tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058606567282200142024-02-20T13:18:35.674-08:002 SMALL 2B BIGA collection of hikes and meanderings that are too small to be considered as BIG.1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-11508090169190044532015-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:002019-06-03T10:40:51.513-07:00A Short Trek Along the Sam Willey and Saco River Trail in Crawford Notch<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A favorite short hike of mine is located in the
picturesque <b><a href="http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/crawford-notch-state-park.aspx" target="_blank">Crawford Notch State Park</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This trek begins from the east side of Rt. 302 just
across from the Willey House Site where ample parking is available. Soon after crossing a footbridge, the signage
for the Sam Willey Trail comes into view.
My routine is to follow this trail to the point where it ends and then seamlessly
joins the Saco River Trail, which I then follow to the point where it
intersects the Webster Cliff Trail. At this junction, I simply turn around and retrace
the same route taken on the outbound portion of my trek. The round-trip distance for this small hike
is about 2.5 miles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This route has several nice viewpoints that provide
striking vistas looking northward up the glacially-carved valley named Crawford
Notch. In each instance, Mt. Willey dominates the left
(west) portion of the view. At the top
of the view are Mts. Avalon and Willard.
And to the right (east) is Mt. Webster with its many rock slides and craggy
cliffs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first viewpoint is reached in less than 5 minutes
from leaving your car, and is located just a few steps before setting foot on
the Sam Willey Trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another viewpoint is reached within about 15 minutes into
the hike where the Sam Willey Trail splits to form a closed loop (sort of like
the eye of a needle). By walking about
150 ft along the right (west portion) of the loop, you are treated to yet another
northward view of the Crawford Notch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last viewpoint that I'll mention is one that should
only be considered if you're comfortable with off-trail travel (a.k.a.
bushwhacking). At about 0.1 mile from
the intersection with the Webster-Cliff Trail, you leave the south side of the
Saco River trail and then trek slightly downhill through the woods for about
450 feet to a wetlands area where there are some unobstructed views looking northward up the Crawford Notch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shown below are photos taken from each of the three
viewpoints described above.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHpyxw3oAeE/VR6o9BukHoI/AAAAAAAAUyM/5S_qA-Hv0-I/s1600/IMG_0260b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHpyxw3oAeE/VR6o9BukHoI/AAAAAAAAUyM/5S_qA-Hv0-I/s1600/IMG_0260b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>This vista is reached in less than 5 minutes from leaving your car, and is located just a few steps before setting foot on the Sam Willey Trail.</i></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isfeEIJfgcg/VR6pFLmFx3I/AAAAAAAAUyU/ULxQpVl4erM/s1600/IMG_0272a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isfeEIJfgcg/VR6pFLmFx3I/AAAAAAAAUyU/ULxQpVl4erM/s1600/IMG_0272a.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>After about 15 minutes into the hike, you are treated to another northward vista of the Crawford Notch.</i></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Z9Hu3MmFg/VR6poyTjLRI/AAAAAAAAUyc/nu7K6XZ7tHQ/s1600/IMG_0282_stitch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Z9Hu3MmFg/VR6poyTjLRI/AAAAAAAAUyc/nu7K6XZ7tHQ/s1600/IMG_0282_stitch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>This vista requires a short bushwhack (about 450 ft) to a wetlands area where there are some unobstructed northward views.</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum it up,</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
this hike can be done and enjoyed year round.
The parking area on the east side of the highway is plowed during the
winter months.</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-51849005561190488732015-02-02T18:17:00.000-08:002015-05-03T07:04:44.490-07:00A Winter Visit to Scotland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Landaff, NH)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following an appointment in the
neighboring State of VT, I had some unexpected spare time.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, with only about an hour's worth of
daylight remaining in the day, I dropped by the Scotland Brook Wildlife
Sanctuary (SBWS) on my way home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since this was an unplanned
visit, my snowshoes were at home.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, my cross-country skis and boots happened to be in the car, and so that's
what was used for this short adventure.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although snowshoes would have been the ideal footwear, I must say that
gliding through the forest on cross-country skis became a pleasant experience
after negotiating the bog bridges at the beginning of the trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is sort of difficult to
explain the location of</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the SBWS.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's situated at the northern boundary of the Town of Landaff, and is just a short distance east of Lisbon, and south of
Sugar Hill.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who might find it
helpful, here are GPS coordinates for the trailhead parking lot on Jim Noyes Hill
Road:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">N44.18271 W071.84706. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, you can click </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wildlifeviewingareas.com/wv-app/ParkDetail.aspx?ParkID=310" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for a link to a website which
provides a few more details about the SBWS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additionally, the map shown below might be helpful in providing some insight about the general location.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3nIHAij46M/VNApfcSEzEI/AAAAAAAAUrs/D-bkUxYnE9M/s1600/RoadMap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3nIHAij46M/VNApfcSEzEI/AAAAAAAAUrs/D-bkUxYnE9M/s1600/RoadMap.JPG" height="376" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="hascaption"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Map showing general location of Scotland Brook
Wildlife Sanctuary (SBWS)</i></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Shown below is a photo of the
kiosk at the parking area for the SBWS trails.</span></cite></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLmOMB_PlMk/VNAo1Cg__oI/AAAAAAAAUrQ/F1nddNF9ai0/s1600/CIMG7440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLmOMB_PlMk/VNAo1Cg__oI/AAAAAAAAUrQ/F1nddNF9ai0/s1600/CIMG7440.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Kiosk at the parking area for the Scotland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (SBWS)</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joanne and Kevin Jones do a marvelous job
of maintaining these trails, and have indicated that the trailhead parking lot will
be plowed throughout this winter season. It was indeed plowed on the day of my visit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another nice amenity at the parking area
kiosk is a wooden box containing brochures that include a trail map and trail
description (see below).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzODkCvask/VNAocgyVLTI/AAAAAAAAUrI/AvzEbpPrgwE/s1600/Brochure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzODkCvask/VNAocgyVLTI/AAAAAAAAUrI/AvzEbpPrgwE/s1600/Brochure.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Trail map and trail description brochure</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After parking your car, you make a right
and walk down the road for less than a tenth of a mile to the point where the
trail system begins at an NH Audubon Sanctuary sign posted on a tree.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C995sJ5c5Y/VNAo2b3xVwI/AAAAAAAAUrY/FSck_nkiG10/s1600/CIMG7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C995sJ5c5Y/VNAo2b3xVwI/AAAAAAAAUrY/FSck_nkiG10/s1600/CIMG7441.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Photo taken at starting point for the trails at Scotland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (SBWS)</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="hascaption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although this there are no blockbuster
mountain vistas at the </span></span><cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">SBWS</span></cite><span class="hascaption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">,
there are an abundance of attractive woodland scenes as you cruise along the
trail system.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hF5Zqj7PSo/VNAqQ9zvYUI/AAAAAAAAUsA/ho1YT6q6Qt4/s1600/CIMG7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hF5Zqj7PSo/VNAqQ9zvYUI/AAAAAAAAUsA/ho1YT6q6Qt4/s1600/CIMG7446.JPG" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="hascaption" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">One of many attractive woodland scenes as you cruise along the trails at Scotland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (SBWS)</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About midway along the Yellow Trail there
is a bench overlooking a wetland area which can be a comfortable place for bird
watching, or just hanging out in the woods.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYwefUl2F04/VNApYEMCYpI/AAAAAAAAUrk/V7xvu5vJ_P8/s1600/CIMG7450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYwefUl2F04/VNApYEMCYpI/AAAAAAAAUrk/V7xvu5vJ_P8/s1600/CIMG7450.JPG" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="hascaption" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A bench along the Yellow Trail overlooking a wetland area</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One segment of the Yellow Trail runs along
an old stone wall, a reminder of a time many years ago when this was
pastureland.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1w8OumBX-WY/VNApg9OvdZI/AAAAAAAAUr0/SuZkOK8L_CE/s1600/CIMG7452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1w8OumBX-WY/VNApg9OvdZI/AAAAAAAAUr0/SuZkOK8L_CE/s1600/CIMG7452.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="hascaption" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">An attractive segment of the Yellow Trail that runs along an old stone wall</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="hascaption"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
sum it up,</span></b></span><span class="hascaption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the<b>
</b>Scotland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is an off the beaten path destination. The trails </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">provide access to
diverse habitats (a brook, wetlands, northern hardwoods, and spruce-fir
forests) which support a variety of fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles,
amphibians). <span class="hascaption"> And
as a side benefit to visiting this location, your drive to/from the trailhead takes you along back
roads that provide very </span><cite><span style="font-style: normal;">scenic vistas of farmland and
surrounding hills/mountains</span></cite>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><u>POSTSCRIPT:</u>
Please note that at the top of each of my blogs there are two search tools that
can be helpful in locating a particular topic. Located near the top of the Blog is a Search Box that
enables you to search my entire collection of blog postings for a specific word or word combinations. And below the Search Box is another other tool which is designed to provide a complete listing of my Blog reports. Look for the wording "Blog Archive for 2 SMALL 2B BIG (Click HERE)".</i></span></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-88530185092457137932014-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:002014-12-06T14:49:43.687-08:00Hiking the Lone Oak Trail (near Village of Woodsville, NH)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
are exceptionally pleasant views from the ledges at the end of the Lone Oak
Trail!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In early December 2014, I hiked
this trail for the first time and was very favorably impressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lone Oak Trail is just a stone's throw from the village center of Woodsville, NH.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But technically speaking, it's located on the outskirts of Bath, NH at the southern end of Gardner Mountain's long ridgeline. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To provide a better idea as to this trail's course
and whereabouts, my GPS track for this hike is superimposed on the map shown
below.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktSwunQu5NU/VH_HztQ18dI/AAAAAAAAUmM/BR-OCXHtuGM/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktSwunQu5NU/VH_HztQ18dI/AAAAAAAAUmM/BR-OCXHtuGM/s1600/Capture2.JPG" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Map showing location of Lone Oak Trail (click/tap on photo to enlarge)</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Lone Oak Trail was made possible through a land conservation arrangement involving
the <b><a href="http://www.uvlt.org/" target="_blank">Upper Valley Land Trust </a></b>(UVLT) and the Lackie family who owns the
land.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The family decided to permanently
protect this trail to ensure that the public would always be able to venture
out to enjoy the spectacular views and serenity from the ledges high above the
river valley.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trail maintenance is being
done by UVLT staff and volunteers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
is limited parking at the trailhead.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
would be a tight squeeze for two cars.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, about 0.2 mile east of the trailhead on Abbott Avenue, there is
a gravel pull off on the south side of the road where you can park (GPS coordinates:
44.1565580, -72.0293620).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If this
parking option is needed, it would involve a short roadwalk along lightly-used
Abbott Avenue, and would add 0.4 mile to the overall hike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Lone Oak Trail is only 0.8 mile (one way), but there is a demanding elevation gain
of about 700 feet over that short distance.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The footway was in good shape when I did this hike. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rocks and roots were not an issue.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trail is very well blazed, but you need
to be mindful of a few abrupt turns along the route.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you stop seeing blue blazing, then you
might have strayed off the trail, and should consider backtracking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
so with no further ado, here are some snapshots taken on my hike.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As will become apparent in the captions, some
of these photos were taken while doing bushwhack explorations. But please be assured that there is no need to engage in this type of off-trail activity to enjoy this hike. The ledges on the Lone Oak Trail provide views that are magnificent and sure to please!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6hGtmFdG6Y/VH_Gq_Uq17I/AAAAAAAAUlc/SjmvQBFsu70/s1600/CIMG6880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6hGtmFdG6Y/VH_Gq_Uq17I/AAAAAAAAUlc/SjmvQBFsu70/s1600/CIMG6880.JPG" height="412" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Signage at trailhead on Abbott Avenue</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vanXzcaNO7s/VH_G0gehJmI/AAAAAAAAUlo/z-ILNIgirKI/s1600/CIMG6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vanXzcaNO7s/VH_G0gehJmI/AAAAAAAAUlo/z-ILNIgirKI/s1600/CIMG6885.JPG" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: start;">Although most of the surrounding area had several inches of snow on the ground, the Lone Oak Trail was snow-free for the entire distance.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Being a south-facing trail probably accounts for this.</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkdMcFvkCQ/VH_HcA_VzMI/AAAAAAAAUl8/yT26YF1ZtUA/s1600/CIMG6896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkdMcFvkCQ/VH_HcA_VzMI/AAAAAAAAUl8/yT26YF1ZtUA/s1600/CIMG6896.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>True to the Lone Oak Trail's namesake, there is indeed a lone oak at the end of the trail!</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhVGeARPH7E/VH_G0RecXZI/AAAAAAAAUlk/RvFbWF_ygow/s1600/CIMG6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhVGeARPH7E/VH_G0RecXZI/AAAAAAAAUlk/RvFbWF_ygow/s1600/CIMG6890.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: start;">Southeasterly view from ledges at end of Lone Oak Trail.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Mt. Moosilauke is on horizon (just left of center) with Black Mountain in front.</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnf6pzE4Qhw/VH_H7mVnrSI/AAAAAAAAUmU/hmb5jlCDtDQ/s1600/CIMG6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnf6pzE4Qhw/VH_H7mVnrSI/AAAAAAAAUmU/hmb5jlCDtDQ/s1600/CIMG6939.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: start;">Looking due south from ledges at end of Lone Oak Trail.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Village of Woodsville, NH is in foreground.</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFIR8NLhItM/VH_HQn4voLI/AAAAAAAAUl0/r5oMR8Hi3VU/s1600/CIMG6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFIR8NLhItM/VH_HQn4voLI/AAAAAAAAUl0/r5oMR8Hi3VU/s1600/CIMG6897.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: start;">When venturing a few hundred feet northward off the trail's end, there was a partially obstructed seasonal view of the Franconia Range.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">(Photo is zoomed, but the same features could be seen with the naked eye.)</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lWhlfNUW1g/VH_InvTMyPI/AAAAAAAAUmc/j6rbAYWPN6U/s1600/CIMG6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lWhlfNUW1g/VH_InvTMyPI/AAAAAAAAUmc/j6rbAYWPN6U/s1600/CIMG6908.JPG" height="316" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: start;">And, by venturing even further northward (few tenths of a mile) from the trail's end, there was an even better view from</span><span style="text-align: start;"> an old logging road. This vista stretches from the Twin Range (left) to the Kinsmans (right).</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0o1-niKwhQ/VH_HrjW4fDI/AAAAAAAAUmE/lUaBErPlc38/s1600/CIMG6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0o1-niKwhQ/VH_HrjW4fDI/AAAAAAAAUmE/lUaBErPlc38/s1600/CIMG6920.JPG" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Mt. Moosilauke as viewed from an off-trail location a few tenths of a mile northward from the trail's end.</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum it up,</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> although this was
