Kevin Judy and Emma
Well-known member
Yay! Snow!
Mount Tecumseh 4003’
Mount Tecumseh Trail
5 Miles 2200’ Elevation Gain
Kevin, Judy, Emma and Blue
Mr. Blue was our guest hiker again this weekend. He's roughly about 1/2 way through his first round of the 4k's. December is the month Emma, Judy and I have the fewest 4k's. We've always sort of allowed hiking to become a lower priority in this month where there are so many other commitments, especially to family. When we hike, it's usually a short day as there are usually things to do when we get home. Today was no different. We had a quick up and down, and then off to do some projects at home. I'm not sure we'll ever get the hang of December hiking...
Moss and Icicles
After last week's hike which ended in an emergency vet visit for poor Mr. Blue, he seemed a little bit subdued on this hike. I'm not sure if he is learning to conserve a little energy for the trail, or whether some dog instinct is telling him that there is a good elevation gain on this hike so he should save his usual bushwhacking for the descent. Maybe his encounter last week taught him to stay a little closer and be a little more wary, or maybe he didn't have the same amount of pent up energy he had last week. I suppose another factor could be that as this trail gains elevation it narrows to thick spruce corridors, difficult to romp through, unlike the open hardwood forest we traversed for most of our hike last week. I suppose I will never quite know what goes on in dogs minds despite the fact I try to think like one.
Baby it's Cold Outside!
Besides checking off another on Blue's 4k list we chose this hike for another reason as well, and that was to check out the recent trail-work done by a couple of friends. To say sections have been improved would be an understatement. Re-routing, drainage and stairs are just some of the things meticulously labored on which will improve the quality of this hike for many years to come. Thanks be to the trail adopter and friends, most here know who they are, for the selfless act of improving things for others.
Winter Wonderland!
One thing this December has been lacking in and around our southeastern New Hampshire home is cold, and with it the beautiful white stuff that covers the dreary browns and grays of late autumn. It was pleasing to step onto a trail and feel the cold, crisp air and to feel the crunch of a light dusting of snow underfoot. As we started out it was hard to tell that it was indeed December. The brooks were flowing with little in the way of ice to give away the approaching season. There was but a scant dusting on the ground, but as we wound our way along the lower section of trail and down into the gully where you cross the brook, we began to rise into a different forest with snow covered spruce lining the trail.
Pine Marten?
For the next mile plus the hike was a steady climb from the clutches of late autumn into the icy fingers of early winter. Now a couple of inches deep, snow covered everything along the trail. Tecumseh, however, is one of those short, steep hikes, and we were soon at our summit goal where it was necessary to pull on an extra layer or two to keep us warm while we ingested a hasty lunch. After the usual ravenous devouring of everything resembling food by the two dogs and the usual ravenous photographing of everything that resembled scenery by the addicted photographer, we began a quick descent, this time along the other half of the summit loop.
Home!
We met several other hikers and several other dogs on our way down, each seeming to be enjoying their hike as much as we were. Mount Tecumseh may not get the rave reviews that the other, more difficult 4k's receive, but you know what? It's a nice hike, and a worthy hike, and what is better to be in a snow covered forest on a bright, sunny day?
Full set of pics HERE:
Video Slideshow set to Trail Adopter's Favorite Recording Artist Here:
KDT
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