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/venturing-into-maine-goose-eye-and-carlo.html" target="_blank">Goose Eye and Carlo</a> I knew that I wanted more. This is such a beautiful place! It's also a really tough place. Total trip - 31 miles with over 12,000' of elevation gain (and probably a lot more counting PUDs). Toss in Mahoosuc Notch - the so called "toughest mile of the AT" - in the middle just for fun. It also had the benefit of including Old Speck which is one of the NE67 4000 footer peaks that we needed as we wind down to the end of that list this year.<br />
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We had originally planned to go north to south - from Grafton Notch to Gorham - but a week or so before the hike we got a tip from a friend who's through hiked the AT saying that we really should reconsider. She said that the trail from Mahoosuc Arm down to Mahoosuc Notch was really steep and scary and that she'd never want to go down that way. That was enough for us - south to north it is! We met Jen in Grafton Notch on Wednesday evening and spotted a car at the northern trailhead (at the AT crossing). On the way back to Gorham we stopped at Sunday River Brewing for dinner and a pre-hike libation. They have some really great local brews there(for future reference). We then headed back to Gorham and spent the night at the Mt Madison Inn and Suites. I started to say the Mt Madison Motel, which is what it's always been known as, but they've done a total makeover recently and it's really nice (and the rates are still good). Christine and Geneva opted to meet us in the morning and avoid an even more crowded room - there'd be enough crowded sleeping space the next few nights on the trail.<br />
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We met Christine and Geneva for breakfast in the morning at the White Mountain Cafe. The first signals of the problems ahead had already begun for me. My stomach had been a bit "off" the day before and this morning I really didn't want to look at food. Not really a good thing when facing an 11 mile, 4500' hike on a 85+ degree day. I had an oatmeal and a juice and tried to make the best of it. Everyone else chowed down on the strawberry-rhubarb pie from the Puzzle Mountain Bakery "pie lady" and it just about killed me that I couldn't manage to even try a bite of one of my favorite foods. Rats!<br />
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The southern terminus of the Mahoosuc Trail is next to the Gorham Hydro Station - probably no more than a quarter mile from our motel room - but across the river. The drive to the trailhead is 10 miles though - down Rt 2 to the North Rd bridge in Shelburne and then back 4 miles up Hogan Rd to the trailhead. Hogan Rd is dirt and was not in particularly good shape. There were lots of serious ruts and potholes and some very large, deep puddles and mud from the recent rains. We had two AWD vehicles and were glad we did. This could actually have been avoided if we'd gone up the Centennial Trail (part of the AT) which starts at the junction of North Rd and Hogan Rd and is only a couple of extra tenths. Would have been a good idea. The description of the parking area for the trailhead in the AMC WMG is also not very specific. They indicate that you shouldn't park at the Hydro Station, but it's really the only place there is. We assumed that they meant directly in front of the station, as there was room for probably 5-6 cars across the road, which is where we parked. Our cars were there when we got back (thankfully) so it was apparently OK. After all this time, preparation and crazy logistics - it's finally time to hike!<br />
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<b>Day 1 - Gorham to Gentian Pond</b><br />
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o <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36ss9EPnSdA/UePgspvLV-I/AAAAAAAAsQ8/5FNkrD6A1KA/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633321280-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36ss9EPnSdA/UePgspvLV-I/AAAAAAAAsQ8/5FNkrD6A1KA/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633321280-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Getting ready at the southern end of the Mahoosuc Trailhead</i></div>
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<i>Outside the parking area by the Gorham Hydro Station</i></div>
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<i>Androscoggin River Reservoir</i></div>
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<i>Power Anal???</i></div>
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<i>We're at the trailhead. Where is the sign pointing?</i></div>
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<i>Getting organized</i></div>
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The trail is a climb from the beginning. Over the course of the entire route there are very few flat areas, pretty much everything is ups and downs. The recent rain had also had a serious impact - not for water crossings, but for mud. I've never seen this much and during the first day I heard it compared to "Adirondacks mud", which is apparently not a term of endearment. The first section is a bit more than 2.5 miles of pretty unmemorable trail up to Mt Hayes.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQt9WrybLSU/UePgu5F96dI/AAAAAAAAsRU/GynnCttzkvY/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633321242-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQt9WrybLSU/UePgu5F96dI/AAAAAAAAsRU/GynnCttzkvY/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633321242-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Steps up to the Mahoosuc Trail</i></div>
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<i>What passes for a trail out here</i></div>
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<i>Part of the Power Anal perhaps?</i></div>
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Mt Hayes is one of the peaks on 52 With A View and although the views were hazy that morning it was pretty obvious why. On a nice, cool fall day with a hike up the Centennial Trail this would be a really nice little peak! Today it was kind of hot and buggy and we got attacked by swarms of ants that were everywhere on the ledges on the summit. Very strange.<br />
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<i>Views beginning from the ledges of Mt Hayes</i></div>
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<i>Christine and Geneva</i></div>
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<i>Hey look, a puddle!</i></div>
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<i>Christine</i></div>
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<i>Hazy views approaching the top of Mt Hayes</i></div>
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<i>Geneva and I on Mt Hayes</i></div>
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<i>Hmmmmm. Checking out the ants perhaps?</i></div>
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After Mt Hayes the trail drops into a col and heads back up to the top of Cascade Mtn. There are some pretty spots in the col, some nice brooks for wading (if you're Geneva) and more views from the top of Cascade. On any other day I would have enjoyed the walks up the ledges, but the heat and lack of fuel were already beginning to get to me - and we were less than half way there.<br />
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<i>Ooohhh - a brook!</i></div>
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<i>Spring Beauty</i></div>
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<i>On my way to the top of Cascade</i></div>
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<i>Views from Cascade</i></div>
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<i>More Cascade views.</i></div>
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<i>I seem to be in heads down mode</i></div>
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<i>Geneva</i></div>
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<i>Jen and Geneva</i></div>
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<i>Geneva waiting for Nat and Christine.</i></div>
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From the top of Cascade the trail drops down into Trident Col, which is where we had planned to spend our final night when the plan was to go north to south. We all noted that we were really glad that the way we'd just begun this day wasn't our day 4. Wouldn't have been much fun. Heading through the col we also encountered some of the worst mud of the day.<br />
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<i>Wicked deep mud.</i></div>
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<i>Walking in the col</i></div>
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<i>More views</i></div>
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<i>Somewhere near Trident Col</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen</i></div>
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Shortly after Trident Col we arrived at Page Pond. This is really a pretty spot. Definitely not a place for a swim (unless you're Geneva) but a bit of cool feeling on a really hot day. We had a bit of trouble finding the trail around the pond - it's not all that obvious. Then again, it's not really all that much of a trail<br />
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<i>Page Pond</i></div>
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<i>Surveying Page Pond - looking for the trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmpZXHhehUY/UePhCGfbOMI/AAAAAAAAsVM/6l2cu76JmKs/s1600/P7040674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmpZXHhehUY/UePhCGfbOMI/AAAAAAAAsVM/6l2cu76JmKs/s640/P7040674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hey, a POND!</i></div>
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<i>Ahhhhhh.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmZyIJsP-3Y/UePhFbHs42I/AAAAAAAAsV0/CBSYGb6RteA/s1600/P7040677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmZyIJsP-3Y/UePhFbHs42I/AAAAAAAAsV0/CBSYGb6RteA/s640/P7040677.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Yup, this is the trail</i></div>
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<i>Me following the old bog bridges on Page Pond...no losing the sunglasses trying to find the trail this time.</i></div>
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<i>Not as bad as it looks</i></div>
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Past Page Pond came the worst section of mud yet. Geneva had to get lifted out by the handle on her pack and when Kim stuck her trekking pole in it to check the depth she got nearly to the handle without hitting bottom! Yikes! Past the quicksand-mud-bog-thing we were treated to yet another wonderful scramble up the slabby, rooty, slippery trail up Wocket Ledge. It wasn't really all that bad, but I was really ready to be done at this point and we still had over 3 miles to go. On, up and over...<br />
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<i>Takin' a break</i></div>
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<i>Ick... Quick - grab the handle before she sinks!</i></div>
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<i>When it wasn't muddy it was like this today</i></div>
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<i>Nat making her way up to Wocket Ledge</i></div>
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<i>The trail up Wocket Ledge</i></div>
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<i>I think I've had it by this point</i></div>
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The last few miles we really didn't take many pictures. We got surprised by a thunderstorm (which really didn't materialize), trekked over many more small PUDs, did our best to avoid the continual mud and dodged the incredible series of blowdowns that are still left from last year's storms. We made our way by Dream Lake (dreaming that it was actually Gentian Pond) and finally to Gentian Pond itself and our home for the night.<br />
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<i>Mr. Frog is very confused..he thinks he heard thunder</i></div>
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<i>But there's blue sky over there</i></div>
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<i>Nat, Jen and Geneva...heading toward Dream Lake. It started to thunder and lightening about here</i></div>
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<i>Still lots of damage from last year's storms</i></div>
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<i>Upper Gentian Pond - almost there!</i></div>
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We arrived at Gentian Pond to find the shelter quite full (we weren't planning on using it anyway) and several available tent platforms. It was already late and by the time we got the tents set up, water filtered and dinner cooked it was getting dark. There wasn't a single picture taken that night in camp - we were all too focused on other things - so I can't show how it looked. This really is a nice spot though, and would be worth returning to. After dinner nobody had enough energy left for anything and we all just turned in for the night. <br />
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I had already started to question whether I could hold out for three more days like this one. We've done plenty of prior hikes with equal or greater "stats", but none that were close to this hard for me. The combination of those stats along with the heat and not being able to eat enough had just done me in. My initial thoughts were that I should try to make it through the second day and hope for better results. The problem was that there were really no good bailout options at that point (at least not without having to call someone for a pickup out on Success Pond Rd). I figured I'd sleep on it and decide in the morning.<br />
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Shortly after getting into bed I got cramps in both legs. I've had this problem before, but never in both legs at the same time and never quite like these. I'm sure that dehydration and the other conditions of the day were a major factor. I'd drunk about 5 liters of water over the course of the day but I still probably wasn't enough. At that point I made up my mind - I really wanted to do the rest of the hike, but not like this.<br />
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When we woke up in the morning I told Nat that I had decided to bail. She felt really bad and said she'd go out with me, but I really wanted her to continue on (as long as she was up to it). She reluctantly agreed to keep going without me. We got up and started breakfast and a few minutes later Christine came over and told everyone that she and Geneva had also decided to bail. Christine badly broke her ankle last winter and although she had a great recovery and had been back to hiking, this trip was really being hard on it. The night before when we got to camp we had discovered that the doggie backpack that Geneva was wearing had gotten wet and had soaked the Primaloft blankets that she was carrying to sleep on and was really heavy. None of us knew this until we took the pack off. She was really tired from the extra weight and unlike her always-ready-to-go self she was not looking happy. <br />
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So it was settled. We shuffled the shared gear around so that Nat, Kim and Jen had the right stuff for the three of them to continue. Nat still had over 70% battery left in her phone and we figured that if she left it off and just turned it on to check in on summits and at campsites it could last the rest of the trip. It was really hard for me to leave, but I knew that it was the right choice and I was glad that the other three had agreed to continue. We said our goodbyes and headed out. <br />
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<b>The Day 2 Walk Out</b><br />
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Our hike out was down the Austin Brook Trail (3.5 miles) and then a 7.5 mile road walk on North Rd and Hogan Rd back to the cars. Another 10.5 mile hike on another hot day isn't the easiest bailing option, but it was much easier than what the other three had for their day ahead - another almost ll mile and 4500' gain day to Full Goose shelter. I didn't take a single picture on the way out and I'm really sorry now. The Austin Brook Trail is a really pretty route. After a relatively gentle climb down from Gentian Pond the trail wanders around beaver ponds, through wildflower meadows, along logging roads, across several brooks and finally along the edge of a very pretty brook all the way out to the road. One caution, there are several spots that aren't well marked and we did a bit of excess wandering. At one point we were following boundary marker blazes rather than the trail (which we discovered pretty quickly) and then made a couple of wrong turns (or missed turns) near the crossings at the bottom. Having the GPS helped and ultimately we were never too far off. We were back at North Rd at 10:30 and stashed our packs in the woods behind the parking area and took just some food and water for the walk to the car. Almost the entire road walk was shaded, which we were very thankful for. The 3 miles of North Rd passed quickly. We figured that this was about the half way point, but Hogan Rd is actually 4.5 miles more from here. We kept seeing landmarks that we thought were "the last hill before the parking area" or "the dam at the Hydro Station", but in each case were wrong. We finally got back to the cars at 2:00 which all in all wasn't so bad. We were really tired and sore, but agreed that it was much better that we would have felt going across another set of mountains. Happily Geneva seemed to be almost back to her old self as well. We drove back and picked up our packs and then headed to Mr Pizza in Gorham for some much needed libations and food. Christine and Geneva headed back home and I went and got a motel room for the next two nights. <br />
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I spent the next two days wandering around the Mt Washington valley enjoying the scenery and wishing I was with Nat, Kim and Jen. I still knew that I'd done the right thing. Nat continued to check in multiple times a day to let me know they were OK and even was able to post pictures each day. The battery in her phone miraculously lasted until after they were done on Sunday and I was really thankful to hear from her and know that they were OK. So enough about my journey - this was about a Mahoosuc Traverse and that's what the others did. I've only been able to experience it through their stories and Kim's pictures and that's the way the rest of it will be told here. The interspersed text is mine, the captions on the pictures are Kim's<br />
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<b>Day 2 - Gentian Pond to Full Goose</b><br />
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The views that we all awoke to at the start of this day were pretty sweet.<br />
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<i>View from Gentian Pond Shelter</i></div>
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<i>This was the way out for Christine, Geneva and Mark</i></div>
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<i>Gentian Pond</i></div>
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This was the day that I had most looked forward to in the trip. When we stood on Goose Eye last summer and looked at the Mahoosuc Trail running both north and south over the beautiful alpine terrain I wanted to do more of it. The section between Goose Eye and Carlo had been wonderful and the part to the north looked even better. Mt Success looked pretty nice too. Another day.<br />
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The day started with the hike up Success from Gentian Pond. Since Nat and Kim had done this last fall on "girls weekend" they already knew what to expect (or should have). I thought I remembered them saying that this was a tougher climb than the maps would indicate, but when I talked to them about it at the start of the trip they didn't remember it being too bad. Apparently my memory was better than theirs. It's 3.5 miles to the summit with quite a lot of elevation gain. Just getting to the top was the goal - no visit to the plane crash today.<br />
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<i>Very overgrown trail on one of the many pud's to Success.</i></div>
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<i>Spectacular clouds</i></div>
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<i>Nat on the trail up to Success</i></div>
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<i>It was much colder when we were here in November</i></div>
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<i>We see the summit ahead</i></div>
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<i>Our first Zeke sighting</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Success</i></div>
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<i>Jen on Success</i></div>
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From Success it's about another 2 miles to Mt Carlo. Shortly before the summit is the Carlo Col trail and the campsite we would have stayed at on our second night had we gone north to south. Looks like an interesting section.<br />
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<i>Nat maneuvering up the rock</i></div>
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<i>Looking back at Success</i></div>
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<i>Trail junction - .2 to go to Carlo Col trail</i></div>
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<i>Nat on the way to Carlo Col</i></div>
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<i>The first ladder of the trip</i></div>
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<i>The NH/ME state line</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading to Carlo</i></div>
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<i>Views near the summit of Carlo</i></div>
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<i>Nat making the tight squeeze on Carlo</i></div>
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<i>This cave was calling my name...I didn't answer this time though</i></div>
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<i>Nearing the Carlo summit. Goose Eye peeking over the top</i></div>
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<i>Jen and Mr. Toucan on Carlo</i></div>
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<i>Me on Carlo</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Carlo</i></div>
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I remember the section between Carlo and Goose Eye very well. A very nice 1.5 miles indeed! The scrambling and climb up the rungs and ladders must have been fun - I even enjoyed it last time. Not so sure about that tricky section of ledge between the ladder and the rungs with a full pack though...<br />
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<i>Nat and Jen on the bog bridges of Carlo</i></div>
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<i>Nat with Goose Eye in the background</i></div>
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<i>Nat approaching Goose Eye</i></div>
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<i>There's Jen...waiting for us again</i></div>
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<i>Nat climbing the first of many ledges on Goose Eye</i></div>
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<i>Jen taking the direct route</i></div>
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<i>We'll soon be climbing that ladder</i></div>
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<i>Jen and Nat...</i></div>
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<i>Iron rungs...these are an added challenge with a full pack. Still lots of fun though.</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen...starting the rungs</i></div>
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<i>Mr. Toucan learns to climb</i></div>
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<i>Hold on Mr. Toucan</i></div>
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<i>Nat making her way across the tricky section to the ladder</i></div>
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<i>(Yup, this is the section I meant [Mark])</i></div>
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<i>Nat climbing the ladder</i></div>
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<i>Mr. Frog...doesn't understand why I made him climb the ladder</i></div>
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<i>Jen at the bottom of the ladder</i></div>
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<i>We'll be heading over that subpeak of Goose Eye (East Peak) and across the plateau</i></div>
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<i>Close up of the firetower on Old Speck. That's two days away</i></div>
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<i>The route we'll be travelling the next couple days</i></div>
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<i>Jen, me and Nat on Goose Eye</i></div>
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Nat had check in with me from Goose Eye and it was already getting late in the day. Earlier they had considered a shorter day but decided to push on to Full Goose. It would certainly seem to be worthwhile to get a short day the next day for Mahoosuc Notch and Arm. That last 2.6 miles to Full Goose had to have seemed to go on forever. There were storms that looked like they might be moving in as well (but fortunately never materialized). There was some rain, but that's all.<br />
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<i>Wine Jug...who carries one of those this deep into the woods???</i></div>
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<i>Views of Goose Eye</i></div>
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<i>Nat approaching Goose Eye North Peak</i></div>
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<i>We'll be going to the other side of the big PUD before we reach Full Goose Campsite</i></div>
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<i>Jen and Nat making their way down the subpeak</i></div>
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<i>Very interesting trailwork</i></div>
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<i>These were on an angle so the tread helped</i></div>
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<i>Stairs too</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCTrlN8P6Fg/UePhvl4YHpI/AAAAAAAAsec/HmSxJriIGhQ/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327148-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCTrlN8P6Fg/UePhvl4YHpI/AAAAAAAAsec/HmSxJriIGhQ/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327148-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful ladders</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nslTsDWEiZg/UePhwdDslBI/AAAAAAAAsek/XSMh_63vpew/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327169-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nslTsDWEiZg/UePhwdDslBI/AAAAAAAAsek/XSMh_63vpew/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327169-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Great views on this section of trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv_t96BZTdQ/UePhw9XIagI/AAAAAAAAses/P_poaCcrgE4/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327160-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv_t96BZTdQ/UePhw9XIagI/AAAAAAAAses/P_poaCcrgE4/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327160-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Very dramatic clouds</i></div>
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<i>Something is rolling in...it looks like it's raining</i></div>
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<i>Goose Eye and North Peak</i></div>
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<i>Nat...prior to the rain</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KNoJAHmFrk/UePhy5lrMNI/AAAAAAAAsfI/H7U0kP9OATM/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327502-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KNoJAHmFrk/UePhy5lrMNI/AAAAAAAAsfI/H7U0kP9OATM/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327502-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>We had to get a shot of these iron rungs. Both of us commented on how much Mark would have hated this section</i></div>
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<i>Nat downclimbing the iron rungs with a full pack in the rain. Fun!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nus6BBiK-yw/UePh0JH0rnI/AAAAAAAAsfc/kZhdI2sMZyU/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327547-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nus6BBiK-yw/UePh0JH0rnI/AAAAAAAAsfc/kZhdI2sMZyU/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327547-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking up at the iron rungs</i></div>
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When they got in to Full Goose it was already late and basically time to set up camp, eat and go to sleep again. Too bad not to get more time to enjoy the evenings. Such are the joys of very long days on the trail.<br />
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<i>A slug made it's way onto Nat's bag</i></div>
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<i>Jen's setup with Christine's tent</i></div>
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<i>Full Goose Campsite - We had a very steep hill outside the front door. Behind us was blowdown</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xomk7cN4pRY/UePh28BKCAI/AAAAAAAAsf4/5-COcOIjdUg/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327748-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xomk7cN4pRY/UePh28BKCAI/AAAAAAAAsf4/5-COcOIjdUg/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633327748-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking at the tent from the back</i></div>
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<i>This was my sock, insole and gaiter drier</i></div>
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<i>The privy and the continuation of the Mahoosuc Trail</i></div>
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<i>Full Goose shelter</i></div>
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<b>Day 3 - Full Goose to Speck Pond</b><br />
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Nat texted me again in the morning. They were once again suffering the results of the long hot days and were now exchanging times with stomach woes. They wound up staying at camp late to rest and recover and didn't leave until 10:30. Today was the day they came for though - Mahoosuc Notch. It was also the one that had me most nervous. After seeing their pictures I think I'd be happy to go back and try it, but preferably with a day pack. First up, the 1.5 miles across Fulling Mill Mtn and down to the notch.<br />
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<i>Nat heading up Fulling Mill Mtn</i></div>
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<i>The trail on Fulling Mill Mtn</i></div>
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<i>Looks like it could rain again</i></div>
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<i>Views in every direction</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen making their way down the slippery ladder</i></div>
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And now the fun begins...<br />
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<i>Jen - at the Mahoosuc Notch sign. The playground we had waited for</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I prior to heading into Mahoosuc Notch</i><br />
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<i>Nat nearing the notch</i></div>
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<i>Ice chunks...natural air conditioning</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFh7hJKCHw/UePh-XNYbqI/AAAAAAAAshk/EkxN8t4Q_Yk/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328558-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFh7hJKCHw/UePh-XNYbqI/AAAAAAAAshk/EkxN8t4Q_Yk/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328558-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The start of the notch</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGAS94uXcBo/UePh_EOknCI/AAAAAAAAshs/ar_QiKIhEAQ/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328668-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGAS94uXcBo/UePh_EOknCI/AAAAAAAAshs/ar_QiKIhEAQ/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328668-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCqN8ya_qQ/UePh_ixzy6I/AAAAAAAAsh0/mrV9BKy2c0I/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328714-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TCqN8ya_qQ/UePh_ixzy6I/AAAAAAAAsh0/mrV9BKy2c0I/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328714-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Up, down, over and under</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oArwimipRNg/UePiAZlS9FI/AAAAAAAAsh8/9axKjIYyG9E/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328771-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oArwimipRNg/UePiAZlS9FI/AAAAAAAAsh8/9axKjIYyG9E/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328771-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen scoping out the route</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKu_FtS2y8/UePiA8wjt_I/AAAAAAAAsiE/Z9tQpASG_DQ/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328817-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKu_FtS2y8/UePiA8wjt_I/AAAAAAAAsiE/Z9tQpASG_DQ/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328817-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>What does that X mean???</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnH46sNnh7M/UePiBpmBx4I/AAAAAAAAsiM/AiAr9ZTmsD8/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328933-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnH46sNnh7M/UePiBpmBx4I/AAAAAAAAsiM/AiAr9ZTmsD8/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328933-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat working her way through the notch</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWM1xRH_Yqw/UePiCELhS-I/AAAAAAAAsiU/Gbqju6mcmUw/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328982-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWM1xRH_Yqw/UePiCELhS-I/AAAAAAAAsiU/Gbqju6mcmUw/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633328982-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen and Nat on an easy section of the notch</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbCw_Lqclbo/UePiCuchXhI/AAAAAAAAsic/1w_fDYzj4Ko/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329016-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbCw_Lqclbo/UePiCuchXhI/AAAAAAAAsic/1w_fDYzj4Ko/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329016-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>I wonder what that down arrow means...hopefully a cave :)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5SM40G-ML8/UePiDImbpcI/AAAAAAAAsik/KpfGfOsOMPI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329071-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5SM40G-ML8/UePiDImbpcI/AAAAAAAAsik/KpfGfOsOMPI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329071-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat figuring out the puzzle that is the notch.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81KLXhJSrYo/UePiDwaFZbI/AAAAAAAAsis/67eMyvBRkiU/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329214-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81KLXhJSrYo/UePiDwaFZbI/AAAAAAAAsis/67eMyvBRkiU/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329214-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Every move takes thought</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdLILw1PJ2U/UePiELbqN5I/AAAAAAAAsiw/SF_weGfuaRI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329143-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdLILw1PJ2U/UePiELbqN5I/AAAAAAAAsiw/SF_weGfuaRI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329143-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Ooohhh...a cave</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwz2njEPa3Y/UePiEqp3eiI/AAAAAAAAsi4/Seabhq1JhT4/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329199-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwz2njEPa3Y/UePiEqp3eiI/AAAAAAAAsi4/Seabhq1JhT4/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329199-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat squeezing though the hole</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jItVNRkxqWM/UePiFbmaaCI/AAAAAAAAsjA/5nhH6rsm0uM/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329307-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jItVNRkxqWM/UePiFbmaaCI/AAAAAAAAsjA/5nhH6rsm0uM/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329307-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen and her full pack squeezing through the hole</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBu53N3LnTA/UePiF5Gbj-I/AAAAAAAAsjI/gbrhiEQ5PaI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329349-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBu53N3LnTA/UePiF5Gbj-I/AAAAAAAAsjI/gbrhiEQ5PaI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329349-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>stuck...on the sleeping bag</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ0spkcGVPw/UePiGghOzoI/AAAAAAAAsjQ/V0feYyS2KZw/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329323-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ0spkcGVPw/UePiGghOzoI/AAAAAAAAsjQ/V0feYyS2KZw/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329323-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mist over the ice</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSDLtp8ImKU/UePiHMlpbLI/AAAAAAAAsjY/mWg8dM-vQiw/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329457-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSDLtp8ImKU/UePiHMlpbLI/AAAAAAAAsjY/mWg8dM-vQiw/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329457-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>You can see the steam coming up from the ice holes</i></div>
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<i>(Is this a Johnny Dangerously reference [Mark])</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92m2TOvDZEg/UePiH5iqMqI/AAAAAAAAsjo/cA_jkmuwS4U/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329470-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92m2TOvDZEg/UePiH5iqMqI/AAAAAAAAsjo/cA_jkmuwS4U/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329470-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen scoping out the route</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bq04SqsqcM/UePiIqrEkLI/AAAAAAAAsjk/Cw1b4jBNJso/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329510-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bq04SqsqcM/UePiIqrEkLI/AAAAAAAAsjk/Cw1b4jBNJso/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329510-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another tricky section</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKXKpWeQ_Eo/UePiJZ-7CdI/AAAAAAAAsj0/ee8DIa0BhG4/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329640-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKXKpWeQ_Eo/UePiJZ-7CdI/AAAAAAAAsj0/ee8DIa0BhG4/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329640-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen in the notch</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ME8PcJFW5So/UePiKcxoqoI/AAAAAAAAsj8/LhDohE1abxI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329648-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ME8PcJFW5So/UePiKcxoqoI/AAAAAAAAsj8/LhDohE1abxI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329648-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat climbing over the rock</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyYOx0zprro/UePiKxykNSI/AAAAAAAAskA/XQy5R3kdDYI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329602-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyYOx0zprro/UePiKxykNSI/AAAAAAAAskA/XQy5R3kdDYI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329602-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat in one of the caves</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Wm84NGFzU/UePiLrCK55I/AAAAAAAAskQ/LvQz2FscAZg/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329733-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Wm84NGFzU/UePiLrCK55I/AAAAAAAAskQ/LvQz2FscAZg/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329733-O.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat coming out of the cave (an apparently having fun!)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh3UAEMAwD0/UePiMUQqCpI/AAAAAAAAskc/cRUEbxv2TMs/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329804-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh3UAEMAwD0/UePiMUQqCpI/AAAAAAAAskc/cRUEbxv2TMs/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329804-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen climbing down into a hole</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zVG-bgKOsg/UePiM-DUsHI/AAAAAAAAskY/8dBj3M5AMA4/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329743-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zVG-bgKOsg/UePiM-DUsHI/AAAAAAAAskY/8dBj3M5AMA4/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329743-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen in a misty hole</i></div>
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<i>(Better than a fargin' ice hole [Mark])</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQoRH38EScI/UePiNCzi0EI/AAAAAAAAskk/P63a49NQ-iI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329854-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQoRH38EScI/UePiNCzi0EI/AAAAAAAAskk/P63a49NQ-iI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633329854-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat in a another cave</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbi82u0RPCs/UePiNp8q2EI/AAAAAAAAsks/7jazxglTH0I/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633330013-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbi82u0RPCs/UePiNp8q2EI/AAAAAAAAsks/7jazxglTH0I/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633330013-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat downclimbing a steep section</i></div>
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<i>This way...</i></div>
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<i>Nat opting for a different route...Jen waiting on the other side</i></div>
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<i>Jen coaching Nat</i></div>
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<i>Jen...about to cross the root</i></div>
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<i>Careful where you step</i></div>
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<i>Jen on the root...also the route</i></div>
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<i>Views from the cave</i></div>
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<i>Nat at the cave entrance</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I in the cave</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I in the cave</i></div>
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<i>Jen in the last tricky section of the notch</i></div>
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<i>Nat climbing out of the last tricky section</i></div>
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<i>Jen</i></div>
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<i>Nat</i></div>
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<i>Hands and knees for this part.</i></div>
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After finally getting through the Notch (which had taken almost 2-1/2 hours) they took a long break and dealt with some minor logistic issues. After that long ordeal what's your reward? Why a climb up the very steep ledges of Mahoosuc Arm of course! This was the section of trail that we'd been warned about that had caused us to reverse our route. Based on the pictures and what Nat and Kim told me about the trail, MEB was definitely right. I don't think I'd have enjoyed this much even going up and certainly wouldn't have wanted to go down. Kim said that it wasn't really that bad since you could "tree hug" all the way up. What a great endorsement! The very few pictures taken in this stretch tell me that concentration was definitely elsewhere...<br />
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<i>Climbing the pile of boulders on Mahoosuc Arm</i></div>
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<i>The start of Mahoosuc Arm</i></div>
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<i>Mahoosuc Arm</i></div>
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<i>Nat leaving Mahoosuc Arm</i></div>
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From the top of Mahoosuc Arm to Speck pond is a pretty flat and then down 1 mile. There are no pictures from here - I suspect that the only thing on anyone's mind was getting to camp. They got in late again and once again didn't have much chance to enjoy the evening. Looks like Speck Pond would be a really nice spot to hang out. Perhaps a future trip...<br />
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<i>Speck Pond...we didn't get much time to enjoy it since we had to set up camp, filter water, cook and clean up</i></div>
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<i>Tent platform #5 at Speck Pond</i></div>
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<b>Day 4 - Speck Pond to Grafton Notch</b><br />
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It was another late morning start for the final day. It was just a 5 mile hike over to Old Speck and then down to the notch, but it had clearly been three pretty grueling days already and nothing is really easy at this point. Nat texted me again from the campsite and told me when they figured they'd be back down. I had the day to kill and drove down through Pinkham Notch and had lunch in North Conway before heading back up to pick them up. In the meantime, they headed out for Old Speck.<br />
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<i>Nat and Jen looking at our next destination</i></div>
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<i>Success Pond in the background</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Jen making their way up Old Speck</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OcQRMQelSw/UePieYBOUQI/AAAAAAAAsn8/xxgLwzZGejU/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331667-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OcQRMQelSw/UePieYBOUQI/AAAAAAAAsn8/xxgLwzZGejU/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331667-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat at the spur trail to Old Speck. It's a fairly flat .3 miles</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Bq9zBqEFA/UePie61L3zI/AAAAAAAAsoE/7pMIZitI7yI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331661-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-Bq9zBqEFA/UePie61L3zI/AAAAAAAAsoE/7pMIZitI7yI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331661-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Summit of Old Speck. This was my 4th time and also the 4th season.</i></div>
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Since the day that Nat and I began our hiking journey of the 4000 footers almost six years ago there hasn't been a single peak that we haven't stood on for the first time together. She never turned back, even after splitting her head open a mile before the summit on Carrigain on our NH48 finish. This was probably the hardest part of bailing on this hike for me - I knew that I wouldn't be there with her on this peak. It really doesn't matter - for the record. We'll go back and do it again together (which I have to if we're going to finish the NE67 together). It was just symbolic for me somehow. I even had a choice here - I could have hiked back up on Saturday night and met them at Speck Pond or on Sunday morning and just done it as a day hike to meet them on Old Speck. But I didn't - and I'm sorry<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nw7LsvaOZ-E/UePifTHKGKI/AAAAAAAAsoM/n7JSm6fg-FI/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331745-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nw7LsvaOZ-E/UePifTHKGKI/AAAAAAAAsoM/n7JSm6fg-FI/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331745-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Nat on Old Speck #61/67. </i></div>
