Recent content by jul

TJsName, I once was in wind gusting between 80 - 100 mph, in the exposed section of Bondcliff, in late Nov in 2002, and it repeatedly knocked me down and I was unable to make any forward progress. I'm around 160 lbs (plus a 40+ lbs pack) and pretty strong, so to be flung around by the wind was...

For all of us who have a bit of a habit of popping "Vitamin I" before a hike, there's been some recent research indicating that taking NSAIDS, including ibuprofen, before exercise may actually increase inflammatory response and decrease tissue & bone repair after exercise. In yesterday's...

I use poles and love them. I have a pair of Leki Makalu - twist-lock w/shock absorbers. Next time I'd buy the ones without the shock absorbers - these ones are noisy. But since mine still function just fine, at least 5 years since purchase, I can't see buying a new pair yet. I usually don't use...

Hancock (North & South): Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail Date of Hike: August 16 & 17, 2008 Trail Conditions: Muddy Special Equipment Required: Gaiters Comments: Hancock Notch Trail was only a bit muddy. Cedar Brook Trail was quite wet, with many slippery roots and...

I'd go up the Howker Ridge Trail, over Madison & Adams, then down the Valley Way trail to Randolph Path East. That'll put you right back at your car. The Howker Ridge Trail is great to ascend because it's very pretty and gives you periodic glimpses of views (on top of each of the 'howks' or...

thanks for the info. It looks like the Isolation trail campsites or Rocky Branch sites would be better.

Are there any viable (and legal, of course) camping areas on the Glen Boulder trail? I'm looking at the map and there seems to be an area where the contour lines flatten out a bit between Glen Boulder and Slide Peak, near the spring, but if it's just dense high scrub that probably wouldn't offer...

couscous is good cold, but I must admit it's better with dehydrated veggies in it. Also, you can get dry (dehydrated) hummus at natural food stores. That's tasty cold.

Anyone know of any good swimming holes w/in a half-mile or so of the Rocky Branch trail & isolation trail junction? The river thereabouts looks like there ought to be some good ones, but it's been awhile since I've been there, and that was in a far colder season when I wasn't looking for...