my first trek along the Lone Oak Trail, chances are good it won't be my
last! It's a short and easy drive from
my home, and will be ideal for those occasions when there is limited time
available for hiking.</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-81598104612234260962014-11-16T10:34:00.001-08:002014-11-17T06:23:09.962-08:00Wright's Mountain, VT: A Series of Unexpected and Pleasant Surprises<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a series of unexpected
and pleasant surprises I recently had when doing a first-time hike on the trail
network at Wright's Mountain located NW of Bradford, VT.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oddly enough, this hike was done purely on a
whim upon realizing that I still had about 2 hours of good daylight remaining after
having completed a hike to Sawyer Mountain (Fairlee, VT).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My pleasant and unexpected surprises began as soon as I arrived at the trailhead.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than being just a wide spot in the
road, as is the case for some trailhead locations, the parking area is off the
road and quite large.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And to top it off, there was a huge banner to welcome me!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, this banner is only a transitory
fixture, but it was still another pleasant surprise!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWIl_aYhxsE/VGjj5q9I-zI/AAAAAAAAUis/Wh3FD8tF4GU/s1600/14Nov2014_VTFSawyerAndWrights1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWIl_aYhxsE/VGjj5q9I-zI/AAAAAAAAUis/Wh3FD8tF4GU/s1600/14Nov2014_VTFSawyerAndWrights1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><cite><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Composite
photo showing the parking lot for the Wright's Mountain trail system, and the
welcome banner at the trailhead</span></span></cite></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Unfortunately, due to my late afternoon
arrival, there was only enough time to do a short (under 2 miles round
trip) trek to</span></cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the
cabin and open ledges near the 1,822 ft summit of Wright's Mountain. At this location, there are pleasant westward
views toward the Waits River Valley and surrounding mountains.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">I ascended to the cabin/open
ledges via the Wright's Mountain Trail, and then continued along this same
trail for about a tenth of a mile to another outlook. For my descent back to the trailhead, I hiked
a combination of the Appreciation Way and Wright's Mountain Trail (see map
below).<o:p></o:p></span></cite></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZmIGgnD7HU/VGjfWp5DUhI/AAAAAAAAUiE/8V2cB8Bxqr4/s1600/TrailMap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZmIGgnD7HU/VGjfWp5DUhI/AAAAAAAAUiE/8V2cB8Bxqr4/s1600/TrailMap.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">Please be advised that this map ONLY shows the portion of the Wright's Mountain trail system where I hiked.</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">The complete trail map can be found at the Upper Valley Land Trust's website (click </span><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.uvlt.org/public-access/public-access-trails/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet another pleasant surprise was
the excellent signage and blazing along the Wright's Mountain trail network.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an amenity that is sometimes
deficient, especially at some of the smaller trail systems.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXzsnr4eCW4/VGjhXkM3iSI/AAAAAAAAUig/GpNav06A-1M/s1600/CIMG6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXzsnr4eCW4/VGjhXkM3iSI/AAAAAAAAUig/GpNav06A-1M/s1600/CIMG6596.JPG" height="402" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Wright's Mountain trail network has excellent signage and blazing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The streak of pleasant surprises
continued when I arrived at the summit cabin.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a very attractive structure and is very functional for overnight
camping, or just as a place to escape from unpleasant weather.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdCh3jUKEeY/VGjfP_Aii5I/AAAAAAAAUh8/NgnHvnpXlaA/s1600/CIMG6611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdCh3jUKEeY/VGjfP_Aii5I/AAAAAAAAUh8/NgnHvnpXlaA/s1600/CIMG6611.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Summit cabin on Wright's Mountain, VT</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inside the cabin was yet another
surprise!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Posted on a wall are photos of
the many volunteers who make this trail system possible.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a nice touch!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d0HzxVJawY/VGjfOc-n50I/AAAAAAAAUh0/UwdZH7aPE_A/s1600/CIMG6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d0HzxVJawY/VGjfOc-n50I/AAAAAAAAUh0/UwdZH7aPE_A/s1600/CIMG6610.JPG" height="366" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Posted on a wall inside the summit cabin are photos of the many volunteers who make this trail system possible</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adding to the list of surprises
are the many unexpected trailside outlooks.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown below is an outlook that is outfitted with a bench where you can
comfortably sit and enjoy the vista.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXLwIw-f99E/VGjfxTSfDOI/AAAAAAAAUiU/KoA3K6YLFv4/s1600/CIMG6613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXLwIw-f99E/VGjfxTSfDOI/AAAAAAAAUiU/KoA3K6YLFv4/s1600/CIMG6613.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of many unexpected trailside outlooks where you can comfortably sit and enjoy the vista</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the junction of the Wright's
Mountain Trail and Appreciation Way, there is an outlook which provides a nice
view of Mt. Moosilauke.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I
was unable to do a good job of capturing this view in a photo.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shadows and
overcast conditions worked against me.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viTYA1dUAKM/VGjfGKVKL5I/AAAAAAAAUhs/wUKkgSpvC5I/s1600/CIMG6603a%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viTYA1dUAKM/VGjfGKVKL5I/AAAAAAAAUhs/wUKkgSpvC5I/s1600/CIMG6603a%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">View of Mt. Moosilauke from outlook at the junction of the Wright's Mountain Trail and the Appreciation Trail</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">It's worth mentioning that the
Wright's Mountain trail system is located on a 443 acre parcel of conserved
land administered by the</span></cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b><a href="http://www.uvlt.org/" target="_blank">Upper Valley Land Trust</a></b> (UVLT). Trail maintenance and construction are the responsibility of t</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he <a href="http://www.bradfordconservation.org/" target="_blank"><b>Bradford Conservation Commission</b></a> (BCC).</span><br />
<cite><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><br /></span></b></cite>
<cite><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">To sum it up, </span></b></cite><cite><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">as stated at the beginning of this report, this
trek was done on a whim toward the end of the day. Although the hike was short, it was very enjoyable
and full of pleasant surprises from start to finish. It's unfortunate that there wasn't enough time
to fully experience more of the Wright's Mountain trail network. However, I definitely intend to make a return
visit for a more thorough exploration.</span></cite></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-73544874441168598802014-05-19T12:21:00.001-07:002014-05-19T12:33:01.334-07:00A Hike in St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many New England towns have some sort of trail
network that is operated by the town itself, or by a variety of other means such
as a non-profit organization, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
has been my experience that these municipal trail systems are supported by a
group of dedicated people who do a wonderful job of maintaining the trail
corridors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When only a limited amount of time is available
for hiking, I find these local trail systems to be an invaluable resource.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And who knows?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By promoting these hometown trail systems
through my blog, perhaps </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">some revenue can be generated for the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">local and regional economies through
tourism.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But admittedly, that might fall into the category of "pipe dream" thinking!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless, I've recently discovered a trail
network in the town of St. Johnsbury, VT which is just a little over 20 miles
from home, most of which is travelable on Interstate Highway.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stjrec.com/forms/5934_st._j_walking_map.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>
</b>to view a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">map of hiking/walking trails
within this small New England town. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I don't
know how robust this link will be in the future, but for now it seems to work!)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my first foray on this network, I opted to
hike the trails within the St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trail map is shown below. <i>(Click to enlarge.)</i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nfIu6axV6II/U3pVVYpVzOI/AAAAAAAAS9c/ASJeCpRvi4s/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nfIu6axV6II/U3pVVYpVzOI/AAAAAAAAS9c/ASJeCpRvi4s/s1600/Map.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trail Map for St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest (click to enlarge)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As shown on the map, there are four named
trails (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All
of the corridors are marked with colored blazes that corresponded to the trail
name.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pathways are a mixture of flat
terrain and hills, some of which are moderately steep.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not all of the trail junctions have signs,
but there is little danger of becoming hopelessly lost!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Municipal Forest encompasses about 100
acres of land which is located on a hillside with elevations ranging from about
575 feet at the trailhead on Almshouse Road to just over 900 feet at the
property's high point.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The woods consist
of variety of conifers and deciduous trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Moose River runs along the southern border
of the property.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Scenic views of this river are provided by t</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he Blue Trail, particularly at the far eastern end of
the trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be aware that once you reach
the end of the Blue Trail, you need to backtrack in order to reach other trails
within the network.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Municipal Forest was created in 1922 to
commemorate World War I veterans. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's maintained
by local Scout troops and other volunteers. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No campfires, overnight camping, bikes, or motorized
vehicles are allowed.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pets must be
leashed, and trash must be taken out with you when you leave the forest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who might be interested, the St.
Johnsbury Academy Community Recreation Website has an impressive MS-Word
document that contains a wealth of information about trail distances, loop hike
suggestions, etc. Click </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stjrec.com/documents/town_forest_trail_distances.docx" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to
download that document. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Once again, I
don't know how robust this link will be in the future, but for now it seems to
work!)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few snapshots taken during my
trek at the St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest in mid-May.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tq7QEcDd1_c/U3pVROsGzkI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/bp6xl4Iwx8w/s1600/CIMG8116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tq7QEcDd1_c/U3pVROsGzkI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/bp6xl4Iwx8w/s1600/CIMG8116.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Typical scene along trail corridors within St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzhF1k94nW4/U3pVMK51NdI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/iGbJfIl_D-Q/s1600/CIMG8117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzhF1k94nW4/U3pVMK51NdI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/iGbJfIl_D-Q/s1600/CIMG8117.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moose River as viewed from Blue Trail</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-30OHgo8Vv-A/U3pUu6LHiJI/AAAAAAAAS9I/gbQrmetIp6E/s1600/CIMG8122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-30OHgo8Vv-A/U3pUu6LHiJI/AAAAAAAAS9I/gbQrmetIp6E/s1600/CIMG8122.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A picturesque patch of Marsh Marigold seen along the river bank</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nA3sOjw1BJE/U3pVjwsfqbI/AAAAAAAAS9s/-NDxX8wb7p4/s1600/CIMG8139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nA3sOjw1BJE/U3pVjwsfqbI/AAAAAAAAS9s/-NDxX8wb7p4/s1600/CIMG8139.JPG" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A relic from the past along the bank of the Moose River. Perhaps it's hardware related to an old bridge?</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg3fDXu9_Jc/U3pb6Rl9o5I/AAAAAAAAS98/YVE_eyZlelc/s1600/FredMoldParkCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg3fDXu9_Jc/U3pb6Rl9o5I/AAAAAAAAS98/YVE_eyZlelc/s1600/FredMoldParkCollage.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Directly across the road (Almshouse Road) that leads to the trailheads
for St. Johnsbury Municipal Forest is a small plot of land known as Fred Mold
Park. From this park there is a pleasant view of the Passumpsic
River with a portion of St. Johnsbury in the background.</span></i></div>
</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~THE
END~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-81104031414190100132014-04-05T18:05:00.000-07:002014-04-05T18:05:31.521-07:00Wintertime Trek to Ledges along the Inlook Trail, and a Visit to Dome Rock<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE HIKE:</span></u></b></div>
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<u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></u></div>
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<u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Destinations:</u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ledges along the Inlook Trail; Dome
Rock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Trails Used:</u> Valley Way; Inlook Trail; Fallsway</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DETAILS:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A hike that falls into the category of "small" is
a trek to the ledges along the Inlook Trail combined with a visit to Dome Rock.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, be advised that although the hiking
distance is short (just over 3 miles round-trip), there is an overall elevation
gain of just over 1,400 ft.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over 800 ft
of that elevation gain is on the 0.7 mile long Inlook Trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although it has a few easygoing segments, it is
mostly steep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Inlook Trail has an interesting history.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following is quoted from the guidebook
"</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Randolph Paths"</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> published
by the Randolph Mountain Club (RMC).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Cut by RMC
volunteers under the direction of Louis F. Cutter in 1932, it follows a route
similar to an earlier trail called Inlook and Outlook that was destroyed by
lumbering between 1903-6. It features a series of open ledges, created by a
1921 forest fire on lower Gordon Ridge . . . This is Randolph's only low
elevation trail that stays on open ledges for a significant distance. Many consider it to be one of RMC's most
scenic paths."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Inlook Trail begins about a mile from the huge
trailhead on US-2 known as Appalachia.