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<i>(Sorry Honey, I should have been in this one with you) </i> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cUkUOLqd00/UePif5pdk9I/AAAAAAAAsoU/SpbZCX1pozc/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331828-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cUkUOLqd00/UePif5pdk9I/AAAAAAAAsoU/SpbZCX1pozc/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331828-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Nat climbing the firetower</i> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXi4L2OVJvA/UePigb_7kyI/AAAAAAAAsoc/R7wi-WB39mk/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331852-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXi4L2OVJvA/UePigb_7kyI/AAAAAAAAsoc/R7wi-WB39mk/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331852-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Baldpates in the distance</i></div>
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<i>(Hopefully Nat and I will be hiking those this weekend) </i> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBEV16lO9fk/UePihF9fe-I/AAAAAAAAsok/n-OnIa4yB_o/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331883-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBEV16lO9fk/UePihF9fe-I/AAAAAAAAsok/n-OnIa4yB_o/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331883-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Nat, me and Jen with Mr. Monkey, Mr. Toucan and Mr. Frog on Old Speck</i> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc5yYl31Oq4/UePihkrfzyI/AAAAAAAAsos/NXv8yxd-DzM/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331989-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc5yYl31Oq4/UePihkrfzyI/AAAAAAAAsos/NXv8yxd-DzM/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633331989-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Nat and I on Old Speck</i> </div>
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Nobody told me anything about the hike down (except that they had decided to skip the Eyebrow - which Kim has always wanted to do). No worries, we'll go back this fall and get the Eyebrow (on the way up though) and I'll get my day on Old Speck. I do know that it took a long time getting down. No surprise after the 25+ miles that preceded it. I waited for them at the Sunday River Brewery, but nobody was interested in stopping - the only thing on everyone's mind was getting home, taking a long hot shower and sleeping for many hours in something that didn't have to be set up on a wooden platform.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rFd5R9a31I/UePiiTD82sI/AAAAAAAAsow/JsTdLIpHCz0/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332063-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rFd5R9a31I/UePiiTD82sI/AAAAAAAAsow/JsTdLIpHCz0/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332063-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Heading down the ledges on Old Speck</i></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeZM69KzVSo/UePii7DFL_I/AAAAAAAAso4/Gi5R2Gxx4-c/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332180-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeZM69KzVSo/UePii7DFL_I/AAAAAAAAso4/Gi5R2Gxx4-c/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332180-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a> <i>Nat at the Old Speck trailhead after completing the 4 day Mahoosuc backpack</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFDFTinJLeI/UePijtUnC0I/AAAAAAAAspA/xt89foJthyw/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332218-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFDFTinJLeI/UePijtUnC0I/AAAAAAAAspA/xt89foJthyw/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332218-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>The three survivors!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QisBaQQaoh8/UePikeyBWuI/AAAAAAAAspI/hLSaEpRoHyE/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332312-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QisBaQQaoh8/UePikeyBWuI/AAAAAAAAspI/hLSaEpRoHyE/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332312-O.jpg" width="640" /> </a><i>Nat and I at the finish line</i></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24kTLFrbPuc/UePilLIOXeI/AAAAAAAAspM/C_MbzNyhPxo/s1600/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332405-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24kTLFrbPuc/UePilLIOXeI/AAAAAAAAspM/C_MbzNyhPxo/s640/Mahoosucs%252BBackpack%252B7-4-13%252Bto%252B7-2633332405-O.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>One day...I will do the Eyebrow</i></div>
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I learned many lessons over these few days. There are things that I did that I know were the right decision and that I'll always remember. There are also regrets. What I know most of all is how glad I am that Nat, Kim and Jen decided to go on and finish what we all started and how proud I am of Nat. This woman shows me every day how incredibly strong she is and how able she is to do anything she puts her mind to. I'm so incredibly lucky to have her to share my life with. Love you Honey!<br />
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Here's the interactive route: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=qrxpgyykdvafoohv" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=qrxpgyykdvafoohv</a><br />
Note that this is not GPS recorded but traced on the trails on the USGS map. The distance shown is also inexplicably off by 7 miles (24 vs. 31 actual)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zpZkxel27k/UeXo8ycjAcI/AAAAAAAAssc/Pq2eh1p_fWM/s1600/Map+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zpZkxel27k/UeXo8ycjAcI/AAAAAAAAssc/Pq2eh1p_fWM/s640/Map+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Complete Route</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70T_y-ifIjY/UeXloYnzDWI/AAAAAAAAsrk/qLrrXPzw-vU/s1600/Map+1a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70T_y-ifIjY/UeXloYnzDWI/AAAAAAAAsrk/qLrrXPzw-vU/s640/Map+1a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Day 1 Part 1</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plxekaRRUMM/UeXlovoPE4I/AAAAAAAAsro/3m9sr-DVULQ/s1600/Map+1b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plxekaRRUMM/UeXlovoPE4I/AAAAAAAAsro/3m9sr-DVULQ/s640/Map+1b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Day 1 Part 2</i></div>
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<i>Day 2 Part 1</i></div>
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<i>Day 2 Part 2</i></div>
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<i>Day 3</i></div>
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<i>Day 4</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjMvSnaVqtg/UeXlqtbo7rI/AAAAAAAAsrY/hXh1B1Jxmik/s1600/Profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjMvSnaVqtg/UeXlqtbo7rI/AAAAAAAAsrY/hXh1B1Jxmik/s640/Profile.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com7Mahoosuc Range, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA44.5 -7118.9779655 -112.308594 70.0220345 -29.691406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-60455263548982598452013-06-22T11:30:00.000-04:002013-06-25T07:54:20.411-04:00Stairs Above the CloudsOriginally I had hoped for the title of this post to be "Stairs to the Stars", but alas, the mountain weather gods have their own agenda. No matter...<br />
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Since we first heard Kim talking about camping out on the top of Stairs Mountain I was fascinated. It sounded like such an amazing spot. When I read Dan's account of he, Janelle and Meena camping on Stairs (in the new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Buffalo-Tough-Cookie/dp/1931271305/" target="_blank">The Adventures of Buffalo and Tough Cookie</a>, which you <u>must</u> read) I really knew that we needed to do it. There are a bunch of ways to do this hike including various combinations of Crawford, Stairs, Resolution and Parker. The loop of all four with a car spot would make a perfect two day backpack (or even a longish day hike) as Buffalo and Tough Cookie proved. Did I mention you need to read the book? You can also visit their website - <a href="http://52withaview.com/">http://52withaview.com</a> - for more info on the book and their blog on their ongoing journey. The 52 With A View has become our next list of choice (along with finishing the NE67), in no small part due to Dan and Janelle's inspiration. But for now, on to this hike...<br />
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When our daughter Jamie came home from college this spring she casually mentioned to us that she'd like to backpack with us this summer. Since she hadn't hiked with us in almost 4 years (the last times being <a href="http://theramblingsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/seek-peek-09-72509.html" target="_blank">Seek the Peak</a> and our <a href="http://theramblingsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/bondcliff-3-day-backpack-or-pemi-loop.html" target="_blank">backpack to Bondcliff</a> in 2009) we knew we couldn't pass this up! A night on Stairs seemed like the perfect plan. Kim and Jen were joining us, so we had the car spot option, but in the end we decided between the timing and weather forecast that Crawford and Stairs would be just fine.<br />
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We planned an extravagantly late 11am start giving us all time for the 3-4 hour commute from RI and VT without having to leave before the sun was up. We once again got snafu'd by unexpected traffic jams in RI (who would have figured that they'd have 3 exits worth of Rt 95 closed in Pawtucket on a Saturday morning), but the rest of the trip was smooth sailing and we met Jen just a few minutes late. The forecast was for showers and thunderstorms, but not till later in the day. We hoped to be to the summit and have camp set up in plenty of time.<br />
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<i>Low water in the Saco River</i></div>
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<i>Parade on the bridge</i></div>
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<i>Our first journey on the Davis Path</i></div>
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The first few tenths of Davis path are pretty flat. Then the grade starts and steepens and basically doesn't let up until you get to Crawford. Rocks, roots and MANY stone steps are the standard.<br />
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<i>Our first journey on the Davis Path</i></div>
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<i>First views of Crawford Notch from the ledges on Crawford</i></div>
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When we got to the first set of ledges we stopped for a break. The black flies were getting thick (but nothing compared to Maine last week). We all were prepared with our oh-so-stylish head nets.<br />
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<i>Jen tries her bug defense</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim head up the ledges</i></div>
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<i>Kim sporting some stylish headwear</i></div>
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The rest of the way to the top of Crawford is basically all ledge walking from here - pretty steep from the Crawford spur to the top. We ditched our packs in the woods at the junction to make the going easier. We got our first look at our final destination from the ledges along the spur.<br />
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<i>Almost to the spur</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful panoramas even in the clouds</i></div>
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<i>First look at our final destination - Giant Stairs</i></div>
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<i>Zoom to Stairs. Arrow shows our home for the night</i></div>
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The views from the top of Crawford were BEAUTIFUL! The clouds and haze couldn't do anything to spoil them (but I can't wait to visit here again on a clear fall or winter day).<br />
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<i>Jen on Crawford</i></div>
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<i>Taking in the views</i></div>
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<i>Labrador Tea</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Jamie daydreaming</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AJetIHH0pY/UcjKG-_CllI/AAAAAAAAsIM/5uL-ebp7Apo/s1600/P6220564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AJetIHH0pY/UcjKG-_CllI/AAAAAAAAsIM/5uL-ebp7Apo/s640/P6220564.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><i>Elderberry?</i></div>
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We headed down from Crawford and up the Davis Path toward Resolution and Stairs. The section between Crawford and Stairs Col is very flat and and very nice walking. We debated where we wanted to try for a water fill-up for the night since there is nothing near the top of Stairs. There was debate over whether there was a stream crossing the path near Stairs Col, or whether we should use the water source near the old Resolution Shelter (which has now been torn down). Nobody really wanted to go down to the shelter site as it was described as "like going down to Guyot". Jen and I got to the junction first and I decided to go down the spur toward the shelter site to check it out. I went what seemed like a long way down and saw some timbers and lumber that looked like they could have been part of the shelter. There was no sign of a water source so I kept going and then lost the trail. Figuring it must have grown in I headed back up (a pretty steep little climb). By this time Kim, Nat and Jamie had arrived. Kim was pretty sure that there was no water further up the trail and decided to go down to see if I'd missed something. She reappeared after a while saying that she'd found the water source. We gathered all of our containers and filters and headed back down. It turned out that the spot where I'd seen the timbers and shelter remains was in fact the old shelter site and the water source was about 20 yards down from the side of it (not the direction I went). We filled all our containers with the icy water and Kim and I got to take our second trip back up the hill. Live and learn...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFpDdf4Iphg/UcjKHagr-fI/AAAAAAAAsIY/0MFNIERvS8s/s1600/P6220566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFpDdf4Iphg/UcjKHagr-fI/AAAAAAAAsIY/0MFNIERvS8s/s640/P6220566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading down - fully netted</i></div>
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<i>Jen was prepared for the rain showers too</i></div>
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<i>Site of the old Resolution Shelter. Not much left (water source is down to the right)</i></div>
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<i>Typical Davis Path between Crawford and Stairs Col</i></div>
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I had been warned that the climb up to Stairs from the col was very steep. The section to the Stairs spur junction is in fact quite steep and there are a few ledge scrambles, but it was easier than any of us expected. From the spur out to the tent sites and the summit ledges is a nice flat walk in the woods to an amazing reward!<br />
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<i>Tent site sign at the Stairs junction</i></div>
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<i>Yup, this is it</i></div>
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<i>First views from Giant Stairs summit ledge. What a place to spend the night!</i></div>
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We would love to have just sat the and enjoyed the views for the rest of the evening, but we really wanted to beat the rain and get our tents set up. We'd had a quick passing shower while we stopped for our water refill, but it was still dry up here so we'd caught a break. The tentsites are amazing - two right at the end of the trail almost on the ledges and one a bit further back (just 50' or so). There was even room for Kim to set up her tiny one-person tent with the door almost on the ledge. What a view to wake up to!<br />
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<i>Kim taking it all in</i></div>
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<i>Fly over</i></div>
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<i>Clouds boiling up from the col</i></div>
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<i>Stairs benchmark</i></div>
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<i>Kim's campsite has quite the view!</i></div>
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<i>Ours is a little further back...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPq3LQEOf7g/UcjKO9-9bxI/AAAAAAAAsJ8/E8Whuj3Z4-w/s1600/P6220585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPq3LQEOf7g/UcjKO9-9bxI/AAAAAAAAsJ8/E8Whuj3Z4-w/s640/P6220585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>...but still not a bad spot to be!</i></div>
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<i>Jen tucking into the end site</i></div>
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It didn't take us long to get settled and we headed out to the ledges for a libation and to enjoy the views. Everyone had collected firewood (lots to be had up here) and Jamie made a fire. A light rain started falling soon and we got dinner ready and ate before it got any harder. It was nice sitting out there even in the damp, enjoying the fire and watching the clouds flow up from the valleys.<br />
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<i>Jamie capturing the view...</i></div>
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<i>and enjoying being up here!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYa_8ozk4LM/UcjKRema2fI/AAAAAAAAsKg/XwbQLtkBnKU/s1600/P6220589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYa_8ozk4LM/UcjKRema2fI/AAAAAAAAsKg/XwbQLtkBnKU/s640/P6220589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jen came fully prepared!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZB1NsTiVAI/UcjKRxFBAnI/AAAAAAAAsKo/eilthd5tgNU/s1600/P6220590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZB1NsTiVAI/UcjKRxFBAnI/AAAAAAAAsKo/eilthd5tgNU/s640/P6220590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hanging out before the rain</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbqswJ4XXGc/UcjKSj09EmI/AAAAAAAAsKw/zHI_FA77-IA/s1600/P6220591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbqswJ4XXGc/UcjKSj09EmI/AAAAAAAAsKw/zHI_FA77-IA/s640/P6220591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jamie made one excellent fire!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSukJrCSxjM/UcjKTeGRlwI/AAAAAAAAsK4/29r4nyePbvg/s1600/P6220592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSukJrCSxjM/UcjKTeGRlwI/AAAAAAAAsK4/29r4nyePbvg/s640/P6220592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kim cooking dinner</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWIstyf-kHs/UcjKT3LsEDI/AAAAAAAAsLA/Ji71J_NXhYw/s1600/P6220593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWIstyf-kHs/UcjKT3LsEDI/AAAAAAAAsLA/Ji71J_NXhYw/s640/P6220593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat in the clouds</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0iQXXA6TBw/UcjKUb0IL0I/AAAAAAAAsLI/w_EHLOjEmgM/s1600/P6220594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0iQXXA6TBw/UcjKUb0IL0I/AAAAAAAAsLI/w_EHLOjEmgM/s640/P6220594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Ah, guess she was hiding this :)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGFfSR-K5Bg/UcjKU7s29wI/AAAAAAAAsLQ/t6yUgYaOJsQ/s1600/P6220595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGFfSR-K5Bg/UcjKU7s29wI/AAAAAAAAsLQ/t6yUgYaOJsQ/s640/P6220595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Keeping the fire going in the rain takes some work</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-GeODas9D0/UcjKVnexB6I/AAAAAAAAsLY/UuXIEB8wKr0/s1600/P6220596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-GeODas9D0/UcjKVnexB6I/AAAAAAAAsLY/UuXIEB8wKr0/s640/P6220596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Long way down!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbUxhb4BHPY/UcjKWKNSJhI/AAAAAAAAsLg/WISADS_4HIg/s1600/P6220597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbUxhb4BHPY/UcjKWKNSJhI/AAAAAAAAsLg/WISADS_4HIg/s640/P6220597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Clouds surrounding Mt Resolution</i></div>
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The rain was starting to pick up, but thanks to Kim's great thinking (and a bit of extra pack weight) and Jamie's most excellent fire we had an after dinner treat before getting chased back to our tents.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aj1w5s_cc3M/UcjKWgOH1TI/AAAAAAAAsLo/u-RQV8QRWTw/s1600/P6220600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aj1w5s_cc3M/UcjKWgOH1TI/AAAAAAAAsLo/u-RQV8QRWTw/s640/P6220600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The fire is just about perfect...</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xGkQupYnyQ/UcjKXKXKSjI/AAAAAAAAsLw/dFBsGLi8l9g/s1600/P6220601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xGkQupYnyQ/UcjKXKXKSjI/AAAAAAAAsLw/dFBsGLi8l9g/s640/P6220601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>...it must be time for...</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1UaS-vUOb0/UcjKXlw5_QI/AAAAAAAAsL8/NA9FKWtf_vM/s1600/P6220602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1UaS-vUOb0/UcjKXlw5_QI/AAAAAAAAsL8/NA9FKWtf_vM/s640/P6220602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>...s'mores! Thanks for bringing the fixin's Kim!</i></div>
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We were all starting to get soggy and cold. The forecast said that the rain should pass by around 9pm and we were hoping that meant some clear skies for star gazing or a close up of the much hyped "super moon", so we decided to take shelter in our tents for a while and come back out later. It was only 7:30 and definitely too early to turn in for the night. I took a "nap" and woke back up around 9:30 to hear the rain still falling on the tent. I got out to check the skies and there was still no sign of clearing. Looked like no moon or stars for us tonight. During the middle of the night the rain stopped. I briefly thought about going back out to check the sky, but it was just too comfortable in the sleeping bag. Around 5am the rain started again, so no sunrise from the summit either. By around 7 it had stopped again and we all emerged to have breakfast and get packed up. There was a beautiful undercast in the valleys and the lack of sunrise definitely didn't do anything to spoil the morning views. There is nothing in the world better then waking up above the clouds.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6PPz9GsbDc/UcjKYDwAJ9I/AAAAAAAAsMA/VaWsdZKiKmM/s1600/P6230603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6PPz9GsbDc/UcjKYDwAJ9I/AAAAAAAAsMA/VaWsdZKiKmM/s640/P6230603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Morning undercast</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTRWPgAg97I/UcjKYqEZOHI/AAAAAAAAsME/HrjxwqCsQPI/s1600/P6230605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTRWPgAg97I/UcjKYqEZOHI/AAAAAAAAsME/HrjxwqCsQPI/s640/P6230605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Fog in the valleys</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puxOc82RN4o/UcjKZFqq20I/AAAAAAAAsMU/haAmNG7g6Ss/s1600/P6230607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-puxOc82RN4o/UcjKZFqq20I/AAAAAAAAsMU/haAmNG7g6Ss/s640/P6230607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kim getting breakfast ready.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2Z98amfXS0/UcjKZqtvKZI/AAAAAAAAsMc/Z7eFes4-KIo/s1600/P6230608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2Z98amfXS0/UcjKZqtvKZI/AAAAAAAAsMc/Z7eFes4-KIo/s640/P6230608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Fog and clouds rolling up</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOAcApgucEs/UcjKaIzOBiI/AAAAAAAAsMg/WkAyRMuh1WM/s1600/P6230610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOAcApgucEs/UcjKaIzOBiI/AAAAAAAAsMg/WkAyRMuh1WM/s640/P6230610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A little brightening to the south</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxnBg8c7Xhw/UcjKajdNqTI/AAAAAAAAsMo/LMdznLNMaXM/s1600/P6230611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxnBg8c7Xhw/UcjKajdNqTI/AAAAAAAAsMo/LMdznLNMaXM/s640/P6230611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>In the clouds</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b20mwuPoqk/UcjKazQT_FI/AAAAAAAAsMs/62ondNLa2nM/s1600/P6230612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b20mwuPoqk/UcjKazQT_FI/AAAAAAAAsMs/62ondNLa2nM/s640/P6230612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>What better place to have your morning coffee? (or cafe mocha as the case may be)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAYyw_8X_Yo/UcjKbXmvd6I/AAAAAAAAsM0/LvLTiL6pmoE/s1600/P6230613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAYyw_8X_Yo/UcjKbXmvd6I/AAAAAAAAsM0/LvLTiL6pmoE/s640/P6230613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Is that a tent fly or a sail?</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNbFJ74fhAQ/UcjKb-wEUwI/AAAAAAAAsNE/EWlNgxl2GT8/s1600/P6230615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNbFJ74fhAQ/UcjKb-wEUwI/AAAAAAAAsNE/EWlNgxl2GT8/s640/P6230615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>That's one light & small tent (or the perfect emergency signaling device) :)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIyPU_MqqFU/UcjKcY5vr3I/AAAAAAAAsNI/fxQ8VucULoQ/s1600/P6230616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIyPU_MqqFU/UcjKcY5vr3I/AAAAAAAAsNI/fxQ8VucULoQ/s640/P6230616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>How'd he get up here?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JS9HAtn2cE/UcjKc80K4oI/AAAAAAAAsNM/awCrrr6MT_Q/s1600/P6230617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JS9HAtn2cE/UcjKc80K4oI/AAAAAAAAsNM/awCrrr6MT_Q/s640/P6230617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Islands in the mist</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vln538mp7Ok/UcjKdVtyqGI/AAAAAAAAsNQ/qaFvn4wV4mo/s1600/P6230619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vln538mp7Ok/UcjKdVtyqGI/AAAAAAAAsNQ/qaFvn4wV4mo/s640/P6230619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The cloud salute pose?</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9FtxlQ5-LU/UcjKeI4WSpI/AAAAAAAAsNg/tB9WhF9Eaiw/s1600/P6230621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9FtxlQ5-LU/UcjKeI4WSpI/AAAAAAAAsNg/tB9WhF9Eaiw/s640/P6230621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Morning stretches</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3-_dWkn8A/UcjKfrI63gI/AAAAAAAAsNo/EpAXDDzqfUc/s1600/P6230622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3-_dWkn8A/UcjKfrI63gI/AAAAAAAAsNo/EpAXDDzqfUc/s640/P6230622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Contemplation</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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The forecast for the morning looked better and we had a chance for even seeing some blue sky and sun before the afternoon thunderstorms moved in. We got on the trail by around 9 and started to head down. Jen left a few minutes early and then I followed with Nat, Jamie and Kim just a few minutes behind me. We'd all catch up with each other shortly or meet up at Resolution col. Uh, yeah - right. <br />
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When I got to the intersection of the Davis Path and the Stairs Spur I made a bit of an error in judgement. I glanced down the path that makes a sharp left here (the correct way to go) and mentally noted that this was the other side trail that goes to the bottom ledges on Stairs that we went by yesterday. I didn't notice either of the trail signs (tent site andStairs Mt) at the junction and blindly walked straight ahead - north on the Davis Path. I went probably 1/2 mile or so before it began to occur to me that this wasn't right. Mistakes like this make you realize how simple it is for people to get lost in the mountains. In my case I had a GPS (hanging about 6 inches from my face) that let me quickly confirm I was going the wrong way. Just plain dumb! At least there had been some nice wildflowers to see on the detour...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AYcS10xulw/UcjKgG-55uI/AAAAAAAAsN0/-1CL0_yJeB0/s1600/P6230623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AYcS10xulw/UcjKgG-55uI/AAAAAAAAsN0/-1CL0_yJeB0/s640/P6230623.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The path home (or so it seemed)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_kC0pZvv4E/UcjKgsAIHtI/AAAAAAAAsOA/N-CLJmMuQxI/s1600/P6230625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_kC0pZvv4E/UcjKgsAIHtI/AAAAAAAAsOA/N-CLJmMuQxI/s640/P6230625.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Goldthread after the rain</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtlGhjzy-E/UcjKg3bdOaI/AAAAAAAAsN4/pwKLGm_TRqI/s1600/P6230624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXtlGhjzy-E/UcjKg3bdOaI/AAAAAAAAsN4/pwKLGm_TRqI/s640/P6230624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqAee6DUR4Y/UcjKhQ6OwFI/AAAAAAAAsOI/Lbnump867YQ/s1600/P6230629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqAee6DUR4Y/UcjKhQ6OwFI/AAAAAAAAsOI/Lbnump867YQ/s640/P6230629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Clintonia</i></div>
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I turned around and started back in the right direction moving as quickly as I could. I didn't want the rest of the group to start looking for me when they realized that I wasn't where I was supposed to be. I got to spur junction again and started yelling ahead, but no response. About half way down to Stairs col I started hearing voices yelling back from below. Sounds carries in strange ways in the mountains and it was hard to hear what we were yelling at each other. They were actually all the way down at the Resolution shelter spur (where they'd met Jen). They of course asked her where I was and she of course replied that she hadn't seen me - which everyone figured was impossible. There were now two trail junctions in between so it wasn't obvious to them where I'd taken the wrong turn. Worse, when they heard me calling them from well above them on the way down Stairs, they thought my voice was coming from below and that I'd somehow followed a drainage down into the woods and was now off trail. Jamie actually yelled to me to ask me if I was off trail and either I heard something different or she heard a different response, since she thought I said that I was. All of the only took 15 minutes or so to sort out and was not a big deal in the end. It's definitely proof that waiting for groups to reconnect at each junction is always a good idea though. Live and learn...<br />
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The walk the rest of the way out was nice - more wildflowers, ledge views and clearing skies.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hdvbZMi2CM/UcjKh4V9bkI/AAAAAAAAsOQ/9gVO-DVqBcw/s1600/P6230630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hdvbZMi2CM/UcjKh4V9bkI/AAAAAAAAsOQ/9gVO-DVqBcw/s640/P6230630.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading out</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6PDOXth-MFM/UcjKiUpGSHI/AAAAAAAAsOY/goxnQxgIdcY/s1600/P6230631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6PDOXth-MFM/UcjKiUpGSHI/AAAAAAAAsOY/goxnQxgIdcY/s640/P6230631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sheep Laurel buds</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gNWX0r7Biw/UcjKixzI9qI/AAAAAAAAsOg/hT3nRBEzDYk/s1600/P6230633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gNWX0r7Biw/UcjKixzI9qI/AAAAAAAAsOg/hT3nRBEzDYk/s640/P6230633.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>A few opening</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9a1IhRHBep0/UcjKjSCNwjI/AAAAAAAAsOk/hX81en0FR9U/s1600/P6230634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9a1IhRHBep0/UcjKjSCNwjI/AAAAAAAAsOk/hX81en0FR9U/s640/P6230634.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Ledge sidewalk</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0G5HE52_lU/UcjKkMph9CI/AAAAAAAAsOs/NJ51gg4hIDc/s1600/P6230636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0G5HE52_lU/UcjKkMph9CI/AAAAAAAAsOs/NJ51gg4hIDc/s640/P6230636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mt Crawford (and some blue sky)</i></div>
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<i>Mountain White Cinquefoil</i></div>
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<i>Down the last of the ledges from Crawford</i></div>
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<i>Can almost see the car from here...</i></div>
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<i>Wild Blackberry</i></div>
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<i>Looks like a nice place for a dip!</i></div>
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Sunday was a warm, humid day and we were all hot, sweaty and dirty when we got out. The cold water of the Saco River was just too tempting to pass up. We dumped our gear and waded out into the river to swim and get cleaned up and cooled off. It was the perfect way to end the day. On the way home we stopped in Ashland and met Christine for lunch and schemed about our next trip in a couple of weeks. But that's a story for another day...<br />
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The interactive GPX track is here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jwjhtjqqxeqnyxqq" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jwjhtjqqxeqnyxqq</a><br />
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Here's the route map (and where not to go when heading down from Stairs...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqf1FtWri0w/UcmAn9AYE-I/AAAAAAAAsPs/z8rT4uSvxCE/s1600/Route+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqf1FtWri0w/UcmAn9AYE-I/AAAAAAAAsPs/z8rT4uSvxCE/s640/Route+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Full route</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdppwDoOygE/UcmAoGweRBI/AAAAAAAAsPw/3RUvGMHpuaM/s1600/Wrong+Way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdppwDoOygE/UcmAoGweRBI/AAAAAAAAsPw/3RUvGMHpuaM/s640/Wrong+Way.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Red circle marks the Stairs spur junction. Yellow highlight is my errant route.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fE5FyLbdJ4/UcmAoT9kydI/AAAAAAAAsP0/9KK7KNrXQuY/s1600/Elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fE5FyLbdJ4/UcmAoT9kydI/AAAAAAAAsP0/9KK7KNrXQuY/s640/Elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com13Stairs Mountain, White Mountain National Forest, Sargents, NH 03846, USA44.1550674 -71.31840769999996620.0523324 -112.62700169999997 68.2578024 -30.009813699999967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-19115893365988754742013-06-15T09:30:00.000-04:002013-06-19T09:07:19.234-04:00Backpacking the BigelowsLooking at my last post here I realize that it's been almost two months since our last "real" hike. Way too long! This hike was going to make up for it though...<br />
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Other than our visits to Acadia, our first time hiking in Maine was less than a year ago when we ventured just over the border to do Goose Eye, Carlo and Caribou during our Seek the Peak trip last July. We loved those first encounters with the mountains in western Maine and have equally loved all the others since. Baxter in August was amazing (and we can't wait to return this year). Our first visit to Stratton after Christmas introduced us to the mountains of the Carrabassett Valley and another simply beautiful place. The winter hikes were wonderful, but we knew that we needed to return in other seasons. Having tagged four here in winter there were six left (of the 4000 footers) to go. At the top of the list were the Bigelows. There is nothing that I love better than alpine summits and above treeline ridge walking. These promised lots of both, not to mention amazing 360 degree views on at least 4 summits along the ridge line if we did the entire range. Better yet, the Horns Pond campsite at the halfway point gave a perfect way to turn this into a two day backpack with plenty of time to enjoy those summits. <br />
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As always, the weather forecast had gone back and forth over the course of the week, but by the time Friday rolled around it was looking beautiful. We decided to take the afternoon off and beat the Boston traffic and other than one unexpected snafu at the beginning it was smooth sailing. By about 6pm we were heading up Rt 27 and planning our dinner at The Rack at Sugarloaf. Before we got there though, we ran into the first omen of a great weekend. Almost directly across from the entrance to Sugarloaf was the most amazing field of lupines that I've ever seen. The sun was just beginning to get lower in the sky and the light was beautiful. What a sight!<br />
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<i>Lupines!</i></div>
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<i>A few albinos</i></div>
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<i>Bigelows over the Carrabassett River. Tomorrow...</i></div>
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After marveling over this amazing sight we headed over to The Rack for dinner. Unlike in ski season there was just about nobody there. A pound of wings (these must be from pterodactyls at 4 to the pound) and a BBQ pizza topped with brisket (different and delicious) were awesome! On the way out I noticed this sign posted alongside a bunch of others in the skier entrance area. I think it was trying to tell us something. <br />
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GSD = Get Shit Done!<br />
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<i>Motivational message?</i></div>
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If the sign wasn't enough motivation and inspiration, this was. There was a passing thunderstorm while we were at dinner and as we drove from Sugarloaf to Stratton we were treated to this amazing view as the sun began to set<br />
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<i>Amazing sunset after the storm</i></div>
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<i>Driving the river of fire</i></div>
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We arrived at the <a href="http://www.thestrattonmotel.com/" target="_blank">Stratton Motel</a> and got settled for the night. This is the motel and hiker hostel owned by Sue, the owner of the <a href="http://www.maineroadhouse.com/" target="_blank">Maine Roadhouse</a> that we stayed at in December. These are both great locations for hikers and in particular they cater to AT through hikers. In addition to the hiker hostel and rooms, Sue offers a shuttle service to surrounding trail heads and towns. We took advantage of this for our hike by having her shuttle us to the Round Barn campsite on the east end of Flagstaff Lake and leaving our car at the motel (which is a 1.5 mile road walk from the western Bigelow Range Trail trail head) - a perfect way to facilitate the backpack.<br />
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<i>Mascots at the Stratton Motel</i></div>
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On Saturday morning we got up early and headed over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/LOONEY-mOOSE-cAFE/253868169013" target="_blank">Looney Moose Cafe</a>. It's only about a mile from the motel and right next to the turn for the trail. The breakfast portions are HUGE and the food is great. Nat and I had the cranberry walnut pancakes and could only manage to eat one apiece. We got there a bit before they opened and took a walk on Rt 27 to kill some time. Even this was a beautiful place to be. <br />
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<i>Coming to check us out</i></div>
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<i>Guess we weren't interesting enough</i></div>
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We headed back to the motel and Sue picked us up and brought us to the trail head at Round Barn. It's about a 45 minute drive with more than half of it on really rough dirt road. Definitely not something to negotiate with a low clearance vehicle. By 9:30 we were on the trail. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the temps were in the 60s and there was a breeze to keep the bugs at bay. It couldn't have been nicer.<br />
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<i>Gearing up</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKLXgY5RSCk/UcDsmF7TIeI/AAAAAAAAr3w/HzSL_uDwB0M/s1600/P6150368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKLXgY5RSCk/UcDsmF7TIeI/AAAAAAAAr3w/HzSL_uDwB0M/s640/P6150368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYWf0kaXu2E/UcDsmvjFC3I/AAAAAAAAr4A/Nu8WI_IiSpg/s1600/P6150369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYWf0kaXu2E/UcDsmvjFC3I/AAAAAAAAr4A/Nu8WI_IiSpg/s640/P6150369.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat's ready!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0zNIa8zSzk/UcDsno0yeRI/AAAAAAAAr4E/SxPb4s72eDg/s1600/P6150371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0zNIa8zSzk/UcDsno0yeRI/AAAAAAAAr4E/SxPb4s72eDg/s640/P6150371.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>On the trail</i></div>
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The beginning of the Safford Brook trail was dry (surprising considering all the recent rain) and nice to walk. Within a couple of easy miles we hit the junction with the AT. The rest of the day was white blazing from there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkYI_3IN_CQ/UcDsoLxsl0I/AAAAAAAAr4M/u2uv3dnAAAs/s1600/P6150372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkYI_3IN_CQ/UcDsoLxsl0I/AAAAAAAAr4M/u2uv3dnAAAs/s640/P6150372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>AT junction</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liCVsJ7RvHs/UcDsoiuiwDI/AAAAAAAAr4U/Va095ykSP9g/s1600/P6150373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liCVsJ7RvHs/UcDsoiuiwDI/AAAAAAAAr4U/Va095ykSP9g/s640/P6150373.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Hmmmm</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y_QPyzAkCA/UcDspEPb6OI/AAAAAAAAr4c/PrbloUe6s_0/s1600/P6150375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y_QPyzAkCA/UcDspEPb6OI/AAAAAAAAr4c/PrbloUe6s_0/s640/P6150375.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>First views appearing</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5frfNQvEr8/UcDspsHK8SI/AAAAAAAAr4k/raLXUkWMGVY/s1600/P6150376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5frfNQvEr8/UcDspsHK8SI/AAAAAAAAr4k/raLXUkWMGVY/s640/P6150376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Little Bigelow ridge</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruEj78TEboY/UcDsqDlQ_cI/AAAAAAAAr4o/UaCTnmZaCuM/s1600/P6150378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruEj78TEboY/UcDsqDlQ_cI/AAAAAAAAr4o/UaCTnmZaCuM/s640/P6150378.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Lots of HUGE glacial erratics</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-weFDBaDcNe4/UcDsqqvR7ZI/AAAAAAAAr40/5Q37eDlHudI/s1600/P6150380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-weFDBaDcNe4/UcDsqqvR7ZI/AAAAAAAAr40/5Q37eDlHudI/s640/P6150380.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Creative blazing</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEsHgG6QCiI/UcDsrC18DSI/AAAAAAAAr44/nLCqgMCp0H0/s1600/P6150381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEsHgG6QCiI/UcDsrC18DSI/AAAAAAAAr44/nLCqgMCp0H0/s640/P6150381.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>A little meadow</i></div>
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After a fairly steep climb we reached the ledges below the Old Man's Head - the first of many amazing viewpoints along the ridge. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4qyUmd9Xaw/UcDsr-TjXOI/AAAAAAAAr5E/6penrBT6fmM/s1600/P6150383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4qyUmd9Xaw/UcDsr-TjXOI/AAAAAAAAr5E/6penrBT6fmM/s640/P6150383.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Steep going</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmIeJNTEaeo/UcDssZ5neMI/AAAAAAAAr5Q/U2i1LBcN4Zk/s1600/P6150385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmIeJNTEaeo/UcDssZ5neMI/AAAAAAAAr5Q/U2i1LBcN4Zk/s640/P6150385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kim catching the views below the Old Man's Head</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pap5yVwtAU8/UcDstFObfnI/AAAAAAAAr5M/s7_fRIpPBZE/s1600/P6150386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pap5yVwtAU8/UcDstFObfnI/AAAAAAAAr5M/s7_fRIpPBZE/s640/P6150386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1LiNRM-b80/UcDsuV6lkGI/AAAAAAAAr5Y/qfi8zM472xw/s1600/P6150387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1LiNRM-b80/UcDsuV6lkGI/AAAAAAAAr5Y/qfi8zM472xw/s640/P6150387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Old Man's Head</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gwd0Qgnt8k/UcDsukzuCyI/AAAAAAAAr5c/69RHCBt1ROA/s1600/P6150388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gwd0Qgnt8k/UcDsukzuCyI/AAAAAAAAr5c/69RHCBt1ROA/s640/P6150388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Taking it all in</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10L3PMJ-cXI/UcDs27LVR-I/AAAAAAAAr5s/4XgvHeeV7uM/s1600/P6150392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10L3PMJ-cXI/UcDs27LVR-I/AAAAAAAAr5s/4XgvHeeV7uM/s640/P6150392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Little Bigelow ridge</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uU0xSb0n2xE/UcDs3R4AejI/AAAAAAAAr5w/3cCca9Ufoag/s1600/P6150395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uU0xSb0n2xE/UcDs3R4AejI/AAAAAAAAr5w/3cCca9Ufoag/s640/P6150395.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Goldthread lined the trails the entire way</i></div>
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After taking in the views from below, we headed up the rest of the steep ascent to the top of the Old Man's Head. There are a bunch of signs for viewpoints along the route. Some of them could be skipped. When you find one that says "Excellent Views", you need to pay attention. The sign below made us scratch our heads for a second before we got it. 2000 = the distance to go if you're southbound on the AT. Congratulations - you spent your first few weeks from Katahdin, traversing the 100 Mile Wilderness and northern Maine - just 2000 miles to go....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMsMFJjW3_o/UcDs3xG5ODI/AAAAAAAAr54/h77CK14cdRY/s1600/P6150396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMsMFJjW3_o/UcDs3xG5ODI/AAAAAAAAr54/h77CK14cdRY/s640/P6150396.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Only 2K to go if you're a SoBo</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn2_5j6jqg0/UcDs4nJ-88I/AAAAAAAAr6E/xdm9T85U6j4/s1600/P6150402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn2_5j6jqg0/UcDs4nJ-88I/AAAAAAAAr6E/xdm9T85U6j4/s640/P6150402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>They really mean it!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kP0EamW4VQ/UcDs5OOXCxI/AAAAAAAAr6Q/EIVIl-9wJaE/s1600/P6150397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kP0EamW4VQ/UcDs5OOXCxI/AAAAAAAAr6Q/EIVIl-9wJaE/s640/P6150397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Yes, this is an EXCELLENT view!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNX7I7jQ43I/UcDs5xGCL6I/AAAAAAAAr6Y/-04PA4-Cmug/s1600/P6150398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNX7I7jQ43I/UcDs5xGCL6I/AAAAAAAAr6Y/-04PA4-Cmug/s640/P6150398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYI9YWyvldo/UcDs6dEgreI/AAAAAAAAr6c/NNbtqLdy81M/s1600/P6150399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYI9YWyvldo/UcDs6dEgreI/AAAAAAAAr6c/NNbtqLdy81M/s640/P6150399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuiwcc1exdI/UcDs62tI3iI/AAAAAAAAr6k/35SwvTRnHno/s1600/P6150400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuiwcc1exdI/UcDs62tI3iI/AAAAAAAAr6k/35SwvTRnHno/s640/P6150400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_bq6k6nBiI/UcDs7NKzINI/AAAAAAAAr6s/oU43nQBy1dM/s1600/P6150401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_bq6k6nBiI/UcDs7NKzINI/AAAAAAAAr6s/oU43nQBy1dM/s640/P6150401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat on Old Man's Head ledges</i></div>
