http://www.vftt.org/forums/ trail conditions in New Hampshire en Mon, 20 May 2013 06:19:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.vftt.org/forums/images/misc/rss.png http://www.vftt.org/forums/ http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49096-horn-bulge-mary-middle-pilot-west-pilot-hutchins-5-19-13&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 03:28:38 GMT date: 5/19/13 trails: unknown pond trail, kilkenny ridge trail, horn spur, bushwack, unofficial trail, bushwack conditions: mill brook road is in fine shape. parking, as always, is limited right near the trailhead. some mud on unknown pond trail, but mostly pretty dry up to the pond. ... date: 5/19/13

trails: unknown pond trail, kilkenny ridge trail, horn spur, bushwack, unofficial trail, bushwack

conditions: mill brook road is in fine shape. parking, as always, is limited right near the trailhead. some mud on unknown pond trail, but mostly pretty dry up to the pond. same on kilkenny ridge with a couple small patches of snow that are totally avoidable. spur path to the horn in good shape too. we bushwacked pretty much directly off the bulge onto the pilot ridge through nice open woods with moose paths galore over a number of intermediate bumps to the summit of mary where we picked up the unofficial trail that comes up from the lost nation side. we followed this down to the col with middle and a short distance beyond before peeling off and bushwacking up to the summit of middle pilot. woods remained good with an evident herd/moose path higher up. the good woods continued up to west and down towards hutchins. this was the only place we had to step in snow all day where a decent patch remains in the col. intially we headed right towards hutchins dropping elevation off the ridge, but then hit an amazing moose path that brought us back onto the ridge and we stuck with the ridgeline the rest of the way. woods got scrappier in the last .5 or so, but never too bad (though pretty interesting with two moose sheds strapped to my pack...). from the summit of hutchins we immediately dropped north until we reached better woods then turned to the east down the drainage back to mill brook road popping out in the clearcut right at the end of the road. numerous moose paths and old roads helped out along the way.

equipment: nothing in particular.

comments: awesome day. we decided to take in the horn and bulge before tackling the pilot ridge and i am glad we did as it was a perfect day to spend a few minutes up on the horn. the moose sign along pilot ridge was endless. a bit muggy, but decent temps and bugs aren't out in force up there yet. was cursing myself at times for trying to lug out two moose antlers, but i had never collected any sheds before and they were too nice to leave behind. a big thanks to jeremy for a great hike.

bryan

bryancuddihee@yahoo.com ]]> New Hampshire bryan http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49096-horn-bulge-mary-middle-pilot-west-pilot-hutchins-5-19-13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49089-Garfield-Frost-and-Gale-River-Trails&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 23:05:45 GMT Conditions: Great, lots of water. The climb up is mostly dry. The final push up to the summit cone of Garfield has snow and ice. Most barebooted but I was glad we had spikes. From Garfield tentsite to Galehead had some spotty snow and ice but we barebooted. The steep decent was tricky but... Conditions: Great, lots of water. The climb up is mostly dry. The final push up to the summit cone of Garfield has snow and ice. Most barebooted but I was glad we had spikes. From Garfield tentsite to Galehead had some spotty snow and ice but we barebooted. The steep decent was tricky but managebale if you just take it slow.

Special Gear: I was glad to have microspikes for the last push up Garfield. I wore them for 20 minutes the whole time we were out and I am glad I had them. Bugs were no issue on the ridge. They were sort of bad down along the river. Temps got down into the 40's. Great night to camp ]]> New Hampshire ChacoTaco http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49089-Garfield-Frost-and-Gale-River-Trails http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49087-Osceola-East-Osceola-May-19th&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 22:45:33 GMT Mt.Osceola/East Osceola via the Mt. Osceola trail May 19, 2013.

Trail dry with a patch or two of snow and what's left of a monorail between the two peaks. A bit of wet here and there but almost not worth mentioning.

Special equipment needed: Sunscreen. No Microspikes or bug spray needed (not yet anyway).