There are a variety of trail combinations that can be taken to arrive at
the Inlook Trail. On this particular
trek, I used the Valley Way for the outbound portion of my trek, and then returned
to the Appalachia trailhead via the Fallsway Trail.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PHOTOS:</span></u></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJD_1MUyhfo/U0CAlWoOnMI/AAAAAAAAStI/UjjMTgIH2OU/s1600/CIMG7484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJD_1MUyhfo/U0CAlWoOnMI/AAAAAAAAStI/UjjMTgIH2OU/s1600/CIMG7484.JPG" height="378" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sign at beginning of Inlook Trail</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1LlKgTIFs/U0B_5Uj1g4I/AAAAAAAASs0/v65IeHAIflE/s1600/CIMG7451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU1LlKgTIFs/U0B_5Uj1g4I/AAAAAAAASs0/v65IeHAIflE/s1600/CIMG7451.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I consider as the 'prize view' of this trek is the vista looking up Snyder Brook Valley toward Mt. Madison and Mt. Adams</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMhfp_YS0_8/U0B_6Q9czoI/AAAAAAAASs8/rr5viflknL0/s1600/CIMG7463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMhfp_YS0_8/U0B_6Q9czoI/AAAAAAAASs8/rr5viflknL0/s1600/CIMG7463.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Arrival at Dome Rock.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">A portion of the nearby Crescent Range is seen at upper left of photo. <i>(For geology enthusiasts, beneath the snowpack is a large rock outcropping with folded schists and quartzites.)</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hI9psQK_Aj8/U0B_7g5l4GI/AAAAAAAAStE/H1M8T2pwggY/s1600/CIMG7464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hI9psQK_Aj8/U0B_7g5l4GI/AAAAAAAAStE/H1M8T2pwggY/s1600/CIMG7464.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An eastward view from Dome Rock with nearby Pine Mountain at upper right, and peaks in Mahoosuc Range on distant horizon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7wx11-uN6I/U0CA1LgC8tI/AAAAAAAAStc/9gdNdEPwURY/s1600/CIMG7466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7wx11-uN6I/U0CA1LgC8tI/AAAAAAAAStc/9gdNdEPwURY/s1600/CIMG7466.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo shows one of many steep pitches along the Inlook Trail where it traverses the Gordon Ridge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKjHnSIPHIE/U0CDGv8Mc_I/AAAAAAAASts/UPXkubrAaPw/s1600/CIMG7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKjHnSIPHIE/U0CDGv8Mc_I/AAAAAAAASts/UPXkubrAaPw/s1600/CIMG7447.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo shows one of the few flat spots along the Inlook Trail. It also serves to illustrate the firm "bullet-proof" snowpack that was experienced on the day of my trek. The imprint of my snowshoes is barely noticeable.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnWTudeuib8/U0CAz2X8piI/AAAAAAAAStU/6zt4o7VnVXk/s1600/IMG_9101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnWTudeuib8/U0CAz2X8piI/AAAAAAAAStU/6zt4o7VnVXk/s1600/IMG_9101.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I</span></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">n contrast to previous photo, this snapshot of me was taken a few years ago by Steve Smith as we hiked the Inlook Trail when covered by a deep layer of powdery snow.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRXE4VHbJ24/U0CA7aOt6eI/AAAAAAAAStk/OZfzMNpOqQo/s1600/CIMG7486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRXE4VHbJ24/U0CA7aOt6eI/AAAAAAAAStk/OZfzMNpOqQo/s1600/CIMG7486.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">As mentioned at beginning of this report, the Fallsway Trail was incorporated into the return leg of my trek.</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">All the falls along this route were frozen and unrecognizable, as illustrated by this snapshot taken at Gordon Fall.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE END ~</b></span></span>1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-83719711646068360582014-03-24T07:38:00.000-07:002019-06-13T18:31:44.431-07:00A Group Hike with the Shelburne Trails Club (Shelburne, NH)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a toss-up as to whether to post this trek to my traditional
<b><a href="http://1happyhiker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">1HappyHiker</a></b> blog, or to this one.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Considering
that it has been a while since I've added anything to this blog, the decision
was made to post it here.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And besides, this
loop hike was only about 3.5 miles, and so it basically qualifies as a
"<i>2Small 2B Big</i>" adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This hike occurred in late March and was organized by the
Shelburne Trails Club (STC).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was among
a group of eight participants.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At a
post-hike luncheon, we were joined by a few others who were unable to
participate in the hike itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For those unfamiliar with the STC, the mission statement
on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelburne-Trails-Club/268496626625963" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> indicates that the club "</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">supports and promotes safe use and stewardship of the Shelburne, New
Hampshire area trails through restoration, preservation, mapping and
maintenance of trails, and the sharing of the collective knowledge of its
members</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">". </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the more
notable peaks in the STC trail system include: Bald Cap Peak, Middle Mountain,
Mt. Crag, Mt. Ingalls, and Mt. Cabot (not the 4K peak in the Pilot Range).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The destinations for this particular hike included Middle
Mountain, and a place referred to in vintage editions of the White Mountain
Guide as "Joe Ledges".</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Middle
Mountain is accessible by STC trails and is open to the public.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The spot known as Joe Ledges is on conserved
land and is not part of the STC trail system; however, the group hiked to this
location at the invitation of the landowner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite being a day that was overcast with intermittent
snow squalls, this was a very enjoyable outing.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shown below are some snapshots taken during this group hike.</span></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxdKTSxZu64/UzBAqCXwXeI/AAAAAAAASn0/4-4tOB5IZsc/s1600/CIMG7142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxdKTSxZu64/UzBAqCXwXeI/AAAAAAAASn0/4-4tOB5IZsc/s1600/CIMG7142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our group of happy hikers snowshoeing through the wonderful woodlands of Shelburne, NH</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJqe6ahHWSc/UzBAGRXbl7I/AAAAAAAASnw/U94KYbkp4dE/s1600/CIMG7133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJqe6ahHWSc/UzBAGRXbl7I/AAAAAAAASnw/U94KYbkp4dE/s1600/CIMG7133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A view toward the Presidential Range from a trailside opening while en route to Joe Ledges</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moPielrtyQE/UzBAGd7rjBI/AAAAAAAASns/3NNOQztKPpE/s1600/CIMG7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moPielrtyQE/UzBAGd7rjBI/AAAAAAAASns/3NNOQztKPpE/s1600/CIMG7137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A view toward the Moriah mountains from Joe Ledges</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsMVPXlgTNg/UzBArnVhX7I/AAAAAAAASoA/orNsrXdwoxE/s1600/CIMG7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsMVPXlgTNg/UzBArnVhX7I/AAAAAAAASoA/orNsrXdwoxE/s1600/CIMG7141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can just barely make out the ledges on Bald Cap Peak through the snow squall that was underway when we arrived at Middle Mountain</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwEdhfoCuDs/UzBAC1LB8mI/AAAAAAAASng/ZIV8h_ZS77Q/s1600/CIMG7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwEdhfoCuDs/UzBAC1LB8mI/AAAAAAAASng/ZIV8h_ZS77Q/s1600/CIMG7128.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although the hike occurred just a few days into the official Spring Season, there were still plenty of wintery scenes such as this all along the route</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">~ THE END ~ </span></i></b></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-12776330689730444292014-01-18T12:12:00.002-08:002014-03-25T17:28:12.755-07:00Exploring Trails at Fox Hill Park (Franconia, NH) and Beyond<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, I've spent many enjoyable days exploring trails
that begin at the Fox Hill Park trailhead in Franconia, NH.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These explorations have been done on X-C
skis when conditions have permitted, and have been done on foot following a
recent warm up and resulting snowmelt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get the most out of explorations in this area, it's
highly recommended that you purchase a copy of a $2.95 map entitled
"<i>Franconia Area Trails</i>".</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
map is available at various retailers in the village of Franconia.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It can also be ordered online from <a href="http://bondcliffbooks.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bondcliff Books</b></a>, and if you are in Lincoln, most likely Steve Smith will have a copy at
his <a href="http://www.mountainwanderer.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mountain Wanderer Bookstore</b></a>.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be
aware that this map is different from another map with a similar name, i.e. "<i>Franconia Notch Map & Guide</i>".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Franconia
Area Trails Map is too large to show in this blog, and besides it contains
copyrighted material.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, presented
below is a snippet from a publicly available map.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It shows the location of the
trailhead parking lot at Fox Hill Park where there is room enough for about 3 to 4 cars.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLFq8IMDgq4/UtrO_FU29xI/AAAAAAAASbY/0xKT1uOyTmc/s1600/Map4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLFq8IMDgq4/UtrO_FU29xI/AAAAAAAASbY/0xKT1uOyTmc/s1600/Map4.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't
have the map mentioned above, you can simply head off on the trails and do some
independent exploration. But map or no
map, I would suggest you begin your trek on the Gale River Trail which leads
you along the picturesque Gale River.
Having the map will enable you to construct a variety of loop
options beyond Fox Hill Park that can vary in distance from less than a mile, or upwards to about 4
miles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown below are
some photos taken during my recent treks in early
January.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIAFLBQz_F0/UtrOyQUSBGI/AAAAAAAASbI/9vMBn7B7XLk/s1600/CIMG6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIAFLBQz_F0/UtrOyQUSBGI/AAAAAAAASbI/9vMBn7B7XLk/s1600/CIMG6059.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Franconia Range as viewed from Lovetts Loop</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZcO12Tz5I/UtrO5h-9EPI/AAAAAAAASbQ/g58oOkQUEzI/s1600/CIMG6055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZcO12Tz5I/UtrO5h-9EPI/AAAAAAAASbQ/g58oOkQUEzI/s1600/CIMG6055.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Zoomed view of Mt. Lafayette from Lovetts Loop</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrQURPgoWLA/UtrPCUwtCDI/AAAAAAAASbg/G_vvggz8vuE/s1600/CIMG6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrQURPgoWLA/UtrPCUwtCDI/AAAAAAAASbg/G_vvggz8vuE/s1600/CIMG6073.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Beaver dam along the Meadow Brook Trail</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpyT1Q2ZvJU/UtrPQhaNbFI/AAAAAAAASbo/m2GCV2_z7eA/s1600/CIMG6105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpyT1Q2ZvJU/UtrPQhaNbFI/AAAAAAAASbo/m2GCV2_z7eA/s1600/CIMG6105.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Ice jam along Gale River following "January thaw" conditions</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are
interested in two other short winter hikes that I've recently done, they can be
accessed by clicking/tapping on the report titles shown below.</span></div>
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<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://2small2bbig.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-trek-along-east-pond-trail-kancamagus.html" target="_blank">A Trek along East Pond Trail (Kancamagus Highway trailhead to PineBrook)</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://2small2bbig.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-late-afternoon-trek-to-upper-greeley.html" target="_blank">A Late Afternoon Trek to Upper Greeley Pond in Early January</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>~ THE END ~</i></b></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-42272009164384988552014-01-18T12:05:00.001-08:002014-01-19T06:45:27.731-08:00A Late Afternoon Trek to Upper Greeley Pond in Early January<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a day in early January, I did a trek (about 3.5 miles,
round-trip) to upper Greeley Pond.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
was done after having already done another short hike on the nearby East
Pond Trail (<i>click <b><a href="http://2small2bbig.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-trek-along-east-pond-trail-kancamagus.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b>to read my report</i>).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And, since i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t was already late afternoon when finishing the prior East Pond Trail trek, it was
REALLY late in the day by the time I headed off for Greeley Pond!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since upper and lower Greeley Pond lie in a depression
between East Osceola and Mt. Kancamagus, the lighting can be problematic
regardless of time of day, or season of the year.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, given the fact that I arrived there at
late afternoon on a day in early January, the lighting was truly less than
ideal.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless, it's still a scenic
spot, and it was a pleasure to be there.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two snapshots presented below will give some idea of the scenes that
were experienced.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPbTn9Ufs9k/UtrIhshN7mI/AAAAAAAASa0/bnCkmlbIY9I/s1600/CIMG6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPbTn9Ufs9k/UtrIhshN7mI/AAAAAAAASa0/bnCkmlbIY9I/s1600/CIMG6140.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Looking southward across upper Greeley Pond</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkCP1j4e40Q/UtrIewU7U6I/AAAAAAAASas/Q_GJvwFFUfg/s1600/CIMG6142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkCP1j4e40Q/UtrIewU7U6I/AAAAAAAASas/Q_GJvwFFUfg/s1600/CIMG6142.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Looking upward at East Osceola ridgeline</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was an unexpected bonus to hiking into this area at such a late hour of the day.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tops of the cliffs at the west end of Mt. Kancamagus were being illuminated by the setting sun, and there was a brilliant half moon perched above. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There must be a moral here somewhere.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps the antithesis of "<i>the early bird catches the worm</i>"! :-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOyUA51tte4/UtrIbGTJIyI/AAAAAAAASao/hwu-mTR7Psg/s1600/CIMG6148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOyUA51tte4/UtrIbGTJIyI/AAAAAAAASao/hwu-mTR7Psg/s1600/CIMG6148.JPG" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE END ~</b></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-1050039900766170412014-01-18T12:04:00.000-08:002014-01-18T12:08:27.673-08:00A Trek along East Pond Trail (Kancamagus Highway trailhead to Pine Brook)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I'm in the Lincoln area, and only have limited time,
I'll sometimes do a short (and I do mean short) wintertime romp on the East
Pond Trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The entire trek is only 1.6 miles (round
trip)!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My route of travel takes me from
the trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway to the point where the trail crosses
Pine Brook.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The grade is relatively flat
since this segment of the trail follows the corridor of an old logging railroad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've never met another person along this trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But oddly enough, each time I've been there during the winter,
the trail has been a nicely tramped out by snowshoers.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
presumably, there are others like me who do this short trek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are no wide-open mountain vistas along the trail. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, there is beauty and solitude to be
found by ambling through the woodlands in a rather remote part of the White
Mountains.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-usBXWBYxwQg/UtrDtPf_SoI/AAAAAAAASaE/jOjE8e-UY1o/s1600/CIMG6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-usBXWBYxwQg/UtrDtPf_SoI/AAAAAAAASaE/jOjE8e-UY1o/s1600/CIMG6112.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, when doing this trek, there is sometimes pleasure
to be found from very simple things.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On
this recent ramble, I spent nearly 10 minutes </span><span class="usercontent" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">watching
red squirrels quickly scamper back and forth across Pine Brook using a fallen tree
as a bridge. I couldn't help but wonder
what was so important that they needed to cross the brook, and also wondered
what they'd do if the fallen tree wasn't there?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BnCWa7ePnw/UtrE3vlanyI/AAAAAAAASaQ/p2qMgwjTnIY/s1600/CIMG6113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BnCWa7ePnw/UtrE3vlanyI/AAAAAAAASaQ/p2qMgwjTnIY/s1600/CIMG6113.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="usercontent" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There have been times when I've
crossed over Pine Brook and then continued further along the East Pond
Trail. However, on this particular day
that was not to be. There too much open
water for my personal comfort level.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And besides, the ice was simply too thin to
walk on.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could easily poke through the
ice with my trekking poles when I "tested the waters" near the shore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dnA9APb3js/UtrE7CB3-6I/AAAAAAAASac/9JTv_mQR2Wg/s1600/CIMG6130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dnA9APb3js/UtrE7CB3-6I/AAAAAAAASac/9JTv_mQR2Wg/s1600/CIMG6130.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although it was late afternoon, I felt there was still
enough time (barely) to do one other short trek to nearby Greeley Ponds.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, I jumped in my car and drove the few
tenths of a mile to the Greeley Ponds trailhead.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To read my report of that short adventure,
click <b><a href="http://2small2bbig.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-late-afternoon-trek-to-upper-greeley.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>~ THE END ~</i></b></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-86397367657319543432013-10-12T10:01:00.000-07:002013-10-12T10:11:28.650-07:00Two Very Small Hikes in the Vicinity of Easton, NH<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If for whatever reason you happen to be in the vicinity
of Easton, NH, there are two very small hikes that you might want to consider.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm talking about really small!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) <u>Mud Pond:</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little pond (about 4 acres) can be reached by an
unmarked pathway that begins on the northbound side of Rt. 116.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding the pathway can be more challenging than hiking the short 0.1
mile distance from the road down to the pond!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can park at a wide spot along the shoulder of the road on the northbound side of Rt. 116. I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">f you're coming from the north, this wide spot is about 3.1 miles south
of Easton's Town Hall.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If coming from
the south, it's about 1.6 miles from the junction of Rt. 116 and Rt. 112. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just as one additional point of reference,
this wide spot is about 0.2 mile south of the trailhead for the Jericho Road
Trail that leads to Cooley Hill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you've located the wide spot on the shoulder of the
road, and your car is parked, you then need to walk a couple hundred feet south
along the shoulder of Rt. 116 to reach the pathway to the pond.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes a picture is worth more than a thousand words.
