2013-14 Winter Hike #1 - Blue Hills

TRIP DATE: December 7, 2013 (Winter Series Hike #1)                                           

TRIP LOCATION:  Blue Hills – Skyline South-North Loop then Buck Hill and back                

MEETING TIME: 8:45 am                   

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 22       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):  app. 5.5 hours

LENGTH IN MILES: app. 6 hours

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):  ???

DIFFICULTY:    B                             (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Paul Miller, Maureen Kelly, Christine Pellegrini, Bill Pellegrini, Eva Borosody das

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    parked at main lot at Houghton’s Pond

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:        No                

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: low- to mid 30s with partly sunny skies with temps

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) – Especially nice views from top of Buck Hill. 

 

Skyline End-to-End Hike (RLBH)

TRIP DATE:  11-16- 2013                                            

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills Skyline End-to-End Hike (RLBH)            

MEETING TIME:  8:45 am 
                 
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 28       

 

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       6.5 hours

LENGTH IN MILES:      8.7 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    2,145 feet

DIFFICULTY:        B                           (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Maureen Kelly, Joe Keogh, Michael Swartz, Cathy MacCurtain, Paul Miller

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Met at Shea Rink, then carpooled to end of Royal St. in Canton

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:      Yes                  TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS: app. 20 mins.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Cloudy in AM, turning to mostly sunny afternoon with unseasonably warm temperatures in the low 60s.  Excellent hiking weather!

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)  Final RLBH Series hike of the year. Nice views from top of Big Blue, Buck Hill, and several other hills on the Skyline Trail.  Had to bypass one section of the Skyline Trail on the Pipeline Trail due to firefighting activities on Wampatuck Hill.

Blue Hills Fowl Meadow Hike

TRIP DATE: 11/3/2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills Reservation, Fowl Meadow Hike

MEETING TIME: 9:45 AM

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS1):6

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 4.5

LENGTH IN MILES: 7.27

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): 340

DIFFICULTY: C (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Joe Keogh, Michael swartz

COLEADER NAME(S): Kathy MacCurtain

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Royal St., Canton

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: Yes.  Parked at end of Royal St, and then car pooled to parking area on Brush Hill Rd.

 

TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: partly Cloudy

 

Blue HILLS – Wolcot and Border Path and Hemenway Hill

TRIP DATE 11/7/13    

TRIP LOCATION:  Blue HILLS – Wolcot and Border Path and Hemenway Hill

MEETING TIME:          10:00 a.m.                              

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):             23

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       2 hour and 45 minutes

LENGTH IN MILES:      4.5 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    N/A

DIFFICULTY:       C                            (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Cathy MacCurtain
CO-LEADER NAME(S):  

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:  Trailside Museum (north parking lot) 

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:       No                   TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:  N/A
WAS TRIP WITHIN WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?    No    
IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: 

Overcast and warm at the beginning of the hike, light rain for the 45 minutes.

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)

All 23 that attended enjoyed the trails and had a great time.

Green Mountains, Vermont

TRIP DATE       October 11^th – 14^th, 2013

TRIP LOCATION: Vermont – Green Mtns.                 

MEETING TIME:  Friday 10/11 at Gifford Woods State Park campgrounds, Killington, VT              

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 6 (1 person Sat.-Sun. only)     

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 5 hrs. Sat., 8 hrs. Sun.      

LENGTH IN MILES:      7.2 Mt. Killington, 11.6 Monroe Skyline/Long Trail

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    2700+

DIFFICULTY:   B                (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Leslie Carson

CO-LEADER NAME(S):            Ken Carson

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Bucklin Trail; Appalachian Gap – Lincoln Gap

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:    Yes                      TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS: 1 hr.

DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:
Sat. 10/12 – Left the campground and drove to Bucklin trailhead, about 20 min. Met Amanda at 10 a.m. and hiked the Bucklin trail to the summit of Mt. Killington. Beautiful fall weather, temps. in the low 60’s, dry conditions, trail was very well marked and not too difficult, very moderate slope. At the open ledge summit, the views were great, 360 degrees. Only negative was that there were many people at the top who had come up by the Killington chair lift. We found a somewhat secluded ledge and had lunch. A wonderful day!

Sun. 10/13 – Drove four cars to Lincoln Gap, dropped off two and drove the other two to Appalachian Gap. Started hiking around 9:30 up the Long Trail (Monroe Skyline) and summitted General Stark Mtn., Mt. Ellen, Castle Rock Peak, Nancy Hanks Peak, Lincoln Peak, and Mt. Abraham. We had lunch at the Sugarbush chair lift platform near Mt. Ellen overlooking the ski trails. Another gorgeous fall day with temps. in the 60’s. Superb views along the way and at the summits. After lunch, Amanda left the group and went ahead so she could drive home to Boston without getting home too late. She left us a note stating she got to her car at 4:00. We finally reached Mt. Abraham summit around 4:00 or so which is open ledge. Views in all directions. We could see Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield to the north, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks to the west and the White Mtns. to our east. Returned to our car at 5:30, retrieved the other cars and went out to dinner on our way back to the campsite.  The next day we packed up and went into Woodstock for shopping and lunch before heading home. All in all, an excellent weekend! Lots of fun!