The trails had a good amount of hikers today but apparently the summit saw a lot more traffic on Saturday. Okay with us - it didn't cloud up til later we enjoyed a sunny, windless day. ]]> New Hampshire Peppersass http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49087-Osceola-East-Osceola-May-19th http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49085-Mt-Wolf-Traverse-5-17&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 17:20:01 GMT Reel Brook Trail to Kinsman Ridge Trail to Gordon Pond Trail to NH 112. Some major blowdowns on Kinsman Ridge between Reel Brook and Mt. Wolf, and many are quite difficult to get around. One in particular, the worst of the lot, would appear to require heavy equipment to remove. Some short ice... Reel Brook Trail to Kinsman Ridge Trail to Gordon Pond Trail to NH 112. Some major blowdowns on Kinsman Ridge between Reel Brook and Mt. Wolf, and many are quite difficult to get around. One in particular, the worst of the lot, would appear to require heavy equipment to remove. Some short ice remnants on the trail near the "summit" of Mt. Wolf. Plenty of muddy trail, especially on Gordon Pond Trail near the pond. Mud is over a foot deep on some places. But, despite all of that, a very enjoyable hike in mixed sun and clouds. Bugs are out at lower elevation but aren't biting. The higher oxygen levels at the lower elevations, due to the emergence of the leaves and the wonder of photosynthesis, makes it a joy to walk through the woods. ]]> New Hampshire Unregistered http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49085-Mt-Wolf-Traverse-5-17 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49084-North-and-South-Kinsman-Mount-Kinsman-Trail-Kinsman-Ridge-Trail&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 14:43:28 GMT Date of Hike: May 18, 2013

Trail Conditions: Dry in the beginning but turned wet and muddy further in. Started running into patches of snow around 3200'. The ridge trail between the peaks had a little more snow towards the South peak but nothing really to worry about.

Special Equipment Required: None. I suppose you could use spikes on the snow between the peaks but I don't think it's worth the time to put them on.

Comments: Great day, weather was beautiful and the black flies were not bad at all. I brought bug spray and never used it. ]]> New Hampshire mhobbs http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49084-North-and-South-Kinsman-Mount-Kinsman-Trail-Kinsman-Ridge-Trail http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49082-Eisenhower-amp-Monroe-5-18-13&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 01:17:32 GMT Date of Hike: 5/18/13 Trails: Edmund Trail and Crawford Trail round trip. Mt Clinton road is open. Trail Conditions: Lower Edmund Trail dry, last section on the upper Edmund Trail with patches of snow. No snow above tree line to Eisenhower and to Monroe Special Equipment Required: Bare... Date of Hike: 5/18/13

Trails: Edmund Trail and Crawford Trail round trip. Mt Clinton road is open.

Trail Conditions: Lower Edmund Trail dry, last section on the upper Edmund Trail with patches of snow. No snow above tree line to Eisenhower and to Monroe

Special Equipment Required: Bare boots. Carried microspikes but did not use them.

Comments: Beautiful day. Many people on the trails today. Lower mountain flowers blooming: dogwood, trout lily, hepatica, trillium. ]]> New Hampshire sleepy_mike http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49082-Eisenhower-amp-Monroe-5-18-13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49078-north-hitchcock-5-18-13&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 22:16:48 GMT date: 5/18/13 trails: east side trail, bushwack, pine island trail conditions: east side trail was dry and in good shape minus the damage done by irene. i hiked a few minutes past the northern pine island junction then took to the woods headed roughly east towards the summit of north... date: 5/18/13

trails: east side trail, bushwack, pine island trail

conditions: east side trail was dry and in good shape minus the damage done by irene. i hiked a few minutes past the northern pine island junction then took to the woods headed roughly east towards the summit of north hitchcock. nice open hard woods until around 2k then a band of spruce before returning to hardwoods across a broad plateau. after a couple hundred more vertical the woods got scrappier, but never too bad. i hit the ridge a couple tenths south of the summit which is where it got interesting with thick growth and blowdown dominating. dropping off the ridge to the west was somewhat helpful for a bit, but then i got back on and just pushed through arriving at a clear cut with a wooden deck (helicopter landing pad) and nearby solar panel and radio antenna. i knew this was up there, but still interesting to see in person. the highpoint is a bit north of this cleared area. for the descent i headed directly off the summit to the west finding that by slabbing north i remained in much nicer woods. i could only go so far north without getting too far off track and eventually turned back to the west going through one nasty stretch before getting into open woods the rest of the way back to east side trail crossing over some minor ridges and pretty drainages along the way. pine island trail was in nice shape. some great work was done re routing and getting that trail opened again after ts irene. water crossings on east side trail and pine island trail were not an issue today.