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Soon after the Old Man's Head you begin to break treeline and enter the alpine zone on Avery Peak. It's a beautiful walk to the top!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrLcBzwCuSk/UcDs7il5YiI/AAAAAAAAr60/on2pUTNO2ek/s1600/P6150407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrLcBzwCuSk/UcDs7il5YiI/AAAAAAAAr60/on2pUTNO2ek/s640/P6150407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost there</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAKyUHxuiDs/UcDs8ZnAiNI/AAAAAAAAr68/RbVmAGOpxEU/s1600/P6150408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAKyUHxuiDs/UcDs8ZnAiNI/AAAAAAAAr68/RbVmAGOpxEU/s640/P6150408.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Final blazes to Avery Peak</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5a3R4ohljxs/UcDs85fqTZI/AAAAAAAAr7E/cQK6rCsEiKQ/s1600/P6150409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5a3R4ohljxs/UcDs85fqTZI/AAAAAAAAr7E/cQK6rCsEiKQ/s640/P6150409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>At the top!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nxCczrUfn4/UcDs9W6LOvI/AAAAAAAAr7I/PFvsdr8uL_4/s1600/P6150410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nxCczrUfn4/UcDs9W6LOvI/AAAAAAAAr7I/PFvsdr8uL_4/s640/P6150410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Wow</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6pQZWVhqFk/UcDs95OFOGI/AAAAAAAAr7Q/EaBFjcNfo1E/s1600/P6150411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6pQZWVhqFk/UcDs95OFOGI/AAAAAAAAr7Q/EaBFjcNfo1E/s640/P6150411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Thank you Myron for making this possible</i></div>
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It was simply stunning on the summit. It's hard to find a nicer place to be than an alpine summit on a sunny, breezy day (the breeze blowing the bugs away) with puffy clouds floating overhead and amazing views in every direction. We hung out for a long time up there.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONNB-rMjdRw/UcDs-cL2ufI/AAAAAAAAr7c/zBMGnjXTHVQ/s1600/P6150412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONNB-rMjdRw/UcDs-cL2ufI/AAAAAAAAr7c/zBMGnjXTHVQ/s640/P6150412.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Kim on the old tower foundation</i></div>
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<i>\</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqjxVG13--A/UcDs_Y3C9GI/AAAAAAAAr7k/A-F9jgkoDUA/s1600/P6150413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqjxVG13--A/UcDs_Y3C9GI/AAAAAAAAr7k/A-F9jgkoDUA/s640/P6150413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Benchmark #1</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eXwnLSs42M/UcDs_rGueqI/AAAAAAAAr7s/JT-sI3I8lN8/s1600/P6150414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eXwnLSs42M/UcDs_rGueqI/AAAAAAAAr7s/JT-sI3I8lN8/s640/P6150414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful alpine summit! Summit marker ahead and West Peak beyond.</i></div>
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<i>Benchmarks inside the tower foundation</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim enjoying the views</i></div>
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<i>Heading for the true summit</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Avery Peak for NE67 #59</i></div>
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<i>Ahead to West Peak</i></div>
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<i>Back to the tower site</i></div>
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<i>The ever present Sugarloaf</i></div>
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We finally gave in and headed off the summit and down into Avery col. The good news was that there were two more summits ahead for the day.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTaPBeNZH08/UcDtD2WzLFI/AAAAAAAAr8s/V38aSVHqEZg/s1600/P6150425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTaPBeNZH08/UcDtD2WzLFI/AAAAAAAAr8s/V38aSVHqEZg/s640/P6150425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading for the next summit</i></div>
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<i>Myron Avery tentsite in the col</i></div>
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<i>Looking back to Avery Peak</i></div>
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It's only 0.7 between Avery and West peak, but it's a pretty good climb back up. We arrived to find more of the same amazing views.<br />
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<i>Kim arriving on West Peak</i></div>
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<i>Nat is close behind</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Bigelow West Peak for NE67 #60</i></div>
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<i>Kim and Nat on West Peak</i></div>
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We didn't hang out as long on West Peak as we were starting to see dark clouds gathering in the west. The forecast had said 0% chance of rain for the day, but we know how reliable that is. We still had a good bit to go before we could set up camp. The Horns still looked like they were a long way off.<br />
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<i>Looking ahead to The Horns and darkening skies</i></div>
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<i>One of the few cairns</i></div>
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<i>Heading off West Peak</i></div>
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<i>Sunlit forest</i></div>
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<i>Looking back at the Bigelows from South Horn ledges</i></div>
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The push up to South Horn was tough. It hadn't been that many miles, but we were all tired and ready to make it to camp. We got more great views from the top here, including the view down to Horns Pond and our soon-to-be home for the night.<br />
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<i>The Horns Pond from South Horn</i></div>
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<i>Horns Pond with the lean-tos visible lower left (our home for the night)</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on South Horn</i></div>
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<i>West Peak from South Horn</i></div>
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Kim pointed out that South Horn is a NEHH peak. Great, just what we need - another list. When we came off of South Horn we saw the sign for North Horn and another bald peak only a few tenths away. Perhaps we needed to go there? It might be on a list. We decided that it was on the "I don't care if it's on a list, I'm not freaking going there" list. We all felt satisfied by getting our checkmarks for walking right by the junction. Now just 0.3 down to the campsite.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU6CGYCMwXw/UcDtNeHuMbI/AAAAAAAAr-w/I8TIJhGFuI8/s1600/P6150452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU6CGYCMwXw/UcDtNeHuMbI/AAAAAAAAr-w/I8TIJhGFuI8/s640/P6150452.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>North Horn from the ridge. Not today...</i></div>
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I've always said that the two miles down from HoJo's to Pinkham at the end of a Mt Washington hike is the longest 2 miles in the Whites. I've now decided that the hike from South Horn to Horns Pond is the longest 0.3 in Maine. At least it was this time. It felt like it went on forever. We were finally down, dropped our packs at one of the two shelters which had nobody in it, and headed down to cool off at the pond.<br />
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<i>Cooling off at Horns Pond</i></div>
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<i>Home sweet tent</i></div>
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<i>Nice to be able to set up inside the shelter</i></div>
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<i>The "squirrel can"</i></div>
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We came back and set up camp. The bugs were starting to get bad so we decided to pitch the tent body inside the shelter to have someplace to escape. We had planned to hang bear bags or use the bear box (if they had one) as usual, but apparently there are no bears up here. Instead of the typical campsite bear boxes, they have squirrel cans. Hmmm, these must be crafty little devils. We never saw any though. Not long after we got set up, the rain started. It was a quick moving storm and blew right through leaving clear, blue, cool skies behind (and chasing the bugs away again). After dinner we headed back down to to pond for sunset. <br />
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<i>View up to South Horn from our tent</i></div>
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<i>Sun setting over Horns Pond</i></div>
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<i>Sliver of moon over the pines</i></div>
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<i>Blueberry blossoms surrounding the pond</i></div>
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<i>South Horn above our shelter</i></div>
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<i>Clintonia (Blue Bead Lily)</i></div>
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We turned in early and all slept really well. We had planned to go out and check out the stars in the deep black Maine sky (slept through it) and get up early to check out the sunrise (slept through it). Sigh... The sky was blue and clear again in the morning, but the forecast was for rain by early afternoon. We got packed up pretty early and hit the trail. The air was a bit more humid and the breeze was gone. The black flies were out early and we were hoping to avoid them again. Little did we know...<br />
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<i>Sugarloaf in early morning light</i></div>
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<i>Sun breaking over South Horn</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5oKmjBrw-lk/UcDtckh8ENI/AAAAAAAAsBU/tDZYUrmC7MQ/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5oKmjBrw-lk/UcDtckh8ENI/AAAAAAAAsBU/tDZYUrmC7MQ/s640/IMG_0712.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Black fly defense system</i></div>
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The trails between Horns Pond and Cranberry Peak are consistently rocky and often steep and "scrambly". Lots of ups and downs to taunt the day-two legs. We began with the short walk up to the ledges above Horns Pond (still on the AT). Had we known that the trail went up here we might have gone for sunset the night before. It was another beautiful spot.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzmFCepMf7I/UcDtdZbbNvI/AAAAAAAAsBA/mK-lzc7zSvM/s1600/P6160476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzmFCepMf7I/UcDtdZbbNvI/AAAAAAAAsBA/mK-lzc7zSvM/s640/P6160476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading up from Horns Pond</i></div>
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<i>Steep scrambling here</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py82S3j_nDE/UcDtebHTEaI/AAAAAAAAsBI/5rupDzSBWRA/s1600/P6160478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py82S3j_nDE/UcDtebHTEaI/AAAAAAAAsBI/5rupDzSBWRA/s640/P6160478.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>More huge erratics</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iKfOvWzzb0/UcDtex96BLI/AAAAAAAAsBM/Yek3efd3Z7U/s1600/P6160479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iKfOvWzzb0/UcDtex96BLI/AAAAAAAAsBM/Yek3efd3Z7U/s640/P6160479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Horns over Horns Pond from the ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8d4E_M9HJ9A/UcDtfWMtNHI/AAAAAAAAsBc/yUuAQ5pdtfU/s1600/P6160481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8d4E_M9HJ9A/UcDtfWMtNHI/AAAAAAAAsBc/yUuAQ5pdtfU/s640/P6160481.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Wonder what this symbol means ???</i></div>
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It didn't take long before the black flies (and mosquitoes) got really bad. I usually don't have much problem with them, but even I couldn't escape them. Nat and Kim were getting chewed to pieces. They were trying everything they could think of to keep them at bay. Covering up wasn't a great option since it was now hot and humid too. Not much fun...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4QKV4MdgFw/UcDtgM2gINI/AAAAAAAAsBg/j-y3pjq_O68/s1600/P6160482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4QKV4MdgFw/UcDtgM2gINI/AAAAAAAAsBg/j-y3pjq_O68/s640/P6160482.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Lots of this today</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6PczFASw4U/UcDthYmnNKI/AAAAAAAAsB0/Wx5yEe-INso/s1600/P6160484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6PczFASw4U/UcDthYmnNKI/AAAAAAAAsB0/Wx5yEe-INso/s640/P6160484.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Black fly ninja</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag7lP6XIFYE/UcDth1laORI/AAAAAAAAsB8/OxdSHCHnfJk/s1600/P6160486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag7lP6XIFYE/UcDth1laORI/AAAAAAAAsB8/OxdSHCHnfJk/s640/P6160486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More Goldthread</i></div>
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We got to Cranberry Peak Pond pretty quickly and hung out there as long as the bugs let us. This is really a beautiful spot and would be perfect on a cool fall day. When we got moving again we had a bit of confusion at the end of the pond. The trail appears to go straight ahead - and then disappears. I did a bit of unnecessary bushwhacking before Nat and Kim discovered that the trail turned left across the pond inlet on very rotten bog bridges that were almost not visible. We got across fine - I was just still cranky about the foray through the bushes - particularly after I discovered that I'd lost my sunglasses in there. Oh well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W-JugsrjAs/UcDtitLyqPI/AAAAAAAAsCE/oqkqicaK9SI/s1600/P6160487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--W-JugsrjAs/UcDtitLyqPI/AAAAAAAAsCE/oqkqicaK9SI/s640/P6160487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The other pond on the route</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbJCjE0ZU_I/UcDtjLTrGRI/AAAAAAAAsCI/536beZC_JoE/s1600/P6160488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbJCjE0ZU_I/UcDtjLTrGRI/AAAAAAAAsCI/536beZC_JoE/s640/P6160488.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful spot!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfWQfIHDWok/UcDtj6p4MFI/AAAAAAAAsCQ/8IDEPS0dmp4/s1600/P6160489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfWQfIHDWok/UcDtj6p4MFI/AAAAAAAAsCQ/8IDEPS0dmp4/s640/P6160489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cranberry Peak over Cranberry Peak Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXgAZWBE6kg/UcDtkJ5mRzI/AAAAAAAAsCc/7gti-vcVLJ8/s1600/P6160491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXgAZWBE6kg/UcDtkJ5mRzI/AAAAAAAAsCc/7gti-vcVLJ8/s640/P6160491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Rhodora surrounds the pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EK333Oxu63k/UcDtlFmWt2I/AAAAAAAAsCk/sMZb5HLCv4Q/s1600/P6160493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EK333Oxu63k/UcDtlFmWt2I/AAAAAAAAsCk/sMZb5HLCv4Q/s640/P6160493.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Spend some time bushwhacking before finding the obscure path</i></div>
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It's a substantial climb up to Cranberry Peak from the pond and we were all more than tired of being chewed by the flies. I got ahead and just kept going. I wanted to wait for Nat and Kim, but every time I stopped I got attacked. I wound up at the top about 10 minutes ahead and found a merciful breeze that kept them away - at least for a while. By the time Nat and Kim arrived the breeze had died and they were back in full force again. It was another really beautiful spot but we didn't hand around<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uB48tDGgHek/UcDtlijDggI/AAAAAAAAsCs/rwhMI2xVkWc/s1600/P6160501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uB48tDGgHek/UcDtlijDggI/AAAAAAAAsCs/rwhMI2xVkWc/s640/P6160501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cranberry Peak</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAoLEyJSNHk/UcDtmPeQWUI/AAAAAAAAsC0/dJ3H-NVKrt4/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAoLEyJSNHk/UcDtmPeQWUI/AAAAAAAAsC0/dJ3H-NVKrt4/s640/IMG_0713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking back from Cranberry Peak</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shW9-VV-nYM/UcDtm9f_e_I/AAAAAAAAsC8/KlJRa5ozmIQ/s1600/P6160503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shW9-VV-nYM/UcDtm9f_e_I/AAAAAAAAsC8/KlJRa5ozmIQ/s640/P6160503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More 360* views</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VId1JQiGoSY/UcDtna6nPpI/AAAAAAAAsDA/MUE2ELTWgiI/s1600/P6160505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VId1JQiGoSY/UcDtna6nPpI/AAAAAAAAsDA/MUE2ELTWgiI/s640/P6160505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kim's black fly defense</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKEz1NOhi6o/UcDtnw84eII/AAAAAAAAsDI/LBLEh-lkh4I/s1600/P6160507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKEz1NOhi6o/UcDtnw84eII/AAAAAAAAsDI/LBLEh-lkh4I/s640/P6160507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat enjoying the summit for a few breezy moments</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZHK_QAVxUo/UcDtoUSNHPI/AAAAAAAAsDQ/97r9cPSiW8M/s1600/P6160508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZHK_QAVxUo/UcDtoUSNHPI/AAAAAAAAsDQ/97r9cPSiW8M/s640/P6160508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Group shot</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GpXm4BRl0/UcDtpN9OhSI/AAAAAAAAsDU/QSYwfKWuR-A/s1600/P6160509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GpXm4BRl0/UcDtpN9OhSI/AAAAAAAAsDU/QSYwfKWuR-A/s640/P6160509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time to go</i></div>
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From Cranberry Peak it's still 3.2 miles back to the trailhead plus another 1.5 on the road back to the car. I don't know what caused it, but my feet were giving me problems by this point and I really wasn't enjoying the walk. When I finished I discovered that I had blisters on three toes and I still don't know the cause. Need to fix this before the next hike though. Between the bugs, heat and foot issues the rest of the day wasn't much fun. I stopped a number of times to take pictures of the many wildflowers that lined the trail the whole way. It was a good diversion.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQw2PDgNCOk/UcDtp0YN2VI/AAAAAAAAsDk/P0PMmy0ARfI/s1600/P6160510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQw2PDgNCOk/UcDtp0YN2VI/AAAAAAAAsDk/P0PMmy0ARfI/s640/P6160510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Labrador Tea</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5iy-EdKPGk/UcDtr_HaXII/AAAAAAAAsDs/PGmmv6cZFbQ/s1600/P6160512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5iy-EdKPGk/UcDtr_HaXII/AAAAAAAAsDs/PGmmv6cZFbQ/s640/P6160512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Still some Painted Trillium hanging on here</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tawTv44NAHk/UcDtsqTajPI/AAAAAAAAsDw/wjk5x44yDvE/s1600/P6160513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tawTv44NAHk/UcDtsqTajPI/AAAAAAAAsDw/wjk5x44yDvE/s640/P6160513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Starflower</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqifMKxWYzw/UcDttMhDbzI/AAAAAAAAsD4/4T83EkWD6IA/s1600/P6160516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqifMKxWYzw/UcDttMhDbzI/AAAAAAAAsD4/4T83EkWD6IA/s640/P6160516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More beautiful Rhodora</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPcK-73nQ30/UcDttiH6g0I/AAAAAAAAsEA/pMsNOfgLqoA/s1600/P6160517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPcK-73nQ30/UcDttiH6g0I/AAAAAAAAsEA/pMsNOfgLqoA/s640/P6160517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Bunchberry</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4svQkPjIAVw/UcDtuSGFtlI/AAAAAAAAsEI/G6ovvnSo6ok/s1600/P6160518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4svQkPjIAVw/UcDtuSGFtlI/AAAAAAAAsEI/G6ovvnSo6ok/s640/P6160518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Interloper on the Labrador Tea</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afdrKP7NNfY/UcDtvEXzlhI/AAAAAAAAsEU/KoGUQqao0NE/s1600/P6160520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afdrKP7NNfY/UcDtvEXzlhI/AAAAAAAAsEU/KoGUQqao0NE/s640/P6160520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mountain cranberry</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7hLUYf_51I/UcDtviMYRTI/AAAAAAAAsEc/U3LI2tvqruc/s1600/P6160523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7hLUYf_51I/UcDtviMYRTI/AAAAAAAAsEc/U3LI2tvqruc/s640/P6160523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another Tea invader</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrwz5m65Y4g/UcDtwfjp3MI/AAAAAAAAsEk/8fhDncTkhiY/s1600/P6160524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrwz5m65Y4g/UcDtwfjp3MI/AAAAAAAAsEk/8fhDncTkhiY/s640/P6160524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Red flowering lichen</i></div>
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About a mile from the trailhead we came upon this hiker registry box. Not sure why here and not at the trailhead. From here out the trail was very wet and muddy - just adding a bit more fun to the day. Kim had gone ahead of us, trying to escape the bugs. She made it to the trailhead almost 1/2 hour before us and was forced to find shelter. We knew this was a multi-function poncho / pack cover / shelter. Who knew it was also a bug house. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBxun4PM9uw/UcDtw2gXeDI/AAAAAAAAsEs/c5poo3XfrwU/s1600/P6160525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBxun4PM9uw/UcDtw2gXeDI/AAAAAAAAsEs/c5poo3XfrwU/s320/P6160525.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Registration box (over a mile from the trailhead). No idea what's up with Mickey</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvg_s4pIx-E/UcDtxtjY4iI/AAAAAAAAsEw/67ycw9ARGYc/s1600/P6160526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvg_s4pIx-E/UcDtxtjY4iI/AAAAAAAAsEw/67ycw9ARGYc/s320/P6160526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The final black fly defense</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwhuz_Fes8Q/UcDtyIkSqbI/AAAAAAAAsE0/BUzO0PetmMc/s1600/P6160527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwhuz_Fes8Q/UcDtyIkSqbI/AAAAAAAAsE0/BUzO0PetmMc/s320/P6160527.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading out</i></div>
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My feet hurt like crazy, but I made the walk back to the motel in record time. I had my stuff in the car and was heading out to meet Nat and Kim when they walked into the parking lot. We were going to go down to the river to wash up, but just as we were getting ready, Sue pulled in. The fact that the motel is also a hiker hostel turned out to be a big benefit - for $5 each we were able to take showers before the 6 hour drive home! I think it was the best $5 I've ever spent. While I was waiting my turn, I talked to a couple of the SoBo through hikers that were staying at the hostel. They were three weeks in an enjoying the hike so far. Only another 2000 miles to go...<br />
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For all the bugs, sore feet, lost glasses and any other temporary aggravations I may have forgotten, this was still a fantastic weekend and one of the most beautiful hikes ever and I'm not the least bit sorry that we did it. Only 7 of the NE67 left to go for Nat and I, and 4 of them are back here in the Carrabassett Valley. Can't wait!<br />
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The interactive map and downloadable GPX of the route is here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=snmjdhbmtjwvkbtc" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=snmjdhbmtjwvkbtc</a> There is a new feature that provides a Google Earth animated fly-over of the route (link below the map). Very cool!<br />
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A few more views here<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux3jH0smCLA/UcEUWDFcjyI/AAAAAAAAsFQ/fvnLXXxNcv8/s1600/Route+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux3jH0smCLA/UcEUWDFcjyI/AAAAAAAAsFQ/fvnLXXxNcv8/s640/Route+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Full Route</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STG7pcgLeuk/UcEUWS17hSI/AAAAAAAAsFU/8956XugtgFo/s1600/Elevation+Profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STG7pcgLeuk/UcEUWS17hSI/AAAAAAAAsFU/8956XugtgFo/s640/Elevation+Profile.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIP5HXZl2sI/UcEUW7vpZyI/AAAAAAAAsFg/iP7PBcLsvww/s1600/Old+Man%2527s+Head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIP5HXZl2sI/UcEUW7vpZyI/AAAAAAAAsFg/iP7PBcLsvww/s640/Old+Man%2527s+Head.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Route up Avery Peak. Viewpoints below and above Old Man's Head circled</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec6_qxCuFRU/UcEUXfvC0gI/AAAAAAAAsFk/e6MvLuVaNcY/s1600/Route+from+East.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec6_qxCuFRU/UcEUXfvC0gI/AAAAAAAAsFk/e6MvLuVaNcY/s640/Route+from+East.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Entire route from the east</i></div>
<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com13Bigelow Preserve, West Flagstaff Road, Wyman, ME 04982, USA45.1546343 -70.286914944.975465299999996 -70.6096384 45.3338033 -69.9641914tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-28752111766496214522013-04-21T11:00:00.000-04:002013-04-26T08:02:31.486-04:00Exploring Cockermouth ForestThere are so many mountains and trails in New England that we've planned to explore someday and haven't yet gotten to. This hike hadn't been among that list, but I really glad we found it. We have to thank a combination of John Compton, who did this hike last week and wrote a great blog post on it (<a href="http://bit.ly/Y8QPQ1" target="_blank">HERE</a>), and Clay for reading the blog post (which I hadn't gotten to yet) and suggesting that we repeat John's visit. This hike includes Mt Crosby and Bald Knob, which are both really nice little peaks, as well as beautiful wooded trails through an old homestead (the Remick Place), over some ledges, along beautiful cascading streams and to a secluded pond. Lots of great stuff! <br />
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It was a beautiful day on Sunday - the perfect spring day to be in the mountains in New Hampshire - with just a trace of lingering snow, only slightly muddy trails and too chilly to be swarmed with bugs. We arrived at the trailhead and found the small parking area full (there was still plenty of room to park along the road) and just one map left in the container at the new kiosk. It's nice that they supply the maps since some of the trails have apparently just been recently built or restored and some of the navigation would have been a bit confusing without it. There's an online version of the map at the Forest Society site <a href="http://www.forestsociety.org/ourproperties/guide/?block=74" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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We started out up Romley-Remick Rd and then cut over Old North Groton Rd to do the counterclockwise loop over Bald Knob and Mt Crosby.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkOdqYbV4V8/UXmadKHXvLI/AAAAAAAArEA/V1xsEtSlwxU/s1600/IMG_6026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkOdqYbV4V8/UXmadKHXvLI/AAAAAAAArEA/V1xsEtSlwxU/s640/IMG_6026.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>New sign and trail maps</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kghq6kbVlbc/UXmaeYpf3hI/AAAAAAAArEI/3I5qY0aBQE8/s1600/IMG_6028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kghq6kbVlbc/UXmaeYpf3hI/AAAAAAAArEI/3I5qY0aBQE8/s640/IMG_6028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Starting up Romley-Remick Rd</i></div>
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The mile road walk and next mile up the Bald Knob Trail went quickly and we soon came out on the ledges of Bald Knob. The views from here are beautiful, but are unfortunately dominated by a closeup of the wind farm that we saw from Mt Cube the day before. When I read John's blog post I appreciated the reference to Don Quixote and the sight of the "hulking giants" that needed to be slain. I have mixed feelings about these wind farms. While they are a great source of clean energy they are also an intrusion on this beautiful landscape. Much better than power lines though...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RG0DtGMZHg/UXmafELY7gI/AAAAAAAArEQ/NEL3Eh3WcGw/s1600/IMG_6029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RG0DtGMZHg/UXmafELY7gI/AAAAAAAArEQ/NEL3Eh3WcGw/s640/IMG_6029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sandra and Nat on the ledges of Bald Knob</i></div>
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<i>Getting the close up view of the wind farm from Bald Knob ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5TG4u86AZ0/UXmaf32RjpI/AAAAAAAArEg/O_YE-P6i8nM/s1600/IMG_6031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5TG4u86AZ0/UXmaf32RjpI/AAAAAAAArEg/O_YE-P6i8nM/s640/IMG_6031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A long line of "hulking giants"</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VosCZVVtB2U/UXmagfvJn-I/AAAAAAAArEo/u3hTb2gMtfg/s1600/IMG_6032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VosCZVVtB2U/UXmagfvJn-I/AAAAAAAArEo/u3hTb2gMtfg/s640/IMG_6032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Stark contrast</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDRjxbJwQ_k/UXmag9WdJ7I/AAAAAAAArEw/MHMIV_eN85U/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDRjxbJwQ_k/UXmag9WdJ7I/AAAAAAAArEw/MHMIV_eN85U/s640/IMG_6033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Clay enjoying the beautiful day</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghV_nld5JaE/UXmahfWg7OI/AAAAAAAArE4/IO-Erx5f8Nc/s1600/IMG_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghV_nld5JaE/UXmahfWg7OI/AAAAAAAArE4/IO-Erx5f8Nc/s640/IMG_6034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>There are great views up here!</i></div>
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From Bald Knob it's only another few tenths walk through the small col and up to Mt Crosby. The views from there are even better, but once again dominated by the wind turbines. From here you get the full view of the ridge that had its top blasted off to create the level ground needed to install the wind farm. Kinda' sad.<br />
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As we came out of the trees at the summit we found a couple of familiar faces already there - Steve Bjerklie and Polly. They had come up from the opposite direction and the rest of the family arrived moments later. It was great meeting you all out there! You just never know who you're going to run into in the mountains. We chatted for a while and then headed down to explore the rest of the area.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88nUvVCZQSg/UXmah2w8GGI/AAAAAAAArFA/91k2pUfBvqo/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88nUvVCZQSg/UXmah2w8GGI/AAAAAAAArFA/91k2pUfBvqo/s640/IMG_6035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mt Crosby ahead</i></div>
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<i>Snow in the col</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUFXn9nVsPk/UXmajOOmk_I/AAAAAAAArFQ/Lh1D8jmjYDw/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LUFXn9nVsPk/UXmajOOmk_I/AAAAAAAArFQ/Lh1D8jmjYDw/s640/IMG_6037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Quite a few Mowglis trail signs up here</i></div>
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<i>Skating rink</i></div>
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<i>Views from the Crosby ledges</i></div>
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<i>Final approach to Crosby</i></div>
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<i>Closer view of the "giants" and the blasted ridge from Crosby</i></div>
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After the steep descent down the Beeline Trail it's a nice walk over the Pasture Loop to the old Remick Place. This is the area where things get a bit confusing in navigation. Almost all the trails out here are well signed and blazed, but there are few junctions that require a bit of exploration to find the right connections.<br />
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<i>Heading over the High Pasture Loop</i></div>
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<i>Nearing the old Remick Place</i></div>
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<i>Remick Place foundation - and lots of junk</i></div>
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We had decided that we should try to visit all of the "attractions" on the property, including the Ledges Loop and Little Pond - and we were glad we did. Our first destination was up and over the loop which is a nice bit of scrambling and some short sections of open ledges with nice views to the surrounding area. <br />
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<i>Glad we followed this sign!</i></div>
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<i>On the Ledges Loop</i></div>
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<i>Little Pond from Ledges Loop</i></div>
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<i>Walking the spine</i></div>
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We got back to the loop junction and headed out the 0.3 spur to Little Pond. This may have been one of the most worthwhile quarter miles that we've walked! The trail follows a brook with a series of beautiful cascades that empties out of Little Pond - the gem of this walk. This is such a beautiful spot and I'm sure that we'll return! It would be particularly nice in the fall, with the foliage in the bog surrounding the pond lit up in autumn color.<br />
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<i>At the outlet of Little Pond</i></div>
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<i>Bogs around Little Pond</i></div>
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<i>End of the line</i></div>
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<i>Sandra had to check out the boat</i></div>
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<i>This must be gorgeous in the fall!</i></div>
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<i>Looking up to Lookout Ledges from Little Pond</i></div>
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<i>Snow lining the far shore</i></div>
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We spent a long while soaking up the sun on the ledges around the pond. We would have all been happy to just spend the whole afternoon here, but sadly Nat and I had to drive home to Rhode Island soon. This had been a perfect way to end a great weekend. Thanks again to John for providing the inspiration for this hike, to Clay for taking action on that inspiration and to Clay and Sandra for another great day out and an overall great weekend!<br />
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<i>Many beautiful cascades</i></div>
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<i>Following the brook on the Woodhouse Trail</i></div>
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<i>One of the trail maps provided at the new kiosk</i></div>
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The interactive map and GPS track are here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ypsogokyxligynlu" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ypsogokyxligynlu</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com4Mount Crosby, Groton, NH 03241, USA43.737572 -71.81869180000001140.813646 -76.982265800000008 46.661498 -66.655117800000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-45918984765546979322013-04-20T11:30:00.000-04:002013-04-26T07:34:24.392-04:00Some Kodak Moments on Mt CubeWe spent a wonderful couple of days last weekend hanging out with our friends Clay and Sandra and exploring some new mountains in central NH. First up for Saturday was Mt Cube. This is one of the 52WAV hikes that I've been looking forward to for quite a while. The weather forecast for Saturday had been iffy, and it was raining as we drove up through Mass. By the time we hit the NH border the rain had stopped and in Bristol the sun was starting to peek through. We had been prepared to hike in the drizzle if needed, but this was much nicer.<br />
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We got a pretty late start and weren't on the trail till near noon. This wasn't going to be a long day and we had no place else to be though, so it really didn't matter. We started out the hike with the 3+ mile road walk from the parking area on Baker Rd. This is a nice walk that follows Jacob's Brook for much of the way. There were some pretty muddy, wet sections - but hey, this is spring in NH...<br />
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<i>Start of the muddy road walk</i></div>
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<i>Avoiding the stream in the middle of the road</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Sandra doing some rock hopping</i></div>
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With the road walk out of the way, we arrived at the trailhead for the Kodak Trail. I had to do some research to find out the reason for the name and found it in a trip report from Steve Smith. The Dartmouth Outing Club (who maintains these trails and others in the area) named it this because it climbs to the Eastman Ledges and, as Steve put it, provides numerous "Kodak moments". It is indeed a scenic route.<br />
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<i>After a few miles of road walk we're finally at the trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHiQrxAZiU4/UXkSgqFMBgI/AAAAAAAArAM/eQiSvbtUE0c/s1600/IMG_5990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHiQrxAZiU4/UXkSgqFMBgI/AAAAAAAArAM/eQiSvbtUE0c/s640/IMG_5990.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Clay leading the way up the Kodak trail</i></div>
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<i>Approaching Eastman Ledges</i></div>
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<i>Smarts Mountain from Eastman Ledges</i></div>
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<i>Zoom of Smarts</i></div>
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There is a nice long ledge walk along the Eastman Ledges with views to Smarts Mountain (on our list for the future) and much of the surrounding area. After traversing the ledges we headed down into the col that leads to Mt Cube.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTFclwAenM/UXkSi1yhgoI/AAAAAAAArAs/Ia1vSOkEeFs/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kTFclwAenM/UXkSi1yhgoI/AAAAAAAArAs/Ia1vSOkEeFs/s640/IMG_5994.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking down the ledges</i></div>
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<i>Winter hasn't quite left yet</i></div>
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<i>Heading down from the ledges toward Mt Cube</i></div>
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There hadn't been much snow to this point, but we found a little here. What we found next was the result of the snow being gone. There is one stream crossing on the Kodak trail at the bottom of the col that is presumably a simple rock hop in the summer. Not so much today. We couldn't see any of the normal stepping stones above the surface and the water was flowing fast at the regular crossing. We walked a few hundred feet in each direction from the crossing and didn't really find a better option. We wound up taking off our boots and wading it. Nat, Sandra and Clay went at the crossing and I chose a spot about 20 yards upstream that seemed a bit easier. The water was cold, but not awful and we made it across without a problem. Onward...<br />
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<i>This was where we had to cross. No rock hopping today</i></div>
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On the way up to Cube summit we took the short (0.2mi) detour to the Hexacuba shelter. It made a great place for a food break and it would have been a shame to miss seeing this unique structure (not to mention the adjoining Penta Privy).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVSaI7d4_RA/UXkSlkRqPxI/AAAAAAAArBM/v0AGgLlhKZ8/s1600/IMG_6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVSaI7d4_RA/UXkSlkRqPxI/AAAAAAAArBM/v0AGgLlhKZ8/s640/IMG_6000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Arriving at the Hexacuba shelter</i></div>
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<i>Nat exploring Hexacuba</i></div>
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<i>What better to go with Hexacuba...</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEAKUlarNMg/UXkSnGRXeGI/AAAAAAAArBk/7lGQaXFJPEo/s1600/IMG_6004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEAKUlarNMg/UXkSnGRXeGI/AAAAAAAArBk/7lGQaXFJPEo/s640/IMG_6004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>A fine five sided privy</i></div>
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There's one more water crossing over a stream in a bit of a gorge after the shelter. There's a bridge - if that's what you want to call a couple of split logs spanning the gap. Tread cautiously...<br />
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The rest of the way up from there is more beautiful ledge walking. I just love these spots!!<br />
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<i>Half way across the "bridge"</i></div>
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<i>Approaching Cube</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8CSB-e41WI/UXkSo0dXCPI/AAAAAAAArB8/-Q7IDQgvIOc/s1600/IMG_6008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8CSB-e41WI/UXkSo0dXCPI/AAAAAAAArB8/-Q7IDQgvIOc/s640/IMG_6008.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Starting up</i></div>
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<i>Sandra and Nat on the initial Cube ledges</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful ledge walking</i></div>
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The clouds had move back in by the time we got to the summit, but the views were still beautiful. We hung out for a while before reluctantly heading back down.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deFUG4M8cQE/UXkSrICgB2I/AAAAAAAArCc/liu66E2YbZY/s1600/IMG_6014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-deFUG4M8cQE/UXkSrICgB2I/AAAAAAAArCc/liu66E2YbZY/s640/IMG_6014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Smarts from Cube ledges</i></div>
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<i>Lots more snow up here</i></div>
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<i>Almost at the top</i></div>
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<i>Wind farm from Cube summit</i></div>
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<i>Mt Cardigan in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Taking a break on the summit</i></div>
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<i>Valley views</i></div>
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<i>Looking up the AT to Cube summit</i></div>
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The first half of the way down was an icy monorail. We held out for a while and tried to bare boot it, but finally gave in an put on our Microspikes which made the rest of the going easy. We were back at the car at around 5pm - good time considering our considerable fooling around. A great day on a mountain that we'll certainly be back to in the future.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCGgSf29Lo/UXkSvMTm34I/AAAAAAAArDk/oTql1mxQZ5E/s1600/IMG_6024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCGgSf29Lo/UXkSvMTm34I/AAAAAAAArDk/oTql1mxQZ5E/s640/IMG_6024.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The bridges home...</i></div>
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<i>Icy monorail</i></div>
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The GPS track is here: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=arodtgzpyjeeuwvm" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=arodtgzpyjeeuwvm</a><br />
The start point and end point are actually the same. The GPS just took a while to sync when we started.<br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com3Mount Cube, Orford, NH 03777, USA43.8856243 -72.023141718.363589800000003 -113.3317357 69.407658800000007 -30.714547699999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-64512163089150006342013-03-30T11:30:00.000-04:002013-03-31T17:22:29.994-04:00Pond-ering the Yawgoog TrailsAfter last weekend's hike on the Narragansett Trail, we decided to do a bit more on the opposite end of it this weekend. It was another beautiful spring day in Rhode Island and the perfect day to be on the trails. We had originally talked about just doing Long and Ell Pond (our local favorite hike) and then driving up to the Dinosaur Caves, but after looking at the map we decided to just hike the whole thing. We had talked many times about continuing past North Road at the northern end of Long and Ell and checking out some of the Yawgoog trails, but somehow we'd never gotten around to it. We were really glad that we finally did...<br />
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We started at the parking area at the end of Long Pond on Canonchet Rd instead of our usual start near Ashville Pond on Stubtown Rd (the eastern end of the Narragansett Trail). We figured we didn't need the extra few miles and it turned out to be a good choice. As we were starting out we met a Meetup group that had started at Stubtown Rd and was heading the same direction as us. We got ahead of them and kept a quick pace to stay ahead of them. We had planned to stop at our favorite spot - the ledges above Long Pond - on the way out, but decided to wait until the way back since we figured they'd be stopping there as well.<br />
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<i>Starting out from the end of Long Pond</i></div>
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<i>Kim heading around Long Pond</i></div>
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<i>Rhododendron lined trail</i></div>
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<i>Green tunnel</i></div>