Shown below is a split photo.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the
left panel you can see my parked car as viewed from the spot where the pathway begins.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The right panel of
the photo shows the appearance of the pathway as viewed from Rt. 116.</span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxiVxLdJ0aA/Ull7AVkIheI/AAAAAAAASDM/kSKuj0Cb87o/s1600/08Oct2013_EastonArea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxiVxLdJ0aA/Ull7AVkIheI/AAAAAAAASDM/kSKuj0Cb87o/s640/08Oct2013_EastonArea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Appearance of pathway to pond, as viewed from Rt. 116</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pathway is not blazed, but is relatively easy to
follow.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't become discouraged by a
large downed tree laying across the corridor near the beginning of the
pathway.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It can easily be circumvented
by walking around it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depending upon
your walking speed, you should arrive at the pond within 5 to 10 minutes from
the time you leave your car.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As stated
at the outset of this report, it's a very short hike!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once at the shore of the pond, there are pleasant views
of the water and the surrounding forest.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, you will need to do some light bushwhacking if you want a view of
the pond with South Kinsman on the horizon, as seen in the next photo.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBDzhKHOGiI/Ull6qi1lXDI/AAAAAAAASC4/iXVtlXgoILo/s1600/CIMG8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBDzhKHOGiI/Ull6qi1lXDI/AAAAAAAASC4/iXVtlXgoILo/s640/CIMG8715.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from western end of Mud Pond with South Kinsman on the distant horizon</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get the view shown above, you need to trek westward along the shoreline
of the pond for a short distance.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
is a pathway, but it's very faint and difficult to follow in places, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it has some spots that can be boggy and muddy
at times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) <u>Cobble Hill Trailhead:</u></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As difficult as it might be to believe, this next "hike" is even
shorter than the one described above for Mud Pond!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By looking at the map shown below, it can be seen that it is a very short driving
distance between the Cobble Hill Trail and Mud Pond.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfIlsz0xgY8/Ull62IrAlAI/AAAAAAAASDI/TcVM-cNLnsk/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfIlsz0xgY8/Ull62IrAlAI/AAAAAAAASDI/TcVM-cNLnsk/s1600/Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Map showing locations of the two short hikes described in this report</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are two picturesque spots that can be reached by parking at the
trailhead for the Cobble Hill Trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By
walking about a 100 yards up the Cobble Hill Trail, you can reach an attractive
little cascade along Dearth Brook.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To access
it, you need to leave the east side of the trail and go down an embankment that
is short, but somewhat steep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next photo shows the cascade as it appeared on the day of my hike in
early October.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although still
picturesque, I've been there at times of high water and it has had a more
dramatic appearance.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6r8K7P28VQ/Ull7LdWsHiI/AAAAAAAASDY/IE8fivNcT_w/s1600/CIMG8738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6r8K7P28VQ/Ull7LdWsHiI/AAAAAAAASDY/IE8fivNcT_w/s640/CIMG8738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cascade along Dearth Brook (located about 100 yds from trailhead for Cobble Hill Trail)</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Across the road (Rt. 112) from the Cobble Hill trailhead, is a dirt
road.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By trekking along this road for a hundred
yards or so, you will come to the banks of the Wild Ammonoosuc River.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From this vantage point are very pleasant
views of this scenic waterway.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NseJp39YIM/Ull6xk8S4wI/AAAAAAAASDA/qJdfTeRJOac/s1600/CIMG8727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NseJp39YIM/Ull6xk8S4wI/AAAAAAAASDA/qJdfTeRJOac/s640/CIMG8727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View of Wild Ammonoosuc River, just a short walk from trailhead for Cobble Hill Trail</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">To sum it up,</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> most folks would likely agree that neither of
the above destinations are worth making a special trip. However, if you're in the area for whatever
reason, then either or both are worthy of a few minutes of your time.</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-54411717895171244422013-08-30T13:13:00.000-07:002013-08-30T13:13:28.505-07:00The Scudder Trail to Mt. Ingalls (Shelburne, NH)<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown below are a few photos taken recently while
doing some maintenance work on the Scudder Trail which leads to Mt. Ingalls, and then slightly beyond to Ray's Pond.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fewer
photos than usual were taken since trail work took priority over photography!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuX7KLnuAFg/UiD62BlsKXI/AAAAAAAARuM/caDaKfBFtU0/s1600/Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuX7KLnuAFg/UiD62BlsKXI/AAAAAAAARuM/caDaKfBFtU0/s640/Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm grateful that the Shelburne Trails Club (STC)
took the initiative to reopen this trail which had been abandoned for many
years due to logging operations in the area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A terrific characteristic of the Scudder Trail
is that you can make the hike as long as you want it to be.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a shorter hike, you can trek 1.4 miles to
a comfortable and spacious ledge, and then simply call that your
destination for the day.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want a
longer hike, then you can continue onward and upward for another 1.3 miles to
the summit of Mt. Ingalls where there are extensive ledges just a few hundred
feet south of the summit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless of whether you do the shorter hike,
or the longer hike, you'll enjoy awesome views that include peaks in western
Maine, Carter-Moriah Range, Presidential Range, and even the tops of a few
mountains in the Crescent and Pliny Range.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, if you go the full distance to the summit
of Mt. Ingalls, then you might as well travel another tenth of a mile northward
beyond the summit to visit the tiny body of water known as Ray's Pond which has
a certain untamed wilderness feel to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the lower end of this trail the corridor
goes through an area that is sometimes filled with tall grass and weeds, especially
during late Spring and early Summer.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If
you would prefer to avoid that situation, then you might want to consider doing
this hike in either early Spring, or late Summer and/or the Autumn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is one other tip.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you should opt to do the shorter hike,
don't stop at the first set of ledges that you come to.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continue onward for less than 5 minutes and
you'll arrive at a larger ledge which has a very wide view.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trailhead is reachable by leaving the north
side of North Road (Shelburne, NH) at Millbrook Road and then driving 0.5 mile where
there is ample parking for at least 4 cars on the right (east side) of the
road.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're totally unfamiliar with
the location of the Scudder Trail, perhaps the map shown below will be helpful. The Scudder Trail is highlighted in yellow. <i>(Click on map to enlarge it.)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZT7TLjAlx4/UiD6pcqKrVI/AAAAAAAARuI/zlH-MOStyU0/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZT7TLjAlx4/UiD6pcqKrVI/AAAAAAAARuI/zlH-MOStyU0/s640/Map.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE END ~</b></span>1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-83101758055038050632013-08-05T15:20:00.003-07:002013-08-05T15:24:26.496-07:00Short Adventures in Vermont: Lake Willoughby, plus Bread & Puppet Museum<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a recent Sunday
afternoon, my wife Cheri and I made several stops at various points of interest
while driving through Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Two of these locations might have some appeal
if you are in the area and only have a limited amount of time to spend.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>LAKE WILLOUGHBY:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 1.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of our stops
was at Lake Willoughby.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We parked at the
trailhead parking lot on Rt. 5A at the south end of the lake. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hiked a few tenths of a mile along the
South Shore Trail where we enjoyed several nice lakeside views, as shown in the
two photos below.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REgDwFoAfRE/UgAVdMFMwTI/AAAAAAAARLg/i4RAMzrJiMw/s1600/CIMG6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REgDwFoAfRE/UgAVdMFMwTI/AAAAAAAARLg/i4RAMzrJiMw/s640/CIMG6938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cliffs on Mt. Hor on west side of Lake Willoughby</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhW6JdCdcw4/UgAVfF1tDWI/AAAAAAAARLs/sm536XizGcA/s1600/CIMG6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhW6JdCdcw4/UgAVfF1tDWI/AAAAAAAARLs/sm536XizGcA/s640/CIMG6939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cliffs on Mt. Pisgah on east side of Lake Willoughby</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>BREAD and PUPPET MUSEUM:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another one of
our stops was at a very unusual place named t</span><strong style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he Bread and Puppet Museum located on Rt. 122 near Glover, VT. The museum is located inside a 140 year old
barn which houses a</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> massive accumulation of puppets, masks,
paintings and graphics from the Bread and Puppet Theater. (Click </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://breadandpuppet.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to read more details about the
museum and the theater.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This unique
place was brought to my attention by a fellow Blogger named Rita who lives in
Utah, but just happened to drop by this museum on a recent visit to Vermont. (Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://onedayinamerica.blogspot.com/2013/07/bread-and-puppet-museum-glover-vermont.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> to read Rita's excellent report
about her visit.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following photo shows the entrance to this
museum. Admission is free. You may make a donation, but only if you
choose to do so.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mcawR8IFXA/UgAU3GfmLOI/AAAAAAAARLU/Yrgz8wXcVlc/s1600/CIMG6886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mcawR8IFXA/UgAU3GfmLOI/AAAAAAAARLU/Yrgz8wXcVlc/s640/CIMG6886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Entrance to Bread and Puppet Museum</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took lots of pictures. Shown below are two photo collages, which
contain merely a small sampling of the hundreds of unusual caricatures in this
unique museum.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWO4OdXsTYE/UgAVeleKCqI/AAAAAAAARLw/lbh9TPMwfoM/s1600/Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWO4OdXsTYE/UgAVeleKCqI/AAAAAAAARLw/lbh9TPMwfoM/s640/Collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
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<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Qkf-pDg5U/UgAVmz7SSiI/AAAAAAAARMA/8JxaRcrrkvc/s1600/Collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Qkf-pDg5U/UgAVmz7SSiI/AAAAAAAARMA/8JxaRcrrkvc/s640/Collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directly across the road from the museum is an
old school bus which serves as sort of an Annex where "cheap art" can
be purchased by leaving your money in an unattended box.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd4_-IGMfv0/UgAU4V_IgVI/AAAAAAAARLY/tlm82CdS0QQ/s1600/CIMG6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd4_-IGMfv0/UgAU4V_IgVI/AAAAAAAARLY/tlm82CdS0QQ/s640/CIMG6927.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Annex across the street from museum where "cheap art" can be purchased</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And yes, there are toilet facilities, and they are
even handicapped accessible (see next photo)!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bg9KxjRSoI/UgAU0OHAscI/AAAAAAAARLI/02vlp586Hqo/s1600/CIMG6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bg9KxjRSoI/UgAU0OHAscI/AAAAAAAARLI/02vlp586Hqo/s640/CIMG6923.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Toilet facilities at Bread and Puppet Museum</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Presented below is a map which shows the two locations
that are the subject of this report <i>(click on map to enlarge it)</i>.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yV6y4p7-XUo/UgAVk9uAdcI/AAAAAAAARL4/pwaN2i5LTJ0/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yV6y4p7-XUo/UgAVk9uAdcI/AAAAAAAARL4/pwaN2i5LTJ0/s640/Map.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Map showing the two locations that are the subject of this report</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpLast">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE END
~</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-35122399615434697702013-07-19T09:57:00.000-07:002013-07-19T14:29:55.589-07:00Locating Survey Benchmarks in Bethlehem, NH<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many
readers have probably visited mountaintops and seen a metal disc-shaped benchmark
that was cemented in place at or near the highest point.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Across the continental U.S. (as well as in
Alaska and Hawaii) there are survey benchmarks set in rock or permanent
structures that range from city sidewalks and bridges to remote ridges and
mountaintops. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These have been set by
surveyors since 1879.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Searching for benchmarks can be an great way to enjoy the outdoors.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can
customize this activity to fit your available time, energy, and skills.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For example, some benchmarks are easily
accessible by driving your car, parking and then walking just a short
distance.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whereas to locate other
benchmarks, you might need to hike a trail for several miles.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, in some cases, you might need to use your
map and compass skills to bushwhack through the woods in your attempt to locate
a benchmark.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a hiker, I can see similarities between searching for an old logging camp, and searching for benchmarks in remote
locations.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, there are some who consider "benchmarking" as just another form of geocaching.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless, if you are outdoors having fun by searching for an old logging camp, or a benchmark, or whatever, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">does it really matter if you're classified as
a hiker, or a geocacher?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should
you decide to try your hand at locating benchmarks, you should be aware that
benchmarks are placed by two separate governmental agencies, as follows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">_ The
National Geodetic Survey (NGS) was formerly known as the Coast and Geodetic
Survey.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is part of NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) which is under the Department of
Commerce. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is concerned with the
maintenance of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">_ The US
Geological Survey(USGS) is under the Department of the Interior. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This agency is responsible for the production
of topographic maps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown in the photo below are two benchmarks.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The one on the left was placed by the USGS.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The one on the right was placed by the NGS.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWTwoezpJPE/UelnOoiQTcI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/ZkCvKM2MuZs/s1600/BenchmarksCompare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWTwoezpJPE/UelnOoiQTcI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/ZkCvKM2MuZs/s640/BenchmarksCompare.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Benchmark examples: USGS benchmark on left; NGS benchmark on right</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was interesting to discover that benchmarks
placed by NGS have an online searchable database (click <b><a href="http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS-Proxy/NGSDataExplorer/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a slight learning curve to using this
database, but if you should decide to go on a hunt for benchmarks, it's worth
taking the time to master this resource.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for USGS survey benchmark data, unfortunately </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that agency has not yet put their paper
records of benchmark locations into computerized files. However, some USGS benchmark locations have
found their way into the NGS database.