equipment: nothing in particular.

comments: a beautiful day in the woods. got worked pretty hard in the last .5 or so to the summit, but ended up having a pretty nice descent through great woods. some good views to franconia ridge and owls head from the helicopter platform at the summit and some limited looks to other surrounding peaks. nice walk along the pemi on pine island trail stopping to check out all the views from the river bank along the way. great to be out.

bryan

bryancuddihee@yahoo.com ]]> New Hampshire bryan http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49078-north-hitchcock-5-18-13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49077-5-18-13-Cabot-Bulge-amp-The-Horn&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 21:56:11 GMT 5/18/13: Cabot, the Bulge, & the Horn,

Trails: Bunnel Notch, Kilkenny Ridge, Mt. Cabot, & Unknown Pond Trail

The trails were mostly dry with a few areas of snow & ice, but it was mostly all avoidable. There were some major blow downs but nothing that couldn't be stepped over, crawled under, or side stepped without trampling the new vegetation.

Equipment: we brought micro spikes but never really needed them. Poles made for easy river hopping and stability on the partial monorail sections.

Thanks to Dehydrator for another great hike. The views from The Horn were amazing.

Z:D ]]> New Hampshire summitseeker http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49077-5-18-13-Cabot-Bulge-amp-The-Horn http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49072-Mooselauke-plus-Jim-Blue-and-South&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:24 GMT We headed up via Asquam Ridge, Beaver Brook and Benton and down via Carriage and Hurricane. Asquam was free of snow all the way to the summit of Jim. However, heading down the north side of Jim the snow was very deep. Fortunately this section was very short. Beaver Brook from its... We headed up via Asquam Ridge, Beaver Brook and Benton and down via Carriage and Hurricane.

Asquam was free of snow all the way to the summit of Jim. However, heading down the north side of Jim the snow was very deep. Fortunately this section was very short. Beaver Brook from its intersection with Asquam had intermittent patches of snow all the way to Benton, but nothing that required traction. Benton to the tree line also had intermittent snow patches that were easily passed. Above the treeline the trails were bare. The carriage road was also bare above the tree line with intermittent patches down in the trees. There is a short section below Glencliff that has a bit more snow but it didn't last long. Below that short stretch Carriage Road and Hurricane were totally free of snow.

There were a surprising number of blowdowns between the two foot bridges on Asquam. They're not that hard to get by, but we've come to expect to be spoiled by the well maintained Dartmouth trails so this was a surprise. The rest of the trails were in good condition.

All streams were bridged by wooden bridges.

It's amazing how much smoother the Carriage road is below snapper. I would guess the difference comes from the lower amount of foot traffic.

There were no bugs out today. It was too cold when we left and too windy on top, but it warmed up to about 60* on lower Carriage and Hurricane and they still didn't come out.

We did the whack up to Blue today. I hadn't been there since Duffy died almost six years ago. The log book's first entry was by J & J in memory of Bill Bowden and the last entry before ours was in March by Stinky Feet.

I didn't realize when I did the whack how opportune it was. Just before the Benton trail I met a couple of guys coming down from the summit. The told me they couldn't see a thing. When I got up there just a short time later the clouds had lifted and we had great views. Had I not done the whack I also would have been treated to the fog.

There are no views from Jim and Blue but the views from the south peak are outstanding. The rewards are outstanding for just a 1/10 of a mile spur.

This was a very nostalgic final trip up one of my favorite peaks and the one for which Lauky was named. The mountain today offered us everything we have come to expect from that Mountain--wind, misty rain, fog, and outstanding views. It was a great hike.:)

http://s219.photobucket.com/user/Boo...226b9.jpg.html

Ednlauky@gmail.com ]]> New Hampshire http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49072-Mooselauke-plus-Jim-Blue-and-South http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49064-Tripyramids-(all)-via-Livermore-and-Mt-Tripyramids-Trails-5-16&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 23:53:47 GMT Date of Hike: May 16, 2013