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We flew through the first section and soon were crossing North Rd and heading for Yawgoog Pond. The trails at the beginning on this side were really pretty - a sign of things to come for the rest of the day. We followed the trails along the shore of the pond and enjoyed the views of the islands and the walking on the ledges at the water's edge. Such a beautiful place!<br />
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<i>Cooning Orchard (not really an orchard)</i></div>
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<i>Yawgoog Pond inlet</i></div>
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<i>Yawgoog Pond and some of the many islands</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful shoreline</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim enjoying the ledges around the pond</i></div>
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<i>Bog bridges</i></div>
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We quickly came to the marker for the RI/CT border. The trail from here follows the border north past the Dinosaur Caves until the Narragansett blue trail splits west into CT and the yellow trail goes east into RI. We were at the Dinosaur Caves less than 2 hours from the time we started. I guess we were motivated...<br />
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<i>CT/RI boundary marker</i></div>
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<i>Walking the border</i></div>
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<i>I liked these blazes...</i></div>
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The Dinosaur Caves were one of our planned destinations for the day. Kim had been here before but Nat and I never had. It sounded like a cool place to explore. There is nothing marking the cave entrance (which comes in from the top of a huge section of ledge and boulders) and you'd never know that it was there if you hadn't been here before. Entry to the upper cave is actually prohibited (due to "safety issues") but it still gets a lot of visitors. There is even a wooden platform that someone has recently added at the bottom of the entry to make it easier to drop in. You basically squeeze straight down through an opening that is barely larger than your body and then down to a small ledge step before the boards. This information was all conveyed to me second hand however, since there was no way that I was going to try to get my claustrophobic self into that hole. Nat and Kim both went in and claimed to enjoy it (at least before the spiders showed up). The cave is apparently 50+ feet in length once you get in and has an upper and lower chamber. Unless I see someone else's pictures I'll never know.<br />
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<i>At the entrance to Upper Dinosaur Cave</i></div>
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<i>Nat getting ready to go in</i></div>
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<i>Kim squeezing in</i></div>
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<i>Not a very big entrance</i></div>
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<i>Wooden platform/step below the entrance</i></div>
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<i>Nat in the cave</i></div>
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<i>Figuring out how to climb out</i></div>
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<i>Uh...</i></div>
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<i>Kim climbing out</i></div>
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After the girls finished their cave exploring we all took a long break and soaked in the sun on the rocks. I got bored though (what a shock) and climbed down to the bottom of the area below the caves. The Lower Dinosaur Cave is down here (no squeezing in for this one) and there are lots of other cool spots to explore. Nat and Kim joined me and we hung out down there and then they had some more fun scrambling back up the boulders and squeezing through more seemingly smaller-than-a-person holes on the way up.<br />
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<i>Enjoying the sunny rock above the cave</i></div>
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<i>Frog pond</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading down to the lower caves</i></div>
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<i>Kim in Lower Dinosaur Cave</i></div>
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<i>Ferns on the rocks in the lower cave</i></div>
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<i>Looks comfortable</i></div>
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<i>Kim squeezing through an opening outside the caves</i></div>
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<i>I think she enjoys this :)</i></div>
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Our original plan had been to head back the way we came, but after checking the map it looked like we could continue north for a ways and then loop back on the Yawgoog Blue Trail and then around Hidden Lake and around the east side of Yawgoog Pond to make a big loop. We'd seen a sign for Hidden Lake on the way in and figured that this would be a good place to check out. We were definitely right...<br />
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<i>First glimpse of Hidden Lake</i></div>
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<i>Hidden Lake - what a beautiful spot!</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim on the ledges at Hidden Lake</i></div>
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<i>Clouds reflected in the glass</i></div>
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<i>Blazes on the old pump at the end of the lake</i></div>
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Hidden Lake may be the prettiest spot that any of us has found anywhere in Rhode Island. Hard to imagine that this is in the middle of a Boy Scout reservation. I sure hope they appreciate what a gem they have here. <br />
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We continued on to the north shore of Yawgoog Pond and around the eastern side to Camp Yawgoog. The shore of the pond on this side is beautiful and in particular the section that goes out to the point along Pickerel Cove. Soon you wind up in the main part of the camp, and on future trips we'd go back along the western shore of the pond to avoid it. It's a pretty amazing place for a scout camp (1800 acres with huge lodges, dining halls, tent platforms (probably 100 or more), waterfront buildings, cabins and all forms of modern conveniences) and while it might be great for the scouts it isn't necessary in the middle of an otherwise beautiful hike.<br />
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<i>North shore of Yawgoog Pond</i></div>
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<i>More islands in Yawgoog Pond</i></div>
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<i>Pretty cove</i></div>
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<i>Stream between Yawgoog Pond and Wincheck Pond</i></div>
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We finished the loop and got back to North Rd and now started looking forward to our favorite spot on the ledges at Long Pond. We were hoping to have them to ourselves and our timing was perfect. There were two other groups that we met who had just come down from the ledges and now they were all ours. It was close to 5pm by this time and the late afternoon light over the pond was beautiful. We hung out for a long time and then scrambled down to a spot near the water's edge that would be the perfect campsite (if only it were allowed) before finally heading back.<br />
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<i>Back through the tunnel</i></div>
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<i>Rhody swamp near Long Pond entrance on North Rd</i></div>
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<i>Pines clinging to the ledges on Long Pond</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading down the ledges to the shore</i></div>
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<i>This would make a nice campsite</i></div>
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<i>Another sentinel on the ledges</i></div>
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It was getting late and we were all tired and hungry. The section of trail along Long Pond is probably the toughest in RI. It always feels more like being in the mountains with all of its rocky ups and downs than being in what is otherwise a really flat state. With almost 10 miles down, that last mile felt really long. I still love this section every time I do it though. <br />
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<i>Going back up the steep way!</i></div>
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<i>This seems a lot steeper than it did 10 miles ago...</i></div>
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The hike wound up being about 10.6 miles - longer than we planned, but definitely worth it. All in all this was a fantastic day. We all agreed that it was probably the nicest hike that we'd done in RI and one that we'll do again. We'll skip the scout camp next time and spend more time around Hidden Lake for sure. Now if only there was a way to get kayaks out here...<br />
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As I noted in last week's post on the Narragansett Trail, there is a great set of maps and trail descriptions for the Yawgoog and other trails in the area here: <a href="http://www.mdc.net/~dbrier/yawgoog/trails/contents.html" target="_blank">http://www.mdc.net/~dbrier/yawgoog/trails/contents.html</a> <br />
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Here's the interactive GPS track: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=yugkoifhicmqqevr" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=yugkoifhicmqqevr</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com0Yawgoog Pond, Hopkinton, RI, USA41.5202882 -71.78152390000002541.508399200000007 -71.801693900000018 41.5321772 -71.761353900000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-32424309994644202362013-03-23T11:15:00.000-04:002013-03-31T15:57:01.838-04:00Narragansett Trail - Lantern Hill to Wyassup LakeLast weekend we decided that it was time to start some spring hiking in southern New England. The weather has finally started to warm up a bit and this is one of the nicest times to hike here. We're also going to be spending the first three weekends of April back in the snow in New Hampshire, so now is the time to take advantage of nice days here. The Narragansett Trail runs 21 miles from Lantern Hill in North Stonington, CT to Ashville Pond in Hopkinton, RI. We've hiked the first few miles of the eastern end in RI many times on our visits to Long and Ell Ponds and the surrounding area, but have never ventured farther west. The plan was to use a car spot and do the western half from Lantern Hill (the western terminus) to Wyassup Lake.<br />
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We met Kim on Saturday morning in North Stonington and headed over to the boat launch on Wyassup Lake to spot the car. From there it's about a 15-20 minute drive to the trailhead off Rt 2 near Foxwoods. There were already a bunch of cars there when we got there and we saw a few people on our way up Lantern Hill, but that was basically it for the rest of the day. Lantern Hill is a pretty steep little climb (about 350' of gain) and a nice way to get the legs warmed up. The views from the top to Foxwoods are quite pretty (assuming that you don't mind seeing something like this sticking up in the middle of the woods) as are the views down to Lantern Hill Pond.<br />
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<i>Starting out at Lantern Hill</i></div>
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<i>Pretty good climb up this little hill</i></div>
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<i>Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Museum from Lantern Hill</i></div>
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<i>Lantern Hill Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpk6kx_Juo/UVh2kVSc_gI/AAAAAAAAqsA/FnnuIezIaw8/s1600/IMG_5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpk6kx_Juo/UVh2kVSc_gI/AAAAAAAAqsA/FnnuIezIaw8/s640/IMG_5754.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading to the top of Lantern Hill</i></div>
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As we crossed the ledges at the top of Lantern Hill we saw a bunch of turkey vultures floating overhead. As we got to the craggy ledges past the summit we found a couple of juvenile vultures sitting on the rocks about 30 feet away. They weren't at all bothered by our presence and while we watched them an adult (mom perhaps?) and a couple of others joined the party. Very cool!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWgvrFQiEjk/UVh2k4BBDYI/AAAAAAAAqsI/zdXTvXGwEt8/s1600/IMG_5755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWgvrFQiEjk/UVh2k4BBDYI/AAAAAAAAqsI/zdXTvXGwEt8/s640/IMG_5755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Windmills and towers</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7V_jt2YWkE/UVh2lQ0juhI/AAAAAAAAqsQ/mHXlIOCjc8g/s1600/IMG_5756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7V_jt2YWkE/UVh2lQ0juhI/AAAAAAAAqsQ/mHXlIOCjc8g/s640/IMG_5756.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Juvenile Turkey Vulture</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HocHdLjc6B0/UVh2mCzdwZI/AAAAAAAAqsY/aqa5H3PuTOw/s1600/IMG_5757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HocHdLjc6B0/UVh2mCzdwZI/AAAAAAAAqsY/aqa5H3PuTOw/s640/IMG_5757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>This must be mom...</i></div>
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<i>Another one joins the group</i></div>
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<i>The juveniles are sort of cute</i></div>
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The trail back down the other side of Lantern Hill is also steep and there are some nice ledge scrambles on both sides. Nice way so begin the day...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCwrx-5sYXE/UVh2nSd3oiI/AAAAAAAAqsw/MakLS2jMLAM/s1600/IMG_5767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCwrx-5sYXE/UVh2nSd3oiI/AAAAAAAAqsw/MakLS2jMLAM/s640/IMG_5767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Cool blazes!</i></div>
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<i>Fun path</i></div>
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After Lantern Hill the trail winds through the woods for a while before coming to the first of several encounters with civilization. This one is probably the most unpleasant (and certainly the most strange). The trail description says that here it "goes between the transfer station and the dog pound". That's 100% true. We also began to get a taste for some of the very creative blazing that is done on a trail that goes through areas like this...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZuALzfk8NU/UVh2p3k4UnI/AAAAAAAAqtI/YgYq6pMkTVc/s1600/IMG_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZuALzfk8NU/UVh2p3k4UnI/AAAAAAAAqtI/YgYq6pMkTVc/s640/IMG_5770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I think we found the transfer station...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D026FdHv7RM/UVh2qngZnlI/AAAAAAAAqtQ/UidwXZeSSes/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D026FdHv7RM/UVh2qngZnlI/AAAAAAAAqtQ/UidwXZeSSes/s640/IMG_5771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>... and the dog pound</i></div>
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<i>Poor unhappy guys. :( So handsome too</i></div>
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<i>Find the blaze. (Hint - it's in the middle)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Cl2AZpIPg/UVh2r4_q7XI/AAAAAAAAqtg/Hkl10lUZYt8/s1600/IMG_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Cl2AZpIPg/UVh2r4_q7XI/AAAAAAAAqtg/Hkl10lUZYt8/s640/IMG_5774.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>More interesting blaze locations</i></div>
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<i>Glad this is Saturday</i></div>
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After this section the trail goes back into the woods before coming out again to cross Rt 2 near Gallup Pond. This is actually not a bad road stretch and comes right before entering the Gladys Foster Nature Preserve which is a rather pretty area (even though you never completely escape the road noise and have a steady view of houses below the ridge).<br />
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<i>Mountain Laurel lined trails</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSO0YCh3_wI/UVh2uC6uQcI/AAAAAAAAqt4/s5tR_YDGAUk/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSO0YCh3_wI/UVh2uC6uQcI/AAAAAAAAqt4/s5tR_YDGAUk/s640/IMG_5777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Bridge over the end of Gallup Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6iJbj3xzrY/UVh2um2qUkI/AAAAAAAAquA/2PQLOq4-7JM/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6iJbj3xzrY/UVh2um2qUkI/AAAAAAAAquA/2PQLOq4-7JM/s640/IMG_5778.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Gallup Pond</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gvaLsMxMvU/UVh2vebbWtI/AAAAAAAAquI/JJoxjrDFW2Y/s1600/IMG_5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gvaLsMxMvU/UVh2vebbWtI/AAAAAAAAquI/JJoxjrDFW2Y/s640/IMG_5779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hmmmm...</i></div>
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<i>Pretty sturdy for a foot bridge</i></div>
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<i>Guess we're on the right trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xpeGfKXBq4/UVh2xbXdzdI/AAAAAAAAqug/UuduVGhQEqc/s1600/IMG_5782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xpeGfKXBq4/UVh2xbXdzdI/AAAAAAAAqug/UuduVGhQEqc/s640/IMG_5782.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>More interesting blazes</i></div>
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<i>Bet this is really pretty in the fall</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim on one of the lookout points</i></div>
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After traversing the higher ridge in the preserve the trail drops back down and follows Yawbucs Brook and then passes by a series of large beaver ponds. The little guys have been very busy down here in recent years from the looks of it. There are multiple ponds, dams and lodges (and signs of plenty of new work as well). Looks like mom and dad must have thrown the kids out of the house and they've now moved back in next door. This section was one of the nicest parts of the hike.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAz4KNbl2Sc/UVh20sF0iEI/AAAAAAAAqvI/h5FdLxjfL9w/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAz4KNbl2Sc/UVh20sF0iEI/AAAAAAAAqvI/h5FdLxjfL9w/s640/IMG_5787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>We found winter!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY_BrGnps1M/UVh21e_xFuI/AAAAAAAAqvU/zYeAvo1m5vM/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY_BrGnps1M/UVh21e_xFuI/AAAAAAAAqvU/zYeAvo1m5vM/s640/IMG_5788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Pretty walking down here</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQHbqttvRw/UVh22MM0fLI/AAAAAAAAqvc/2p1vb_ZZeRw/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQHbqttvRw/UVh22MM0fLI/AAAAAAAAqvc/2p1vb_ZZeRw/s640/IMG_5789.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Yawbucs Brook</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMET_eFqoZg/UVh221u_3SI/AAAAAAAAqvk/6jrXo4ZZivo/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMET_eFqoZg/UVh221u_3SI/AAAAAAAAqvk/6jrXo4ZZivo/s640/IMG_5790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Following the beaver ponds</i></div>
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<i>BIG beaver pond. Lodge at the left</i></div>
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<i>Busy as a...</i></div>
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<i>Dam!</i></div>
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<i>Must be tasty</i></div>
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The final section before Wyassup Lake wound up and down over a couple of hills that were another nice little stretch. When we got to Wyassup Lake (the trail comes out by the boat launch parking area where we spotted the car) we decided to do the loop around the lake for another few miles. It begins by climbing steeply up to ledges overlooking the lake and then drops back down to the lake shore on the eastern side. The last mile or so are along the roads that run along the lake shore. Not sure that we really needed more road walking to end the hike, but the lake really is pretty and it wasn't so bad.<br />
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<i>Heading up to the cliffs above Wyassup Lake</i></div>
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<i>Last stretch to the top</i></div>
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<i>Wyassup Lake from the top of the cliffs</i></div>
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<i>Don't want to fall in here!</i></div>
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<i>Walking around Wyassup Lake</i></div>
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<i>Back to our car spot and the boat launch</i></div>
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The total hike was 10 miles. There were some really nice sections and a few that were definitely not so nice. We were glad that we had finally gotten here after talking about it for a long time, but we all agreed that we didn't feel like we'd need to do it again. Now we'll have to try the rest of the eastern half so see how the rest of that is. We certainly like the part we've already done.<br />
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There is a great set of maps and trail descriptions for the Narragansett Trail and many of the other trails in the area here: <a href="http://www.mdc.net/~dbrier/yawgoog/trails/narragansett.html" target="_blank">http://www.mdc.net/~dbrier/yawgoog/trails/narragansett.html</a> <br />
We've used these for our explorations around Long and Ell Ponds, Arcadia and Green Falls and they've been extremely helpful.<br />
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Here's the GPS track of our hike: <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=lpzdkpzpautarmah" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=lpzdkpzpautarmah</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com0Lantern Hill, North Stonington, CT 06359, USA41.4600985 -71.944518215.938064 -113.2531122 66.982133 -30.635924200000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-67919145359857628962013-03-10T09:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T19:40:39.659-04:00The End of Vermont? - Killington PeakHow do you follow up a perfect day in the mountains? With another perfect day in the mountains, of course. The weather in Vermont on Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday - warm late season temps and beautiful blue winter skies. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to finish what we started in January with a hike up Killington Peak to finish our VT 4K's. After finishing the NH48 last fall we knew we wanted to start exploring more of Maine and Vermont. We'd only done a small number of hikes in each and figured that this summer we'd start working on the NE67. Little did we know that things would work our for us to get 8 of them this winter. Awesome!<div>
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Saturday night the clocks changed, so between being tired from the hike on Saturday and the one less hour of sleep we weren't too early getting going. The benefit was that it was still cold in the morning, which saved us from the sticky snow until later in the day. We got to the Bucklin trailhead around 9 and headed out. The road in was well plowed and there was lots of room in the parking lot (for at least 10-12 cars). I was expecting something slightly different for a location called Brewer's Corner than just a parking lot in the middle of a dirt road four miles from anywhere. Now we know...</div>
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The first mile and a half or so of the Bucklin trail are very flat and went quickly. There is a fairly significant reroute in the middle of it that is presumably from damage from Irene along the water. It's certainly never difficult to follow as you can generally see about three blazes ahead at any point (perhaps a bit of overkill). The trail was extremely well broken out, but we wore snowshoes all day. Everyone else that we met were either bare booting or wearing microspikes, and the trail showed it by the time we headed out in the afternoon.</div>
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<i>The new CX-5 at the trailhead</i></div>
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<i>Last minute adjustments</i></div>
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<i>Information overload</i></div>
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<i>Miles of easy walking</i></div>
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There are a few water crossings along the lower section and all are easy to hop over from bank to bank. There is one narrow 'bridge' that's just one snowshoe wide that makes for a fun balancing act. :)</div>
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<i>Second bridge. Note the blaze to remind you that you really want to go across here <b>:-/</b></i></div>
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<i>Starting the spring melt?</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I after the narrow bridge crossing. One snowshoe wide...</i></div>
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This hike does gain about 2500' of elevation, so the flat walking had to stop at some point. Once we got on the uphill we just kicked in the televators (which Kim was very happy to have today) and thought about what a great run it would be for butt sledding on the way down. The trail levels out a bit as it crosses the LT/AT junction before heading up the steep approach to the summit.</div>
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<i>Finally gaining some elevation. Looking forward to the slide back down!</i></div>
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<i>Crossing the LT/AT</i></div>
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<i>Back to white blazin'</i></div>
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<i>Another beautiful day up high</i></div>
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We met a bunch of folks at the Cooper shelter just past the junction. I think they were all just up there doing some back country skiing. There's actually a trail that heads down here from the top of the ski area at the summit. Somehow I forgot to get a photo of the shelter itself - I guess I was distracted by the signs.</div>
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<i>Cooper Shelter warning</i></div>
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<i>So many signs...</i></div>
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Leaving the shelter it was a bit of a challenge to find the trail to the summit. There were ski tracks everywhere and we wandered around for a while before finding the blazes again. Next time we'll know - it's just straight ahead past the shelter. We finally got back on track and headed up the final <u>really</u> steep pitch to the top. I'd read a trip report from this year that said they had turned back a hundred yards from the top because they couldn't make forward progress. I can see how that could happen if the snow was soft. As it was, there was just enough bite to get the snowshoe crampons in. As usual, all I could think about as we were going up here was how the heck we were going to get down...</div>
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<i>A little break before the really steep section</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on the beginning of the steep spur to the summit</i></div>
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<i>Wall of white</i></div>
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<i>Nat digging in on the summit spur</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I almost to the top. This is REALLY steep!</i></div>
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<i>Kim approaching the summit</i></div>
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<i>Nat's almost there</i></div>
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It was gorgeous on the summit! There was a little more haze than the previous day, but we could still see 100 miles away. While we were on the summit I wandered around looking for a potential alternate way to descend that was less steep than the way up. We thought about the back country ski trail, but were worried about how far out of the way it might be. There was an "ambassador" from Killington that we met on the summit and asked about options. He didn't really have any suggestions and ultimately we decided that we would just suck it up and head back the same way. <sigh></div>
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<i>Kim on the final approach</i></div>
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<i>Had fun watching the rime blow off the tower</i></div>
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<i>Another day of incredible views</i></div>
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<i>I think I was looking for an alternate route down</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Killington for NE67 #58. VT = done!</i></div>
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<i>Kim on Killington for W67 #62</i></div>
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<i>Our little friends celebrate another successful summit day</i></div>
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<i>Mark, Kim and Nat (and Mr Giraffe) on Killington</i></div>
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By the time Kim and I walked over to the top of the lip from the summit Nat had already slid down the first pitch. She described it to us as "not too bad, but somewhat out of control". OK, no other options here. I dug in the heel of my snowshoes, back of my pack, elbows and poles and started the slide. I went right past Nat and didn't stop till I was on the first flatter section before the shelter. It was actually more controlled than I expected and was also quite fun. Kim reminded me that this was the same thing that I'd done to myself on the way up (and down) Profanity on Mt Mansfield. I promised that I wouldn't ever psych myself out like that again. (Yeah, right...)</div>
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Once we were back at the shelter we got out our butt sleds and prepared for the fun ride down! Unfortunately, the trail had seemed a lot steeper on the way up and the snow had gotten a lot stickier. There were a few really good sections, but for the most part it was faster to just walk than sled.</div>
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<i>The dangers of butt sledding (and putting your snowshoes in the pack).</i></div>
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<i>Kim was completely stuck between the trees here until Nat dragged her out</i></div>
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<i>The fun of butt sledding!!!</i></div>
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The rest of the walk out was quick. We were back at the car by 2 and reluctantly headed for home. There were still a couple of VT treats ahead though. First was driving down Rt 100 and 103 through the beautiful winter countryside. The other was stopping at <a href="http://smokinbowls.com/" target="_blank">Smokin' Bowls</a> for a Cheech and Chong chili. This has definitely become our favorite Vermont detour on the way home!</div>
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And so we've gotten another state knocked off the list - us for our NE67 and Kim for her W67. Does that mean that this is the end of Vermont? Not by a long shot!! We can't wait to get back to some of these peaks in other seasons and explore lots more of this beautiful state! There's definitely more to New England hiking than just the Whites.</div>
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The interactive GPS track is <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=cazcndbxymdsbhki" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com2Killington Peak, Mendon, VT 05701, USA43.604513 -72.820102418.082478499999997 -114.1286964 69.1265475 -31.511508399999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-49565777084024728762013-03-09T07:00:00.000-05:002013-03-13T20:14:10.427-04:00If at First You Don't Succeed... - Mt Ellen and AbrahamBack in January we had taken our first shot at getting our last Vermont peaks for the NE67. We had a fantastic day for Mt Mansfield, but the weather turned us back soon after starting our attempt at Abraham and Ellen (that post is <a href="http://theramblingsblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/mt-mansfield-with-only-few-profanities.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>) and we opted out of Killington as well, knowing that we had to return again anyway. We weren't really sorry - it was a good excuse to go back to Vermont again. Last weekend was the plan, and this time it looked like the mountains were ready to welcome us back. Maybe...<br />
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The weather forecast for the whole weekend was amazing - sunny skies and temps reaching the 40's (almost too warm). There was still a bit of a weather issue though - the tail end of the winter nor'easter that had been dumping more late season snow on lots of southern New England. We drove up Friday afternoon and took our best shot at avoiding the last of the storm by heading west to the Mass Pike rather than getting anywhere near Boston. It was only partly effective though, and by the time we were on Rt 146 in MA we were in heavy snow with barely plowed and very slippery roads. A major accident on 146 had it closed for at least one exit and had to take back roads the rest of the way to the Mass Pike, but once we'd gone just a few exits to the west we were on dry roads and the rest of the trip was smooth sailing. By the time we got to Brattleboro the sun was out and it was 45 degrees. What a difference a few miles makes! Challenge #1 dealt with...<br />
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The biggest potential issue for us appeared to be access for hiking Abe and Ellen. Last time we'd gone through a process with talking to the folks at Sugarbush to get access to hiking the ski trails up and back so that we could take advantage of the shuttle between the base areas. This turns the hike into a very reasonable 9 mile day vs. a best case 13+ mile out and back from any of the western access points. There was some confusion among the various people in guest services and the ski patrol that we talked to last time, but we ultimately got permission to hike up a ski trail on Mt Ellen (Lower F.I.S.) that was closed that day. We unfortunately wound up getting turned back less than half way up by winds that were already knocking us off our feet. We were hoping to be able to use the same logistics this time, but had seen a new page on the Sugarbush website that basically indicated that all uphill travel was prohibited, with not even the mention of a hiker pass option. We once again called and talked to guest services who this time directed us to the head of the ski patrol. Nat talked to him on Friday morning and explained our plan and that we just wanted to follow the rules and not cause any issues for the skiers. He was very nice and said that he appreciated our consideration. They've apparently had problems recently with hikers bringing unleashed dogs on the ski trails which has driven the stricter public policy. He told us we were fine to hike without a pass and suggested that we get as early a start as possible to get near the top before the first skiers. Perfect! Challenge #2 down...<br />
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With the plan of an early start, we switched the shuttle plan this time - parking at Ellen base and getting the shuttle back from Lincoln base (which runs till 4:30). We were at the trailhead and ready to go at 7am, two hours before the lifts open and plenty of time to enjoy having the trails to ourselves. All the tough part was now over - all that was left was the hike. :) Uh, almost... As we were gearing up, Kim made a horrible discovery. When we had unpacked the car the night before her snowshoes had been on top of the luggage, so she put them next to the driveway while we finished unpacking. Somehow we all missed seeing them when we were done (and when we left on Saturday morning as well) and they were still there, along with her poles, when we got to the mountain. Damn!! It would have taken close to two hours to go back and get them. Even worse, she hadn't brought her microspikes since she was planning to use the snowshoes all day. Ellen and Abe had been trying to foil Kim's attempts to finish her W67 for several years and it looked like they were giving it one last shot. She borrowed Nat's microspikes and said she was going to stick it out no matter what. Not knowing the conditions on the ridge this had the potential to be a <u>really</u> tough day. She was determined not to let anything get in the way this time though. We're off...<br />
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<i>Sugarbush Mt Ellen base area at the beginning of a beautiful day</i></div>
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<i>Starting up Lower F.I.S.</i></div>
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<i>Kim heading up the initial flat section</i></div>
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<i>Looks like a country lane down here</i></div>
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The first mile went quickly and we enjoyed walking the wide, flat trail on this beautiful day. Past this long run-out at the bottom this turns into a very steep ascent (it is a black diamond after all). In what seemed like no time we were back at the crossing of the quad lift where we turned around last time.<br />
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<i>Me on the beginning steeps of Lower F.I.S.</i></div>
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<i>This is where we turned around last time. Sure is nicer today!</i></div>
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<i>The quad lift that goes sideways between the two Sugarbush areas</i></div>
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From the crossing of the lift to the top of Mt Ellen the trails are unrelentingly steep. The rest of Lower F.I.S. is a mogul-ed black diamond and Rim Run isn't much easier. I'm not a skier, so it's probably not fair for me to assess, but it certainly seemed like it was more fun going up than it would be going down. The good news was that we could just flip up the televators on the snowshoes and walk up the slope - except for Kim. Nat and I both felt so guilty every time we put them on and then looked back at Kim plodding up in microspikes.<br />
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<i>Starting to get some views</i></div>
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<i>Undercast between the peaks in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful birch lined trails</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim heading up the moguls</i></div>
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<i>Pretty steep ski trail - glad I'm not going down it</i></div>
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When we got to the top of Lower F.I.S. the views got really good. Everything to the north opened up from Camel's Hump to Mansfield and beyond. What a gorgeous day! About this time we started meeting the first of the ski patrol crew taking their first runs down the mountain. We ran into a total of four by the time we got to the top. Each stopped and talked to us about our plans. Only one asked us if we had a pass (and she seemed unsure of the question). We told them each that we'd gotten permission and there was no hassle at all. They each left telling us to enjoy the beautiful day and have a great hike. Nice!<br />
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<i>Nat and I at the top of Lower F.I.S.</i></div>
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<i>Camel's Hump in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Zoom to Camel's Hump</i></div>
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<i>First lift crossing. Still no skiers</i></div>
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<i>Porcelain and azure</i></div>
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Shortly before the top we were caught up to by a couple of guys who were skinning up and then skiing across the ridge to Castlerock and down. We stopped to talk to them several times and were lucky enough to have them lead the way across the ridge and break it out really well for us. About 10 minutes before the top we started to pass the first skiers heading down from the lift. Our timing was good.<br />
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<i>Almost at the top of the ski area. The two guys skinning up are just behind us</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful views of the Long Trail to the north</i></div>
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<i>What's not to smile about today?!!</i></div>
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<i>Final ski trail to the summit</i></div>
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<i>Getting windy - time to add a layer</i></div>
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At the top of the ski area there was no indication which way the Long Trail went into the trees. The guys ahead of us were at the entrance though and pointed it out. From here across the ridge it was pretty much a continuous winter wonderland. One of the most beautiful winter hikes ever!<br />
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<i>Nat and I heading into the Long Trail on Mt Ellen with one of the skiers that broke it out in front of us all morning</i></div>
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<i>Snowy corridor</i></div>
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<i>Winter wonderland on Mt Ellen!</i></div>
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The summit of Mt Ellen is just into the woods. There's no marking, but the height of land is obvious. We stopped for our summit pics. Kim was so happy to have finally broken the curse that had stopped her on the last several attempts. One down...<br />
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<i>Kim on Mt Ellen for W67 #60</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Mt Ellen for NE67 #56</i></div>
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<i>Mark, Kim and Nat on the summit of Mt Ellen</i></div>
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We continued across the ridge enjoying the beautiful scenery. There a a bunch of ups and downs over smaller peaks along here but the going was pretty easy - particularly with the freshly broken trail.<br />
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<i>White blazes are hard to see today</i></div>
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<i>Backlit frosting</i></div>
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<i>LT south</i></div>
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<i>Nice wide section</i></div>
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<i>Cutts Peak</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on the Monroe Skyline</i></div>
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<i>Kim on the LT</i></div>
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<i>Nat in the frosted forest</i></div>
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<i>This was the easiest way under. Apparently it's permanent - it's even blazed!</i></div>
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<i>Campsite?</i></div>
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<i>Maybe not today...</i></div>
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We got to Castlerock Peak and lost our trailbreaking friends. It wasn't a problem though, as there were a number of skiers hiking over in this direction from Lincoln Peak. They were bare booting so it wasn't really helping the trail and it was easy to follow. The entrance into the LT from Castlerock was again not obvious. There's a sign after you enter the woods (if you pick the right place) to tell you you're on track. Very helpful<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XQgMPu_0xM/UT-7CfVfovI/AAAAAAAAqX8/IrkgCBEsb6o/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XQgMPu_0xM/UT-7CfVfovI/AAAAAAAAqX8/IrkgCBEsb6o/s640/IMG_5669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Castlerock Peak</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cBQxyFNNhg/UT-7C2kQHSI/AAAAAAAAqYE/lHdDLY6jKd8/s1600/IMG_5670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cBQxyFNNhg/UT-7C2kQHSI/AAAAAAAAqYE/lHdDLY6jKd8/s640/IMG_5670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sign is 50' into the woods - just to make you guess</i></div>
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<i>Glad we're not skiing (or alone)</i></div>
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<i>LT is still easy to follow here</i></div>
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When we hit Lincoln Peak we found it predictably swarming with skiers. Why not on such a perfect day! We headed up to the viewing platform on the summit and hung out enjoying the warm sun. We had lots of time and weren't in a hurry, but soon headed back onto the ridge to Abraham.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLRjLLhTAPg/UT-7Fny91rI/AAAAAAAAqYs/wXqgAmBUp8s/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLRjLLhTAPg/UT-7Fny91rI/AAAAAAAAqYs/wXqgAmBUp8s/s640/IMG_5675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking down Paradise trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFx74AbID9Q/UT-7GHixmLI/AAAAAAAAqY0/gE-uGZWiCNI/s1600/IMG_5676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFx74AbID9Q/UT-7GHixmLI/AAAAAAAAqY0/gE-uGZWiCNI/s640/IMG_5676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading for Lincoln Peak</i></div>
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<i>Kim heading up Lincoln Peak with Ellen and the Monroe Skyline beyond</i></div>
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<i>Starting to meet some skiers</i></div>
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<i>Kim, Nat and I on Lincoln Peak</i></div>
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<i>Looking back to Ellen from Lincoln Peak platform</i></div>
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<i>Summit transmission towers</i></div>
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The last 0.6 to Abraham was a little bit trickier than the rest of the ridge. There hadn't been any recent traffic and there was just a faint snowshoe track that was mostly covered. There were a couple of spots where we had to scratch our heads for a minute, but we wound up staying on the trail just fine. It was probably a good idea too. Past accounts of the ridge, and this section in particular, had pretty scary accounts of many deep spruce traps and it was easy to see that this could be the case if you just missed the trail a bit. Kim generally made out OK across the ridge without snowshoes (which we'd all been worried about), but she did go in up to almost her waist on a few occasions - and that was staying on the trail. I've got to give her a lot of credit for sticking this one out.<br />
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<i>Nat and I heading off of Lincoln Peak</i></div>
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<i>Trail finding gets a little more interesting in here</i></div>
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<i>Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...</i></div>
