SteveR
New member
In her second season of peakbagging, Kibo was down to just 3 peaks left for her NH48.
So with the impending closure of Lincoln Woods, we decided strike off on a Bonds traverse even though the weather forecast was something of a crap shoot.
Along with our good friend Summitseeker, who is always up for a good trudge, we spotted cars and headed out from Zealand Road at 7AM in light rain, hoping for the best. And by the time we crested the shoulder of Zeacliff we were encouraged by occasional glimpses of sunshine and blue sky.
Trails were all in good shape so we motored right along and conditions just continued to improve. By the time we were crossing Guyot it was obvious the weather would hold. We would get our views.
As we approached #46 on the West Bond Spur, we began to meet more folks enjoying a traverse. Some indicated that they, too, had come this weekend in order to beat the LW closure. Kibo muscled up the short summit cone and had just two remaining...
We made quick work of the section from the spur over to Bond summit. Total time at this point was just over the 4 hour mark and Kibo bags #47!
The stretch between Bond and Bondcliff has long been one of my favorites in the White mountains and today was no different. We could already see other folks enjoying the iconic Bondcliff ledge, either for a photo op or just to test their nerve. For us it would close another chapter and complete another fun goal and list.
We found a few happy hikers on Bondcliff. There were out-and-back hikers from both ends and some who were on a traverse. Regardless, all were enjoying the day and the perfect conditions. Kibo was happy to visit with whoever had the best smelling lunch. She took #48 in stride... just another hike for a dog. But we enjoyed the moment.
As you all know, Bondcliff is only the halfway point on a traverse. Now we had to face the exit route down the Bondcliff trail and out to Lincoln Woods. At least we knew we would be in the trees if any afternoon t-storms developed. Total trip time at this point was about 5h20.
We found all the crossings down considerably from last month's traverse for Bernerbabe's #48. The sections of mud were just as prevalent as July, though, much to Kibo's delight. Two hours descending brought us out to the Wilderness Trail and the much maligned railroad grade walk. I really don't hate it after a great hike and Kibo still had plenty of spring in her step. Lincoln Woods was being enjoyed by MANY hikers/walkers/bikers/swimmers and their dogs today.
Total trip time was 8h45 when we reached the suspension bridge and Summitseeker produced a custom 4K bowl and a treat for Keebs... beef jerky!! A happy ending to a most excellent day in the mountains.
Thanks to Zac for being a great hiking companion as always!
So with the impending closure of Lincoln Woods, we decided strike off on a Bonds traverse even though the weather forecast was something of a crap shoot.
Along with our good friend Summitseeker, who is always up for a good trudge, we spotted cars and headed out from Zealand Road at 7AM in light rain, hoping for the best. And by the time we crested the shoulder of Zeacliff we were encouraged by occasional glimpses of sunshine and blue sky.
Trails were all in good shape so we motored right along and conditions just continued to improve. By the time we were crossing Guyot it was obvious the weather would hold. We would get our views.
As we approached #46 on the West Bond Spur, we began to meet more folks enjoying a traverse. Some indicated that they, too, had come this weekend in order to beat the LW closure. Kibo muscled up the short summit cone and had just two remaining...
We made quick work of the section from the spur over to Bond summit. Total time at this point was just over the 4 hour mark and Kibo bags #47!
The stretch between Bond and Bondcliff has long been one of my favorites in the White mountains and today was no different. We could already see other folks enjoying the iconic Bondcliff ledge, either for a photo op or just to test their nerve. For us it would close another chapter and complete another fun goal and list.
We found a few happy hikers on Bondcliff. There were out-and-back hikers from both ends and some who were on a traverse. Regardless, all were enjoying the day and the perfect conditions. Kibo was happy to visit with whoever had the best smelling lunch. She took #48 in stride... just another hike for a dog. But we enjoyed the moment.
As you all know, Bondcliff is only the halfway point on a traverse. Now we had to face the exit route down the Bondcliff trail and out to Lincoln Woods. At least we knew we would be in the trees if any afternoon t-storms developed. Total trip time at this point was about 5h20.
We found all the crossings down considerably from last month's traverse for Bernerbabe's #48. The sections of mud were just as prevalent as July, though, much to Kibo's delight. Two hours descending brought us out to the Wilderness Trail and the much maligned railroad grade walk. I really don't hate it after a great hike and Kibo still had plenty of spring in her step. Lincoln Woods was being enjoyed by MANY hikers/walkers/bikers/swimmers and their dogs today.
Total trip time was 8h45 when we reached the suspension bridge and Summitseeker produced a custom 4K bowl and a treat for Keebs... beef jerky!! A happy ending to a most excellent day in the mountains.
Thanks to Zac for being a great hiking companion as always!