 

Baxter State Park

TRIP DATE:      August 19-25, 2013                            

TRIP LOCATION:          Baxter State Park, ME           

MEETING TIME:          5:00 am          

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):            4

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       36 hours

LENGTH IN MILES:      31 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    12,600 feet

DIFFICULTY:            B3B                     (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Ken Jones

CO-LEADER NAME(S):   Maureen Kelly

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Roaring Brook Campground in BSP

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:        No               

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  No

DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:
Mt. Katahdin - Pamola, Knife Edge, Cathedral, Dudley, Trails
Mt. Hamlin -  Saddle, NW Basin, and Hamlin Ridge

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: Perfect – Sunny, dry, 60-70 degrees

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)
Wonderful trip with moose, porcupine, and rabbit sightings.  Also canoed and fished.

Galehead Hut in White Mountains

TRIP DATE:      9/13/13 – 9/14/13                

TRIP LOCATION:          Galehead Hut – White Mountains                 

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):  N (Rescheduled from Memorial Day Weekend 5/25 – 5/27/13)

MEETING TIME: 9:00 am                   

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 6         

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 12 hours   

LENGTH IN MILES:      12.1 mi.

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    3678 ft.

DIFFICULTY:      B                             (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Leslie  Carson

CO-LEADER NAME(S):             Maureen Kelly

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    North Twin Trailhead off Haystack Rd. Twin Mtn., NH

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:    Yes, Gale River Trailhead    TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS: 20 min.

WAS TRIP WITHIN WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  Yes     

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

Hiked up North Twin Trail, fairly wet and muddy. Had a significant river crossing – 4 people went across the river by scooting along a log and two others took off boots and waded across the river. Foggy with no views at North Twin summit, but it was “Flags over 48” day in the Whites so several people were at the summit with the US flag. We celebrated Karen Singleton’s completion of her 48^th 4K footer with cheers, pictures and champagne. We continued to hike on North Twin Spur to South Twin mtn. (no views) then down Twinway trail to Galehead hut. Had a lovely turkey dinner at the hut with many other people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Karen’s birthday was on Sunday.

On Sunday after breakfast, we hiked up to Galehead mtn. and had gorgeous views. It was a beautiful sunny, bright day with lots of visibility. A perfect fall day although it technically wasn’t fall yet. We could see for miles. Hiked back to the hut, grabbed our gear and had a lovely hike down the Gale River trail to the cars.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Saturday was overcast, drizzly. Sunday was sunny and beautiful.

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)

This hike was rescheduled from Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, not all the participants who signed up in May were able to participate in this hike. They were refunded their money. Secondly, the original hike was for 3 days, two nights at Galehead hut, self-service, with group meals. The original plan included hiking North and South Twin, Galehead and the Bonds. We were given a credit from AMC and had to use it before the end of the calendar year. I was disappointed that we were unable to reschedule during a self-service season without getting too late in the season and the cost for one night with full service at the hut was, in my opinion, very expensive ($124). I believe the cost was prohibitive for some people. I do not plan to lead overnight hikes to the huts when in full service on a weekend in the future.

Green Mountains Weekend

TRIP DATE       8/30/13 – 9/2/13

TRIP LOCATION:          Vermont – Green Mtns.                     

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):  N

MEETING TIME:          11:30 am at campground – Little River State Park               

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):             10       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       15 – 16 hrs. (Camel’s Hump, Mt. Mansfield, Mt. Ellen)

LENGTH IN MILES:      18.7 miles                  

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    2700 ft.

DIFFICULTY:       B                            (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Leslie Carson

CO-LEADER NAME(S): Ken Carson

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Camel’s Hump – Burrow’s Trail, Mt. Mansfield – Sunset Ridge Trail down Laura Cowles Trail, Mt. Ellen – Jerusalem Trail to Long Trail

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:  N                        TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHIN WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  No, Green Mtns.        

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: 

Day 1 – Nice weather, some clouds. We got settled at the campsite then drove 1 hr. to the trailhead and hiked up the Burrow’s Trail to Camel’s Hump. Fairly nice views with some clouds and haze and the trail was dry. Returned to the campsite then went out for dinner at the Blue Stone restaurant in Waterbury – great specialty pizzas and microbrews!