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We got to Abraham and found one other group on top that had come up the Battell trail. We chatted for a while and one of them took our summit pics for us. They then headed down and we had the summit to ourselves for a while. We took full advantage of soaking in the amazing views and doing a bit more sunbathing. What a day.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4m1Ttm_Azr8/UT-7LTsC2yI/AAAAAAAAqaE/mwxrtrqSYBo/s1600/IMG_5690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4m1Ttm_Azr8/UT-7LTsC2yI/AAAAAAAAqaE/mwxrtrqSYBo/s640/IMG_5690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>On Abraham with the Dacks on the horizon. NE67 #57 for Nat and I, W67 #61 for Kim</i></div>
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<i>Looking back to Ellen from Abe</i></div>
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<i>Kim enjoying the summit</i></div>
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<i>Looking south down the LT</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim loving the day</i></div>
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<i>Kim contemplating the W67 peaks ahead?</i></div>
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<i>Me on Abraham</i></div>
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<i>The Presis and Franconia Ridge on the horizon</i></div>
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<i>Great day for a cat nap in the sun</i></div>
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While we were hanging out we were greeted by a lone canine hiker. She introduced herself and hung out with us until her people showed up about 5 minutes later. Maddy and her people were all very nice and we chatted with them for a bit before finally tearing ourselves away and heading down.<br />
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<i>Our new friend Maddy. She came to greet us about 5 minutes before her people</i></div>
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<i>Our new little summit friends</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Abraham</i></div>
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<i>Nat, Kim and Mark on Abraham</i></div>
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The hike back across the ridge to Lincoln Peak was easier now that we were following our tracks. There were a few more minor sprucies to deal with but nothing too major (easy for me to say). We took Jester (the blue trail that's also the summer hiking trail) all the way down. There were a few steep corners to descend that would have been much more fun as a butt slide, but we didn't want to have any trouble from the ski patrol. We crossed the trail a couple of times to get the flatter side, but dodging the skiers was not an easy proposition. I almost got run over once (and got a couple of dirty looks). For the most part we just got a bunch of glances and smiles from passing skiers and several ski patrol members stopped to chat and ask how our hike was. Not a single one hassled us at all.<br />
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<i>Starting to head back</i></div>
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<i>Lots of interesting sculpture</i></div>
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<i>Kim and Nat still enjoying the day</i></div>
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<i>Starting down Lincoln Peak on Jester</i></div>
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<i>Ridge views from Jester</i></div>
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<i>Nice walk down here</i></div>
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<i>This would be a really nice trail to ski</i></div>
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<i>Looking for a way to cross the ski trail without getting run over</i></div>
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<i>I got across but Kim and Nat are stuck on the other side</i></div>
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<i>Snowboarder stopped to ask me about our hike. He through hiked the LT a few years ago</i></div>
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<i>Had lots of skiers giving us the bewildered looks on the way down</i></div>
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<i>Thought about stopping here (midway down) for a beer. Not a good motivator</i></div>
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<i>The end is in sight</i></div>
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<i>Looks like a party going on down there</i></div>
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We were back at the base a bit before 3. We tried to stop for a beer, but the lodge was so packed it wasn't worth trying to get in. We grabbed the next shuttle back over to Ellen and just headed back to the house to hang out and make our plans for Killington the next day...<br />
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<i>I think we felt a bit like this too :)</i></div>
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<i>Love the Vermont architecture at Sugarbush</i></div>
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Congratulations to Kim on W67 #60 and 61. You definitely earned these! I knew you wouldn't let them get the best of you this time though. The finish line is definitely in sight. One more to go tomorrow to get Vermont completely in the books!<br />
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Here's the interactive GPS track on gpsies.com. There's now an option to do a Google Earth flyover of the route which is very cool. <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=argjnaedgluurlxy" target="_blank">http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=argjnaedgluurlxy</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com4Mount Ellen, Green Mountain National Forest, Warren, VT 05674, USA44.1600589 -72.92928340000003120.0573304 -114.23787740000003 68.262787400000008 -31.620689400000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-55255826873720438082013-02-26T07:15:00.000-05:002013-02-28T06:33:36.580-05:00Return to IsolationLast winter we were starting to plan the final set of peaks to finish our NH48, including some of the typical ones that wind up at the end of so many people's lists - like the Bonds, Owl's Head and Isolation. Last winter everyone was knocking off winter peaks right and left with the easier than usual winter conditions and we kept hearing about the "sidewalk to Isolation". We tried to make the logistics work, but in the end we wound up having to wait. It turned out to be a good thing, as we hit the absolutely perfect fall-like day in July that turned Isolation into one of our favorite hikes of the 48. We knew though, that we still wanted to get back to experience it in winter. <br />
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For the last couple of years we've been joining our friends Mike and Donna (aka Jimmy Legs and Little D) on some of their hikes during their twice a year visits to New Hampshire. They've been working their way through the 48 for a number of years - a labor of love for folks that have to travel over 500 miles each way to get to the Whites. We were happy to be able to share several of their most recent peaks and were looking forward to more. Things had once again worked out for us to spend a few days together during our winter vacation up north and Isolation looked like a good possibility. After several days of great smaller hikes to start our trip, yesterday looked like the perfect day. Our hiking legs were warmed up, the forecast calling for temps in the 20's, light winds and mostly sunny skies. There was also a report of several other groups planning to head out after the weekend, meaning the trails should be broken. Doesn't get much better than this...<br />
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We got to the trailhead at 7am and found one car in the lot - presumably the family that we'd heard was heading out on Monday and doing an overnight with a Tuesday summit. Great! Rocky Branch couldn't have been in better condition - a packed white snowshoe sidewalk. Up we go...<br />
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<i>Ready to hit the trail</i></div>
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<i>Mike and Donna ready to bag #43</i></div>
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<i>Happy hikers</i></div>
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<i>The BFBD (large blowdown) is still here</i></div>
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<i>Duck Donna</i></div>
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<i>Nat on the Rocky Branch sidewalk</i></div>
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The first couple of miles of uphill went quickly and we found ourselves in the first beautiful flat section of Rocky Branch that winds around the side of the slope through the forest and several small meadow-like areas. The trees were all still sugar frosted from the snow over the past few days.<br />
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<i>Peeks of peaks to the east</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful out here!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wt4I1nIG5kU/US6LpDxxndI/AAAAAAAAp3o/Jl_xOkAPW1o/s1600/IMG_5555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wt4I1nIG5kU/US6LpDxxndI/AAAAAAAAp3o/Jl_xOkAPW1o/s640/IMG_5555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Snowshoe parade</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0EDrx5ABVA/US6Lp6PBsFI/AAAAAAAAp3w/KeuKqZSXe8s/s1600/IMG_5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0EDrx5ABVA/US6Lp6PBsFI/AAAAAAAAp3w/KeuKqZSXe8s/s640/IMG_5557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Into the wilderness</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRxUaB0KDTE/US6Lqtn3JwI/AAAAAAAAp34/-RW380DOMtw/s1600/IMG_5558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRxUaB0KDTE/US6Lqtn3JwI/AAAAAAAAp34/-RW380DOMtw/s640/IMG_5558.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Portrait of the portrait</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3API_D7XdE/US6LrWsT7-I/AAAAAAAAp_Y/pxfnFwudraY/s1600/IMG_5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3API_D7XdE/US6LrWsT7-I/AAAAAAAAp_Y/pxfnFwudraY/s640/IMG_5559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Onward</i></div>
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It was time to start looking for the bushwhack on Engine Hill. Mike noticed the mark on the tree at the "usual spot", but there was no sign of a track there. About 150' further on there was a well broken track heading into the trees. Looks like this is it. In we go...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7tDEcSrdYc/US6LuyqpSeI/AAAAAAAAp4M/lnLpWeQjEl8/s1600/IMG_5560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7tDEcSrdYc/US6LuyqpSeI/AAAAAAAAp4M/lnLpWeQjEl8/s640/IMG_5560.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Into the 'whack</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-HL5FTpGg/US6LvoDMlMI/AAAAAAAAp4U/GpyMb_8Thh4/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-HL5FTpGg/US6LvoDMlMI/AAAAAAAAp4U/GpyMb_8Thh4/s640/IMG_5561.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Not too tough</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Yha240f93E/US6LwOBTpLI/AAAAAAAAp4c/9drImyK6ips/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Yha240f93E/US6LwOBTpLI/AAAAAAAAp4c/9drImyK6ips/s640/IMG_5563.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Opening up</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJTAgjDp7FE/US6Lw5kvabI/AAAAAAAAp_U/konEgMVIP5A/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJTAgjDp7FE/US6Lw5kvabI/AAAAAAAAp_U/konEgMVIP5A/s640/IMG_5564.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The first hundred yards or so of the bushwhack took a bit of ducking and pushing through (and avoiding the eye-level pointed branches), but it opened up quickly and got out into the birch glades. The track this year appears to be quite a bit lower than past years (based on the GPS tracks that I had gotten from several people last year) and I'm not sure if there are more of the glades on the other path. The section we went through was certainly beautiful. I found myself wishing for some blue sky for even more contrast, but that wasn't to be. It didn't matter though.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmI2VD8hkv8/US6LxY54K7I/AAAAAAAAp4o/CdpHtWSuU18/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmI2VD8hkv8/US6LxY54K7I/AAAAAAAAp4o/CdpHtWSuU18/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Like a sculpture garden</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PyfiaGBbQc/US6Lx48onKI/AAAAAAAAp4w/SIw4SRQwN-M/s1600/IMG_5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PyfiaGBbQc/US6Lx48onKI/AAAAAAAAp4w/SIw4SRQwN-M/s640/IMG_5566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading into the birch glades</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uSqwlU-B7c/US6LypWI8PI/AAAAAAAAp44/jsx3_ScQ3y0/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uSqwlU-B7c/US6LypWI8PI/AAAAAAAAp44/jsx3_ScQ3y0/s640/IMG_5567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Pictures can't do this justice</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjqBAnjzVr0/US6LzDEYYtI/AAAAAAAAp5A/BjZNaYR_wzU/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjqBAnjzVr0/US6LzDEYYtI/AAAAAAAAp5A/BjZNaYR_wzU/s640/IMG_5568.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Tree art</i></div>
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The rest of the 'whack went by quickly and we found ourselves out on the Isolation trail. At the intersection we found a campsite with the tent that obviously belonged to the group that had headed out yesterday. Looks like we'd get to meet them after all. The intersection with the Isolation trail was probably a bit over 1/2 mile before the 5th crossing of Rocky Branch, again a fair amount off from the GPS tracks I had. The path the rest of the way to the crossing was equally good and the crossing was well bridged - no complications here.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--es4faWSomU/US6Lzgs6wAI/AAAAAAAAp5I/Tc0z8Ww1cjk/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--es4faWSomU/US6Lzgs6wAI/AAAAAAAAp5I/Tc0z8Ww1cjk/s640/IMG_5570.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Low bridge</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgn23igP7Io/US6L0EZ6o5I/AAAAAAAAp5Q/al7vFKCI1O0/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgn23igP7Io/US6L0EZ6o5I/AAAAAAAAp5Q/al7vFKCI1O0/s640/IMG_5572.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat on the 5th crossing</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXFpNdcaak/US6L0gDRYsI/AAAAAAAAp5Y/CGck_-l3lsI/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXFpNdcaak/US6L0gDRYsI/AAAAAAAAp5Y/CGck_-l3lsI/s640/IMG_5573.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike on the crossing</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7dEPjgWBPU/US6L1SZ03-I/AAAAAAAAp5g/nGSkzdQ5NGI/s1600/IMG_5574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7dEPjgWBPU/US6L1SZ03-I/AAAAAAAAp5g/nGSkzdQ5NGI/s640/IMG_5574.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Isolation trail</i></div>
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When we were on this trail in July we decided that the section between the last crossing and Davis Path should be called the enchanted forest - emerald green with ferns, mushrooms, wildflowers and the potential for woodland sprites behind every tree. It was interesting to see it in its winter garb - different, but still enchanted.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPTqTCY_efo/US6L11-0mxI/AAAAAAAAp5o/ZzEGhNbtcTI/s1600/IMG_5576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPTqTCY_efo/US6L11-0mxI/AAAAAAAAp5o/ZzEGhNbtcTI/s640/IMG_5576.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>The enchanted forest</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykPBiB1MFF4/US6L2hs_kXI/AAAAAAAAp5w/XrT7Gpjaq9E/s1600/IMG_5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykPBiB1MFF4/US6L2hs_kXI/AAAAAAAAp5w/XrT7Gpjaq9E/s640/IMG_5578.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HiKUeS8zyhY/US6L3GXZ5EI/AAAAAAAAp-8/oB0l_FY2g8s/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HiKUeS8zyhY/US6L3GXZ5EI/AAAAAAAAp-8/oB0l_FY2g8s/s640/IMG_5579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Fallen soldiers</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQIDnPo-hcA/US6L3-9L5TI/AAAAAAAAp58/sEkMVgnaxzc/s1600/IMG_5580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQIDnPo-hcA/US6L3-9L5TI/AAAAAAAAp58/sEkMVgnaxzc/s640/IMG_5580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Views opening to what lies ahead</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LS8VCrGmAAg/US6L4R1C78I/AAAAAAAAp6E/4fl9mk8fork/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LS8VCrGmAAg/US6L4R1C78I/AAAAAAAAp6E/4fl9mk8fork/s640/IMG_5581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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It wasn't long till we were at the Davis Path junction and we stopped for a short break. We heard voices from down the trail and soon met the family that had spent the night out and were now on their way back after bagging the summit - Mom, Dad and two young kids that were all smiles and deservedly so! We chatted for a while and found out that the kids are approaching the end of their 48! Great accomplishment guys - particularly Isolation as a winter overnight! It was great meeting you all. Best of luck with the rest of your journey. We said our goodbyes and headed on for the final mile to the top.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXfPPDvVWN0/US6L452rMaI/AAAAAAAAp6M/d2C0abik6F4/s1600/IMG_5582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXfPPDvVWN0/US6L452rMaI/AAAAAAAAp6M/d2C0abik6F4/s640/IMG_5582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Davis Path junction</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2FrMrglDGI/US6L5SEL07I/AAAAAAAAp6U/-qbr73tY4zw/s1600/IMG_5584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2FrMrglDGI/US6L5SEL07I/AAAAAAAAp6U/-qbr73tY4zw/s640/IMG_5584.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Davis tunnel</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TONhA0RVc2Q/US6L77CQyiI/AAAAAAAAp6c/FnfcAT33BQY/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TONhA0RVc2Q/US6L77CQyiI/AAAAAAAAp6c/FnfcAT33BQY/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>All the views we're going to get...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BZ3pH2qRfQ/US6L8VJHYFI/AAAAAAAAp6k/n-mNSEGr8O4/s1600/IMG_5586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BZ3pH2qRfQ/US6L8VJHYFI/AAAAAAAAp6k/n-mNSEGr8O4/s640/IMG_5586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Isolation ahead</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVXrpEL1VWk/US6L_-3OCwI/AAAAAAAAp6s/p4jNzc1UDfU/s1600/IMG_5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jVXrpEL1VWk/US6L_-3OCwI/AAAAAAAAp6s/p4jNzc1UDfU/s640/IMG_5587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Isolation spur sign #1</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKdzv-G_I6I/US6MAQ2nNPI/AAAAAAAAp60/vZWSaALWZt4/s1600/IMG_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKdzv-G_I6I/US6MAQ2nNPI/AAAAAAAAp60/vZWSaALWZt4/s640/IMG_5588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Second sign at the spur. We couldn't find the Isolation spur sign itself</i></div>
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We were hoping to see the skies break as we headed across, but again, no such luck. At the spur we headed up the final steep pitch to the top. The last section was a tad tricky and took a combination of digging in the snowshoe crampons and hauling ourselves up by the trees on the side. After a couple of near backslides everyone was up. Mike and Donna lead the way to the summit cairn.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqqvN9TgKcM/US6MAqhtkMI/AAAAAAAAp68/9wRtZMIvfw0/s1600/IMG_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqqvN9TgKcM/US6MAqhtkMI/AAAAAAAAp68/9wRtZMIvfw0/s640/IMG_5589.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat on the slippery spur</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmODWyoeGE0/US6MBPjrp0I/AAAAAAAAp7E/VWiLrvmQDcY/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmODWyoeGE0/US6MBPjrp0I/AAAAAAAAp7E/VWiLrvmQDcY/s640/IMG_5590.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost there...</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVJhpx5XXSo/US6MBmHm9xI/AAAAAAAAp7M/NuVW-4xB-N4/s1600/IMG_5591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVJhpx5XXSo/US6MBmHm9xI/AAAAAAAAp7M/NuVW-4xB-N4/s640/IMG_5591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>WooHoo!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9aheAxrnNw/US6MCeTOIxI/AAAAAAAAp7U/Qgm-RXEvn54/s1600/IMG_5592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9aheAxrnNw/US6MCeTOIxI/AAAAAAAAp7U/Qgm-RXEvn54/s640/IMG_5592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike hanging on</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vHXWSNbd5M/US6MC_vlPFI/AAAAAAAAp7c/vlQQpJiEIk0/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vHXWSNbd5M/US6MC_vlPFI/AAAAAAAAp7c/vlQQpJiEIk0/s640/IMG_5593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Last inches</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbEayV5dvDw/US6MDUdyWYI/AAAAAAAAp-4/QwXYjCpXlMY/s1600/IMG_5594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbEayV5dvDw/US6MDUdyWYI/AAAAAAAAp-4/QwXYjCpXlMY/s640/IMG_5594.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike helping Donna. No, wait - filming Donna</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwnt6gkgmWs/US6MDxW8LbI/AAAAAAAAp7s/WRx8fQWG91w/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwnt6gkgmWs/US6MDxW8LbI/AAAAAAAAp7s/WRx8fQWG91w/s640/IMG_5595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Grab that tree!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYjrXaXNgyQ/US6MEjBc-LI/AAAAAAAAp70/WHUKENaH3ss/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYjrXaXNgyQ/US6MEjBc-LI/AAAAAAAAp70/WHUKENaH3ss/s640/IMG_5596.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<i>Agghhhhhh!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0CIaa2rrv4/US6MFC-DJqI/AAAAAAAAp78/zufHAb4E2kM/s1600/IMG_5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0CIaa2rrv4/US6MFC-DJqI/AAAAAAAAp78/zufHAb4E2kM/s640/IMG_5597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike and Donna heading for the summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMMuRJVqGH4/US6MFmCbPUI/AAAAAAAAp8E/kotDQ5gwBWU/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMMuRJVqGH4/US6MFmCbPUI/AAAAAAAAp8E/kotDQ5gwBWU/s640/IMG_5598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost there</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vw1Jrwc-3c/US6MGHTob-I/AAAAAAAAp8M/kL6za3MjaeE/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vw1Jrwc-3c/US6MGHTob-I/AAAAAAAAp8M/kL6za3MjaeE/s640/IMG_5599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Jimmy Legs and Little D bag #43</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zdCOwG53ho/US6MGjCuUEI/AAAAAAAAp8U/qhSqjk-NJJs/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zdCOwG53ho/US6MGjCuUEI/AAAAAAAAp8U/qhSqjk-NJJs/s640/IMG_5600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Isolation for winter 4K #10</i></div>
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The views that we had hoped for never materialized. None of us really cared though - it was such a great day. The temperature was perfect and there wasn't a breath of wind. We hung out for at least a half hour eating lunch and drinking tea before we finally gave in and headed back down.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-FNo10DgsQ/US6MHCRluHI/AAAAAAAAp8c/FUkDZj4oBjE/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-FNo10DgsQ/US6MHCRluHI/AAAAAAAAp8c/FUkDZj4oBjE/s640/IMG_5601.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>No views so might as well enjoy the summit sculpture</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne4sVSfIzU8/US81b-Oi0NI/AAAAAAAAp_4/zBJ2TGt8N_4/s1600/iPhone2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne4sVSfIzU8/US81b-Oi0NI/AAAAAAAAp_4/zBJ2TGt8N_4/s640/iPhone2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Summitscape</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf58oWi712k/US6MHtrr2DI/AAAAAAAAp8k/LWt-rXQsUVg/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf58oWi712k/US6MHtrr2DI/AAAAAAAAp8k/LWt-rXQsUVg/s640/IMG_5602.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAI6deBxXcw/US81caqxu5I/AAAAAAAAqAA/2dxEDX9xJBo/s1600/iPhone1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAI6deBxXcw/US81caqxu5I/AAAAAAAAqAA/2dxEDX9xJBo/s640/iPhone1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike setting up the group shot</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAYbhdZwweE/US6MIL4LqrI/AAAAAAAAp8s/bnqawZuCFMQ/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAYbhdZwweE/US6MIL4LqrI/AAAAAAAAp8s/bnqawZuCFMQ/s640/IMG_5604.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Donna getting as high as she can</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CDrLAnzvkY/US6MIg7BN_I/AAAAAAAAp80/rvdREfe1aWY/s1600/IMG_5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CDrLAnzvkY/US6MIg7BN_I/AAAAAAAAp80/rvdREfe1aWY/s640/IMG_5605.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>What goes up must come down</i></div>
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As we headed back across the Davis Path the clouds almost started to lift (but it didn't happen). We joked that we'd have to go back to the summit if it cleared. Not sure that was going to happen...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ3MUxoK4Lk/US6MJJVVsgI/AAAAAAAAp88/cpp6AOxzkv4/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ3MUxoK4Lk/US6MJJVVsgI/AAAAAAAAp88/cpp6AOxzkv4/s640/IMG_5606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Just imagine those views...</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEOMM2V2nXo/US6MJgCti4I/AAAAAAAAp9E/uunBGPOCSuA/s1600/IMG_5607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEOMM2V2nXo/US6MJgCti4I/AAAAAAAAp9E/uunBGPOCSuA/s640/IMG_5607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Back into the frosted forest</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtakAeou6Ak/US6MKFRaFVI/AAAAAAAAp9M/Z0lI3M6UiOQ/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtakAeou6Ak/US6MKFRaFVI/AAAAAAAAp9M/Z0lI3M6UiOQ/s640/IMG_5608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uztqy5F7Gh8/US6MKsRtruI/AAAAAAAAp9U/m5-Nt3DeTLo/s1600/IMG_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uztqy5F7Gh8/US6MKsRtruI/AAAAAAAAp9U/m5-Nt3DeTLo/s640/IMG_5609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>For a minute you could almost see the southern Presis</i></div>
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The walk back down through the "enchanted forest" and back to the bushwhack went quickly. The family we met had said they might try breaking out a higher line for the bushwhack on the way back since the other one had some tough spots for their pulk and to maybe get more into the glades. We found what looked like a new track, but we decided to go with the original route.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfhThPPodeA/US6MLDXUi2I/AAAAAAAAp9c/f9NQkMN0HcI/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfhThPPodeA/US6MLDXUi2I/AAAAAAAAp9c/f9NQkMN0HcI/s640/IMG_5611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Snowy magic wand?</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5ZTaNVDZs/US6MLxzywFI/AAAAAAAAp9k/toTU9itK0wo/s1600/IMG_5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5ZTaNVDZs/US6MLxzywFI/AAAAAAAAp9k/toTU9itK0wo/s640/IMG_5613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat in the enchanted forest</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YwAOeiajZU/US6MMeCfRoI/AAAAAAAAp9s/KGO0zd8BfMw/s1600/IMG_5614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YwAOeiajZU/US6MMeCfRoI/AAAAAAAAp9s/KGO0zd8BfMw/s640/IMG_5614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another sad victim of last year's storms</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CcwTULNbOg/US6MMy-xq2I/AAAAAAAAp90/vv4KiRSVKME/s1600/IMG_5615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CcwTULNbOg/US6MMy-xq2I/AAAAAAAAp90/vv4KiRSVKME/s640/IMG_5615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Next to the crossing</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbQvebbCRsI/US6MNTFzD2I/AAAAAAAAp98/QFEK-wJQv_4/s1600/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbQvebbCRsI/US6MNTFzD2I/AAAAAAAAp98/QFEK-wJQv_4/s640/IMG_5616.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Back across</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjkyyPiR5KU/US6MN0UTosI/AAAAAAAAp-E/BN2DJO0uPsg/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjkyyPiR5KU/US6MN0UTosI/AAAAAAAAp-E/BN2DJO0uPsg/s640/IMG_5617.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Rocky Branch peeking through</i></div>
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The walk back through the 'whack seemed shorter. As we headed back down Rocky Branch a short way after the usual bushwhack entrance we heard voices. It was the family emerging from what is now a second 'whack track. I had to admire their determination to not only break trail and route find at the end of a two day trip, but to do it pulling a heavy pulk with their camping gear. Hope the views in the glades made it pay off!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PmxD5dVjts/US6MOuKe1NI/AAAAAAAAp-M/Hvk8Kdm0ptQ/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PmxD5dVjts/US6MOuKe1NI/AAAAAAAAp-M/Hvk8Kdm0ptQ/s640/IMG_5618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Back through the glades</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evOx_MIp3ZQ/US6MPTUXnrI/AAAAAAAAp-U/jAOE88vPVKI/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evOx_MIp3ZQ/US6MPTUXnrI/AAAAAAAAp-U/jAOE88vPVKI/s640/IMG_5619.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spyesvEHRUY/US6MPta_ohI/AAAAAAAAp-c/CaHbhccWTJ8/s1600/IMG_5620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spyesvEHRUY/US6MPta_ohI/AAAAAAAAp-c/CaHbhccWTJ8/s640/IMG_5620.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Where the bushwhack usually starts</i></div>
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The last few miles felt long as our legs got heavier. We made it back to the car just after 5pm as the sun was beginning to set. After our second trip to Isolation we're sure it won't be our last. Next time we hope to find some blue skies in those glades. If not, we'll just keep doing it till we get it right.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOu3MGtWoYE/US6MQbnkueI/AAAAAAAAp-k/OOrJVEPikPI/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOu3MGtWoYE/US6MQbnkueI/AAAAAAAAp-k/OOrJVEPikPI/s640/IMG_5621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Yesterday's summits peeking through</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIiq6O7V19Y/US6MRFK9moI/AAAAAAAAp-s/WHgeuGpM-LA/s1600/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIiq6O7V19Y/US6MRFK9moI/AAAAAAAAp-s/WHgeuGpM-LA/s640/IMG_5622.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Ax blaze?</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3Jtir71C0g/US6MSVHDLoI/AAAAAAAAp-0/cRNC68WaSHY/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3Jtir71C0g/US6MSVHDLoI/AAAAAAAAp-0/cRNC68WaSHY/s640/IMG_5623.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Back to the trailhead - it's official!</i></div>
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Congratulations to Mike and Donna on #43 and best of luck with your final 5. Hope we get to share some more of them with you!<br />
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Here's the GPS map of our route. You can find the interactive track <a href="http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=nodksmlpyufkkqwk" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8ZlwdEmZZY/US8-qzbpcVI/AAAAAAAAqBI/5uvKKJ3RoVI/s1600/GPS+Route+CalTopo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8ZlwdEmZZY/US8-qzbpcVI/AAAAAAAAqBI/5uvKKJ3RoVI/s640/GPS+Route+CalTopo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZB8eqJDPAc/US8-qfxIdbI/AAAAAAAAqA4/kKdEcDGsChg/s1600/Elevation+Profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZB8eqJDPAc/US8-qfxIdbI/AAAAAAAAqA4/kKdEcDGsChg/s640/Elevation+Profile.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com7Mount Isolation, White Mountain National Forest, Sargents, NH 03846, USA44.2147886 -71.30924140000001918.6927541 -112.61783540000002 69.7368231 -30.00064740000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-86811910564159314102013-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T06:26:23.772-05:00Mt Mansfield With Only a Few ProfanitiesMLK weekend started off with a grand plan. Our friend Kim has been hoping to finish her winter NE67 list this year and needed all of the Vermont peaks except Camel's Hump. Since finishing our NH48 last fall we'd decided to start working on the NE67 and coincidentally needed the same four VT peaks. We figured that a three day weekend was perfect. We could hit Mansfield one day, Abraham and Ellen another and then catch Killington before heading home the final day. We were staying at a friend's house in Stockbridge which is perfectly positioned as a home base. Now all we needed was for the weather to cooperate.<br />
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As always seems to happen, the forecast went back and forth about a dozen times over the week before the trip. By the time we headed up on Friday night the weekend forecast was a mixed bag from well above freezing temps to near zero, combined with various combinations of clear skies, clouds, calm and gale force winds. Overall though, the whole plan still looked doable. Saturday initially looked like a less windy day, so the more exposed Mt Mansfield was the first target. We'd play it by ear after that.<br />
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Saturday morning was warm - 20s when we got up and warmer by the time we got to Stowe at 10am. We were surprised to find the parking lot by the winter gate on Rt 108 already full. We pulled into the first lot at the ski area though and joined the few cars that were already there. Timing was good, as they put cones up to block the entrance right after we pulled in. The forecast for the day was for temps to remain pretty warm, but with winds of 40-50MPH with higher gusts on the summits. The good news was that the winds were from the west, so we'd be on the lee side of the mountain until the summit ridge, with only 0.2 along the ridge to the top. The summits were also predicted to be in the clouds, but when we started out everything was in the clear. So far, so good. We headed down the 0.4 mile road walk and turned onto the Long Trail.<br />
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<i>Parking lot at Stowe...visibility is far better than we expected</i></div>
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<i>Hiker lot is full - we parked in the ski lot</i></div>
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<i>Starting the hike on the short road walk to the trailhead</i></div>
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<i>At the summer trailhead - Long Trail South to Mansfield</i></div>
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The lower section of the LT was easy walking. We wore snowshoes the whole day (actually Kim and Nat took them off on the way down), but we could easily have bare booted or used Microspikes down here. There was surprisingly little snow based on what we'd heard from earlier in the month. The recent rain and warm temps had to have knocked the base way down. There were a few inches of new snow from the night before coating the packed trails below - just perfect.<br />
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<i>Time to delayer already? Warm today...</i></div>
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<i>Heading up the LT</i></div>
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<i>Nat on the Long Trail</i></div>
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<i>Starting to get a bit steeper</i></div>
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The section of the LT to Taft Lodge is 1.7 miles and it went by quickly. This is a short hike and we were really taking our time since we had no rush to be done. After hitting some early views we emerged from the woods at the lodge and stopped for a break before the push to the summit.<br />
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<i>Beautiful walk in the forest</i></div>
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<i>Starting to get some views</i></div>
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<i>Final steep section to Taft Lodge</i></div>
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<i>Taft Lodge with the summit above</i></div>
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<i>Snack break at Taft Lodge</i></div>
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From Taft Lodge to the summit the choices are to continue on the more exposed LT (which also has some reportedly difficult scrambles on the final approach) or the more protected Profanity Trail. I wonder why they call it Profanity? The winds had picked up a bit, but still weren't too bad. We opted for the more sheltered option and headed up Profanity.<br />
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<i>Ice sculpture</i></div>
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<i>So beautiful up here!</i></div>
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<i>Smiling for the picture and not uttering profanities</i></div>
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The Profanity Trail gets steep quickly and stays that way all the way to the summit ridge. There was thankfully a solid base for the snowshoe crampons to bite into and the layer of new snow on top only caused back slides in a few places. I don't mind going uphill in these conditions, but I was already dreading the way down. I'm not exactly sure how many times I said it, but I think the phrase of the day for me was "this is really going to suck on the way down". A few other profanities may have been uttered under my breath as well.<br />
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<i>Nat making her way up</i></div>
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<i>Me nearing the top of Profanity</i></div>
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<i>Nat taking a break</i></div>
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<i>Kim on the steeps of Profanity</i></div>
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<i>Nat digging in. This section was tough!</i></div>
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Profanity is steep, but short - just 0.5 to the ridge. We pushed our way up the steeps and soon hit the beginning of the summit ledges. This was the next thing that I'd been a bit worried about. We had borrowed crampons in case the conditions were icy up top, but I was hoping not to need them. It wasn't even close. Snowshoes were more than adequate for the little ice (and most was exposed rock). The wind had picked up some as we hit the ridge, but nowhere near the levels that had been predicted. It probably was no more than 20mph. We put on our goggles and balaclavas anyway as it still felt pretty cold up there.<br />
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<i>Nat starting on the summit ledges. Profanity dropping off behind</i></div>
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<i>Gearing up for the exposed summit</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading over the ridge. Her sled is more like a kite up here!</i></div>
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<i>Approaching the summit</i></div>
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<i>Final steps</i></div>
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We hung out on top for a while, getting summit shots and enjoying the views that we weren't supposed to have. The conditions had turned out to be just about ideal and we were really happy that we'd decided to go ahead as planned and not back out due to the forecast.<br />
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<i>Me on the summit</i></div>
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<i>Nat, Kim and Mark on Mansfield</i></div>
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<i>Who is that masked man?</i></div>
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<i>Mt Mansfield - #55 of 67</i></div>
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<i>Mt Mansfield summit marker</i></div>
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<i>Kim on Mansfield - #59 of the W67 for her</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim</i></div>
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<i>Kim getting a pano. Views were awesome for a day that was supposed to be socked in</i></div>
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We finally decided that it was time to get out of the wind and head down. I really wasn't looking forward to this. We were quickly off of the summit ledges and at the top of Profanity again. Now the fun begins...<br />
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<i>Blazes still showing on the ridge. A string (right) followed the blazes the whole way too. (???)</i></div>
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<i>Starting down. Snowshoes were fine on the ridge today.</i></div>
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<i>Frosted cairn</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful views and amazing light on the horizon</i></div>
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<i>Sculpted trees</i></div>
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We sidestepped down the first steep section. It really wasn't too bad. Plant the bottom foot, slide a few feet until the snow ahead piles up and stops. Reset and repeat. This was going to be a long afternoon at this rate. After a short break in the slope we were at the steepest section. OK, forget it - time to sit down. I didn't bother to get my sled off my pack and left my snowshoes on. Even with the snowshoes digging in and leaning back on my pack the slide was pretty fast, but pretty well controlled too. Actually, it was fun - a whole lot better than trying to walk down and killing my knees. I waited at the bottom of that section while Nat and Kim took their snowshoes off and got their sleds out and they were soon zipping down to join me.<br />
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<i>Trying to sidestep down the steeps - way to hard. There has to be a better way.</i></div>
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<i>Stowe ski trails and the Nose</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim preparing to sled Profanity</i></div>
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<i>Nat takes the first butt slide run</i></div>
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<i>Kim zips down with the sled</i></div>
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<i>I think she's having fun :)</i></div>
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This was not only not going to be bad, it was going to be fun! We slid the rest of the way down Profanity in a few quick sections and were quickly back at Taft Lodge.<br />
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<i>Nat's having fun with this!</i></div>
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<i>Me too!!!</i></div>
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<i>Do they allow sheep at Taft Lodge??</i></div>
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<i>Ah, OK...</i></div>
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After another quick break we headed down the last mile and a half to the road. I think we had to have sledded more than half of it. I was amazed by how well you could steer using feet and poles. Winter hiking has taken on a whole new dimension for me! By the way, the sleds we used are TSL Quicky children's model. EMS sells the full size version, but these are smaller and easier to carry and still work fine for adults (at least on the trail). On the way down you clip them to your belt with a carabiner and when you get to a sliding section just flip it between your legs and sit down. We got them at ORS Snowshoes Direct - $13.45 for a three pack. What a deal! <a href="http://store.orssnowshoesdirect.com/tsl-quicky-sled.html" target="_blank">http://store.orssnowshoesdirect.com/tsl-quicky-sled.html</a><br />
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<i>Kim leaning into a corner at full speed...</i></div>
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<i>...and she's gone...</i></div>
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<i>Nat's going so fast she's a blur</i></div>
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<i>Oops...we followed the ski tracks and missed the trail. Getting back up was challenging</i></div>
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<i>Kim showing the speed technique. Get those feet up!</i></div>
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We were back to the car before we knew it. What a great day! It was followed up with a perfect ending - dinner at the Prohibition Pig in Waterbury (site of the old Alchemist Brew Pub). The food (and beer, which includes Alchemist drafts) here is fantastic and we'll definitely return!<br />
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<i>Walking the road out</i></div>
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<i>End of a great day!</i></div>
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Thanks to Kim for sharing her pictures (all the ones with me in them and a few others) to use here. I don't usually get to see myself on our hikes as I'm always behind the camera...<br />
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<b>Day 2 - Abraham and Ellen (not exactly)</b><br />
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By the time we were back on Saturday night the forecast for Sunday had gone downhill. It was supposed to be even warmer, but <u>very</u> windy - 50-60 on the summits - with on and off snow. The ridge between Ellen and Abraham is pretty well protected, so we decided it was at least worth a shot. We only had one vehicle, but had figured out some good logistics. There is a free winter shuttle - the Mad Bus - that runs a number of routes in the Mad River Valley including between the Sugarbush Ski areas. We left early and got to Sugarbush Lincoln Peak lodge at about 7:45 and got a second row parking spot by beating the ski crowd. The first bus leaves at 8am (they run on the half hour all day) and had us at the Sugarbush Mt Ellen area at 8:15. So far, so good. We could now hike up Mt Ellen, head across the ridge to Abraham and then backtrack to Lincoln Peak and hike down the ski trails to the car. No worries about timing and the possibility of missing the last shuttle at 4pm. Glad Kim thought of this option.<br />
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I had called Sugarbush before we left on Friday to check on their policies for hiking the ski trails. The person that I talked to seemed a bit confused about what we wanted to do. First he said that we could hike up the skinning trails, but that we needed a full access pass (aka, lift ticket at $65 or so). I explained that we didn't have skis and would be on snowshoes. OK, that's different he says - there is a $10 pass that lets you ride the lift up on one side, hike across the ridge and then ride the lift down on the other. No, we don't want to ride the lift, we need to hike up and down. Oh, in that case you don't need a pass at all. Talk to someone in guest services when you get there and they'll tell you what trails to use. Hmmmm. We'll see...<br />
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We went to guest services after getting off the shuttle and they were very nice. They did say at first that Sugarbush really isn't very hiker friendly, but then proceeded to give us a perfect plan. Hike up the Lower FIS trail which is currently closed (the picture below shows why) and then take Rim Run to the summit. Just stay to the side of the trails that are open and give right of way to skiers at any crossings. No problem (and no pass required).<br />