Trail Conditions: Having not hiked since yesterday I was itchin' to hit the trails so I did. Livermore Trail was in great shape (like an old road, of course). Hardly any mud, and one easy-over blowdown. That's it. Mt. Tripyramid Trail was also in great shape. A little wetter, a little muddier, but easy walking. The first crossing was easy as pie. The North Slide was a bit wet with a little snow so a great amount of care needed to be taken on the lower slabs as they were quite slippery in many spots. Thank goodness for all those tough little trees else we would have never climbed it without protection. The upper parts of the slide were dry and easy to negotiate. The ridge was pretty easy walking. A little ice, tiny remnants of the monorail, and a couple of easy-to-manage blowdowns. The trail was wet and a bit muddy in places, but not bad at all. The South Slide was a piece of cake. Very dry with all that southern exposure. The remaining crossings were super simple and the rest of the trail was like the start: slightly wet and muddy in a few spots, plus a couple of easy-to-manage blowdowns there as well. All-in-all, no problem.

Special Equipment Used: We brought microspikes but we never felt the need to use them. I wouldn't even bother bringing them unless you're unsure of yourself. Trekking poles are a nice option for balance for the crossings, but even they weren't really needed.

Comments: Hiked this one with a Meetup hike I was leading for Random. I was joined by my friend Bill Robichaud plus Brad, Karen, Debra, and Radley and I must say this was an awesome group who exhibited great courage and drive on such tough terrain. The screening worked and all survived it well. We all clicked so well and had such a great day with tons of smiles and laughs (and a great finish at the Mad River Tavern for some Switchback Ale). On exit we met Sandy Price (sleeveless) on the trail going south to north and she was so cool; working on her gird and almost done. Impressive to say the least. On top of it all, the day was super productive from a list standpoint: 44 and 45 of my 2013 48 (two to go for the year), two more grid peaks, one peak for the TW72 list, plus the South Slide which I still needed for the Terrifying 25 list. Woo-hoo.

Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH ]]> New Hampshire NH Tramper http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49064-Tripyramids-(all)-via-Livermore-and-Mt-Tripyramids-Trails-5-16 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49055-Mt-Pierce-to-Mt-Clay-at-Night-via-(see-post-for-trails)-5-14-5-15&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 18:38:44 GMT *Date of Hike:* May 14 and May 15, 2013 *Trails:* Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Trinity Connector, Gulfside Trail, Clay Loop, Jewel Trail. *Trail Conditions:* Been hiking smaller stuff such as 52WAV and Fifty Finest peaks lately but decided to hike something epic for my... Date of Hike: May 14 and May 15, 2013

Trails: Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Trinity Connector, Gulfside Trail, Clay Loop, Jewel Trail.

Trail Conditions: Been hiking smaller stuff such as 52WAV and Fifty Finest peaks lately but decided to hike something epic for my birthday so a traverse from Pierce to Clay in time for sunrise really fit the bill. I will break the trails down in two parts: below treeline and above treeline. In other words, some of Crawford Path and Jewel Trail, plus some patches in the spruces above, then the rest. Below treeline we experienced a mixed bag: dry, wet, muddy, frozen, icy, and rock-solid monorail conditions due to the recent cold. All was easy to deal with, but the monorail sections were annoying: hard to walk on the skinny parts, yet still tough to avoid in many places. There were icy sections, but most were avoidable. Above treeline we encountered mostly bare rock with patches of ice, frozen puddles, and a few rock-hard snow fields. All was easy to walk on or avoid. No blowdowns (though one being cleaned up on Jewel) and no crossings.

Special Equipment Used: We brought microspikes, and I would recommend this, but we never felt the need to use them. Trekking poles are a nice option for balance. Warm clothing due to the cold and wind up there, still. We had 25 mph winds and the wind chill was 3F. Brrr. That said, it was night.

Comments: Hiked this one with a friend, David Chess. Celebrated my birthday on Monroe (midnight), and saw another friend, Samantha Brady, at MWOBS. Surprising the crowds thin right out at night, lol. Great way to turn 51, though this hike really aged me. :)

Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH ]]> New Hampshire NH Tramper http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49055-Mt-Pierce-to-Mt-Clay-at-Night-via-(see-post-for-trails)-5-14-5-15 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49052-Sandwich-Dome-5-14-13&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 11:07:13 GMT Trails: Up Algonquin, down Smarts Brook Road Conditon: Sandwich Notch Rd open and in good shape Algonquin Trial in excellent shape, snow/ice free, very little mud, a few minor blowdowns we moved, others easily stepped over or around. Smarts Brook Trail: still some lingering ice at the top.... Trails: Up Algonquin, down Smarts Brook
Road Conditon: Sandwich Notch Rd open and in good shape

Algonquin Trial in excellent shape, snow/ice free, very little mud, a few minor blowdowns we moved, others easily stepped over or around.

