John,
Thanks for the feedback on my trip reoport. I always hope that they are useful to someone. I have gathered so much good information from this board and it's great to be able to give back.
I actually did Carter Dome via the Bog Brook, Rainbow Trails last summer. The Rainbow Trail is a real gem. I can still picture that wonderful birch grove.
I love the Element so far. I haven't really tested it much in the snow yet. The clearance seems decent but not as good as some other bigger SUVs. I have been hiking mainly in the Whites so I have had few chances to try it out on the really rough roads.
Bill