But for USGS benchmarks that are not in the NGS database, it can be challenging
to find them without contacting the USGS directly by phone or e-mail. <i>(</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Eastern U.S., call 573-308-3500, or e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:mcmcesic@usgs.gov" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mcmcesic@usgs.gov</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">; for Western U.S. call
303-202-4400, or e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:infoservices@usgs.gov" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">infoservices@usgs.gov</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, with all that background information out of the way, I'll
now turn to the topic of this report which pertains to locating survey benchmarks
in the area of Bethlehem, NH. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll begin
by saying that very little searching is required to locate a benchmark located
atop Bethlehem's Mt. Agassiz, which can be accessed by a 0.7 mile trek up a private
roadway where the landowner generously allows hiker traffic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, there are other benchmarks in the
Bethlehem area which require a bit of searching.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown below are photos of just a couple of these more obscure benchmarks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The NGS benchmark seen below was located in the
vicinity of Pierce Bridge.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The left
panel shows a close-up image of the benchmark.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The right panel shows the boulder in the woods where the benchmark has
resided since 1933!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad5BgeXDOts/UelnxSuf66I/AAAAAAAARAE/Wh8KauFM9UQ/s1600/PierceBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad5BgeXDOts/UelnxSuf66I/AAAAAAAARAE/Wh8KauFM9UQ/s640/PierceBridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">NGS Benchmark located in vicinity of Pierce Bridge, NH</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A USGS benchmark was located near Wing Road
(Bethlehem).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was embedded on top of
an old dam near an abandoned section of the old Boston & Maine Railroad track.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the photo below, the left panel shows a
close-up image of the Wing Road benchmark.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The right panel shows the top of the old dam where the benchmark has
resided since 1925!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, it appears
that its patina has been polished away.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Perhaps it would be better to simply remove
any surface debris and leave the patina intact?)</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geIA_HHfzds/Ueln0Xn-xfI/AAAAAAAARAM/_YXn68ZDCP8/s1600/WingRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geIA_HHfzds/Ueln0Xn-xfI/AAAAAAAARAM/_YXn68ZDCP8/s640/WingRoad.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">USGS Benchmark located near Wing Road in Bethlehem, NH</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Wing Road benchmark is a good example of some
of the side benefits of "benchmarking".</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This search took me to a lovely setting near
a pond which was adjacent to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an abandoned railroad track.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Had I not been out there looking for a
benchmark, I might never have had the pleasure of exploring this particular location.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkejBmAekT4/UelnanR3lHI/AAAAAAAAQ_0/eo6tXo4BTcA/s1600/CIMG6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkejBmAekT4/UelnanR3lHI/AAAAAAAAQ_0/eo6tXo4BTcA/s640/CIMG6494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pond located near the Wing Road benchmark</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oFVmP5N74I/UelnoI1zwBI/AAAAAAAAQ_8/i7uKJxFcLtI/s1600/CIMG6486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oFVmP5N74I/UelnoI1zwBI/AAAAAAAAQ_8/i7uKJxFcLtI/s640/CIMG6486.JPG" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Abandoned railroad track near the Wing Road benchmark</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum it
up, </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to occasionally pairing a "benchmarking" adventure
with one of my other outdoor activities of hiking, mountain-biking,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
seems like a combination that could work well, and add some extra spice to
those pursuits.</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-48686693655201801552013-07-17T19:51:00.000-07:002013-07-23T06:30:26.144-07:00Bugle Cliff: A Short but Steep Hike<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bugle Cliff is a location that can be reached
via a 0.62 mile trek along the Webster-Jackson Trail beginning at its trailhead
in Crawford Notch near AMC's Highland Center.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the distance
is short, it is a steep hike.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
elevation gain is 538 ft!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many hikers pass by the spur to this lookout
while en route to high peaks such as Mt. Jackson and Mt. Webster.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And actually, that was the scenario which recently
took me to Bugle Cliff.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stopped by
there as part of a longer 6.5 mile loop-hike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many blogs and hiking forums already contain
volumes of photos and narratives about the loop that I did. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Therefore, I decided to forego writing yet
another report about a hike to Mts. Jackson and Webster, and instead write a
piece about Bugle Cliff.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps this
might be of interest to those who want to do a shorter hike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you reach Bugle Cliff, the view that
immediately grabs your attention is the one looking northwesterly where clustered
together are: Saco Lake, historic Crawfords Depot, and AMC's Highland Center.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> O</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ff in the distance is the red-roofed Mt.
Washington Hotel. <i>(Click on photo to enlarge.)</i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UXG5oUzFyw/UedO-7zjRYI/AAAAAAAAQ_E/JgLlMFSQcb4/s1600/CIMG6549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UXG5oUzFyw/UedO-7zjRYI/AAAAAAAAQ_E/JgLlMFSQcb4/s640/CIMG6549.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northwesterly view from Bugle Cliff (it's not your eyes, this photo is a bit fuzzy)</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directly across Rt. 302 from Bugle Cliff is
Mt. Willard, and at its base are the rail tracks for the <a href="http://conwayscenic.com/" target="_blank"><b>Conway ScenicRailroad</b></a>. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Although not everyone would want to do this,
you can get some different viewing perspectives if you carefully work your way
down to lower ledges on Bugle Cliff. One
such view is shown in the next photo where the small body of water known as
Dismal Pool can be seen.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWQZ9eIWixY/UedPFJlQPqI/AAAAAAAAQ_M/UnqxVrVDjPE/s1600/CIMG6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWQZ9eIWixY/UedPFJlQPqI/AAAAAAAAQ_M/UnqxVrVDjPE/s640/CIMG6547.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">View from lower ledge of Bugle Cliff (Dismal Pool is at bottom, center of photo)</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the late 1870s, D. Appleton and Company of
New York published a two-volume set of books entitled "Picturesque
America" which </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">described
and illustrated scenes from across America. Here it was stated that "<i>The cliffs above
Dismal Pool . . . are among the loftiest and steepest to be found in the
mountains.</i>" Shown below is the page
containing that statement, as well as the illustration that accompanied it.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7z8R6rTySA/UedOiSJz6MI/AAAAAAAAQ-0/2yf8ZuIYX1Q/s1600/DismalPool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7z8R6rTySA/UedOiSJz6MI/AAAAAAAAQ-0/2yf8ZuIYX1Q/s1600/DismalPool.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Page from 1870s book entitled "Picturesque America"</span></span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><a href="http://www.mountainwanderer.com/about-us.php" target="_blank">Steve Smith</a> directed me to some interesting bits of information
about Bugle Cliff and Dismal Pool in the following book which he co-authored: </span><i><span lang="EN">Dickerman,
Mike, John Dickerman, and Steven D. Smith. A Guide to Crawford Notch. Littleton, NH: Bondcliff, 1997.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within this
book, there is a statement regarding Bugle Cliff which reads: "One can
only speculate how this prominent ledge got its name.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps a patron at the old Crawford House
once entertained guests with a tune or two played from this lofty perch."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, there
is a statement regarding Dismal Pool which reads: "Hitchcock's second
volume of his massive </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Geology of New
Hampshire</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, published in 1877, indicates the pool may have been formed by rocks
and boulders blasted off Mount Willard during construction of the railroad
through the Notch just a few years earlier."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lastly, if you should want a hike that is even shorter
than Bugle Cliff, then the 0.3 mile hike to Elephant Head would be worthy of
consideration. It has a very manageable
elevation gain of only 168 ft. This
hike is launched from the same trailhead as the trek to Bugle Cliff. The vistas from Elephant Head are somewhat
similar to those from Bugle Cliff, but from a lower viewing perspective.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The map presented below shows the location of Bulge Cliff and Elephant Head, as well as Dismal Pool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_K_w3l3-mA/UedOljrdRdI/AAAAAAAAQ-8/iUuttH_Ijpo/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_K_w3l3-mA/UedOljrdRdI/AAAAAAAAQ-8/iUuttH_Ijpo/s1600/Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Map showing location of Bugle Cliff and Elephant Head</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After
having caught a glimpse of Dismal Pool from Bugle Cliff, my curiosity was
piqued. A few days later, while out today
doing other things, I pulled into the parking lot opposite Flume Cascade as
you're heading down Crawford Notch. (It's the first one AFTER the parking lot
for Webster-Jackson Trail.) I hiked down the short trail leading to Dismal
Pool. It was the first time I've ever visited this spot. I must say, it didn't seem "dismal"
to me!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZUtBX0u33E/Ue6DQ4ISQVI/AAAAAAAARAo/wKNiqu40ZEw/s1600/DismalPool_22Jul2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZUtBX0u33E/Ue6DQ4ISQVI/AAAAAAAARAo/wKNiqu40ZEw/s640/DismalPool_22Jul2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>LEFT PANEL: Sign pointing to trail leading to Dismal Pool; RIGHT PANEL: Dismal Pool</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE END ~</span></span></b></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-18675386776916413602013-07-01T05:18:00.001-07:002016-03-08T18:32:24.181-08:00A Short Hike on Whitefield Segment of the NH Heritage Trail<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For readers who are unfamiliar with the Heritage Trail, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">this trail system was conceived in the late 1980s,
but the idea never really took off. The corridor was to have run
north from Massachusetts along the Merrimack River to Franklin where it would
join the Pemigewasset River and go through Franconia Notch to Lancaster, then
follow the Connecticut River to Canada.</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although the trail system was never completed,
there are places throughout the State where pieces of this trail still
exist. Near to me, there are segments in
Bethlehem, as well as in Lancaster and Whitefield.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A portion of the Whitefield segment of the Heritage Trail is on
the grounds of the White Mountain Regional High School.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To gain access to this trail segment, you can
park at an area on the west side of Rt. 3 at a point that is 0.1 mile north of
the entrance to the high school.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first time you go there, you'll probably
miss it.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It can be difficult to
spot.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A photo of the parking area is
shown in the next photo.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn9Zgf5_NcE/UdDvkpugfVI/AAAAAAAAQ1k/SFo_wlV6Plc/s1600/CIMG6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn9Zgf5_NcE/UdDvkpugfVI/AAAAAAAAQ1k/SFo_wlV6Plc/s640/CIMG6139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Parking area for access to a segment of NH Heritage Trail in Whitefield, NH</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although the gate to the parking area has always been open on
each of my visits, I've been told that there are times when the gate is closed.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the gate is closed, then it's my
understanding that as long as your vehicle doesn't block the gated entryway, then it's okay to park near the gate and simply walk around it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you're at the parking area, you will see a large map which
is featured in the next photo.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPknNeP5C4/UdDvk-SCy4I/AAAAAAAAQ1g/AshMhe_lYLs/s1600/CIMG6134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKPknNeP5C4/UdDvk-SCy4I/AAAAAAAAQ1g/AshMhe_lYLs/s640/CIMG6134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Trail map at the parking area (CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On some occasions, I've hiked the entire 2.3 mile Blue Trail loop.</span> However, on this June 30th trek, I just did an
abbreviated 1.75 mile loop. On the map
shown above, I've inserted a series of white arrows to show my route. Basically, I simply followed
the Red Trail to its junction with the Blue Trail, and then hung a left and
followed the Blue Trail to the high school. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>From
the high school, I walked the school road to Rt. 3, and then walked 0.1 mile
northward back to my car.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">On the above map, I have also inserted the
approximate location where the Heritage Trail leaves the Blue Trail and heads
over to Martin Meadow Pond Road where it then continues onward to Weeks State
Park.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I
followed that route a few years ago.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At that time, the
corridor between the Blue Trail and Martin Meadow Pond Road was in need of
maintenance and it was difficult to follow in spots.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shown below are some snapshots that were taken during my short 1.75
mile loop hike on 30-June.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As can be
seen in the first 3 photos, there were a lot of wild flowers in bloom along the
route.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq-tp6yvCaM/UdDyo4cdeAI/AAAAAAAAQ24/3cLUXy1otfk/s1600/CIMG6178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq-tp6yvCaM/UdDyo4cdeAI/AAAAAAAAQ24/3cLUXy1otfk/s640/CIMG6178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyI5C-XixWY/UdDvzW5H-XI/AAAAAAAAQ1s/ooNlI4np6d0/s1600/CIMG6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyI5C-XixWY/UdDvzW5H-XI/AAAAAAAAQ1s/ooNlI4np6d0/s640/CIMG6140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAPzN4pputc/UdDwfR0cW1I/AAAAAAAAQ2M/5w6G1coVPlg/s1600/CIMG6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAPzN4pputc/UdDwfR0cW1I/AAAAAAAAQ2M/5w6G1coVPlg/s640/CIMG6144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you want some mountain vistas, there is a nice view of the
Presidential Range from a little knoll at the southeast corner of the high school
building.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdGMiFHCKTU/UdDwcf1kbuI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/v43hNtEa1m0/s1600/CIMG6160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdGMiFHCKTU/UdDwcf1kbuI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/v43hNtEa1m0/s640/CIMG6160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Presidential Range as viewed from a knoll at southeast corner of high school building</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacingCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the aid of binoculars, you can even
see the buildings on top of Mt. Washington.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt_fB4dDzCI/UdDwcqyeqGI/AAAAAAAAQ2E/bih6YOla5Yc/s1600/CIMG6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt_fB4dDzCI/UdDwcqyeqGI/AAAAAAAAQ2E/bih6YOla5Yc/s640/CIMG6159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222;">Zoomed view of Mt. Washington from</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"> knoll at southeast corner of high school building</span></b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">To sum it up,</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> as
with all the hikes included in this 2 SMALL 2B BIG blog, this mini-adventure is merely something enjoyable to do
when you are short on time, or just want a brief outing to stretch your
legs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">P.S.</span></u></b> In
my main blog (1HappyHiker), I recently posted a two-part report. Part 1 of that report provides some details
about a short trek along Pea Brook in the Shelburne, NH area. This hike might also be of interest if you're
looking for a mini-adventure in that part of the State. Click <b><a href="http://1happyhiker.blogspot.com/2013/06/shelburne-nh-trek-to-basinfalls-and-to.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> to access that report.</span></div>
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1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-65376012892526680192013-06-06T06:58:00.000-07:002013-06-11T05:20:10.791-07:00Mossy Glen (Randolph, NH): A Marvelous Mini-Adventure!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After doing some errands a few days ago, I had enough
time left over for a marvelous mini-adventure to Mossy Glen.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This spot is a small gorge on Carlton Brook
which is located just 0.2 mile north of Durand Road in Randolph, NH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This location is exquisitely described in Chapter 12 of a
book entitled "50 Hikes North of the White Mountains" by Kim Nilsen. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know how durable the Internet link
might be, but as of the writing of this Blog report, Chapter 12 of Kim's
book can be accessed online by clicking <b><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=n8peMwfxYbwC&pg=PA82&lpg" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are several trail combinations that can be used to
access the gorge.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I parked at
Appalachia, walked across Rt. 2 to pick up the Bee Line, and then followed the trail
combinations that are highlighted in yellow on the map that is presented below.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a 2.2 mile loop hike.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1QrvUEZG3A/UbCJPv2UwoI/AAAAAAAAQfk/zUNdc5CqJl4/s1600/MossyMap2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1QrvUEZG3A/UbCJPv2UwoI/AAAAAAAAQfk/zUNdc5CqJl4/s640/MossyMap2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Map showing my route. (It's just one of many route combinations that can be used.)</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the very beginning of this mini-adventure, there were nice views to be had at
Durand Lake.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next two photos show a
