The tough part of the Hancocks is that once you get to the top of one, you have an easy time getting across to the other, and then make quick time back to the car. And along the way, you’ve completely forgotten that while the approach is pretty flat, the last half-three quarters of a mile or so are completely relentless.
proteanwanderer_zznzkw
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The fire warden’s trail is a bit of a secret handshake. But for those trampers who are given to wander, the solitude is amazing.
There’s still several weeks of winter left to go, so let’s look at what we can do to stay safe, and even help others do so as well.
Last week was a struggle to break trail to 3,600 feet. Today, with a lovely monorail, a far easier ascent… and victory!
Garfield Mountain (4,500 feet). Franconia, NH. 2021-02-04 (Thursday.) Via Garfield Trail. 26 dF at the trailhead. Winds were negligible in the trees. Cloudy throughout. Trailhead: 1015. Turnaround: 1400. Car: 1630. Approx 30 minute road walk. There was a snowstorm. Expectations were low. So there was hiking. But no summit was attained. Never mind, there were clouds everywhere, too. One thing I’ll say is that there was no shortage of winter […]
No hiking for me today. The last 24 hours have been rough. Vaccines are supposed to stimulate an immune response, albeit one that would be milder than the actual illness. And sure, compared to how most people feel after contracting COVID, I’m sure I got off lightly. That’s not to say it was fun, and it certainly is saying that it would have been wildly irresponsible for me to have […]
North Twin trail follows fairly easy grades for the first half, and then you get whacked hard in the second half on a fall-line trail. You don’t get to hike the mountain you want. Rather, you hike the mountain you get.
Hydrating in winter is as important as in summer. In this gear review, I look at vacuum flasks that will keep your beverage of choice nice and warm for when you need it.
Galehead was harder than I remembered from my first trip. It’s also easier than I remembered, too. And despite the clouds, I can’t wait to come back.
Sometimes you get what you want. And sometimes you don’t, but you get something unexpected. It’s all good.
Cannon doesn’t let up until you’re at the summit. There’s a difference between knowing, and being in the thick of it.
I got the vaccine. And so many thoughts about all that it means and entails.