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We got our snowshoes on and headed out on Lower FIS. It was very warm and the skies to the east were actually blue. To the west (and over the summits we were headed for) it was pretty dark, the clouds were dropping down over the slopes and the wind was picking up and gusting. The trail was down to the dirt in many spots and there were open stream crossings in half a dozen places.<br />
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<i>Beautiful to the east, but clouds building in the west</i></div>
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<i>Kim and Nat on Mt Ellen Lower FIS ski trail</i></div>
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<i>Hmm, wonder why this isn't open for skiing</i></div>
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As we went on the winds picked up more and it started to snow. When we were probably 1/3 of the way up Lower FIS and passing under the quad lift things got more interesting. The snow started coming down really hard and was more like ice pellets. The wind picked up and gusted so much that it actually knocked us off our feet. When we were talking to guest services they had told us that the forecast for the summits was for winds at 70-80mph - much worse than the forecast we'd heard. We hadn't paid much attention at the time and figured that they were exaggerating, but maybe they were right. Even being in the woods in that kind of wind would be difficult (and perhaps dangerous with potential for blowdowns). We were all a bit tired anyway and it somehow didn't seem like a good idea to keep going. We looked at each other, turned around and headed down.<br />
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The rest of the day was crazy. As we drove back to the house it went from dark clouds and snow to blue skies and sun with clouds blowing by at crazy speeds. The wind would gust and then die down. Who knows what it was like up there. As it turned out there was another group doing the loop from the opposite direction (and from the west side) that Kim had been keeping in touch with. They went ahead as planned and said that it was quite gusty up on the ridge, but fine. I sort of wish that we'd kept going because of how interesting the conditions and views would have been with that crazy weather (not to mention bagging the two peaks), but I don't have any regrets about the way it turned out. We stopped at Moss Glen Falls as we were driving back on Rt 100 and got some beautiful views, stopped at Old Hancock Hotel for brunch and then spent the rest of the day playing cards, watching movies and having a libation or two. All in all, a pretty good day. Best part is, we've got an excuse to come back to Vermont to try this hike again.<br />
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<i>Why are we coming down? Doesn't look like bad weather from here</i></div>
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<i>Moss Glen Falls</i></div>
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<i>Brief rays of sun on the falls</i></div>
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<i>Breakfast buffet at the Vermont Home Bakery, Old Hancock Hotel</i></div>
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<i>Good consolation for turning around on the hike</i></div>
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<b>Day 3 - Killington? Maybe Not...</b><br />
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On Sunday night the weather took another turn. The wind died down and it got COLD. Forecast for Monday morning was for temps around 0, but no wind. The forecast for the summit of Killington later in the morning though was for single digits with winds gusting up to 50mph. OK, we have to come back to Vermont again anyway, so let's just sleep in and do something small on the way home. Another 4000 footer is not to be on this trip.<br />
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We got up to a cold and beautiful morning on Monday. I went out for a walk in the cornfield across the street to get a better view of the sunrise over the mountains. The temp was +1, but it really didn't feel cold.<br />
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We got packed up and hit the road. Kim had suggested that we hike part of the Weathersfield Trail on Mt Ascutney. There were several nice features on the first mile or so of this trail and we could just make it a relaxing walk in the woods before heading home. When we got to the trailhead we had the place to ourselves, a surprise for a nice day on a holiday weekend. It had actually warmed up to the mid teens and there was still no wind. Guess we could have done Killington after all, but no matter - this was really nice. For as little snow as there was further north, there was almost nothing down here. We wore Microspikes for the icy portions of the trail (which there were plenty of), but much of the trail was bare.<br />
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<i>Not much snow on the Weathersfield Trail</i></div>
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<i>Trail turning into an ice climb (not as bad as it looks)</i></div>
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<i>Icy gorge</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful flows</i></div>
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At 1.2 miles up we got to the top of Crystal Cascade - an 85' high waterfall. We took the very steep trail to the bottom of the falls and got treated to some really beautiful views.<br />
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<i>Nice views from above the falls</i></div>
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<i>Crystal Cascade</i></div>
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<i>Watch where you step - there's water running under that ice</i></div>
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<i>Ice on a stick. How'd this form???</i></div>
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<i>Underground (or under snow) river</i></div>
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<i>Kim and the falls</i></div>
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We headed back up to the top of the falls and took a break in the sun on the rocks. It really was a beautiful day, but we decided to head back at that point as we were ready for some lunch and hadn't really packed anything.<br />
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<i>Steep climb back up</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful views from the top of the falls</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim enjoying the sun</i></div>
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<i>Across the frozen stream</i></div>
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On the way out we used our reliable friend Yelp to look for a lunch spot and came up with <a href="http://smokinbowls.com/" target="_blank">Smokin' Bowls</a> in Rockingham. It's a chili and soup "shack" right off the highway. There was a half hour wait in line to get to the window and order our lunch, which we then had to eat in the car. It was more than worth it! The chili and soup were fantastic!! Where else besides Vermont would you find Cheech and Chong chili at a place called Smokin' Bowls. Classic! Perfect end to a great weekend and another spot we'll definitely be visiting when we come back.<br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com6Mount Mansfield, Underhill, VT 44.543662700000013 -72.81429029999998220.441003200000011 -114.12288429999998 68.646322200000014 -31.505696299999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-38017405754977769922012-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-01T18:06:22.305-05:00Saddleback and the HornIt was going to be tough to follow up our amazing day on Spaulding and Sugarloaf (and our legs were telling us to take a break), but with a perfect forecast for clear, windless, sunny skies we had to get out again. It looked like a perfect day to go back to our original Plan A from Thursday - Saddleback and the Horn. Several people in the group were heading to East Kennebego, but Nat, Kim, Frodo and I decided to take advantage of the views.<br />
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Everyone was tired from our previous long day, so we weren't in any hurry to leave. The breakfast fare du jour was bacon cheeseburgers with fried eggs (thanks Brett!). We finally dragged ourselves away and out into the cold, clear morning. It was Saturday of Christmas week and the ski area was busy. We checked in at the base lodge and were told to take the Green Weaver ski trail to the top (not the usual Gray Ghost). The people at Saddleback are so nice to hikers! It's really too bad that more ski areas won't follow their example.</div>
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The lower section of the trails that we were on were nearly deserted. It appeared that everyone skiing early in the day was on the mainline routes. Nat, Kim and I slogged up the mountain, working our muscles back into shape after the long previous day (following a long hiking layoff). We were soon treated to beautiful views with undercast hanging over the valley and lakes.</div>
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<i>Heading up the Green Weaver ski trail</i></div>
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<i>Undercast in the valley</i></div>
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<i>Undercast over Rangely Lake</i></div>
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<i>Playing "dodge the skiiers"</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Kim with the Horn visible back right</i></div>
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By the time we reached the lift area in the middle of the mountain, I was wiped out. Nat and I started discussing whether we really wanted to make the effort to get over to the Horn or just call it good with Saddleback. We kept heading up and figured we'd decide on top.</div>
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<i>Plugging along</i></div>
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<i>Nat looks happy to be out here</i></div>
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From the intersection we moved over to the Tri Color ski trail to the top. This one has a couple of pretty steep sections, and even with the televators my legs were really complaining. Clearly there is only one answer to this problem - hike more often! We were soon at the top of the ski area and Frodo went in to check in with the ski patrol. They had told us we needed to do this at the bottom, and that they'd send someone out to look for us if we didn't. It was still beautiful and clear and there was barely a breath of wind. We didn't stick around for long - just headed for the summit.</div>
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<i>Rime near the summit</i></div>
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<i>Frodo heading for the summit</i></div>
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<i>Saddleback summit ahead</i></div>
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<i>Frozen tundra</i></div>
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<i>We're here! NE67 #53 for Nat and I</i></div>
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We stopped on the summit for a few minutes and soaked in the 360 degree views. It would be hard to find a better winter day to be in a spot like this. The visibility was easily over 100 miles, and we could see Katahdin bathed in sunlight standing out in the distance (although I wasn't smart enough to get that in a photo). The summit ledges were pretty well blown off and there was just a crusty layer over a few inches of snow below that made walking easy. Now it was decision time. Nat and I looked at each other and said "sure, what the hell". It's really hard to be up here and to not keep going. We headed off and down into the col toward the Horn.</div>
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<i>Heading for the Horn</i></div>
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<i>The ridge to the Horn ahead</i></div>
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<i>Through the porcelain trees</i></div>
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It's pretty steep coming off the summit and we were quickly down into the col. There were a couple of slightly tricky sections, but nothing difficult. The conditions were really good. The only complications were a couple of spruce traps that I managed to find (including one earlier along the ski trail). I did get a snowshoe stuck in one of these and Kim had to dig me out (after almost going in head first herself). Other than that, the trek was pretty uneventful. As we started down, we noticed what we thought was a hiker on the summit of the Horn. After watching for a minute he seemed to be wandering around aimlessly. We then realized that it was actually a moose! Kim got a long zoom picture of him to confirm it (and we later found his tracks and "other evidence" on the summit).</div>
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<i>Ice sculpture</i></div>
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<i>Leaving Saddleback behind</i></div>
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<i>Into the col</i></div>
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Frodo led the way across and the trail was easy to follow for the most part (even though there were no actual guides, and the rimed bushes looked like cairns). We had one small area of confusion at the bottom of the col and I checked the GPS on my phone to see where we were. The trail was only 20 yards or so away and after getting back on there the rest was easy. By this time my legs were feeling good - I think it was the typical second day of hiking scenario where you go from dead tired to feeling great. The climb up out of the col to the Horn went quickly and we were soon on top.</div>
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<i>Nearing the Horn summit</i></div>
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<i>The Horn summit sign and our return path beyond</i></div>
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<i>Frodo, Nat and I on the Horn. #54</i></div>
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<i>Kim on the Horn</i></div>
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The ceiling was beginning to drop and the snow that was forecast for later in the afternoon was clearly getting closer. The views hadn't diminished though, and we took it all in for a while before heading back.</div>
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<i>Saddleback Jr ahead, Crockers, Reddington, Sugarloaf, Spaulding, Abraham beyond</i></div>
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<i>Zoom to Sugarloaf and Spaulding - yesterday's hike</i></div>
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<i>Time to go</i></div>
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The walk back to Saddleback was easy and the route was simple by following our tracks. I was even able to avoid the spruce traps this time. The rest of the day flew by. It was snowing lightly by the time we got out of the col and the wind had picked up as we reached Saddleback summit again. On the way down we made a stop at the warming hut for some hot tea and snacks and talked to some of the other skiiers and ski patrol folks that were there. Once again, everyone here was so nice to us as hikers. We flew down the ski trails and were down well before dark - no headlights needed today.</div>
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<i>Beautiful walk through the col</i></div>
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<i>Didn't we just come down from there?</i></div>
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<i>The final steeps</i></div>
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<i>Find Frodo</i></div>
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<i>Missed our summit shot before. It's a lot colder now</i></div>
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<i>Back to the ski area</i></div>
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<i>Study in white</i></div>
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This trip couldn't have turned out better. Two awesome winter hikes giving us 4 Maine 4Ks in winter in two days and getting us to #54 of the NE67. Better yet was a few days hanging out with a great bunch of people that are a big part of the reason that we love hiking so much. We can't wait to get back to this part of Maine again and to share the trails with all of them again!</div>
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Here's the approximate route. This is not a GPS track, but an after-hike attempt to plot the way we went. There is an interactive version in Google Maps <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=217899110969538988358.0004d22c85496b35c8f6d&msa=0&t=p" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com5Saddleback Mountain, Sandy River, ME 04970, USA44.936723 -70.50312309999998244.936723 -70.503123099999982 44.936723 -70.503123099999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-34458474299126089062012-12-28T14:16:00.000-05:002013-01-01T16:04:38.009-05:00Maine Roadhouse Winter Week - Spaulding and SugarloafOn the day after Christmas we packed up and headed to Maine for what promised to be a great five days with good friends at the <a href="http://www.maineroadhouse.com/" target="_blank">Maine Roadhouse</a>. This was our first visit to this part of Maine and we were really looking forward to some new territory and new mountains. The conditions for winter hiking were looking great - the Stratton area had gotten 2-3 feet of new snow in the previous 10 days! <br />
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Nat, Kim and I left our house at 6:30am and with no traffic on this post-holiday day we breezed up and were at the Roadhouse before 1pm. It was an absolutely beautiful winter day and we really wished that we'd planned things so that we'd be able to hike today, but it was a bit too late. After getting unpacked and settled we decided to take a snowshoe walk in the woods across the street. The caretaker said there was a good track on an unused road that ran along the river and we took his advice. We had a really nice several mile wander in the snow - it was great to be back outside in the winter again!<br />
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<i>Beautiful day when we arrived at the Roadhouse!</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful afternoon at Nash Stream</i></div>
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<i>Kim and Nat happy to be out in the snow</i></div>
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<i>Kim breaking trail</i></div>
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<i>Lovely spot by Nash Stream</i></div>
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Several more members of the group arrived after we got back. We had dinner and planned our next day. The weather was threatening to put a dent in our plans though. The forecast was calling for more than a foot of snow beginning that night and getting heavier tomorrow. We'd have to wait and see...<br />
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We woke up Thursday morning to about 5-6 inches of new snow and it was really coming down. The forecast had been revised - now we were looking at up to 20". Wow! We were determined to get out though. The plan was for a couple of people to cross country ski, a couple to downhill ski and a few to hike. Saddleback looked like the perfect option - we could go together, split up for our individual activities and then meet up later. There was just one hitch - when we got to Saddleback to check in, the mountain was closed due to the high winds that accompanied the snowstorm. <br />
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We asked the people at the ski area if there was anywhere around that we could go sledding. One of them told us that there was a great spot at a local golf course. We stopped into the local IGA and bought 7 new sleds - probably their season supply. The hill at the golf course turned out to be great and we spent a couple of hours bombing down the hill in all sorts of interesting combinations. By the time we were ready to go the storm had reached near blizzard conditions, but we all had a blast!<br />
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A couple of more people arrived on Thursday night after driving through the storm from Boston. We spent the evening plotting possible hikes for Friday, which was forecast to be a nice day. The general consensus was to go to Spaulding via a bushwhack from Caribou Pond. With Caribou Valley Road snowed in this promised to be a really long day - 17-18 miles out and back in a couple of feet of new snow. An alternate option was discussed with a car spot at Sugarloaf ski area to let us go across the AT to Sugarloaf from Spaulding and down the ski trails. That would be shorter, but would mean breaking train for another couple of miles on the AT and more elevation. We'd have to sleep on it.<br />
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We got up to a clear, crisp morning on Friday and reconsidered our plans. MEB had come up with a great alternative. We could spot a car at Sugarloaf ski area and start from Sugarloaf Golf Course. There is a golf cart bridge that crosses the river and leads to an open bushwhack that comes into CVR about 2.5 miles in, letting us cut 4-5 miles off the out and back hike. Perfect.<br />
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We did the car spot and got on the trail a bit after 9. We were hoping that the snowmobilers had already gotten to CVR and packed it out for us. We headed out onto the golf course and easily found the bridge. It took us about 30 minutes to whack across to CVR and the going was pretty easy (at least for those at the back of the line - breaking trail in the new snow was hard work for those up front). The one stream crossing was frozen and the only obstacle was one steep bank that we had to haul ourselves up.<br />
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<i>Packing up for a long day</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of Steve LaRocca)</span></i></div>
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<i>Heading out from the Sugarloaf Golf Course lot</i></div>
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<i>Golf cart bridge over the Carrabasset River</i></div>
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<i>Lots of new snow!! (20" yesterday)</i></div>
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<i>Carrabasset River</i></div>
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<i>Hauling ourselves up the bank after the stream</i></div>
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When we came out on CVR we found that the snowmobilers had beaten us there and had packed it out into a nice white highway. At least this part of the day would be easy walking - a 4.5 mile stroll to Caribou Pond.<br />
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<i>Kim and Nat on Caribou Valley Road</i></div>
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<i>One of the friendly snowmobilers that broke out CVR for us</i></div>
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<i>A few adjustments</i></div>
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<i>MEB and Brett</i></div>
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<i>Frodo and Christine</i></div>
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<i>Up the road</i></div>
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<i>Spaulding coming into view</i></div>
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<i>Blue skies!</i></div>
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<i>Perfect day</i></div>
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When we got to Caribou Pond we stopped for a lunch break to get refueled. It was already after 1pm and we had a long way to go. Heading down the left fork of the road for about a 1/4 mile we found the beginning of the bushwhack. Frodo had done this route before, but not in winter. In theory it was a pretty open 1/2 mile or so to whack up to the ridge and run into the AT which we could then take the rest of the way to the summit. The leaders picked the line and we headed in.<br />
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<i>This way... Uh, really?</i></div>
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<i>Easy bushwhack if it's all like this</i></div>
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<i>OK, maybe not THAT easy...</i></div>
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<i>Still beautiful in here</i></div>
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<i>A few nice clearings</i></div>
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The lower part of the bushwhack was really pretty easy. Nothing too tangled and a pretty gentle slope. This is of course taken from the viewpoint of the back of the line - breaking trail and route finding at the front was presumably a tad more difficult. There were a few open areas along the way where we thought we might have hit trail or logging road, but that turned out not to be the case. We kept slogging through the 'whack and up some steeper sections for what seemed like a long time to go 1/2 mile or so to the ridge. I purposely didn't look at my watch - just kept following the tracks up. When we emerged onto the trail it had taken us a bit over 2 hours! The good news was that we had come out almost exactly at the summit!! We all went up to tag the top and took a quick break to get some hot tea and snacks before heading out again. <br />
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<i>Porcelain trees - must be near the ridge</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Steve-O at the top of Spaulding</i></div>
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<i>Spaulding for #51 of NE67</i></div>
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Everyone was in agreement - there was no way we were going back down through the woods - it was onward to Sugarloaf. As we came off the top of Spaulding we got our only real views of the day. Pretty spectacular for a "viewless summit" though.<br />
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<i>Only views of the day as we head off Spaulding. Worth the wait!</i></div>
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We followed the AT across the ridge. It was pretty easy to follow for the most part as the blazes were still above the snow line. There were a couple of spots that we lost it temporarily but each time found it again in a few minutes. The afternoon was wearing away and the light was getting dim as we approached the Sugarloaf spur. Being 9 miles in at this point and not having hiked anything serious for a couple of months were taking its toll on my legs. I really wasn't looking forward to that last 0.6 climb. We soon hit the spur junction and headed up. As we got closer to the top the light continued to fade and the wind started to pick up. When we emerged on the summit we were greeted by very strong winds, blowing snow and almost complete darkness. We could see the summit towers, but not much else. Visibility was down to probably 50 feet. I didn't take a photo at the summit (or along the ridge for that matter), but this is probably what it would have looked like if I had. (OK, slight exaggeration)<br />
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Now all we had to do was find the ski trails. Easier said than done. There was a little debate about which direction we should head, but Brett and MEB led the way. I heard someone make a comment - "we're <u>probably</u> not going to die". (I'm sure it was in jest, but I have to say that it was a bit of a nervous moment).<br />
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Happily, we hit the top of a ski trail about 3 minutes later - the line they picked was perfect. We all stopped long enough to put on our goggles and headlights and then headed for the bottom. We passed the groomer several times on the way down, but nobody gave us any grief about being on the ski slopes at this point. Along the way the skies cleared again and the full moon rose through the clouds in front of us. With the lights of the ski area below and the moon rising it was a really beautiful walk. I never even considered trying to get a picture though - I was too intent on getting to the bottom.<br />
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The hike down was really quick. We were back at the base lodge at 6:30pm - about a 9 hour day. Our first hike of the winter (and our first Maine 4Ks outside of Baxter) had definitely been epic! We couldn't have had a greater bunch of people to share the day with. Thanks to the folks at the front of the pack that broke trail all day and led the way, and to everyone for the great company! Can't wait to get out there with you all again!<br />
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<i>Back at the car and ready to get back for dinner!</i></div>
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Here's the <i><u>approximate</u> </i>route. This is not a GPS track, but an after-hike attempt to plot the way we went. There is an interactive version in Google Maps <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=217899110969538988358.0004d227f5dbff4cf6b16&msa=0&t=p" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com4Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947, USA45.0314444 -70.31312309999998432.7929814 -90.967420099999984 57.269907399999994 -49.658826099999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-23546547461794367552012-11-24T17:06:00.001-05:002012-11-24T17:09:42.566-05:00Remembering JakeWhen I was a kid I always wanted a dog. That just wasn't going to happen in my house though - my Mom was most definitely not a dog person. Fortunately I had lots of friends and neighbors with dogs and got to enjoy them. I'd have my own someday. <br />
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When we got married we talked about getting a dog. Nat always had a dog growing up and we really both wanted one now. Problem was, we were both working and neither of us wanted to leave a dog home alone all day. So we'd wait. <br />
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When Jamie was born Nat quit her job to become a stay at home mom. Now we had our chance. But maybe not with a baby. Finally, when Jamie was almost four we decided that the time had come. We really wanted Jamie to grow up with a dog. <br />
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We debated breeds for a long time. We both wanted a big dog and finally decided that it was going to be a Lab. It was January and we figured that if we started looking now we'd be able to find a litter that would be ready in the spring - the perfect time to bring a puppy home. We started checking around for breeders and the first one that we found was in Stonington CT. She came highly recommended. Her dogs lived with the family and they raised their litters in the house. Perfect. We gave her a call to find out if there were plans for a spring litter. Turned out that she had a litter now that would be ready to go home in two weeks. We hadn't been planning to do this now, but we figured we'd at least go look. This was just the first breeder, we could always look around more in the next couple of months.<br />
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That weekend we went to see the pups. One look and it was all over. There were a couple each of black, chocolate and yellow. A couple were already spoken for, but the rest were available. There is simply no way to see a litter of Lab pups and not bring one home. The hardest part was not bringing them <u>all</u> home. We spent a long time there that day, holding all the pups and making our decision. We finally decided on one of the yellow ones. He was just adorable and immediately snuggled into our arms when we picked him up. Now we just had to wait two weeks until he was ready to leave his mom.<br />
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It was early February, there was snow on the ground and it was really cold the day that Jake came home with us. We set up the kitchen as his new space while he got housebroken. That night we put him in his new crate with his blanket and some toys when we went up to bed. It was a long night. The cries that came from the kitchen were some of the most pitiful sounds I've ever heard. I got up twice during the night to take him out to pee - in the dark and cold and snow. What had we gotten ourselves into...<br />
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From that day on for the next 14 years Jake was a member of our family. He was also our best friend. He went everywhere with us. He loved playing with Jamie and her friends and he loved being wherever we were. He was just the happiest dog. He loved walks, especially in the woods. For most of his life we went for walks with him every day. He loved the beach and anywhere else that involved going for a ride in the van. Best of all was our annual family summer vacation with Nat's Mom and Dad. We always rented a house on the water somewhere in Maine. For Jake that meant a couple of long rides in the van and week or two being by the water all day long. He was in heaven.<br />
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I don't know where the years went, but soon more than a dozen had flown by. Jake had a lump on his haunch that was bothering him. The vet said that this was a tumor that would have to be removed. After the surgery we got the bad news - it was cancerous. They thought they'd gotten in all, but this was a particularly bad kind of cancer. Life expectancy was often just 3-4 months and 6 months tops. We vowed to make the most of that time. <br />
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Six months came and went. Jake was doing well - particularly for a 13 year old Lab. He had aches and pains and it was getting harder to go up and down stairs, but he was still a happy dog. Our daily two mile walks were no more, but he was still happy to walk around the block a couple of times a day - just very slowly. We knew we were running on borrowed time and tried to make the most of every day.<br />
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Another year went by. Jake had gotten another winter to see some snow. I was really sad that we didn't have more last winter - how that dog loved the snow. There were a few times during that year that we had some bad days. There were a couple of times we thought we would lose him. He always managed to bounce back somehow. Two weeks ago it finally happened. On a bright, sunny Sunday we enjoyed the outdoors and took three wonderful walks around the block. All was well. The next morning Jake wasn't himself. He didn't want to eat and just laid quietly around the house - not wanting to move. I think we could see the light leaving his eyes. Two days later he was gone. There were many tears, but we were also very grateful. He had gone quietly and without pain. We had also gotten more than an extra year together, something that was a pure gift.<br />
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What we have now are a million wonderful memories - the greatest gift he left us. These are some of the best. For those of you that knew him, I know you'll remember and smile. For those of you that never met him, I wish you had - you would have liked him. I know that he would have wanted to meet you - he never met a soul that he didn't love...<br />
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Now to the memories...<br />
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Somehow I never got a picture of Jake when we first brought him home (or I haven't found them in the stacks of old photos yet). Sadly it was in the days before I had a digital camera and took constant pictures. The first ones are a few weeks later. The little ball of fuzz that initially arrived was already growing up - seemingly every time we blinked.<br />
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His favorite thing to do as a puppy (other than sleep and snuggle on our laps) was to play with Jamie and her friends.<br />
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And a long day of playing makes for a tired little puppy<br />
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Over the next couple of months he grew up really fast. He soon started to look like a regular big-ol' Lab. But there was still a long way to go.<br />
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Our first time at the beach was at Goddard Park. Of how he loved it!<br />
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Starting to look all grown up...<br />
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But he could still make that puppy face when he wanted to<br />
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Labs love to have jobs. The first one that Jake learned was getting the paper. It the beginning it was almost as big as he was<br />
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He never gave up that job from the first day he had it. He was our paperboy every day for the next 13 years<br />
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It was particularly handy on rainy or snowy days. Just open the door, let the paperboy out and a few minutes later he'd be back with the paper<br />
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Labs are supposed to be retrievers. He certainly did it with the paper. He'd sometimes do it with other things as well, but he usually wouldn't give them to us<br />
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He sure loved to play hard too! Oh how he loved his boomer ball<br />
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And he also loved to play the tough dog. Look out - he's a killer!!!<br />
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OK, so maybe not exactly a killer. He loved other animals as much as he loved people. This was his his best friend Toby. Must have been a tough day of playing<br />
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This went not just for other dogs, but cats too. All of our kitties were his bet buddies.<br />
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He was even willing to share his bed with them<br />
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And sometimes when the kitties weren't looking he'd use theirs<br />
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The one he most liked to snuggle in bed with was Ralphie. Ralph was Jamie's when she was little, but Jake loved him and used to steal him all the time. Jamie finally gave up and let Jake have him<br />
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He loved the little kids too. He always knew how small they were and was extra gentle. Even with babies<br />
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He was more than happy to just let them use him as a pillow<br />
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And he kind of liked using us as pillows too<br />
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And he never got too big to stop thinking he was a lap dog<br />
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And he was always happy just to snuggle<br />
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Sometimes he even insisted on it<br />
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He would do anything for Jamie - even subject himself to being decorated or dressed up<br />
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And he was fun to take trick-or-treating<br />
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My Dad hadn't had a dog since he was a kid either, and oh how he loved Jake. Jake was very happy whenever my Dad came to visit - he got lots of extra attention<br />
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Nat's Mom and Dad were his best buddies too<br />
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Labradors are supposed to love water. For the first couple of years he really did, but somehow he lost interest and for the rest of his life he was known as the Lab that didn't swim. Looking at the old pictures reminded us of how much he used to love it.<br />
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He never did like baths though<br />
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Except for the drying off part<br />
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Even after he lost interest in swimming he still loved to go to the beach or the lake<br />
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Whenever we got in the car to head there he seemed to know. He could definitely smell it before we arrived<br />
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What's not to like about hanging out at the beach?<br />
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One of his favorite things was going on vacation with us every summer. We'd rent a house on the water in Maine somewhere with Nat's Mom and Dad and he'd get to spend the whole time hanging out with the family and playing by the shore.<br />
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You didn't have to always play around and explore on vacation either, sometimes it was good just to nap<br />
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Naps of course are not limited to vacation. Play hard and nap hard was Jake's motto<br />
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The long rides to Maine were never a problem for Jake - he loved to ride in the van. He'd either sit in the back with his head between the front seats so he could watch where we were going or snooze in his bed. Whenever we put his bed in the van he knew we were leaving for vacation. One year we put the bed in the night before. He figured this meant we were leaving then. It was tough getting him out.<br />
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Jake's favorite season was definitely winter. He might have lost his interest for being in water in other forms, but he never stopped loving playing in the snow!<br />
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For him it was pure joy!<br />
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There are many things that are built in to Labs, but probably the #1 is the love of food. There was virtually nothing that dog wouldn't eat (including many things that weren't really food). <br />
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Sometimes you get something that doesn't taste good<br />
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Not easy to eat corn on the cob with those big teeth!<br />
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Sometimes you can get away with eating things you're not supposed to, but sometimes you get caught<br />
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There was never a time Jake wasn't ready to go for a walk. It didn't matter if it was a few miles or just around the block - walking was always good. <br />
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And walking in the woods was the best!<br />
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He was always happy to tell you when he was ready to go<br />
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And he was even happy to walk himself<br />
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And tell you when he wasn't ready to be done<br />
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Rides in the car were usually good though<br />
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There are people who debate whether dogs can actually smile. Clearly none of those people ever met Jake.<br />
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Most of all, he was just our big old handsome boy<br />
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So now you've seen the many sides of Jake and shared some of our memories. We have a million more that can't be put into pictures or words. He's left us for now, but those memories will be in our hearts forever. And I know that someday I'm going to see that smiling face again, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.<br />
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-36243188974396471642012-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-21T21:01:41.715-04:00The Baldfaces, Eagle Crag and a Grand Plan Plans have a way not always working out - at least not right away. This day was the intersection of a number of plans. The oldest was probably our plan to hike the Baldfaces. It began several years ago when Kevin started talking about "Kevin's Notch" and the wonderful overnight backpacks they'd done on the Baldfaces. It sounded great to us, so we made a plan. We were set to do an overnight with Kevin, Judy, Tim and Val in October of 2009. Only thing was, the weather didn't cooperate. The ledges on the Baldfaces are no place to be in the rain (or so I'd heard). Backpacking in the rain isn't much fun either. We wound up still having a great weekend with somewhat soggy hikes to Thoreau Falls and on the Belknaps. The Baldfaces would have to wait.<br />
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Since the time Dan and I began corresponding through the online hiking circles several years ago we'd been trying to plan to get together for a hike. Circumstances never seemed to work out quite right though. When we went to Trish's book signing event at the Harvard Coop last spring Dan and Meena were there. It was great to finally meet them and we once again said that we really needed to plan a hike sometime. Over the summer Dan and Janelle began really working in earnest on their way through the 52 With a View list. Dan had gotten a book deal for "The Adventures of Buffalo and Tough Cookie" - a guide through the 52WAV and a chronicle of their journey. (Go check out their blog <a href="http://buffaloandtoughcookie.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>) Since we really wanted to start hitting these peaks too as we wound down our own NH48 this gave us an even better reason to get out on the trail with them. Somehow though, we just couldn't seem to sync up.</div>
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Since last fall when we finally got to hike with Mike and Donna after corresponding online for several years we knew we wanted to get out with them more often. We managed to meet up in February and spent a couple of fun days in the mountains. They were coming up north for their usual fall trip to the Whites last week and we definitely planned to get in at least one hike with them. Weather and other logistics would dictate what would work though. We needed another plan.</div>
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Last spring we finally got to hike with Trish, Alex and Sage for the first time after talking about it for several years. We had a great day and said we needed to plan to do it again soon. We discussed possibilities numerous times over the summer and early fall, but somehow couldn't make anything work. Plans and more plans.</div>
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About a week and a half ago Trish sent me a message. They were planning to hike the Baldfaces this fall and wanted to know if we'd like to join them. Of course we would! The plan was for last Thursday, as long as it was a perfect weather day - not going to tackle those ledges in the rain. The long range forecast for Thursday actually looked good at that point - a sunny day in the midst of not so great ones. We of course never trust the long range forecast (and I don't know why I ever even look at it). So we'd wait and see. At the same time we were trying to work out plans with Mike and Donna. Last weekend didn't work for us and we decided to see if they'd like to join us with Trish and the girls. We gave them a call and they said they'd be happy to. By the beginning of the week the forecast was still good and Trish sent me another message. Would we mind if Dan and Janelle joined us for this hike? It would be four of the peaks that they still needed for the 52WAV list that they want to complete this fall. Would we mind? We'd <u>love</u> <u>it</u> if they came along!</div>