couple of these views.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ-ipzbs5jo/UbCJZMjaiUI/AAAAAAAAQfw/zrsmxnhJo1I/s1600/CIMG6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ-ipzbs5jo/UbCJZMjaiUI/AAAAAAAAQfw/zrsmxnhJo1I/s640/CIMG6877.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>View from Durand Lake looking southward toward the Presidential Mountain Range</b></i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBacSzNulic/UbCJYo4zi4I/AAAAAAAAQfs/TwK4dnbJXZw/s1600/CIMG6883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBacSzNulic/UbCJYo4zi4I/AAAAAAAAQfs/TwK4dnbJXZw/s640/CIMG6883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>View from Durand Lake looking eastward toward mountains in the Gorham area</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown in the next two photos are a couple of the more
prominent features at the Mossy Glen Gorge.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first snapshot was taken looking down at the Mossy Glen cascade from the
Bluffway trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the second photo shows the
reproduction of a Nepalese Bridge which crosses Carlton Brook via the Groveway
trail.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtvBD53x3Is/UbCIgCJzGhI/AAAAAAAAQfE/-3FxQ4Lr8wo/s1600/CIMG6844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtvBD53x3Is/UbCIgCJzGhI/AAAAAAAAQfE/-3FxQ4Lr8wo/s640/CIMG6844.JPG" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Looking down at Mossy Glen Cascade from the Bluffway</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_fnAZCmrQ4/UbCI2-tkgRI/AAAAAAAAQfU/5DvCUwbRppM/s1600/CIMG6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_fnAZCmrQ4/UbCI2-tkgRI/AAAAAAAAQfU/5DvCUwbRppM/s640/CIMG6847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Reproduction of a Nepalese Bridge which crosses Carleton Brook</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might also want to include a short side trip to the
site of the old Ravine House.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can do
this by walking along Durand Road for a few hundred feet westward beyond the
point where the Bee Line enters Durand road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next two photos were
taken at the Ravine House site. The first snapshot shows the historic marker, and the second photo shows the view that guests at the Ravine House would have seen from this boarding house.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7HmMD36IwM/UbCIlVOVfGI/AAAAAAAAQfM/d0dKQdGtyIk/s1600/CIMG6868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7HmMD36IwM/UbCIlVOVfGI/AAAAAAAAQfM/d0dKQdGtyIk/s640/CIMG6868.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Historic marker at old Ravine House site</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-whdV6E5bA/UbCJMu37huI/AAAAAAAAQfc/D1VwF1BSiDY/s1600/CIMG6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-whdV6E5bA/UbCJMu37huI/AAAAAAAAQfc/D1VwF1BSiDY/s640/CIMG6872.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>The view that guests would have seen from the Ravine House</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a side note, you'll see from the map shown above
that I used the Glenside and Burnbrae Path as part of my loop.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was done purely because I had never
hiked that particular segment.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It would make
more sense to use the Groveway trail since it takes you by a scenic natural
amphitheater along Carleton Brook.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Randolph Mountain Club often holds events
at this location.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE END ~</b></span>1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-78213448629386706962013-05-20T19:53:00.000-07:002013-05-21T08:08:59.435-07:002 Short Hikes Near Stark NH: Devil's Slide and Bald Mountain Notch Trail<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On 17-May, the morning was consumed by pleasant
phone conversations with family members who were wishing me a Happy
Birthday.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, in the afternoon, I did
two short hikes in the vicinity of Stark, NH.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both of these treks were basically designed to simply follow-up on some
left-over business from previous adventures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>SHORT HIKE #1:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few years ago,
I visited the top of the massive cliff complex named Devil's Slide which looms
over the small village of Stark, NH (see snapshot below).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSW-ygl5Yac/UZrMl07hrqI/AAAAAAAAQXw/XVTdS_xOycA/s1600/CIMG6560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSW-ygl5Yac/UZrMl07hrqI/AAAAAAAAQXw/XVTdS_xOycA/s640/CIMG6560.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Devil's Slide cliff looming over Stark, NH</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the time I
did this hike, I knew that there was a rough and somewhat unofficial trail to
this location.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, I was uncertain as
to how to access this trail, and so I opted to bushwhack on public land to the
top of Devil's Slide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, since doing that
bushwhack, I have learned that the trail to Devil's Slide has become official.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And what's even more important, I learned how
to access this trail! (Click <b><a href="http://www.forestsociety.org/ourproperties/guide/?block=91" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> for a link provided by the Society for the
Protection of NH Forests.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon stepping foot on the trail, I was shocked to see that
it has fresh blazing which extends for the full length of the trail (nearly 0.9 mile).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHw1XMID3G0/UZrWnaWC23I/AAAAAAAAQZg/y8fEd-xC3q0/s1600/CIMG6539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHw1XMID3G0/UZrWnaWC23I/AAAAAAAAQZg/y8fEd-xC3q0/s640/CIMG6539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Fresh blazing on trail leading to top of Devil's Slide</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the trail is blazed, it might still be a
bit too rugged for some hikers.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, it
should be made known that there are a few spots that are very steep!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next photo attempts to show one of the
steep spots.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruZtJeMVSYk/UZrUWpAgZ2I/AAAAAAAAQY8/cgxR0DKu-ng/s1600/CIMG6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruZtJeMVSYk/UZrUWpAgZ2I/AAAAAAAAQY8/cgxR0DKu-ng/s640/CIMG6540.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>One of several steep spots along trail to Devil's Slide</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are amply rewarded for your efforts when you reach
the top.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are spectacular views looking across
the cliffs that constitute the Devil's Slide complex (see next photo).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3f27mgfWUHM/UZrUHevElyI/AAAAAAAAQY0/C4vg4948Sc4/s1600/CIMG6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3f27mgfWUHM/UZrUHevElyI/AAAAAAAAQY0/C4vg4948Sc4/s640/CIMG6543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>View looking across cliffs on Devil's Slide</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, you are treated to a bird's eye view of the idyllic
little New England village of Stark, NH.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFReiNt6A98/UZrMmYD5lQI/AAAAAAAAQXs/mipEtOl1nmo/s1600/CIMG6558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFReiNt6A98/UZrMmYD5lQI/AAAAAAAAQXs/mipEtOl1nmo/s640/CIMG6558.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Zoomed View of Stark, NH from top of Devil's Slide cliff</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIVCfXniP80/UZrUhpYiDQI/AAAAAAAAQZM/I8xer15Zp1A/s1600/CIMG6552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIVCfXniP80/UZrUhpYiDQI/AAAAAAAAQZM/I8xer15Zp1A/s640/CIMG6552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Un-Zoomed View of Stark, NH from top of Devil's Slide cliff</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>SHORT HIKE #2:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My second short hike of the day was a slow meander along
a portion of the Bald Mountain Notch Trail (part of the Cohos Trail system).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The trailhead is on Percy Road about 0.3 mile west of Bell Hill Road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If all you want is a lovely walk in the woods, then this is a trail to
consider.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's an ideal corridor for
walking for as far, or as little, as you want to go.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trail runs for a distance of 2.8 miles,
but it doesn't lead you to a traditional destination such as a mountaintop, a
ledge, or a pond. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It just unceremoniously
ends at a junction with two other trails.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next composite photo shows the beginning of the Bald Mountain Notch Trail, as well as a typical segment of the trail at its lower end.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(At the
upper end, this corridor becomes more "trail-like".)</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiEh8uJAG1w/UZrM2Lne7tI/AAAAAAAAQX8/jF3Ee-BJon4/s1600/a_BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiEh8uJAG1w/UZrM2Lne7tI/AAAAAAAAQX8/jF3Ee-BJon4/s640/a_BLOG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Beginning of Bald Mtn Notch Trail, and typical segment of trail at its lower</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> end</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little over 2 years ago, I hiked the entire length of
the Bald Mountain Notch trail and posted a Blog report about this trek </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Click <b><a href="http://1happyhiker.blogspot.com/2011/05/peeks-of-percy-peaks-from-bald-mountain.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> to read that report.)</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In that Blog report of early May 2011, I expressed
a desire to return to this location in order to explore a brook that bisects the trail at a point
which is roughly about a mile from the trailhead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To fulfill my
desire, I trekked along an old logging road that parallels the brook mentioned
above. T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">his trek was enjoyable, and it satisfied my
lingering curiosity about what "wonders" might be just around the
next bend. However, it resulted
in no astonishing discoveries of magnificent cascades, nor anything else for
that matter!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I occasionally
wandered off the logging road a hundred feet or so to get a closer look at the
brook which was pleasant, but unremarkable.
However, there were a fair number of Springtime wildflowers along the
way which are always eye-pleasing (see next two photos). </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBePHZ3GMQM/UZrLv34g7iI/AAAAAAAAQXI/MUNtR2A0UbQ/s1600/CIMG6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBePHZ3GMQM/UZrLv34g7iI/AAAAAAAAQXI/MUNtR2A0UbQ/s640/CIMG6506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Typical scene along unnamed brook that parallels an old logging road</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hebnRZQ-Te0/UZrMiMWiEKI/AAAAAAAAQXg/DW29n5EieDk/s1600/DevilsSlide_BaldMtn_17May2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hebnRZQ-Te0/UZrMiMWiEKI/AAAAAAAAQXg/DW29n5EieDk/s640/DevilsSlide_BaldMtn_17May2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Some of the wildflowers seen while wandering along the old logging road</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum it up,</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the two short hikes briefly described above
are worthy of consideration the next time you are in the vicinity of Stark, NH
and have just a limited amount of time to spend enjoying the great outdoors in
the far north of northern New Hampshire!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>P.S.</u></b> If you are uncertain of the location of these two hikes, perhaps the
map shown below might provide a general idea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(Devil's Slide is at bottom left, and Bald Mtn Notch Trail is at upper center.)</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tu4b6ExAAI/UZuFiFpAUsI/AAAAAAAAQZ0/3addLT7DPDo/s1600/Map2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tu4b6ExAAI/UZuFiFpAUsI/AAAAAAAAQZ0/3addLT7DPDo/s1600/Map2.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-30401240416765002712013-05-08T14:06:00.000-07:002013-05-08T19:57:46.215-07:00Haystack Notch Trail Offers Potential for Short and Pleasant Hikes<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to my friend Steve Smith, I was introduced to a very
pleasant hike that was totally new to me.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On 07-May, I accompanied Steve on a trek that began at the Rt. 113
trailhead for the Haystack Notch Trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our trek took us for several miles along the Haystack Notch Trail, and
we did an off-trail bushwhack to some beaver ponds and meadows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The route that Steve and I followed would be inappropriate
for this blog since "<i>2Small 2B Big</i>" is a collection of
smaller hikes.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, doing a scaled
down version of this trek could provide a very rewarding experience.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A smaller adaptation would involve</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hiking along the trail for a shorter distance
than Steve and I did. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, it would be totally unnecessary to do an
off-trail bushwhack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This trail has mostly easy grades with good footing.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, there are number of brook crossings,
some of which might be difficult to negotiate at times of high water.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You also need to be aware that this trail is
only lightly used, and i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t can be more difficult to follow than more popular trails that are well trodden. It should also be mentioned that trail blazing is sparse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A reasonable destination for a short hike might be to simply
amble for 1.3 miles to the boundary of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain
Wilderness.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or you might opt to extend
the hike beyond the wilderness boundary to the height-of-land within the
Haystack Notch.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This would involve
hiking for another 0.8 mile, as well as climbing a grade that is moderately
more steep than the lower end of the trail.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On this extended portion of the hike you would catch some glimpses
through the trees of the impressive cliffs on the south end of Haystack
Mountain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, with that introduction, shown below are a
series of photos that I took on my hike with Steve.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During a Springtime hike, you stand a good chance of seeing things
similar to what is shown in these snapshots.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only exceptions would be the last two photos which were taken on the
bushwhack portion of our adventure.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These photos are identified as "off-trail", and include a view of the ledges on the eastern side of
Caribou Mountain, and a view overlooking a beaver pond.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoE2CMneVlU/UYqxUkvhOII/AAAAAAAAP3o/m3IC1KFd1JM/s1600/CIMG6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoE2CMneVlU/UYqxUkvhOII/AAAAAAAAP3o/m3IC1KFd1JM/s640/CIMG6361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Trailhead sign on Rt. 113 for the Haystack Notch Trail</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEnXsrkKESU/UYqvu9cDDSI/AAAAAAAAP2w/Ly5ullZtqqs/s1600/CIMG6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEnXsrkKESU/UYqvu9cDDSI/AAAAAAAAP2w/Ly5ullZtqqs/s640/CIMG6297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One of several picturesque brook scenes along Haystack Notch Trail</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpdxn4psk4k/UYqvP27-7oI/AAAAAAAAP2Q/LU4ZkZ7-XGs/s1600/CIMG6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpdxn4psk4k/UYqvP27-7oI/AAAAAAAAP2Q/LU4ZkZ7-XGs/s640/CIMG6300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Sign at boundary of Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBU8yVa3lQQ/UYqvRB5ViMI/AAAAAAAAP2Y/d8yXn_aGRnA/s1600/CIMG6316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBU8yVa3lQQ/UYqvRB5ViMI/AAAAAAAAP2Y/d8yXn_aGRnA/s640/CIMG6316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Through the trees view of some of impressive cliffs on south end of Haystack Mountain</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGQnlhLdqOM/UYqwecVBMmI/AAAAAAAAP28/qc5chClLD0E/s1600/CIMG6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGQnlhLdqOM/UYqwecVBMmI/AAAAAAAAP28/qc5chClLD0E/s640/CIMG6332.JPG" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Steve admiring one of many large hardwoods (some might be 150+ years old)</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJe61F2hiMk/UYqwhfn1IOI/AAAAAAAAP3I/xG8ke1apLCw/s1600/CIMG6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJe61F2hiMk/UYqwhfn1IOI/AAAAAAAAP3I/xG8ke1apLCw/s640/CIMG6336.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A patch of False Hellebore (a.k.a. Indian Poke)</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_R4H81tJNM/UYqviCaMh9I/AAAAAAAAP2o/VfldR7tlibY/s1600/CIMG6325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_R4H81tJNM/UYqviCaMh9I/AAAAAAAAP2o/VfldR7tlibY/s640/CIMG6325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Wildflower known as Dutchman's Breeches</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUJ_v4EJ_E/UYqvf3cfJFI/AAAAAAAAP2g/JLrwwRg6Bmo/s1600/CIMG6321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGUJ_v4EJ_E/UYqvf3cfJFI/AAAAAAAAP2g/JLrwwRg6Bmo/s640/CIMG6321.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Wildflower known as Spring Beauty</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ODRm_oH2_c/UYqu1DQgDOI/AAAAAAAAP2I/up5uJRFaIgI/s1600/CIMG6315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ODRm_oH2_c/UYqu1DQgDOI/AAAAAAAAP2I/up5uJRFaIgI/s640/CIMG6315.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Red Trillium with a bit of pollen spillage showing</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gGqQJ4gCRo/UYqw6_WCVcI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/aUTSBj-XzKM/s1600/CIMG6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gGqQJ4gCRo/UYqw6_WCVcI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/aUTSBj-XzKM/s640/CIMG6358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Painted Trillium (with water sprinkled on it as a photo experiment)</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEZQDiqndT4/UYqwuR0rZVI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/1mYvD3YFzRM/s1600/CIMG6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEZQDiqndT4/UYqwuR0rZVI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/1mYvD3YFzRM/s640/CIMG6339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Off-Trail view of ledges on the eastern side of Caribou Mountain</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H100-5O3Wi4/UYqxXW-t5CI/AAAAAAAAP3w/nNXbpoQpASw/s1600/CIMG6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H100-5O3Wi4/UYqxXW-t5CI/AAAAAAAAP3w/nNXbpoQpASw/s640/CIMG6351.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Off-Trail view of one of the beaver ponds we visited</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would encourage you to visit Steve Smiths blog
(click </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mountainwandering.blogspot.com/2013/05/haystack-notch-to-butters-mountain-5713.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">) to see additional photos, and more narrative about this trek.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE END ~</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-13432214013974257612013-05-04T14:27:00.000-07:002013-05-04T14:27:00.945-07:00Thorne Pond Conservation Area (Bartlett, NH)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next time you're in the Bartlett, NH area, it's
worthwhile to make a stop at the Thorne Pond Conservation Area and do a short
hike of about 0.7 mile.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little trek
involves a walk around the perimeter of a pond, plus a short side trip down to
the Saco River.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The entrance to the Thorne Pond Conservation Area is on
Route 302 near the Attitash ski slopes.