Smarts Brook Trail: still some lingering ice at the top. Some blowdowns. Crossings easily rock hopped.

Sunny clear skies, mild temps, a light breeze, NO BUGS, a great day in the woods with TimC, Terra & Pemi.

10.8 miles ]]> New Hampshire una_dogger http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49052-Sandwich-Dome-5-14-13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49051-Mt-Liberty-and-Flume-Liberty-Spring-Trail-and-Franconia-Ridge-Trail&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 08:59:33 GMT Date: 5-14-13 Conditions: Liberty Spring Trail is snow and ice free to the tent site then minor ice to jct with FRT which is easily avoided by rock hopping and using the sides of the trail. There are sections of the trail where there is running water and muddy but again rock hopping will keep... Date: 5-14-13

Conditions: Liberty Spring Trail is snow and ice free to the tent site then minor ice to jct with FRT which is easily avoided by rock hopping and using the sides of the trail. There are sections of the trail where there is running water and muddy but again rock hopping will keep you dry. All stream crossings were okay. There are several blow downs and widow makers but posed no problem. FRT from the jct to just below the summit of Liberty still has a lot of snow. Snow/ice was very hard pack so by the time we hit the steep section we put on Hillsounds for security. FRT from Liberty to Flume is a mix of rotting snow/ice with short sections of nothing. We barebooted until the steep section of Flume and then put on traction. We wore traction all the way back to just below ledges of Liberty which made for a much faster safer trip and highly recommended. Several blow down on this section of FRT but again no problem getting around.

Special Equipment: Just traction as mentioned and poles.

Comments: Just a stellar day to be out. Leaves popping down low, babbling brooks everywhere, no black flies yet. ]]> New Hampshire kerry13 http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49051-Mt-Liberty-and-Flume-Liberty-Spring-Trail-and-Franconia-Ridge-Trail http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49044-Mount-Martha-by-Cherry-Mountain-Trail&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 19:08:56 GMT *Date of Hike:* 5/14/2013 *Trail Conditions:* Dry trail, no trace of ice/snow on or near the trail. *Special Equipment Required:* Hiker -- essential :) *Comments:* Huge clearcut just north of trail, extending from road to approximately 2,400 foot contour. Hobblebush in full bloom,... Date of Hike: 5/14/2013

Trail Conditions: Dry trail, no trace of ice/snow on or near the trail.

Special Equipment Required: Hiker -- essential :)

Comments: Huge clearcut just north of trail, extending from road to approximately 2,400 foot contour.

Hobblebush in full bloom, lots of Trillium, both painted and red, and the first fully open trout lilies I have seen this year.

My Name: Mohamed Ellozy ]]> New Hampshire Mohamed Ellozy http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49044-Mount-Martha-by-Cherry-Mountain-Trail http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49033-North-Kearsarge-5-12-13&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 23:42:59 GMT Mt. Kearsarge North via Kearsarge North trail May 12,2013 First half mile of the trail was dry with one blowdown (hop over). The clearing (slabby area) was wet and slippery in spots. As the trail steepened the rocks got wetter but overall not an issue; one small patch of ice peeking out... Mt. Kearsarge North via Kearsarge North trail May 12,2013

First half mile of the trail was dry with one blowdown (hop over). The clearing (slabby area) was wet and slippery in spots. As the trail steepened the rocks got wetter but overall not an issue; one small patch of ice peeking out between a few rocks.

No special equipment needed.

It poured all the way up Route 16 until we reach Chocorua. Rain stopped, skies cleared and the sun came out allowing for spectacular views on the summit. The bugs found us by the slabs and continued to annoy us until the wind picked up closer to the top. I imagine they will be out in full force in another week. ]]> New Hampshire Peppersass http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?49033-North-Kearsarge-5-12-13