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And so the Grand Plan was set - almost. Trish, Dan and I must have traded 50 messages working on last minute logistics. Dan and Janelle would be taking a bit different route so that they could tag Eastman before meeting the rest of the group on the Baldface Circle trail below South Baldface. The rest of the group would be doing the Baldface Circle loop. After much debate about starting times, hiking times, sunrise times and who knows what else, we finally worked out a plan. There was just one small issue. We were planning to start pretty early and it was looking like we'd need to leave home by 2am for the 4-1/2 hour drive to Evans Notch. Ugh. We also found out that Nat's Mom and Dad were away for a couple of days and wouldn't be able to stop by and take care of the dog. Now what? Trish offered to have us stay at their house on Wednesday night, but we still had to work out the dog care. Luckily Nat had a brainstorm and got one of Jamie's friends to come and watch the house and pets. The plan was starting to work!</div>
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We headed up to Campton on Thursday afternoon and spent a nice evening with Trish and the girls. We're so appreciative of them sharing their home with us. Trish also let us know earlier in the day that there was another nice surprise - Hugh would be joining us for the hike too. He arrived from Cambridge later in the evening and we all turned in early to get some rest before our early start. We had settled on an 8am starting time, but even from here we had a 2 hour drive to the trail. No easy ways to Evans Notch. </div>
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As we're well aware, long range weather forecasts seldom hold and this was no exception. It was no longer going to be partly cloudy and mid-50s. It was now going to be sunny and 60. Amazing! We were up at 5 and on the road at 5:30. It was strange driving across the Kanc in the dark and seeing the sun come up as we neared the other end. Mike and Donna were waiting for us when we got to the trailhead and there was a note from Dan and Janelle. They had gotten a bit later start than planned and were going to hustle to meet us at the Baldface Circle trail trail junction at 11. That works. We're off!</div>
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<i>Packing up</i></div>
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<i>Sage is ready to go</i></div>
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<i>Group shot before we hit the trail</i></div>
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We headed out through the beautiful morning woods. When we got to Emerald Pool we took the short detour to check it out. How beautiful! I'd love to go back there in the summer for a swim.</div>
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<i>Crunching through the leaves</i></div>
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<i>Emerald Pool</i></div>
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<i>It really is emerald</i></div>
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We were quickly at the first trail junction and turned left on Baldface Circle. Sort of... After walking for about 5 minutes the trail seemed to disappear and we weren't seeing any blazes. We headed back to the junction and found that the trail doesn't really go in the direction the sign points. We were obviously not the first ones to do this. We got back on the trail and made our way up to the shelter.</div>
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<i>Break time</i></div>
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<i>Prodding the "puffballs"</i></div>
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<i>Baldface shelter</i></div>
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As soon as we left the shelter we hit the beginning of the South Baldface ledges. It the beginning they're just smooth and somewhat steep. Kind of like walking the ledges on Welch and Dickey. Alex and Sage were very excited to get to this section and the promise of scrambles ahead. They danced up the ledges like little mountain goats and the rest of us did our best to keep up with them. Ah, youthful energy and enthusiasm!</div>
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<i>And now the fun begins - slab highway up</i></div>
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<i>Starting up</i></div>
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<i>Sage and Alex are loving it!</i></div>
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<i>South Baldface ledges beginning ahead</i></div>
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<i>Getting steep</i></div>
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<i>Finally remembered to turn around and check out the views</i></div>
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It wasn't long before the slabs ended and the real challenge began. I'd read some things about this route and recently looked at some photos, but I really hadn't expected this section to be as tough as it was. I suppose I should have realized - this is one of the hikes on the Terrifying 25 after all. We had expected the rock to be dry after a couple of days without rain, but no such luck. Several of the ledges in the lower section were very wet and quite slippery. It made for some interesting going. One thing I know for sure - I'd never want to do this trail in the rain. We used hands, feet, knees, bushes, trees and every aid available. It was tough, but it was also lots of fun. We're definitely ready to go back and do it again!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCVK_WT6xfo/UIKTmo1wYlI/AAAAAAAAnoA/-88OhRWRNmE/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCVK_WT6xfo/UIKTmo1wYlI/AAAAAAAAnoA/-88OhRWRNmE/s640/IMG_5132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Alex starting up the ledges</i></div>
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<i>Figuring out the line</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHhP84FstrA/UIKTn8NwegI/AAAAAAAAnoQ/WNSxiK75N-E/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHhP84FstrA/UIKTn8NwegI/AAAAAAAAnoQ/WNSxiK75N-E/s640/IMG_5134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Slippery when wet!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlCZqRheSD0/UIKTodmz_9I/AAAAAAAAnoY/5KkUwGRSGfA/s1600/IMG_5136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlCZqRheSD0/UIKTodmz_9I/AAAAAAAAnoY/5KkUwGRSGfA/s640/IMG_5136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Interesting scrambles</i></div>
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<i>Mike on the ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpY9aqt1drk/UIKTqTbf1mI/AAAAAAAAno0/c9yrNO3rViA/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpY9aqt1drk/UIKTqTbf1mI/AAAAAAAAno0/c9yrNO3rViA/s640/IMG_5139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Trish and Hugh catching up with the girls</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwn6BLRz9xI/UIKTqpukV2I/AAAAAAAAno4/-bvZx7Tffao/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwn6BLRz9xI/UIKTqpukV2I/AAAAAAAAno4/-bvZx7Tffao/s640/IMG_5140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike and Donna</i></div>
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<i>Feet, hands, knees - all required</i></div>
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<i>Mike surveying the view</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gH0dccjuvxo/UIKTsI_bvGI/AAAAAAAAnpQ/NjrzjcA-Cn8/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gH0dccjuvxo/UIKTsI_bvGI/AAAAAAAAnpQ/NjrzjcA-Cn8/s640/IMG_5143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost to the top</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4DTVKvUQn0/UIKTsZSA5zI/AAAAAAAAnpY/d8dOKTxnuI4/s1600/IMG_5144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4DTVKvUQn0/UIKTsZSA5zI/AAAAAAAAnpY/d8dOKTxnuI4/s640/IMG_5144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Still steep</i></div>
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Our plan was to get to the Baldface Knob trail junction to meet Dan and Janelle at 11:00 per the note they'd left us in the parking lot. When we were at the shelter we figured that this timing would be just about perfect. We underestimated the difficulty of the ledges however, and it was 11:30 by the time we got to the plateau. Dan and Janelle weren't there and we hoped that they hadn't gotten there earlier and finally given up on us. We decided it was worth waiting for a while and watching the trail from Baldface Knob and the trail to South Baldface to see if we could see them. In the mean time, we sat down for a snack and a much needed break.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkR7Focpe6w/UIKTtL_2LmI/AAAAAAAAnpg/UDI5yfP2pfA/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkR7Focpe6w/UIKTtL_2LmI/AAAAAAAAnpg/UDI5yfP2pfA/s640/IMG_5145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time for a well earned break!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYXehu-P0Cc/UIKTtc7TrvI/AAAAAAAAnpo/6woiGKN65cE/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYXehu-P0Cc/UIKTtc7TrvI/AAAAAAAAnpo/6woiGKN65cE/s640/IMG_5146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Huge cairn at the trail junction</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ypqKzHpZts/UIKTuCBAwFI/AAAAAAAAnpw/PUd9oRkDW9g/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ypqKzHpZts/UIKTuCBAwFI/AAAAAAAAnpw/PUd9oRkDW9g/s640/IMG_5147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QZJY7HlK18/UIKTuxchKRI/AAAAAAAAnp8/a62VCpiEm3E/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QZJY7HlK18/UIKTuxchKRI/AAAAAAAAnp8/a62VCpiEm3E/s640/IMG_5148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike capturing the views</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTyBJsx4aaY/UIKTvkZcM7I/AAAAAAAAnqE/o3fdzngLAJY/s1600/IMG_5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTyBJsx4aaY/UIKTvkZcM7I/AAAAAAAAnqE/o3fdzngLAJY/s640/IMG_5149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Bald Knob and Eastman beyond. Dan and Jenelle are over there somewhere</i></div>
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About 10 minutes after we arrived we saw Dan and Janelle over on Baldface Knob waving to us. Seems that they'd underestimated the toughness of the trails on that side as well. Good news was, the timing was perfect and we were now together for the rest of the day.</div>
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<i>Aha! Buffalo and Tough Cookie arrive</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fVZHI50bvaY/UIKTwnLTDwI/AAAAAAAAnqU/tek65RFla08/s1600/IMG_5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fVZHI50bvaY/UIKTwnLTDwI/AAAAAAAAnqU/tek65RFla08/s640/IMG_5151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Enjoying the break</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYSZTuY0-Tw/UIKTxMur_mI/AAAAAAAAnqc/3vrJyBo-Iwk/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYSZTuY0-Tw/UIKTxMur_mI/AAAAAAAAnqc/3vrJyBo-Iwk/s640/IMG_5152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>What a view!</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jiimUUgzB8/UISERa4VH9I/AAAAAAAAn4s/cHwVFXe-AUI/s1600/p4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jiimUUgzB8/UISERa4VH9I/AAAAAAAAn4s/cHwVFXe-AUI/s640/p4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Baldface plateau panorama</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SP1FXc2wZI/UISESMEBRMI/AAAAAAAAn40/iROxydwkA-A/s1600/p3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SP1FXc2wZI/UISESMEBRMI/AAAAAAAAn40/iROxydwkA-A/s640/p3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGMnj_PvmMo/UISESUELwPI/AAAAAAAAn48/t2Elz3ZFifk/s1600/p5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGMnj_PvmMo/UISESUELwPI/AAAAAAAAn48/t2Elz3ZFifk/s640/p5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We hung out on the plateau for quite a while while everyone got rested and refueled. Janelle, Alex and Sage were all thrilled to finally be together. It's so great to see kids that are so happy being out on the trail! </div>
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Knowing that we had a long day ahead, we finally go packed back up and headed up to the summit of South Baldface. It didn't take us long to get to the summit, but with the amazing new views that now included everything to the west including the Carters and Mt Washington, we had to stop for another extended break to enjoy this amazing spot.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0ZNdkD0L8g/UIKTxobqDBI/AAAAAAAAnqg/s9DO5Al2zlA/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0ZNdkD0L8g/UIKTxobqDBI/AAAAAAAAnqg/s9DO5Al2zlA/s640/IMG_5153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Heading for South Baldface summit. How'd they get up there so fast?</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HupHzxWuS60/UIKTx94qmdI/AAAAAAAAnqo/XUPgYZBnqpk/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HupHzxWuS60/UIKTx94qmdI/AAAAAAAAnqo/XUPgYZBnqpk/s640/IMG_5154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost there</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjFWnvNbTp8/UIKTyYLU0BI/AAAAAAAAnq0/af9X2x0fHMo/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjFWnvNbTp8/UIKTyYLU0BI/AAAAAAAAnq0/af9X2x0fHMo/s640/IMG_5155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Carters and Mt Washington from South Baldface summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BnUMSpjuUU/UIKTy0rQaQI/AAAAAAAAnq8/dEQrgnQfsvQ/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BnUMSpjuUU/UIKTy0rQaQI/AAAAAAAAnq8/dEQrgnQfsvQ/s640/IMG_5156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hugh captures another 52WAV summit celebratio</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYPVoQd20KU/UIKTzRAP34I/AAAAAAAAnrE/qqWPtGZbzdM/s1600/IMG_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYPVoQd20KU/UIKTzRAP34I/AAAAAAAAnrE/qqWPtGZbzdM/s640/IMG_5157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and Trish on the summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALtfW437ij0/UIKTzgFSZqI/AAAAAAAAnrM/VaaBvX_YBTs/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALtfW437ij0/UIKTzgFSZqI/AAAAAAAAnrM/VaaBvX_YBTs/s640/IMG_5158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>North Baldface ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i0mTsoWzDY/UIKT0CC5dbI/AAAAAAAAnrQ/tMgP0bSPPnw/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i0mTsoWzDY/UIKT0CC5dbI/AAAAAAAAnrQ/tMgP0bSPPnw/s640/IMG_5159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>#38 for Dan and Janelle</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9gjsr1ZLFw/UIKT0V3f6sI/AAAAAAAAnrc/lj_6ZTXU5M0/s1600/IMG_5161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9gjsr1ZLFw/UIKT0V3f6sI/AAAAAAAAnrc/lj_6ZTXU5M0/s640/IMG_5161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Alex, Janelle and Sage celebrate</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zLCRUoo8I/UIKT1KaSdzI/AAAAAAAAnrk/HJPEQQObzaM/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zLCRUoo8I/UIKT1KaSdzI/AAAAAAAAnrk/HJPEQQObzaM/s640/IMG_5162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nat and I enjoying a great day</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXp5DzhPBLs/UIKT1aFb7LI/AAAAAAAAnrs/obkW8VNUaDA/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXp5DzhPBLs/UIKT1aFb7LI/AAAAAAAAnrs/obkW8VNUaDA/s640/IMG_5163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Breezy up here!</i></div>
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<i>Hugh and the girls</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXrJEZfYD8/UIKT2FZ6bDI/AAAAAAAAnr4/istTuBRqeVA/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXrJEZfYD8/UIKT2FZ6bDI/AAAAAAAAnr4/istTuBRqeVA/s640/IMG_5165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Please don't make me look into the sun</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaJEGwXvvGw/UIKT3QCI0VI/AAAAAAAAnsc/nsbko-d35hc/s1600/IMG_5167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaJEGwXvvGw/UIKT3QCI0VI/AAAAAAAAnsc/nsbko-d35hc/s640/IMG_5167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike setting up for the group summit shot</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4QEUMNmnOA/UISES7JkxPI/AAAAAAAAn5A/NdeV0KYvzMM/s1600/472127_393206090750177_1225083441_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4QEUMNmnOA/UISES7JkxPI/AAAAAAAAn5A/NdeV0KYvzMM/s640/472127_393206090750177_1225083441_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The gang on South Baldface</i></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy of Michael Serdehely)</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRxjwTB8Zyc/UIKT3zssNMI/AAAAAAAAnsQ/RH0L5rfmsUw/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRxjwTB8Zyc/UIKT3zssNMI/AAAAAAAAnsQ/RH0L5rfmsUw/s640/IMG_5168.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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While we were hanging out on the summit Janelle found an interesting rock that seemed just right for climbing up and sitting on. Soon Alex and Sage had joined her. They just sat there for a long time staring off at the distant views and talking about things that we will never know of. I could have sat there and watched that scene all day. These were my favorite images of the day...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62QMaOEsjrs/UIKT4ARFtPI/AAAAAAAAnsY/uzbHeVmmipI/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62QMaOEsjrs/UIKT4ARFtPI/AAAAAAAAnsY/uzbHeVmmipI/s640/IMG_5169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike setting up for the group summit shot</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoAK5x9Ui9A/UIKT4hQA5DI/AAAAAAAAnsk/gnyg5R1F06Q/s1600/IMG_5170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoAK5x9Ui9A/UIKT4hQA5DI/AAAAAAAAnsk/gnyg5R1F06Q/s640/IMG_5170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Yup, this is it</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwV11Gb4GU/UIKT5DAS1uI/AAAAAAAAnso/nd10UfJUJzA/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwV11Gb4GU/UIKT5DAS1uI/AAAAAAAAnso/nd10UfJUJzA/s640/IMG_5171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Alex is going to check it out too</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-Pf-OgZd7M/UIKT5kl5l3I/AAAAAAAAns0/Kr6Irof3XPE/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-Pf-OgZd7M/UIKT5kl5l3I/AAAAAAAAns0/Kr6Irof3XPE/s640/IMG_5172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Investigating the geology?</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJCAbWBfXbA/UIKT58SMr9I/AAAAAAAAns8/HkAzFkQsRzo/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJCAbWBfXbA/UIKT58SMr9I/AAAAAAAAns8/HkAzFkQsRzo/s640/IMG_5173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The perfect seat</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ4ffFEuOZs/UIKT6BW-DUI/AAAAAAAAntE/MoJ_2pl2hHs/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ4ffFEuOZs/UIKT6BW-DUI/AAAAAAAAntE/MoJ_2pl2hHs/s640/IMG_5174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Happiness...</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0IEd7sSsyg/UIKT68Ep0QI/AAAAAAAAntI/7HsjskhzGdI/s1600/IMG_5176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0IEd7sSsyg/UIKT68Ep0QI/AAAAAAAAntI/7HsjskhzGdI/s640/IMG_5176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All good things must come to an end and we finally gathered and headed for North Baldface. The walk through the col between the summits was one of the nicest parts of the day. Pretty amazing to say that when it's a place in the viewless woods between two spectacular summits, but I think that many of these places are just magical. The way up to North Baldface has some more fun scrambling and soon we were on our next incredible summit.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkw-kWXiuHY/UIKT7TR5bvI/AAAAAAAAntU/y_TxQ2_BEN0/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkw-kWXiuHY/UIKT7TR5bvI/AAAAAAAAntU/y_TxQ2_BEN0/s640/IMG_5177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time to move on</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39IC4Ni264U/UIKT77ExZKI/AAAAAAAAntY/a-sCnzQeQ30/s1600/IMG_5178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39IC4Ni264U/UIKT77ExZKI/AAAAAAAAntY/a-sCnzQeQ30/s640/IMG_5178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybSI-7fBafY/UIKT8IF8i7I/AAAAAAAAntk/zI8m1KNCqpA/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybSI-7fBafY/UIKT8IF8i7I/AAAAAAAAntk/zI8m1KNCqpA/s640/IMG_5179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Reindeer lichen</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJo9Ati6fXs/UIKT8pINZqI/AAAAAAAAnts/Q_HN5s0l39w/s1600/IMG_5180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJo9Ati6fXs/UIKT8pINZqI/AAAAAAAAnts/Q_HN5s0l39w/s640/IMG_5180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike heading into the col</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWaronxObs4/UIKT9JHMF1I/AAAAAAAAnt0/pYvUQrk_LcU/s1600/IMG_5181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWaronxObs4/UIKT9JHMF1I/AAAAAAAAnt0/pYvUQrk_LcU/s640/IMG_5181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful walk between summits</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk3ZYpqZjYc/UIKT9gGzEiI/AAAAAAAAnt4/-Q-QjFnceyY/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk3ZYpqZjYc/UIKT9gGzEiI/AAAAAAAAnt4/-Q-QjFnceyY/s640/IMG_5182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>North Baldface ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQjrFiqI64/UIKT-MI0buI/AAAAAAAAnuE/v8cVjcL_QvQ/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGQjrFiqI64/UIKT-MI0buI/AAAAAAAAnuE/v8cVjcL_QvQ/s640/IMG_5183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Quick break</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xFfyhWsyQA/UIKT-qipkXI/AAAAAAAAnuI/cMrxqjBgAcc/s1600/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xFfyhWsyQA/UIKT-qipkXI/AAAAAAAAnuI/cMrxqjBgAcc/s640/IMG_5185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Baldface</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eMhhBwE2dU/UIKT_IhHA5I/AAAAAAAAnuQ/Gz_Qx2Fql48/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eMhhBwE2dU/UIKT_IhHA5I/AAAAAAAAnuQ/Gz_Qx2Fql48/s640/IMG_5187.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Mountain bonsai?</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUdTnVByKYc/UIKT_zpnC5I/AAAAAAAAnuc/oDk3VGSspsM/s1600/IMG_5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUdTnVByKYc/UIKT_zpnC5I/AAAAAAAAnuc/oDk3VGSspsM/s640/IMG_5188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>North Baldface</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWOVobxDX90/UIKUAGkszZI/AAAAAAAAnuk/vwKusExB3hY/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWOVobxDX90/UIKUAGkszZI/AAAAAAAAnuk/vwKusExB3hY/s640/IMG_5189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking back</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2PNP3pesEk/UIKUAgtiUdI/AAAAAAAAnuo/EKraUXZAi1Y/s1600/IMG_5190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2PNP3pesEk/UIKUAgtiUdI/AAAAAAAAnuo/EKraUXZAi1Y/s640/IMG_5190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More steep ledges</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZS_yJYYuc0/UIKUBPwXBZI/AAAAAAAAnuw/Ysx7GQutZ8k/s1600/IMG_5191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZS_yJYYuc0/UIKUBPwXBZI/AAAAAAAAnuw/Ysx7GQutZ8k/s640/IMG_5191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6eZJIGuFOc/UIKUCKEhBwI/AAAAAAAAnvE/LdeS76ta6Ss/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6eZJIGuFOc/UIKUCKEhBwI/AAAAAAAAnvE/LdeS76ta6Ss/s640/IMG_5194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mountain gardens</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dq9E_U2KWQ/UIKUCgGZC5I/AAAAAAAAnvI/ZEZKWH8fou4/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dq9E_U2KWQ/UIKUCgGZC5I/AAAAAAAAnvI/ZEZKWH8fou4/s640/IMG_5195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAwHzBk-grY/UIKmxUSP6AI/AAAAAAAAn2U/ciiQIPoENgI/s1600/IMG_2855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAwHzBk-grY/UIKmxUSP6AI/AAAAAAAAn2U/ciiQIPoENgI/s640/IMG_2855.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>Donna and I enjoying the views</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJT7LHWuLkY/UIKmyPgAE6I/AAAAAAAAn2c/hQ3lEZ8iEp8/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJT7LHWuLkY/UIKmyPgAE6I/AAAAAAAAn2c/hQ3lEZ8iEp8/s640/IMG_2856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRUgc-i7OMo/UIKUDc0uVKI/AAAAAAAAnvQ/K7XT28qcczI/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRUgc-i7OMo/UIKUDc0uVKI/AAAAAAAAnvQ/K7XT28qcczI/s640/IMG_5196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Almost there</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbg7uB1VERE/UIKUEg1O6KI/AAAAAAAAnvg/_RrY_wy2hIk/s1600/IMG_5199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbg7uB1VERE/UIKUEg1O6KI/AAAAAAAAnvg/_RrY_wy2hIk/s640/IMG_5199.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>This view reminded me of the cover of "Up"</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-HeeYjghB0/UIKUE9umgpI/AAAAAAAAnvo/dQm85JWSvvk/s1600/IMG_5200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-HeeYjghB0/UIKUE9umgpI/AAAAAAAAnvo/dQm85JWSvvk/s640/IMG_5200.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Sage</i></div>
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On North Baldface we once again took a long break and enjoyed yet another set of amazing views. The day was actually getting nicer and the temps were now in the mid 50s and the sky was a beautiful autumn blue. This is the kind of place that you want to just hang around for hours. On another day we'll come back and backpack this spot so that we can do just that.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEn6mD8dnS4/UIKUFpgSrYI/AAAAAAAAnv0/-MRnXv8WaIg/s1600/IMG_5201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEn6mD8dnS4/UIKUFpgSrYI/AAAAAAAAnv0/-MRnXv8WaIg/s640/IMG_5201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>North Baldface summit</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3mYABZRrg/UIKUGKpLiZI/AAAAAAAAnv4/2pcXWmk5mLA/s1600/IMG_5202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3mYABZRrg/UIKUGKpLiZI/AAAAAAAAnv4/2pcXWmk5mLA/s640/IMG_5202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>What a day!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn8jA7KvFyw/UIKUGpQFYjI/AAAAAAAAnwE/nU23mIWrw5g/s1600/IMG_5203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn8jA7KvFyw/UIKUGpQFYjI/AAAAAAAAnwE/nU23mIWrw5g/s640/IMG_5203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIKvgYl6Y7U/UIKUGy9RGSI/AAAAAAAAnwM/IkMPckXhffw/s1600/IMG_5204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIKvgYl6Y7U/UIKUGy9RGSI/AAAAAAAAnwM/IkMPckXhffw/s640/IMG_5204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Girl Power!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfXZCYCZUHI/UIKUHZ6k3kI/AAAAAAAAnwU/bqGHC7D9QJM/s1600/IMG_5205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfXZCYCZUHI/UIKUHZ6k3kI/AAAAAAAAnwU/bqGHC7D9QJM/s640/IMG_5205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ9zDzkXfRg/UISERBmiCqI/AAAAAAAAn4g/g4te5r5e9Uc/s1600/p1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ9zDzkXfRg/UISERBmiCqI/AAAAAAAAn4g/g4te5r5e9Uc/s640/p1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Serious silliness!</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4-RvgWB8XI/UIKUHqHkHAI/AAAAAAAAnwc/-m_yJWe2M3A/s1600/IMG_5206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4-RvgWB8XI/UIKUHqHkHAI/AAAAAAAAnwc/-m_yJWe2M3A/s640/IMG_5206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Trish, Hugh, Sage, Alex & Janelle</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwrjfyPT7YA/UIKUIG1MYnI/AAAAAAAAnwk/dsFyo82RmLk/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwrjfyPT7YA/UIKUIG1MYnI/AAAAAAAAnwk/dsFyo82RmLk/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Another group shot setup</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-169lNICyKpQ/UISEVFzDycI/AAAAAAAAn5Q/pazcX75boLI/s1600/620665_393210644083055_2018146250_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-169lNICyKpQ/UISEVFzDycI/AAAAAAAAn5Q/pazcX75boLI/s640/620665_393210644083055_2018146250_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The gang on North Baldface</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Photo courtesy of Michael Serdehely)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfm3bawX_sI/UIKUInbSykI/AAAAAAAAnws/vxbF6t3l0vI/s1600/IMG_5208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfm3bawX_sI/UIKUInbSykI/AAAAAAAAnws/vxbF6t3l0vI/s640/IMG_5208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>#39 for Dan and Janelle</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S14q2gyz1QU/UIKUI8Hy_lI/AAAAAAAAnww/MmivCfy1NqE/s1600/IMG_5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S14q2gyz1QU/UIKUI8Hy_lI/AAAAAAAAnww/MmivCfy1NqE/s640/IMG_5209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCKlr8XYynQ/UIKUJoAo3gI/AAAAAAAAnw8/5QmH3hPinwI/s1600/IMG_5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCKlr8XYynQ/UIKUJoAo3gI/AAAAAAAAnw8/5QmH3hPinwI/s640/IMG_5212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A summit picnic</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOLDUUTcDOA/UIKUJxXC8uI/AAAAAAAAnxE/i14efEwJEWE/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOLDUUTcDOA/UIKUJxXC8uI/AAAAAAAAnxE/i14efEwJEWE/s640/IMG_5213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Donna joins the girls</i></div>
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It had already been a long day, but it was only half over - there were still 5 miles and another summit ahead - so we moved on. It was another nice walk between North Baldface and Eagle Crag. On another day we might have skipped Eagle Crag, but Dan and Janelle needed it for the 52WAV list and we were very glad they did - it was another really beautiful spot and well worth the extra few tenths walk.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0QyMVdYJ9c/UIKUKQOiIPI/AAAAAAAAnxM/FNbUPQdwbQU/s1600/IMG_5214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t0QyMVdYJ9c/UIKUKQOiIPI/AAAAAAAAnxM/FNbUPQdwbQU/s640/IMG_5214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time to move on</i></div>
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<i>Following the conga line</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGthzNmRYVo/UIKULLqxitI/AAAAAAAAnxY/OfiQc0cXB6I/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGthzNmRYVo/UIKULLqxitI/AAAAAAAAnxY/OfiQc0cXB6I/s640/IMG_5216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>South Baldface ledges - don't look so tough from here</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7dy6Fuoq3o/UIKUL8N6JHI/AAAAAAAAnxg/MbNeNILbqe0/s1600/IMG_5217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7dy6Fuoq3o/UIKUL8N6JHI/AAAAAAAAnxg/MbNeNILbqe0/s640/IMG_5217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Down with the shadows</i></div>
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<i>Heading for Eagle Crag</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNEsvmVSQI0/UIKUNJxkgFI/AAAAAAAAnxw/5cQYV7nDPYk/s1600/IMG_5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNEsvmVSQI0/UIKUNJxkgFI/AAAAAAAAnxw/5cQYV7nDPYk/s640/IMG_5221.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Grab that fleece Sage</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYDQMC3jDEQ/UIKUNrjk30I/AAAAAAAAnx8/MCuoAhs6-No/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYDQMC3jDEQ/UIKUNrjk30I/AAAAAAAAnx8/MCuoAhs6-No/s640/IMG_5222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Strategy session?</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cytjHU9B6L8/UIKUOCMDDCI/AAAAAAAAnyA/B2q29Vma0Z8/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cytjHU9B6L8/UIKUOCMDDCI/AAAAAAAAnyA/B2q29Vma0Z8/s640/IMG_5223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkXVdJQZ3cc/UIKUOsHiYKI/AAAAAAAAnyM/KEqG1dnjGWY/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkXVdJQZ3cc/UIKUOsHiYKI/AAAAAAAAnyM/KEqG1dnjGWY/s640/IMG_5224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Plateau</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr6Eh90Bfbk/UIKUPJ3Zw4I/AAAAAAAAnyU/pOCPw0Vpn3E/s1600/IMG_5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr6Eh90Bfbk/UIKUPJ3Zw4I/AAAAAAAAnyU/pOCPw0Vpn3E/s640/IMG_5225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Nice new bog bridges</i></div>
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<i>Mountaintop or sea floor?</i></div>
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<i>Sun starting to sink beyond South Baldface</i></div>
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We hung out again when we got to Eagle Crag. This made #40 on the 52WAV for Dan and Janelle - a great accomplishment since they started less than a year ago. They plan to knock off the remaining 12 in the next few weeks and finish just over 52 weeks after they started. Awesome! </div>
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<i>Me on Eagle Crag (center) after I ran over ahead of the group</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of Dan Szczesny)</span></i></div>
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<i>Views from Eagle Crag</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZsftI9f2q4/UIKUQ5dfKAI/AAAAAAAAny4/dtmaAQtrTWc/s1600/IMG_5232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZsftI9f2q4/UIKUQ5dfKAI/AAAAAAAAny4/dtmaAQtrTWc/s640/IMG_5232.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Long shadows</i></div>
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<i>Summit salutation?</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPGCTkCDvMc/UIKURp8woLI/AAAAAAAAnzM/k8m7yr6q7o4/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPGCTkCDvMc/UIKURp8woLI/AAAAAAAAnzM/k8m7yr6q7o4/s640/IMG_5234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>#40 for Tough Cookie! WooHoo!</i></div>
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<i>Alex completes a portrait of Mother Earth</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8deJ938btA/UIKUTH1uy1I/AAAAAAAAnzk/ukCZiWyPuhU/s1600/IMG_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8deJ938btA/UIKUTH1uy1I/AAAAAAAAnzk/ukCZiWyPuhU/s640/IMG_5237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ypdLuQNsQ/UIKUTx8fItI/AAAAAAAAnzo/wYBKzGFBtzo/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ypdLuQNsQ/UIKUTx8fItI/AAAAAAAAnzo/wYBKzGFBtzo/s640/IMG_5238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Alex on Eagle Crag</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgnXaP38nks/UIKmzr7donI/AAAAAAAAn24/uhmJN1P5jUs/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgnXaP38nks/UIKmzr7donI/AAAAAAAAn24/uhmJN1P5jUs/s640/IMG_2884.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Number Four-Oh for Buffalo and Tough Cookie!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of Dan Szczesny)</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Akq5Z0jHoNk/UIKm0J3oalI/AAAAAAAAn28/8Ghsl9VyjPM/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Akq5Z0jHoNk/UIKm0J3oalI/AAAAAAAAn28/8Ghsl9VyjPM/s640/IMG_2886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>WooHoo Janelle!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of Dan Szczesny)</span></i></div>
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<i>Dan and Jenelle taking a well deserved rest on #40</i></div>
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<i>Mike and Jenelle</i></div>
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<i>Me taking a picture of Dan taking a picture of Donna taking a picture of me. Nat says "Wut?"</i></div>
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<i>Dan capturing the day</i></div>
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<i>Nat and I on Eagle Crag</i></div>
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There were still over three miles to go, but it was all downhill now. The sun was beginning to sink behind the peaks and we knew we'd have to hustle to beat the darkness. We surely didn't want to be overcome by it (inside joke). The hike down went quickly - a steep beginning knocking off most of the elevation and then a flat last 2 miles. As we got to the trail junction for the last 0.7 section the darkness finally overtook us. Janelle got the chance to hike with her headlight (which she'd apparently been hoping for an opportunity to do) but the rest of us walked on through the darkness, feeling our way along the trail as our eyes adjusted. It was a very nice and peaceful way to end the day.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6HG-4Hk6Pw/UIKUWL8YRUI/AAAAAAAAn0Q/skG2s705Ams/s1600/IMG_5246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6HG-4Hk6Pw/UIKUWL8YRUI/AAAAAAAAn0Q/skG2s705Ams/s640/IMG_5246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Time to head down. Still a long way to go</i></div>
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<i>Donna on the last of the steep descent</i></div>
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<i>One last break as darkness descends.</i></div>
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It was just a fantastic day. We got to hike with some wonderful friends and spend the day in one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. We also got to bring together a whole slew of plans that had been brewing for a long time. This was a Grand Plan that definitely worked out. And in the immortal words of Hannibal Smith - "I love it when a plan comes together!"</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHOmYxlU1Ms/UISEVPfqNPI/AAAAAAAAn5M/C0hLDdfmwq4/s1600/Success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHOmYxlU1Ms/UISEVPfqNPI/AAAAAAAAn5M/C0hLDdfmwq4/s200/Success.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Dan and Janelle - Good luck with your last 12! You guys are amazing. Hope to see you at the finish.</div>
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Mike, Donna, Trish, Hugh, Alex and Sage - thanks for a great day! Can't wait to share the trail with you again soon.</div>
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Here's the route and some aerial images from Google Earth</div>
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Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com5Baldface Circle44.2428438 -71.087295144.1973428 -71.1662591 44.288344800000004 -71.0083311tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-61101423234079386202012-10-11T10:30:00.000-04:002012-10-11T21:48:45.025-04:00Mt Monadnock - The Usual SuspectsWe've had such and incredible run of great hikes - capped off by Carrigain less than two weeks ago. There should be NOTHING to complain about - BUT... Fall is our favorite hiking season. We had a taste when we were up north for Carrigain, but colorful foliage in the rain and fog is not the hoped for fall experience. The weather pattern the last couple of weeks has just been plain depressing. How about a bit of blue sky, sunshine and crisp autumn air to show this season off? When I looked at the forecast for today and saw the prediction of those clear blue sunny skies I couldn't let it pass. We were overdue for our annual visit to Mt Monadnock, and this was the perfect opportunity. Monadnock is really a wonderful mountain and has the advantage of only being 2 hours from home. It's even better in the fall, since the drive is really beautiful too. The potential problem is the crowds - but we've long since solved that with our selection of favorite "off the beaten track" trails - The Usual Suspects. It was great to revisit them today. We virtually had the mountain to ourselves, seeing less than a dozen people the whole day with the exception of those on the summit. I've described the trip before so I won't go into it again. I'll simply say that it was the perfect way to spend a spectacular autumn day. And for the first time we didn't manage to take a wrong turn through the somewhat confusing maze that is the White Arrow, Amphitheater, Sidefoot, Smith Connector, Cliff Walk, Lost Farm trails. So here are some images of the day. I wish they were better able to convey how spectacular it really was. This is why we love fall so much...<br />
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Oh, one more thing. I had my first chance to try the Guthook Hiking Guide for Monadnock today. Really nice app! Looking forward to more local versions coming soon. Hint, hint Ryan :) Check it out here: <a href="http://www.guthooksguides.com/monadnock.html">http://www.guthooksguides.com/monadnock.html</a><br />
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<i>Fall colors on a beautiful morning</i></div>
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<i>Cascade on the Cascade Link</i></div>
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<i>Blue skies ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANQ-KcMmMeI/UHdk8QXQ54I/AAAAAAAAnfA/aYAvUe20r7U/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANQ-KcMmMeI/UHdk8QXQ54I/AAAAAAAAnfA/aYAvUe20r7U/s640/IMG_5090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Views to Pack Monadnock from the Spellman</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0f03Y-8ZLt4/UHdxB4ZDLOI/AAAAAAAAnho/nqKd6Nyi7go/s1600/pano1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0f03Y-8ZLt4/UHdxB4ZDLOI/AAAAAAAAnho/nqKd6Nyi7go/s640/pano1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>iPhone pano</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading up the Spellman steeps</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hctTQ_aZxE4/UHdk-AstS7I/AAAAAAAAnfc/RAcJ30ArcXk/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hctTQ_aZxE4/UHdk-AstS7I/AAAAAAAAnfc/RAcJ30ArcXk/s640/IMG_5094.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Views back across the Pumpelly</i></div>
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<i>Valley views along the Pumpelly ridge</i></div>
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<i>Reflections in a tarn</i></div>
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<i>Nat heading for the summit</i></div>
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<i>Colors changing on the ridge</i></div>
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<i>Steep going on the way down the White Arrow</i></div>
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<i>Bald Rock ahead</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pZVixjuoj8/UHdlBuPcbLI/AAAAAAAAngQ/I1v4iee3DjI/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pZVixjuoj8/UHdlBuPcbLI/AAAAAAAAngQ/I1v4iee3DjI/s640/IMG_5103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Looking back to the summit</i></div>
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<i>Fire along the trail</i></div>
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<i>Pack Monadnock in the distance from Bald Rock</i></div>
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<i>Summit from Bald Rock</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciBqmVNiaRA/UHdlEPq6CWI/AAAAAAAAng0/mCnaHwo4Kmo/s1600/IMG_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciBqmVNiaRA/UHdlEPq6CWI/AAAAAAAAng0/mCnaHwo4Kmo/s640/IMG_5108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>In case we didn't know where we were</i></div>
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<i>Touching the sky</i></div>
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<i>Lovely walk in the autumn woods on the Lost Farm trail</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9e8Ee7KtaM/UHdlFi_dTTI/AAAAAAAAnhM/Ya0-MNW3hZw/s1600/IMG_5112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9e8Ee7KtaM/UHdlFi_dTTI/AAAAAAAAnhM/Ya0-MNW3hZw/s640/IMG_5112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Colors in the stream</i></div>
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<i>Reflections of the day in Poole Reservoir</i></div>
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<i>Must be October in Jaffrey</i></div>
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The only disappointment of the day was the when we arrived at Kimball Farm for our post-hike ice cream cone we found them closed for the season. :-( Isn't this New England? Just because the weather is getting cold it doesn't mean we don't still eat ice cream!!Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com3Monadnock Mountain42.8611939 -72.109248942.837915900000006 -72.1487309 42.8844719 -72.069766899999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-74960527627107362442012-09-29T17:31:00.000-04:002012-10-01T18:44:27.108-04:0048 x 3 + 67 = 1 Incredible Day on Mt CarrigainA little over 5 years after our NH48 journey started, this weekend it was set to come to a close. I'm not sure when along the way we finally decided that we were actually going to do all 48 - it just sort of happened. It really hasn't been so much a goal as it has a guide. The list has taken us to places that I know we wouldn't have gone otherwise - and they've all been wonderful in their own ways. Now it had taken us to Mt Carrigain to write the closing page in chapter 1 of our journey.<br />
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We've done most of our hikes with just the two of us or in very small groups. For this one though we wanted to invite all those that we'd shared the trail with along the way. The only problem with this was that the date had to be planned well in advance. We'd managed to go 47 for 47 in having clear skies and views on all the previous summits. Pretty amazing, but helped significantly by being able to make last minute decisions when the forecast was good (and having some great luck in the cases where we planned ahead). This time it appeared we wouldn't be so fortunate. The forecast had been looking pretty good, but the closer we got the worse it looked. The worst part of this was that we had more than 15 friends that were planning to join us that we would now be dragging 14 miles through the rain. The 14 miles was also a part of the planning issues - Sawyer River Road was planned to be reopened by the end of the month, but the construction that had been going on since last year still wasn't done. Rats!<br />
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This was the down side to the long term plan, but there was an up side. Our good friend Rex had done a hiking blitz in the Whites during Seek the Peak week in July and knocked a bunch of peaks off of his 48 list and had only 6 to go. He planned to come back in September and get the rest - one of which was Carrigain. After trading a few messages we realized that it could all work out - he was coming up at the beginning of the week and was going to get his other 5 and we would then all finish together on Saturday. We couldn't have been happier! Rex had been at this for a long time. He'd done a through hike of the AT over 20 years ago and had done loads of other hiking in the Whites as well as in ME, VT and NY but had never been focused on any lists. About a week ago he had another realization - he'd already done all of the other 4000 footers outside of NH so this would not only be his NH48 finish, but his NE67 as well. Awesome!!!<br />
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We headed to NH on Friday with the plan to get in a nice warm-up hike. The Friday forecast had been good - the best day of the weekend - but by the time we crossed the NH border in the morning it was already raining. OK, maybe it will rain itself out today and tomorrow will be better... We made the best of things by stopping at the Gypsy Cafe for a great lunch and enjoying the beautiful foliage driving across the Kanc (at least what we could see through the rain and fog). We drove across Bear Notch Road and went to check one last time on Sawyer River Road. We arrived and found the gate still closed. I stared at it as hard as I could for several minutes, but it still refused to open. OK, 14 miles it is.<br />
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One of the nicest surprises for this hike was that our friends Mike and Donna had decided to drive up from MD so that they could join us for our finish. We had planned to meet them for dinner on Friday night but when we arrived at the restaurant only Donna was there. It seems that Mike had been struck by a case of vertigo and was not going to join us. Worse, they would almost surely not be able to hike with us on Saturday and would have made the 10 hour drive in vain. We felt so awful. Nat and I had dinner with Donna and headed back to the hotel for a restless night of sleep. <br />