It's on the north side of the road, about 1.7 mile east from the center of Bartlett.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following photos will
take you on a guided tour of the area.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeIh8L38k-M/UYV4TA6s7XI/AAAAAAAAPrg/W0YSe61pbxM/s1600/CIMG6241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeIh8L38k-M/UYV4TA6s7XI/AAAAAAAAPrg/W0YSe61pbxM/s640/CIMG6241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Kiosk at entrance to conservation area</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNHPgUJWDQ8/UYV4Z0TevbI/AAAAAAAAPro/Ns1dAJPo_yc/s1600/CIMG6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNHPgUJWDQ8/UYV4Z0TevbI/AAAAAAAAPro/Ns1dAJPo_yc/s640/CIMG6244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Informational sign at kiosk (click to enlarge)</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEFRXYW5S6U/UYV4bal5RXI/AAAAAAAAPr0/oF24ZJ15FmU/s1600/CIMG6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEFRXYW5S6U/UYV4bal5RXI/AAAAAAAAPr0/oF24ZJ15FmU/s640/CIMG6243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Welcome sign at entrance</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ebr7735BS0/UYV2UKGSRoI/AAAAAAAAPqg/hFdFQq5UVt4/s1600/CIMG6214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ebr7735BS0/UYV2UKGSRoI/AAAAAAAAPqg/hFdFQq5UVt4/s640/CIMG6214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>First view of pond as head northward down the path</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnJFbWi449s/UYV2iWJRuPI/AAAAAAAAPqw/bjNy6-AgEMU/s1600/CIMG6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnJFbWi449s/UYV2iWJRuPI/AAAAAAAAPqw/bjNy6-AgEMU/s640/CIMG6218.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>A portion of the pathway leading around the pond</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEwd9tW6-J8/UYV2e8lswVI/AAAAAAAAPqo/hPPagrLOgaA/s1600/CIMG6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEwd9tW6-J8/UYV2e8lswVI/AAAAAAAAPqo/hPPagrLOgaA/s640/CIMG6219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Looking eastward toward Attitash ski slopes</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IopScdV6Vc/UYV3fK_sIHI/AAAAAAAAPrQ/oWTodups1Ew/s1600/CIMG6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IopScdV6Vc/UYV3fK_sIHI/AAAAAAAAPrQ/oWTodups1Ew/s640/CIMG6225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Sign at entrance to side path leading down to Saco River</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihtlp8H3qKM/UYV3CkkCoXI/AAAAAAAAPq8/pTu1bGtiu_A/s1600/CIMG6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihtlp8H3qKM/UYV3CkkCoXI/AAAAAAAAPq8/pTu1bGtiu_A/s640/CIMG6222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Another informational sign about the trail system (click to enlarge)</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0giCVjqd1sg/UYV3S-34SKI/AAAAAAAAPrI/KDdKLvTQTK8/s1600/CIMG6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0giCVjqd1sg/UYV3S-34SKI/AAAAAAAAPrI/KDdKLvTQTK8/s640/CIMG6230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Saco River as viewed from end of side path</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucpcofL5yUE/UYV30vsEaOI/AAAAAAAAPrY/9yGc9Rn1JUE/s1600/CIMG6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucpcofL5yUE/UYV30vsEaOI/AAAAAAAAPrY/9yGc9Rn1JUE/s640/CIMG6238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Looking northeasterly toward Mt. Pickering and Mt. Stanton</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE END ~</b></span>1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-81529203435789154302013-04-29T17:46:00.000-07:002014-01-01T19:04:56.094-08:00A Short Hike to a Gold Mine at David Dana Forest (Dalton, NH)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks
to Ann (author of the "HikerGal" blog) for making me aware of this
truly terrific hiking venue named the David Dana Forest, which is located in
Dalton, NH.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I strongly encourage you to read Ann's blog report </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(click <b><a href="http://cthikergal.com/2013/04/21/theres-gold-in-them-there-hills-david-dana-forest-august-21-2013/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">about the wonderful experience that she and her
husband had while exploring this property.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since she did such a terrific job with her description, there is very
little that I can add.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, I'll
merely present a few of my photos, and add a few of my thoughts and other
information.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The SPNHF (Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests) has an online brochure about this property (click </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.forestsociety.org/ourproperties/guide/?block=141" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">). It indicates that David Dana donated this 301 acre property
to the Forest Society.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was once slated
for a 23 lot subdivision. The land offers diverse habitat, including wetlands,
brushy fields, extensive deer yards, and a half mile of frontage along the Johns
River.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the most unique feature
of the property is an old gold mine which was operated by the Whitefield Mining
Company until 1885. The entrance to the mine was carved into the face of a
cliff.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has one shaft at about 100 feet
deep, which is now flooded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It appears that Ann and I began our hike from two
different locations.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The SPNHF map
indicates that parking is available on Lower Ox Team Road.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the SPNHF brochure gives GPS
coordinates for parking, as follows:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">N 44° 23' 25.44", W 71° 38' 30.12"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before leaving home, I had plugged the above
coordinates into Google Maps and discovered that it showed parking at a
location on Ridge Road.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, I
printed out directions for that location, and that is where I headed to begin
my hike.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The map presented below shows the two
different parking locations.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also,
highlighted in yellow is</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the route that
I followed to the gold mine.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6W_o0yfrrcU/UX7v5NOcoJI/AAAAAAAAPlU/B_ubwkGtzUo/s1600/Map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6W_o0yfrrcU/UX7v5NOcoJI/AAAAAAAAPlU/B_ubwkGtzUo/s1600/Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Map showing parking and trail system for David Dana Forest (Dalton, NH)</b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you arrive at the old gold mine, the trail goes up
wooden stairs and then continues onward for a considerable distance, much of which
is a moderately steep climb. I suspected that the trail eventually went
outside the boundary of the David Dana Forest. However, I saw no boundary
markers whatsoever, nor was there any signage to indicate that hiking beyond
the gold mine is disallowed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the Monday following my hike, I telephoned the SPNHF and
asked if it's permissible to hike on the trails that extend beyond the gold
mine. The response I received was that
the trail system does indeed go beyond the boundary of the David Dana
Forest. However, it was further stated
that the landowner has expressed no objections to folks who hike responsibly on
these trails.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must admit that I was not prepared for an
adventure such as I experienced at the David Dana Forest.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My GPS was purposely left at home, thinking
that I would have no use for it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, I later regretted that decision.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My GPS wasn't needed because I got </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lost!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather, I would love to have it available to plot my route and to mark
some waypoints.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I didn't have my GPS, I cannot provide any firm data
about distance, elevation gain, etc.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, based on gut-feel, I would tend to agree with stats listed in
Anne's Blog of nearly 4 miles (round-trip), with a significant elevation gain of several hundred feet.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please note that those stats are
applicable only if you hike beyond the gold mine.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mileage and elevation gain would be
significantly less if you were to just visit the gold mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, with no further ado, here are some photos
that I took during my hiking adventure at the David Dana Forest.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DEVtAw1OXQ/UX7v5PZPMAI/AAAAAAAAPlc/jlHZdI5HL6E/s1600/CIMG6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7DEVtAw1OXQ/UX7v5PZPMAI/AAAAAAAAPlc/jlHZdI5HL6E/s640/CIMG6049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Sign at pull-off parking area on Ridge Road</b></i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHudhef2u4Y/UX7uDRVZkCI/AAAAAAAAPkY/Pnp9VjjWH_8/s1600/CIMG6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHudhef2u4Y/UX7uDRVZkCI/AAAAAAAAPkY/Pnp9VjjWH_8/s640/CIMG6013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The gold mine entrance</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9za-pmMsp28/UX7t8ImasfI/AAAAAAAAPkQ/uYNJEpNA6e8/s1600/CIMG6017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9za-pmMsp28/UX7t8ImasfI/AAAAAAAAPkQ/uYNJEpNA6e8/s640/CIMG6017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stairs which lead to trails extending a considerable distance beyond the gold mine</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUVdZfsET8/UX7u30umjwI/AAAAAAAAPkw/4J8SuKXWXlU/s1600/CIMG6021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtUVdZfsET8/UX7u30umjwI/AAAAAAAAPkw/4J8SuKXWXlU/s640/CIMG6021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Many trail segments are moss-covered.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Was hesitant to trample the "carpeting"!</span></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fcgEj_gdYc/UX7uL_3LeCI/AAAAAAAAPkk/6pCKMt3O1TQ/s1600/CIMG6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fcgEj_gdYc/UX7uL_3LeCI/AAAAAAAAPkk/6pCKMt3O1TQ/s640/CIMG6005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Within David Dana Forest itself, a few small segments of trail look like this</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HP9HAUfq2Xk/UX7vDLHiDzI/AAAAAAAAPk4/z7JIwWbCRCU/s1600/CIMG6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HP9HAUfq2Xk/UX7vDLHiDzI/AAAAAAAAPk4/z7JIwWbCRCU/s640/CIMG6022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Trail is well-constructed with sturdy stairs, and many thoughtful switchbacks</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_qUJika2RQ/UX7vD7Kza6I/AAAAAAAAPlA/xeAjpKxMWcM/s1600/CIMG6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_qUJika2RQ/UX7vD7Kza6I/AAAAAAAAPlA/xeAjpKxMWcM/s640/CIMG6034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>High up on the trail is faint path leading to view of Presidential Range</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8JBGLiIZSw/UX7v8qxt-xI/AAAAAAAAPlk/xr9WHUBaVjs/s1600/CIMG6043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8JBGLiIZSw/UX7v8qxt-xI/AAAAAAAAPlk/xr9WHUBaVjs/s640/CIMG6043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A picnic table placed within a trailside nook</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fE7xLc00jmk/UX7v2N7QL7I/AAAAAAAAPlM/fIPjJe9HcOw/s1600/CIMG6040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fE7xLc00jmk/UX7v2N7QL7I/AAAAAAAAPlM/fIPjJe9HcOw/s640/CIMG6040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>An old tree along the trail that seemed deserving of a photo</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To sum it up,</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> this adventure was such an unexpected surprise.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Undoubtedly, I'll be making a return visit to
the David Dana Forest.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when I do, my
GPS is coming with me. :-)</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-10565240339148659022013-04-19T06:49:00.000-07:002013-04-24T06:30:42.061-07:00A Short Meandering Hike in the Vicinity of the Davis Path<br />
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A
few days ago, I had the urge to hike just for the sake of hiking.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The objective was merely to meander with no
particular destination in mind.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only
criteria for this adventure was that it would involve something related to the
Springtime season which is just beginning here in northern New Hampshire.</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From
previous spring seasons, I recalled doing some pleasant off-trail trekking in
the vicinity of the Davis Path.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the trail faces southwesterly, the snow tends to melt a bit sooner, and water in the nearby
brooks begin to flow with some vigor.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
seemed like it would be a good location to launch a meandering Springtime journey.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, off I went!</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For
the first 20 minutes or so, I hiked on the Davis Path itself.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I briefly toyed with the idea of continuing
on this trail to the top of Mt. Crawford.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, it quickly lost its appeal since it really didn't fit the theme
that I had in mind for this particular day.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I headed westward off the trail to reach an unnamed brook which only
flows on a seasonal basis.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As luck would
have it, there were several cascades at the point where I intersected the
brook.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shown below is one of the more
picturesque cascades that I saw.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyZORnCD-U/UXFDeR400TI/AAAAAAAAPcE/Vpd2Eq_zZ80/s1600/CIMG9915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyZORnCD-U/UXFDeR400TI/AAAAAAAAPcE/Vpd2Eq_zZ80/s640/CIMG9915.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Picturesque cascade along an unnamed brook located west of the Davis Path</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To comfortably walk in the vicinity of the brook, I stopped to put on my
Microspikes since there were some icy patches here and there.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When putting my foot up onto a rock to adjust
my footwear, it was comical to see a "shadowy friend" mimic every
move I made.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a snapshot of my
shadow's foot “touching” my foot.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's
one of those things where you had to be there in order to appreciate the humor
of the situation.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI-kP9i3L1Y/UXFDX0CjPDI/AAAAAAAAPb8/s1gdvE9BV0w/s1600/CIMG9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI-kP9i3L1Y/UXFDX0CjPDI/AAAAAAAAPb8/s1gdvE9BV0w/s640/CIMG9905.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Me and my shadow</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After
sauntering along the brook for a while, I eventually made my way back to the
Davis Path and headed in the direction of the trailhead.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, before reaching trailhead, I decided
to head northward off the trail to roam along the east bank of the Saco
River.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the majority of the
shoreline is on public land within the White Mountain National Forest, there is
one small segment that is on private land. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the landowner kindly allows public
use of this land, except from April 20 through May 1.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I
don't know what significance those dates have.
