Ray
New member
Last Sunday was one of my hiking milestones. It was to be my 67th 4000 footer. Marty offered to drive. The three of us, myself, Marty and Ridgewalker, left at 6am for the long haul to Grafton Notch. I had never been there before. What a fantastic place! We hit the trail at 9:15 under a cloudless sky and a fair amount of gusty wind. It promised to be a beautiful hike that day and that promise was more than fulfilled!
Feeling adventurous we decided to take the Eyebrow Trail and eventually hook up with the AT for the final summit ascent. This is a challenging trail. It was also fairly wet and slippery from fallen leaves. The cable assist which had been installed in the particularly steep sections was most helpful as were the metal rungs which braced our footing when ascending the slippery granite slabs along the way. At one point we had to literally traverse a small waterfall. Good thing that the water wasn't running too high that day but we all received a few chilly sprinkles. Our decision to hike the Eyebrow proved to be a great one: the views of Grafton Notch and the surrounding mountains were fantastic producing a flurry of photos.
We soon linked up with the AT which sported several fine overlooks of it's own. By this time we more or less on ridge trail but still below tree line which made for easier hiking. There were several ups and downs ("PUDS") before the trail began to ascend in earnest under plenty of slippery boulders and roots. A spur path leads to the actual summit.
By this time the winds had somewhat diminished. It was warm and sunny at the summit with fantastic views. More photos were taken including including the welcoming committee of Grey Jays freely alighting on our open hands as we offered them some tasty morsels of gorp. This was my #67 and I received plenty of hugs and congrats from my companions. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day and moment! Marty and I braved the winds and ascended the observation tower at the summit and were rewarded with more awesome views, especially the broad view of Mahoosuc Notch. We carefully descended and soon began our trek back down to the trailhead.
This time we were able to experience that section of the AT which we had missed. It's a lovely part of the trail and much of it follows along a broad stream with many pools and waterfalls and lots of photo-ops. We reached the nicely paved parking lot at 3:15 pm and by then it was as warm as a July day. As a special postscript to this memorable day I saw my first eagle. Marty spotted it gently gliding above us as we were driving out of the notch. It was flying low enough to see the pure white feathered head, orange beak and magnificent dark, wide wingspan. Unfortunately my camera was not quickly accessible but I truly believe that the image will linger in my mind forever.
To top off the day we supped well at the Sunday River Brewing Co. in Bethel enjoying some great burgers and especially outstanding brews. I was honored to have experienced this day with my two closest hiking companions. Marty, without your guidance and support I would not have made it to the 67 this year. You are truly an awesome friend! Ridgewalker, savvy dude, it was an honor to have you join me in this hike as you did with my 48th. Another awesome friend. I am indeed fortunate to know you both!
See pics at: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561159081XDBOoK
Ray
Feeling adventurous we decided to take the Eyebrow Trail and eventually hook up with the AT for the final summit ascent. This is a challenging trail. It was also fairly wet and slippery from fallen leaves. The cable assist which had been installed in the particularly steep sections was most helpful as were the metal rungs which braced our footing when ascending the slippery granite slabs along the way. At one point we had to literally traverse a small waterfall. Good thing that the water wasn't running too high that day but we all received a few chilly sprinkles. Our decision to hike the Eyebrow proved to be a great one: the views of Grafton Notch and the surrounding mountains were fantastic producing a flurry of photos.
We soon linked up with the AT which sported several fine overlooks of it's own. By this time we more or less on ridge trail but still below tree line which made for easier hiking. There were several ups and downs ("PUDS") before the trail began to ascend in earnest under plenty of slippery boulders and roots. A spur path leads to the actual summit.
By this time the winds had somewhat diminished. It was warm and sunny at the summit with fantastic views. More photos were taken including including the welcoming committee of Grey Jays freely alighting on our open hands as we offered them some tasty morsels of gorp. This was my #67 and I received plenty of hugs and congrats from my companions. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day and moment! Marty and I braved the winds and ascended the observation tower at the summit and were rewarded with more awesome views, especially the broad view of Mahoosuc Notch. We carefully descended and soon began our trek back down to the trailhead.
This time we were able to experience that section of the AT which we had missed. It's a lovely part of the trail and much of it follows along a broad stream with many pools and waterfalls and lots of photo-ops. We reached the nicely paved parking lot at 3:15 pm and by then it was as warm as a July day. As a special postscript to this memorable day I saw my first eagle. Marty spotted it gently gliding above us as we were driving out of the notch. It was flying low enough to see the pure white feathered head, orange beak and magnificent dark, wide wingspan. Unfortunately my camera was not quickly accessible but I truly believe that the image will linger in my mind forever.
To top off the day we supped well at the Sunday River Brewing Co. in Bethel enjoying some great burgers and especially outstanding brews. I was honored to have experienced this day with my two closest hiking companions. Marty, without your guidance and support I would not have made it to the 67 this year. You are truly an awesome friend! Ridgewalker, savvy dude, it was an honor to have you join me in this hike as you did with my 48th. Another awesome friend. I am indeed fortunate to know you both!
See pics at: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561159081XDBOoK
Ray