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It was finally time to go. When we got up on Saturday morning the rain had miraculously stopped. The forecast was for cloudy skies with intermittent showers throughout the day. We'll take it! We stopped at White Mountain Cider Company for breakfast (highly recommended) and picked up some warm cider donuts for the trailhead. Yum! We arrived to find most folks already in the parking lot and the last few arriving shortly. We passed the donuts around, packed up and got ready to go. Just as we were ready to head out Mike and Donna drove in to send us off. Mike was happily feeling much better (but still not up to the hike). It was so good to see them. They wished us well, and it was finally time to go.<br />
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The air was cool and damp with a bit of misty fog, but it wasn't raining. We headed up the road and were quickly at the Signal Ridge trailhead.<br />
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<i>Ready to go! - Mark, Nat, Val, Tim, Ali, Roberta, Otto, Rex</i></div>
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<i>Not sure what Tim said, but he sure had the girls laughing</i></div>
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<i>Guess the construction on Sawyer River Road isn't quite done</i></div>
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<i>Road looks good from here</i></div>
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<i>Otto seems to be exploring alternate transportation</i></div>
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<i>Brief views</i></div>
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<i>Nice colors over the stream</i></div>
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<i>Two miles in - now the trail begins</i></div>
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<i>5 to go</i></div>
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We took a quick break and everyone got rid of some layers. The rain was holding off so far and we were all warming up. It wouldn't be long before we be starting to climb and really warming up. As we got to the water crossing a short ways up the trail Dan caught up with us. He'd sent me a message saying that he'd be a bit late and to start without him. I knew he wouldn't have any trouble catching us.<br />
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<i>Not sure what I said, but it must have been interesting</i></div>
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<i>Gettin' ready to go again</i></div>
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<i>Nat's enjoying the day</i></div>
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<i>Tim directs the crossing</i></div>
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<i>Ali says she's got it figured out</i></div>
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<i>Roberta goes for the splash 'n' dash approach</i></div>
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After another mile we hit the beginning of the climb. Most of the way up to Signal Ridge is a series of switchbacks. The trail was a bit slick in spots from all the previous rain, but the footing was generally pretty good. The first few of the switchbacks are fairly long and one of them has apparently been dubbed the VLF switchback. I'll leave that to your imagination. We also got the count from some of the veterans - 17 switchbacks in all. Ouch. After the first few they get shorter (but often steeper). We were finally on the last stretch before Signal Ridge and figured we were home free. And then it happened...<br />
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Nat was in front of me and as she stepped up over a large rock she caught her foot on a cut off root sticking up in the middle of the trail. She went straight down on her hands and knees and let out a couple of expletives. I asked her if she was OK and she replied "damn, I'm bleeding somewhere". She put her had up and it had a lot of blood on it. I was afraid that she'd cut her hand on a sharp rock or something. Then she turned around. Blood was streaming down her forehead and dripping off of her nose. I panicked. The blood was coming from a cut somewhere in her scalp above the hairline and I couldn't see how bad it was. Before I got a chance to look any more Ali stepped in and took over. She's a nurse and it was certainly a good thing she was there. She got Nat to sit down next to the trail and checked her out. The cut was about an inch long and deep and was bleeding like crazy. They got pressure on it and got the bleeding stopped pretty quickly. It's amazing how much the scalp bleeds. <br />
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Nat said she was feeling fine and hadn't even felt the blow to her head. She apparently looked down at her feet when she tripped and went head first into a rock on the trail. Ali used one of our water bottles to wash out the cut and somehow managed to get it temporarily closed up with steri-strips that she had in her pack. At this point all I could think was "how in the world are we going to get her 6 miles back down to the car?" Tim had stepped in as well and was keeping an eye on Nat as Ali tended to the wound. She continued to insist that she felt OK, but they weren't having any of it. They got some gauze pads out of someone else's pack and held them on Nat's head with Ali's buff. Amazingly, the bleeding seemed to have stopped.<br />
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All this had taken about 20 minutes (that seemed like hours). The whole group was gathered around, all looking for ways to help and talking about options for getting her off the mountain. Ali and Tim finally let Nat try to stand up. She still said that she was feeling fine - not dizzy, no headache. She stood for a minute and she said she was ready to walk. She didn't want to walk down though - she wanted to go up! We all kind of looked at each other and tried to decide what to do. We all agreed that she really did seem like she felt OK. It was a reasonably flat walk across the ridge and we'd be sure that the walking didn't get the bleeding started again. If ANYTHING happened that didn't seem right we'd turn around immediately.<br />
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We started off very slowly. Tim insisted on carrying Nat's pack (which we're incredibly grateful for). Ali checked Nat's head every few minutes and the bleeding didn't start again. We continued across the ridge at half pace with me in front of Nat and Ali and Tim in back of her. I honestly don't know what was going through my head at this point. I still couldn't fathom that we were heading in this direction. It wasn't long before we reached the other end of the ridge and were on the final steep section to the summit. Nat still was doing fine. I simply can't believe how tough she is. She's proved it to me so many times over the years, but never more than this.<br />
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<i>Starting up Signal Ridge</i></div>
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<i>Wow - look at those views!!!</i></div>
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<i>Heading over the ridge</i></div>
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<i>Hiker parade. The walking wounded between Tim, Ali and me</i></div>
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And then we were there. The last section had been a blur to me and now we were standing under the tower and looking down at the benchmark. Rex, Nat and I gathered around it as the rest of the group cheered us on. Nothing else mattered except that Nat was OK and that we were here, surrounded by our friends.<br />
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<i>It's official!!</i></div>
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<i>48 x 3 + 67 = AWESOME!</i></div>
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<i>48 times together. Love you honey!</i></div>
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The summit celebration began. Everyone broke out the summit snacks to share and we filled up on cookies, candy other healthy treats. There was only one other group on the summit and we joined them on the tower for a look at the incredible views and a group photo. OK, so we had to use a bit of imagination to see the 43 other peaks that we'd previously climbed that are visible from Carrigain, but they were all crystal clear to me.<br />
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<i>Summit cookies from Ali. Yum!</i></div>
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<i>The summit snacks are multiplying</i></div>
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<i>Ali, Tim and Otto enjoying the break</i></div>
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<i>Tim and Val</i></div>
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<i>Dan enjoys a Headwall Alt - most appropriate</i></div>
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<i>Ali gathering the troops for a group summit shot</i></div>
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<i>Artist at work</i></div>
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<i>What a great group to celebrate with!!</i></div>
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While we were on the tower we found a spot where someone had carved "48" into the railing. We obviously were only three of the many that have celebrated their finishes here. There were many other carvings as well. Names, dates, thoughts. Several weeks ago my friend Terry (aka Laudizen King), author of the White Mountain Chronicles, reminded me of the chapter on Carrigain. During one of his visits to Carrigain many years ago he had found one of the carvings on the tower as well. Here's his account from the chapter titled "My AMC White Mountain Guides"<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I open my 1972 AMC guide and on the blank sheet facing the title page, find a few words I inscribed there over thirty years ago. Someone had carved the words into the wood on the inside of the old fire tower that once stood on the summit of Mt Carrigain. Many consider this centrally located peak to have the finest views in the White Mountains. On that trip, I had made the long hike to the summit with my dog in the rain and fog, and spent a memorable night in the shelter of the old tower as rain and high winds pummeled the structure. After a spectacular sunny and windy dawn revealed the wonder that surrounded me, I found these words and copied them into my guidebook that morning, on May 15, 1976.</i></blockquote>
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<i>The words said, “Sean and Lisa came back to life here. 8/10/73"</i></blockquote>
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<i>I know it to be true.</i></blockquote>
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Terry also shared the Carrigain chapter in honor of our hike. You can read it here: <a href="http://laudizen.com/white_mtns/carrigain_trilogy.htm" target="_blank">Mt Carrigain Trilogy</a>. I do believe that I felt the spirit of Sean and Lisa on Saturday, and I know that you were there with us as well Terry. Thanks. Another page in the Carrigain chapter is turning. As the original fire tower was removed and replaced with a platform that was later replaced with the current platform, so it is again. The materials to replace the wood containing those latest carvings is piled next to the tower. Soon those too will be memories and new ones will be carved. Perhaps we'll add our names next time when we return on that perfect bluebird day.<br />
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<i>Yup, 48 is the number of the day</i></div>
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<i>New platform ready to go up. Someone is going to have to start all that carving again</i></div>
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It was finally time to go. Nat was still fine, but Tim insisted on carrying her pack and on limiting the speed of our descent to ensure that there was no new problem. I'm sure this killed Nat since she always flies on the downhills. It may be one of the only times that we hike together that I'll ever lead the way down. We made it back to the bottom without incident and soon were on the road again. My legs were tired and my knees achy on those last two miles, but I really didn't notice much. I was too busy thinking about how lucky we were that everything had turned out as it did and about what an amazing journey this has been.<br />
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<i>Almost time to go</i></div>
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<i>Packing up - but first, one more cookie</i></div>
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<i>Tim playing pack mule. Thanks Tim!</i></div>
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<i>Dan and Rex contemplate the new list - "48 with a Brew"</i></div>
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<i>Heading back into the mist</i></div>
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<i>Down the VLF switchback</i></div>
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<i>Nice new bridges on the rerouted trail</i></div>
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<i>Back to the flatlands</i></div>
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<i>Nat and Val walking it out</i></div>
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When we got back we had a couple of nice surprises. Dan and Janelle had stopped by on their way back from their 52WAV hike to leave us a finishing gift - a couple of lemonades. How appropriate - "when it rains lemons, make lemonade" - guess we did that today. Thanks guys, we really appreciate it! A truck pulled into the lot right after we arrived and it was Mike and Ginny (Mountain Mama and Mountain Pa). They were going to join us for dinner, but since we still had to go to the ER to get Nat checked out they just joined us for a beer in the parking lot. We really appreciate you guys being there too!</div>
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I can't forget to say CONGRATULATIONS REX! What an amazing week to get ready for this final summit - knocking off Cabot, Waumbek, Owl's Head, Isolation, North Twin and a couple more for good measure. We're so happy that we were able to share this finish with you. I hope we get to share many more trails and summits in the years to come!</div>
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After our celebratory beer we headed out for the hospital. Miraculously we were in and out in 45 minutes. Can't say enough good things about the experience! Nat wound up with 4 staples to close her scalp up and was otherwise given a clean bill of health. The doctor just kept shaking her head in disbelief when we recounted the story. Hey, I told you my wife is tough!</div>
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We called Mike and Donna on the way over and thankfully Mike was still feeling better and up to joining us. They met us at Moat along with Rex, Pam, Otto and his wife for a great celebratory dinner. It was a great way to end a pretty incredible day.</div>
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<i>It appears the patient will survive</i></div>
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<i>Toasting success</i></div>
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<i>That's all folks...</i></div>
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And so chapter one is closed. It's been so amazing - nothing that I possibly could have imagined when we did that first hike. I've thought so many times over these years what the best things have been about all the days in the mountains. It hasn't been walking the trails, although we've enjoyed most every step. It hasn't been the views from all those summits, spectacular as they've been. It's been two things: Every one of those trails that we've walked and summit we've stood on, we've done together. There is nobody I'd rather be out there with. Most of all, it's been the amazing friends that we've made and shared the trails with along the way. I have a hard time imagining a better group of people. Thanks to Tim, Val, Ali, Rex, Otto, Roberta, Dan, Mike, Ginny and Pam for sharing this day with us and for all the other wonderful friends that we've shared other trails with along the way. We're looking forward to turning the page and writing many more chapters together. See you on the trail...<br />
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Here's a look back at the peaks along the way<br />
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Here's the record (for the record)<br />
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1<o:p></o:p></div>
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Madison<o:p></o:p></div>
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7/22/2007<o:p></o:p></div>
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2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monroe<o:p></o:p></div>
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7/24/2007<o:p></o:p></div>
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3<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eisenhower<o:p></o:p></div>
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7/24/2007<o:p></o:p></div>
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</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Pierce<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/24/2007<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jackson<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/25/2007<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Doug , Hunter<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Washington<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/26/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Kevin, Judy, Emma, Rex, Madison<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Lincoln<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/27/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
8<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Lafayette<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/27/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
9<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Garfield<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/28/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
10<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
South Twin<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/29/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
11<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Zealand<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/29/2008<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
12<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Bondcliff<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/28/2009<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jamie<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
13<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Moosilauke<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
11/2/2009<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
14<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Liberty<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
1/18/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tim<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
15<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Waumbek<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
3/19/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
16<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Moriah<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/25/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tim, Val<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
17<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Osceola<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
8/12/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
18<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
East Osceola<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
8/12/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
19<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
North Tripyramid<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
8/28/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Val, Judy, Emma<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
20<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Middle Tripyramid<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
8/28/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Val, Judy, Emma<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
21<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hale<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
10/11/2010<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
22<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Flume<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
5/29/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 22;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
23<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Whiteface<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/2/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 23;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
24<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Passaconaway<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/2/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 24;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
25<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Adams<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/23/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tim, Val, Mark<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 25;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
26<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jefferson<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
7/24/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 26;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
27<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
North Twin<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
9/25/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mike, Donna<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 27;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
28<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Galehead<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
9/25/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mike, Donna<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 28;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
29<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
North Kinsman<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
10/9/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 29;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
30<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
South Kinsman<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
10/9/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 30;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
31<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Field<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
12/3/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Val<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 31;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
32<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Willey<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
12/3/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Val<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 32;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
33<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tom<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
12/3/2011<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Val<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 33;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
34<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tecumseh<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
2/5/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 34;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
35<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cabot<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
2/13/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mike, Donna<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 35;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
36<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cannon<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
3/10/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Randy’s Crew<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 36;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
37<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Owl's Head<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
5/12/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Kim, Huiyeng, Owen, Steve-O,
Christine, Geneva<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 37;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
38<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.9pt;" valign="top" width="128">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Wildcat, D Peak<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
6/11/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 247.5pt;" valign="top" width="330">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
-<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 38;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 22.0pt;" valign="top" width="29">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
39<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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Wildcat<o:p></o:p></div>
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6/11/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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40<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carter Dome<o:p></o:p></div>
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6/12/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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41<o:p></o:p></div>
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South Carter<o:p></o:p></div>
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6/12/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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42<o:p></o:p></div>
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Middle Carter<o:p></o:p></div>
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6/12/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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43<o:p></o:p></div>
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Isolation<o:p></o:p></div>
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7/25/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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44<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bond<o:p></o:p></div>
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8/23/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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45<o:p></o:p></div>
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West Bond<o:p></o:p></div>
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8/23/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<o:p></o:p></div>
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46<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hancock<o:p></o:p></div>
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8/29/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kevin, Emma<o:p></o:p></div>
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47<o:p></o:p></div>
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South Hancock<o:p></o:p></div>
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8/29/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kevin, Emma<o:p></o:p></div>
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48<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carrigain<o:p></o:p></div>
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9/29/2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tim, Val, Ali, Roberta, Dan, Rex, Otto<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Thanks to Ali and Val for sharing their pictures of the moments I didn't capture for me to use here.</div>
Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com11Mt Carrigain44.0934006 -71.447576544.0477841 -71.5265405 44.139017100000004 -71.3686125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116253430111498292.post-13167881417143392712012-09-24T18:57:00.000-04:002012-09-24T18:57:04.942-04:00A Presidential Beginning - July '07With less than a week to go before we hike our final peak of the journey through the NH48, I figured it was a good time to go back and revisit where we started. This is the only hike that I didn't write a trip report or a blog post for. Although it's been over five year since that hike, I remember it like it was yesterday.<br />
<br />
We'd been hiking with our daughter in New Hampshire for several years at that point. Short hikes to waterfalls, nice rambles in the woods and visits to some small peaks with wonderful views. We almost did our first 4K when we hiked Cannon Mountain with Jamie in 2004 (when she was 9). I say 'almost' because although we hiked to the summit via Kinsman Ridge from the tram lot we took the tram down - which of course means that it didn't 'count'. We weren't aware that there were rules. We also didn't really care. <br />
<br />
A couple of years later I was turning 50 and set a couple of goals for myself. I decided that I wanted to get into better shape, and I wanted to challenge myself with hiking. A walking campaign that began 6 months before my birthday helped me accomplish the first. When my birthday rolled around I had lost 30 pounds and was in maybe the best shape of my life. For the second, I gave myself a birthday present - I booked a 4 day hut-to-hut Presidential traverse. I had read many things about this hike and it seemed like a great challenge. I also realized that if we were going to start hiking the 4000 footers this was a great beginning with the potential to get 8 checked off the list right out of the gate. Cool!<br />
<br />
We booked the trip months ahead of time (which is of course a necessity to get three consecutive nights in the huts in July). During those months I did lots of research and planning. If you know me you also know that I did lots of worrying. Walking in the city is not hiking in the mountains. Hiking a few miles with a day pack is not hiking in the Presidentials with a 25+ pound pack. Was I really ready? Then of course there is the weather. The Presidentials and Mt Washington - home of the world's worst weather. Snow in any month of the year. Thunderstorms that pop up when you can't escape above treeline. Yes - I worry a lot...<br />
<br />
The date finally came. The weather leading up to the hike had been pretty poor. Lots of rain and the potential for more. By the time we got ourselves to AMC Highland Center the day before the hike though, the forecast had improved - a LOT. Four straight days of sunny skies with only a slight potential for showers in the middle. That works. We spent the night before the hike in Shapleigh bunkhouse. I didn't get much sleep for all the restless anticipation. Early the next morning we caught the AMC shuttle to Appalachia. It was finally time to get going.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w6UUKopYfc/RrDT-mn6dAI/AAAAAAAAAT8/d8_fATc8hrg/s1600/DSCF0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4w6UUKopYfc/RrDT-mn6dAI/AAAAAAAAAT8/d8_fATc8hrg/s640/DSCF0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Beautiful day to begin at Highland Center</i></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXxo61KEeEw/RrDTg2n6b1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/1c5gRinnFmE/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXxo61KEeEw/RrDTg2n6b1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/1c5gRinnFmE/s640/IMG_2124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Finally ready to go!</i></div>
<br />
We headed up Valley Way to the hut. Unfortunately Nat wasn't feeling very well that morning and it was a pretty tough slog for her. She stuck it out and thankfully was feeling better by the time we emerged from the woods at the hut.<br />
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<i>Not much view on the trail. Just 4 miles and 3500 feet of ascent through the woods.</i></div>
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<i>First place on Valley Way with a view back down. Almost to the top...</i></div>
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<i>These little guys are surviving nicely among the boot steps...</i></div>
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<i>Finally leaving the woods - 50 yards before the hut</i></div>
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<i>Arriving at Madison hut</i></div>
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We got to the hut, checked in and grabbed our bunks. Before heading up Mt Madison we decided to explore the area around the hut and Star Lake.<br />
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<i>Looking up to Mt Madison from the hut</i></div>
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<i>View to the hut and the valley beyond from the Star Lake trail</i></div>
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<i>Lots of beautiful flowers among the rocks</i></div>
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<i>Star Lake with Mt Washington in the distance</i></div>
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<i>Across Star Lake to Mt Madison</i></div>
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<i>There was nobody else around. Relying on the trusty tripod.</i></div>
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<i>More summer alpine flowers</i></div>
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<i>On the Parapet trail looking over the gulf</i></div>
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It was finally time to head up Mt Madison. The scramble up the rocks was fun and it was great not having to carry a pack. We were finally there - summit #1<br />
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<i>Heading up Mt Madison</i></div>
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<i>Looking down at the hut from part way up Madison</i></div>
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<i>Tough going through here. Much better without the packs (which we left at the hut)!</i></div>
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<i>Cairns on the summit ridge of Madison</i></div>
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<i>Near the summit at the junction of the other trails</i></div>
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<i>Sitting on the summit of Madison. No mark here except for a small pin (which is under me).</i></div>
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<i>Nat contemplating tomorrow's hike (looking toward Mt Adams)</i></div>
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<i>Hanging out before return to the hut on</i></div>
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<i>Mt Madison for #1</i></div>
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<i>Star Lake from near Madison summit</i></div>
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That night was our first night at a hut, and we loved it. The food was awesome, the conversation with the other hikers was great and the opportunity to watch the sun set from above treeline was simply incredible.<br />
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<i>Dinner at Madison hut</i></div>
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<i>Unbelievable sunset from the hui</i></div>
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<i>Croo members gather on the roof each night for the sunset ritual</i></div>
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<i>The picture doesn't do it justice. You had to be there...</i></div>
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I slept well that night. The air was chilly and our bodies were tired. I knew that the next two days promised to be amazing with all of our time spent above treeline. The hut croo got the day started by singing us awake and then feeding us a fantastic breakfast followed by one of their signature skits. We met a couple of other groups of hikers as well that were on the same route as us - a group of Girl Scouts with their leaders who were all having a ball and a father and son by the names of Doug and Hunter. We'd run into them both over the next couple of days (and some over the next several years).<br />
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<i>The Madison "croo" singing a wakeup song.</i></div>
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<i>The morning croo skit. "Hanz, do you have any duct tape?" "Why Franz?" "Because I'm so ripped!"</i></div>
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It was just a perfect morning! As we headed out from the hut we discussed our plans. There was a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and we knew that this was a pretty tough day of hiking (by all our previous standards). As we made our way across the northern Presis we made the decision to skip the summits of Adams and Jefferson. It was a gorgeous day and we were just enjoying being up there. Tagging summits just didn't seem to matter.<br />
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<i>Heading around Mt Adams (in the background). </i></div>
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<i>Hanging out on the trail with the Girl Scout group. Great bunch!</i></div>
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<i>Long day of walking from rock to rock. Heading around Mt Adams here.</i></div>
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<i>Cairn at Thunderstorm Junction</i></div>
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<i>Heading down toward Edmands Col. Jefferson on the right and Washington in the back across the Great Gulf</i></div>
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<i>Target lichen</i></div>
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<i>Heading around Jefferson</i></div>
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<i>The plaque at Edmands Col</i></div>
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<i>Bit of a scramble ascending from Edmands Col</i></div>
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<i>Looking back from near Jefferson to Adams</i></div>
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<i>Nat pushing up the trail around Jefferson</i></div>
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As we headed toward Mt Washington the skies were clouding over. We had definitely planned on making it up Washington to the summit, but as we reached the cog tracks we thought about the noise and crowds up there (as well as the approaching rain). It just didn't seem worthwhile after such a wonderful day alone in this beautiful place. We made our decision and skipped yet another checkmark on our 4K list as we headed for the hut. About a half mile before we reached the hut it started to lightly rain. We hustled along and got there before we got very wet. By the time we checked in the shower had passed. That was the last rain clouds we'd see for the rest of the four days.<br />
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<i>Heading toward Sphinx Col and Mt Washington</i></div>
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<i>Didn't really need to have the cog railway crossing our path!</i></div>
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<i>The trail goes UNDER the cog railway tracks. See the cairn on the other side?</i></div>
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<i>First glimpse of Lakes of the Clouds hut from the shoulder of </i></div>
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<i>Mt Washington</i></div>
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<i>The hut now in full view with Mt Monroe in the background</i></div>
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<i>Nat continues the traverse around Washington</i></div>
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<i>Bunk rooms stack 4 high at Lakes hut</i></div>
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<i>Lakes dining room</i></div>
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<i>Brief rain shower is over and the hut is sitting above the clouds again</i></div>
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We went back out after the rain and explored the lakes and the area around the hut. We also got to experience a simply marvelous sight. Jack, one of the adults that was with the Girl Scout group, was celebrating his 70th birthday by flying a kite outside the hut. I can only hope that I can celebrate mine in such an amazing way!<br />
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<i>Nat checks out one of the lakes. Some others at the hut actually went swimming. Water temp was 48 degrees!</i></div>
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<i>Jack celebrates 70 in style!</i></div>
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After another great night of sleeping in the clouds we awoke to a perfect morning. The hut was sitting above a blanket of clouds (I didn't then know about undercast). It was just the most magical feeling! After breakfast we left our packs at the hut and went up Mt Monroe. What a perfect way to start the day!<br />
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<i>Mt Monroe in the morning. What a perfect day!</i></div>
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<i>Valleys in the fog and clouds with summits in the clear. Looked like we were floating.</i></div>
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<i>Looking down on the hut from half way up Monroe</i></div>
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<i>Our path for today. Little Monroe in the foreground with Eisenhower beyond.</i></div>
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<i>Nat looking back at Mt Washington from Monroe across Lakes of the Clouds</i></div>
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<i>On Monroe summit - #2</i></div>
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<i>On Monroe in the clouds</i></div>
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We headed back to the hut, grabbed our packs and headed back around Monroe. The southern Presis were at their most spectacular that morning. The clouds drifted in and out below us and finally left completely. It was maybe the best day that we've ever had in the mountains.<br />
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<i>Approaching Eisenhower as the clouds lift</i></div>
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<i>Removing the hitchhiking rock</i></div>
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<i>Approaching Eisenhower with Monroe and Washington in the background</i></div>
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<i>On Eisenhower summit - #3</i></div>
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<i>Heading off Eisenhower toward Pierce</i></div>
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<i>Finished Eisenhower loop</i></div>
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<i>Looking back to Eisenhower from Pierce summit</i></div>
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<i>(Hey, no summit photo of us? Pierce makes #4)</i></div>
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We headed down off Mt Pierce to Mizpah hut. The descent was not any fun - very steep and slippery - and I remember hanging onto trees along the trail all the way down to control the descent. After the previous two nights above treeline it was a bit disappointing to be at a hut without a view, but we still enjoyed it. The extra night was going to give us a nice final day to enjoy Jackson and Webster on our way down.<br />
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<i>The steep (and slippery) descent to Mizpah hut from Pierce</i></div>
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<i>Arriving at Mizpah</i></div>
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<i>Mt Jackson in the distance - tomorrow morning's first destination</i></div>
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<i>Part of the morning "croo" skit. You had to be there...</i></div>
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The next morning was beautiful again. We really enjoyed the walk from the hut to Jackson and then on to Webster. <br />
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<i>Traversing the meadows on the way to Jackson</i></div>
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<i>On Mt Jackson summit - #5</i></div>
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<i>On top Mt Webster looking down into Crawford Notch</i></div>
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<i>Getting a closer look down the cliffs</i></div>
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While we were hanging out on Mt Webster we got a couple of aerial visitors. First, there was a flyover of Air Force One with a fighter jet escort. Pretty cool! Next was a visit from a couple of Gray Jays - our first such encounter. VERY COOL!!<br />
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<i>Air Force 1 and fighter jet guard flying over Mt Webster. Must be on the way to Kennebunkport</i></div>
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<i>The first of our new friends arrives</i></div>
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<i>He was happy to pose...</i></div>
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<i>And happy to eat our trail mix</i></div>
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<i>As long as there was food left...</i></div>
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<i>They didn't want to leave</i></div>
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<i>He's back again. I think he likes me.</i></div>
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Our little friends finally left and we headed down. Along the way we stopped and took a swim in the pool in Silver Cascade. It was just an amazing day at the end of a series of amazing days.<br />
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<i>This was about as close to the edge of the cliff as I want to ever be...</i></div>
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<i>Looking back to where we spent the last three days</i></div>
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<i>We took a swim in the pool at the bottom of Silver Cascade. REALLY COLD - but refreshing</i></div>
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<i>It was hot enough that even I went in!</i></div>
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<i>Looking down to Highland Center from Bugle Cliff. Almost back...</i></div>
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And then we were done. We got back to Highland Center and checked back in for our final night and celebrated on the patio with a cold beer. We had only "gotten" 5 of our possible 8 summits, but we couldn't have cared less. Our later returns to them were all so sweet! We had four perfect days in some of the most incredible places we'd ever been and we'd fallen in love with these mountains and started a journey that is now getting ready to reach its finish. We'd also made the first of many friends that we'd share the journey with. And so the first page of chapter one was written...<br />
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<i>Back at Highland Center looking up to Mt Webster</i></div>
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<i>The victory celebration!</i></div>
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<br />Mark Trumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14668923500714114502noreply@blogger.com1