I'm not a fisherman, but as far as I know, it doesn't seem to correlate
to a particular fishing season.)</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu64GGCG0Bw/UXFDwBJh8sI/AAAAAAAAPcQ/zHoAlr5bRa0/s1600/CIMG9951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu64GGCG0Bw/UXFDwBJh8sI/AAAAAAAAPcQ/zHoAlr5bRa0/s640/CIMG9951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Sign posted at both ends of short segment of private land along east bank of Saco River</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
next two snapshots show typical scenes while wandering along the east bank of the
Saco.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcFQrASNTVA/UXFD4mvz9HI/AAAAAAAAPcY/TWj6RIf0NhI/s1600/CIMG9961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcFQrASNTVA/UXFD4mvz9HI/AAAAAAAAPcY/TWj6RIf0NhI/s640/CIMG9961.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Looking southward down the Saco River</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcLzPOibh8k/UXFDWmMWFVI/AAAAAAAAPb0/awCRhswPiCE/s1600/CIMG9942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcLzPOibh8k/UXFDWmMWFVI/AAAAAAAAPb0/awCRhswPiCE/s640/CIMG9942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Looking northward up the Saco River</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So,
that's the story of one of my Springtime meanderings.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I roughly guesstimate that then entire round-trip
journey was less than 4 miles.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although
the distance was short, the enjoyment was BIG!</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm
uncertain if doing this type of meandering hike with no destination in mind is
an acquired taste, or just one of my personal quirks.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regardless, for anyone who has yet to
experience this type of hiking adventure, I would encourage you to at least
give it a try.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be times when
you see nothing of significance, and other times when you see things that are a
total surprise. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, part of the
appeal is related to the uncertainty about what will be found.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps many readers will recall the line
from the Forest Gump movie, i.e. “<i>Life is like a box of chocolates.</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>You never know what you're gonna get!</i>” :-)</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE
END ~</span>1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-82361697318408390792013-03-14T20:11:00.000-07:002013-03-14T20:11:04.087-07:00Sights I Saw: Wildlife Pond (off Zealand Rd) and Upper Ammonoosuc Falls<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On 13-March-2013, I drove a short distance down Base
Station Road to take a quick peek at the Ammonoosuc River and the spot referred
to as Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, or simply Upper Falls. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not really a hike.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You just park at a wide spot in the road and
walk a short distance to the viewing area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following that short foray, I drove to the winter parking
lot used to for hikers who want to hike various trails off the Zealand Road
which is closed to vehicular traffic in winter months.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the parking lot, I walked about 1.2 miles
to the point where the Corridor 11 snowmobile trail intersects Zealand Road
(about 75 ft north of the trailhead for the Sugarloaf Trail).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then walked eastward on the snowmobile
trail for about 0.1 mile and then turned right (southward) at the signed
junction for the trail to Wildlife Pond.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trail to the shoreline of the pond is only about 0.1 mile long. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It often has some wet/boggy spots to negotiate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The composite photo shown below will serve to encapsulate
the sights that I saw on this day in late winter of 2013 </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(click to enlarge).</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5x5MQvQ8yho/UUKOwFKiuBI/AAAAAAAAPKU/n0cDWtbEMt0/s1600/Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5x5MQvQ8yho/UUKOwFKiuBI/AAAAAAAAPKU/n0cDWtbEMt0/s640/Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The map shown below has two
pink dots which serve to indicate the general area where the above photos were taken
</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(click to enlarge).</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVg3BzgL-EY/UUKOkM0i8oI/AAAAAAAAPKM/tZaPXqljaEo/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVg3BzgL-EY/UUKOkM0i8oI/AAAAAAAAPKM/tZaPXqljaEo/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE END ~</i></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-57991564313752297772013-03-10T18:18:00.000-07:002013-08-26T05:04:13.909-07:00Fay State Forest (Lincoln/Woodstock, NH): A Very, Very Short Hike<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're in the area of Lincoln/Woodstock, NH
and you simply want a 20 minute (round-trip) hike, then the Fay State Forest is
something to consider.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It provides impressive views for minimal effort!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next three snapshots provide samples of what can be seen from a
logging cut at the top of a small hill at this location.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHUPbpokeBE/UTzi6MddDHI/AAAAAAAAPGs/jYP3hmLiM-4/s1600/CIMG9231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHUPbpokeBE/UTzi6MddDHI/AAAAAAAAPGs/jYP3hmLiM-4/s640/CIMG9231.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peaks along the Franconia Ridge</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7SQyGBRPhA/UTzi6WgQrCI/AAAAAAAAPGw/2CBKToqmKOY/s1600/CIMG9229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7SQyGBRPhA/UTzi6WgQrCI/AAAAAAAAPGw/2CBKToqmKOY/s640/CIMG9229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Looking eastward at peaks along Kancamagus Highway corridor (Loon Mtn ski slopes on right)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80e-VSbaFA/UTziyhcE1WI/AAAAAAAAPGY/21shqv6gIuI/s1600/CIMG9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80e-VSbaFA/UTziyhcE1WI/AAAAAAAAPGY/21shqv6gIuI/s640/CIMG9236.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just the very top of snow-capped Mt. Moosilauke (slightly right of center)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For anyone who is unfamiliar with Fay State Forest, it's
located on Rt. 3 about midway between I-93's Exit 33 and Exit 32.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's year-round parking on the east side
of Rt. 3 at the Fay Wayside Area (see Google Earth image below).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regarding the spot labeled on this image as
"Probable Path", it simply denotes where I suspect there is a pathway
directly across from the Fay Wayside Area.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But due to the groundcover of snow, it wasn't immediately obvious.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, to avoid encountering some unseen hazard,
I simply walked a few hundred feet southward on Rt. 3 to the spot labeled as
"Definite Path".</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4X9hTzHJIQ/UTzi4FiIMXI/AAAAAAAAPGg/URC9IO-Iubg/s1600/GoogleMap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4X9hTzHJIQ/UTzi4FiIMXI/AAAAAAAAPGg/URC9IO-Iubg/s640/GoogleMap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Google Earth image showing viewpoint and other features associated with Fay State Forest</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Further regarding the pathways leading to the
viewpoint shown on the above map, please understand that there are no trail signs,
and no trail blazing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ THE END ~</span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105860656728220014.post-80401607744595314972013-03-06T12:56:00.000-08:002013-03-08T18:48:43.440-08:00Two Short Treks in the Vicinity of Gorham and Shelburne, NH<br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although these two short treks on 05-Mar-2013
were done on XC-skis, they could also be done on snowshoes.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first trek of the day was to XC-ski a
loop on the Hayes-Copp trails located on Rt. 16 just a few miles south of
Gorham.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My second trek was to XC-ski a
portion of Hogan Road beginning at its junction with North Road in
Shelburne.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PART 1:
Hayes-Copp Ski Trails</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trailhead for the Hayes-Copp trails can be
accessed via the Pinkham "B" Road.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The road is regularly plowed from Rt. 16 to the winter parking area at
the Dolly Copp Campground.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although this
trail system is maintained by the Forest Service as XC-ski corridors, folks on
snowshoes are also welcome, as long as they respectfully hike to the side of the
track used by skiers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While doing this trek, I met a husband and
wife on snowshoes who indicated that they regularly do a loop hike involving
the Great Gulf Link + Great Gulf Trail + Leavitt's Link + Daniel Webster Scout
Trail. By looking at the map that is shown below, you can see how this route
could be done.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regarding the route that I used, it was a
loop of about 5.7 miles which is highlighted in pink on the map.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was basically the same route as described above
for the snowshoers, except my trek did not incorporate the Daniel Webster Scout
Trail. </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As can be seen from the map, it's
possible to do construct a variety of loop configurations. <i>(Click on map to enlarge it.)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0hhJbuwgqU/UTdubY7K-uI/AAAAAAAAPFY/jnjoJ70NQ2A/s1600/XCskiMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0hhJbuwgqU/UTdubY7K-uI/AAAAAAAAPFY/jnjoJ70NQ2A/s640/XCskiMap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Map of Hayes-Copp Ski Trails and surrounding trails</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be brief with my commentary, and show
only a few photos to give a flavor of this trek.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trails are delightful and lead you
through beautiful forest scenes such as shown in the next photo.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAe2GA-pIjs/UTdskx0k0DI/AAAAAAAAPEI/qhvYBxwp3ls/s1600/CIMG9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAe2GA-pIjs/UTdskx0k0DI/AAAAAAAAPEI/qhvYBxwp3ls/s640/CIMG9173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful forest scene along the route of my XC-ski loop</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are picturesque scenes as you trek
along the bank of the Peabody River.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGAWhaIPX00/UTdsikAhndI/AAAAAAAAPEA/KhKP9sdc9pQ/s1600/CIMG9176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGAWhaIPX00/UTdsikAhndI/AAAAAAAAPEA/KhKP9sdc9pQ/s640/CIMG9176.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picturesque scenes along the bank of the Peabody River</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was one spot along the trail where
there was a display of colorful ice.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEtrqVxWGmI/UTdtUciaisI/AAAAAAAAPEg/CpdSE9Lukuo/s1600/CIMG9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEtrqVxWGmI/UTdtUciaisI/AAAAAAAAPEg/CpdSE9Lukuo/s640/CIMG9186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Trailside display of colorful ice</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the day of this trek, it was overcast</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with intermittent snow showers.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Therefore, the vistas of mountains in the
distance were very muted.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the next
photo, you can barely make out the profile of the "Imp" that is
formed by rocky outcroppings in Imp Face Mountain.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbQEy73AVUM/UTdtWek11RI/AAAAAAAAPEo/N43Q8WtPsJk/s1600/CIMG9198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbQEy73AVUM/UTdtWek11RI/AAAAAAAAPEo/N43Q8WtPsJk/s640/CIMG9198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Profile of the "Imp" barely visible on Imp Face Mountain</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And likewise, the overcast only allowed you to faintly see small portions of the Carter Range.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URk_HQdL8j0/UTdsmx8kFzI/AAAAAAAAPEQ/7uDmFO8eh90/s1600/CIMG9161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URk_HQdL8j0/UTdsmx8kFzI/AAAAAAAAPEQ/7uDmFO8eh90/s640/CIMG9161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Portions of Carter Range faintly visible through the overcast</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much of the Hayes-Copp trail system is located
on the land which was owned and farmed by Hayes Copp and his wife Dolly back in
the mid 1800s. </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An internet search will
provide information about Hayes and Dolly (click <b><a href="http://www.dollycopp.com/dollycopp5.php" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> for one of many links).</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, the Forest Service has some placards at
a spot along the trail which gives some details about the Copp family (next
photo).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00FvOdbvTEc/UTdtKlBaJiI/AAAAAAAAPEY/YMJAtRZY09o/s1600/CIMG9192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00FvOdbvTEc/UTdtKlBaJiI/AAAAAAAAPEY/YMJAtRZY09o/s640/CIMG9192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Forest Service placards provide brief story about the Copp family</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PART 2: XC-skiing
along Hogan Road</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was still plenty of time left in the
afternoon since it took just under 2 hours at a leisurely pace to ski the 5.7
mile loop at Dolly-Copp.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, I
decided to try something that was new to me, at least in terms of
XC-skiing.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(In case this new adventure didn't work out, I had a backup plan to
XC-ski the abandoned logging roads off Jimtown Road. But as it turned out, my backup plan was
unneeded.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I drove the short distance to Shelburne, NH
and parked at the plowed parking area at the junction of North Road and Hogan
Road (see next photo).</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My goal was to
XC-ski for a little over a mile down Hogan Road.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having driven this road in summer months, I
knew that this roadway provides some attractive views over the Reflection
Pond/Androscoggin River waterway.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll0Kws8pJgc/UTduUkrBZMI/AAAAAAAAPFQ/l4WNGbA7az8/s1600/CIMG9227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll0Kws8pJgc/UTduUkrBZMI/AAAAAAAAPFQ/l4WNGbA7az8/s640/CIMG9227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junction of North Road and Hogan Road</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before putting on my skis, I took a look at
the road and saw no evidence of snowmobile traffic.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, there were recent tire tracks.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not signed as being closed to traffic,
and perhaps there is some reason unknown to me as to why this road would be
driven in winter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the tire tracks, I felt it was
unlikely that any vehicles would be encountered along the way.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I skied down the center of the road to a spot
just a bit east of Steven's Point.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was
an enjoyable trek, and I got a couple of pleasant views <i>(see next two photos)</i>.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6DpTk-4V7E/UTdt3IcQlTI/AAAAAAAAPEw/GEyeyDaAS9c/s1600/CIMG9209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6DpTk-4V7E/UTdt3IcQlTI/AAAAAAAAPEw/GEyeyDaAS9c/s640/CIMG9209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dam complex at east end of Reflection Pond (southern Mahoosuc Mountains in background)</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMp7SDg_XmM/UTduBGSaLAI/AAAAAAAAPFA/Ekda1NlCdpk/s1600/CIMG9215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMp7SDg_XmM/UTduBGSaLAI/AAAAAAAAPFA/Ekda1NlCdpk/s640/CIMG9215.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking southward across Reflection Pond toward Moriah mountain range</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to being amazed to see tire
tracks on Hogan Road, I was equally surprised to see that the trailhead parking
lot for the Centennial Trail had been plowed (next photo).</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the trail itself only had a few
random animal tracks.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was no
evidence of any human traffic.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rT3H_8fHkEg/UTduA9fU0yI/AAAAAAAAPE4/Hef49iBjLug/s1600/CIMG9221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rT3H_8fHkEg/UTduA9fU0yI/AAAAAAAAPE4/Hef49iBjLug/s640/CIMG9221.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plowed parking at trailhead for Centennial Trail</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And lastly, shown below is a map with my
route of travel highlighted in yellow.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmHohd4u7So/UTduGPpp8JI/AAAAAAAAPFI/vqVivP9wvsc/s1600/HoganMap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmHohd4u7So/UTduGPpp8JI/AAAAAAAAPFI/vqVivP9wvsc/s640/HoganMap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My route of travel along Hogan Road is highlighted in yellow</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>~ THE
END ~</b></span></div>
1HappyHikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02242409292439585691noreply@blogger.com2