grouseking
Well-known member
Nah, I'm not Jewish...but I'd say it was a good phrase for the day. It was the best hike I've taken since last July. I forgot how much I love that region of the whites...there are sweeping mountain views, abundant wildlife, (saw a moose) seldom used trails, water views...things that I look for in my hiking. We saw a total of 6 people yesterday, and 2 of those were at the end of the day when we got back to the car.
My buddy and I started up Mt Israel around 10:45am via the Wentworth trail.
The bugs were already getting their act together, but were not biting just yet. That happened later in the afternoon. Side note with the bugs; They are bad this year. Bring bug dope on hikes from now on! Its only mid May for god sakes.
The Wentworth trail is a nice trek up to the summit of Israel. Its a pretty straightfoward way to climb a mountain, and it has the normal stuff one might find on a white mtn trail; a nice hardword "bear" forest down low, occasional rocks in the trail, some views higher up, to give you a clue of what is ahead, and the forest change to spruce/fir near the summit. As for conditions, they were flawless. There were no blowdowns, no mud, no nuttin.' Flowers were done blooming on this side too, except for a few violets.
Down low
Views opening up, to Squam
I was trying out using poles yesterday, to minimize pressure on the knees. I think it did the trick, cause they are not hurting at all today. More on the level of my pain later. haha
The poles definitely slowed me down (prob a good thing) but it was definitely a steady walk, and we made it to the top in fairly good time. The views from Sandwich Mtn, to Chocoura were fantastic. The upslope clouds were amazing, and very photogenic. Temps were coolish, about 50, and the wind was fairly light, except for a random 20-25 mph gust that would hit you out of nowhere, for no longer than one second.
loving the contrast
More contrast, upslope clouds, blue, and Sandwich Dome
A small peak that took my attention
pretty sure...Tri's Sleepers
mmmmhmmm
hiking poles help to make neat hiking pics
After a lengthy stay up top, it was time for the trip down the Mead trail
Headed down I noticed lots of trillium
more in a minute! grouseking
My buddy and I started up Mt Israel around 10:45am via the Wentworth trail.
The bugs were already getting their act together, but were not biting just yet. That happened later in the afternoon. Side note with the bugs; They are bad this year. Bring bug dope on hikes from now on! Its only mid May for god sakes.
The Wentworth trail is a nice trek up to the summit of Israel. Its a pretty straightfoward way to climb a mountain, and it has the normal stuff one might find on a white mtn trail; a nice hardword "bear" forest down low, occasional rocks in the trail, some views higher up, to give you a clue of what is ahead, and the forest change to spruce/fir near the summit. As for conditions, they were flawless. There were no blowdowns, no mud, no nuttin.' Flowers were done blooming on this side too, except for a few violets.
Down low
Views opening up, to Squam
I was trying out using poles yesterday, to minimize pressure on the knees. I think it did the trick, cause they are not hurting at all today. More on the level of my pain later. haha
The poles definitely slowed me down (prob a good thing) but it was definitely a steady walk, and we made it to the top in fairly good time. The views from Sandwich Mtn, to Chocoura were fantastic. The upslope clouds were amazing, and very photogenic. Temps were coolish, about 50, and the wind was fairly light, except for a random 20-25 mph gust that would hit you out of nowhere, for no longer than one second.
loving the contrast
More contrast, upslope clouds, blue, and Sandwich Dome
A small peak that took my attention
pretty sure...Tri's Sleepers
mmmmhmmm
hiking poles help to make neat hiking pics
After a lengthy stay up top, it was time for the trip down the Mead trail
Headed down I noticed lots of trillium
more in a minute! grouseking
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