Day 2 – Forecast was for rain so we hiked Mt. Mansfield instead of the longer proposed hike of Mt. Abraham and Mt. Ellen along the Monroe Skyline/Long Trail. Three people decided to kayak/canoe this day at Little River (boat launch in the park). Seven of us hiked in from the west up Sunset Ridge Trail and came down the Laura Cowles Trail. No views at the top as we were in the clouds. We did get some peeks of views while on the Sunset Ridge trail. We decided to come down the very steep Laura Cowles trail and it began to lightly rain. Wet rocks and slippery made it slow going. We thought it would be a great trail in the winter snowshoeing. Returned to the campsite and had a delicious group dinner thanks to Luther and Joyce with help from everyone.

Day 3 – Forecast again for rain so five of us decided to hike only Mt. Ellen by way of the Jerusalem trail then going south on the Monroe Skyline/Long Trail to Mt. Ellen and returning the same way. Others decided to go into town and take a break from hiking. Mostly overcast with some brightening of sun at times, but fortunately, no rain. Nice, moderate trail. We had lunch at the top of the Sugarbush ski lift area with some good views. Returned to the campsite and had another wonderful camp dinner. Headed for our tents when it began to rain and we had rain off and on throughout the night.

Day 4 – Woke up to the sound of rain. Had breakfast then packed up to leave for home. Some people took some side trips to Waterbury before heading home.

Mt. Chocorua via Brook Trail

TRIP DATE:      Oct. 6, 2013                           

TRIP LOCATION:  Mt. Chocorua via Brook Trail, NH             

MEETING TIME:  8:45 am                  

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 9         

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       app. 5.5 hours

LENGTH IN MILES:      app. 7.5 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    app. 2, 650 ft

DIFFICULTY:         B                          (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)
LEADER NAME(S):   Maureen Kelly and Paul Miller 

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Brook/Liberty Trailhead off Paugus Rd.

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  Yes   

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:
Hiked Brook Trail to summit and then returned via Liberty Trail, passing the Jim Liberty Cabin on the way down.  Trails in good condition.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: Mostly cloudy with temps in the upper 50s and lower 60s.  Didn’t start raining until after we got back to our cars and were driving home.

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) Nice views from summit despite clouds.  Brook Trail has several steep, but fun scrambles on upper portion that would have been tricky (and possibly dangerous) if wet.  Also wouldn’t recommend descending via Brook Trail…

Carter Notch via Wildcat River Trail

TRIP DATE:      Oct. 5, 2013                           

TRIP LOCATION:  Carter Notch via Wildcat River Trail (from Jackson, NH)
             
MEETING TIME:  8:45 am                  

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 10       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       app. 6 hours

LENGTH IN MILES:      app. 8.6 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    app. 1, 550 ft

DIFFICULTY:         B                      (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):   Paul Miller and Maureen Kelly 

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Met at roadside parking area on Carter Notch Rd. on right soon after road turns to gravel.  Took three cars to gate at beginning of Forest Rd. to avoid water crossings on Bog Brook Trail to reach Wildcat River  Trail

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  Yes   

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:
Hiked Wildcat River Trail to Carter Notch Hut and Lakes.  Trail generally in very good condition, with a few easy water crossings

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: Partly sunny/partly cloudy but pleasant with temps in the upper 50s and lower 60s

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) Relatively easy uphill hike until we got close to the hut, at which point the trail steepened significantly.  Nice views from upper portions of trail up to Carter Dome.

 

 

 

Mt. Cardigan Hike - August 10, 2013

TRIP DATE       8/10/13

TRIP LOCATION:  Mt Cardigan NH             

MEETING TIME: 9:30     am       

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):     8

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       5 hours 15 minutes

LENGTH IN MILES:      5.9 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    1,950

DIFFICULTY:                   B                (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Walt Granda & Paul Miller

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    AMC Cardigan Lodge

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:      NO                    TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHIN WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?   NO    

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED: Loop  hike using the Manning, Cark and Holt trails.  Included a side trip to South Peak. 

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:    SUNNY  windy on summit

 

Blue Hills West St. Area - RLBH - 9-19-2013

TRIP DATE:      September 19, 2013                                      

TRIP LOCATION:          Blue Hills - area between West Street and I-93

MEETING TIME:          6:00 pm          

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):             17       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       1         

LENGTH IN MILES:      2.1

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    74

DIFFICULTY:        D                          (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Jim Casey

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    West Street parking lot

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:              no          

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  very pleasant, 70s

Blue Hills St. Moritz Pond Area RLBH - 9-12-2013

TRIP DATE: 9/12/2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills Reservation

MEETING TIME: 5:45 PM

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS1): 6

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 1.5

LENGTH IN MILES: 2.87

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): 34
0
DIFFICULTY: C (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER(S): Joe Keogh, Maureen Kelly

COLEADER: Kathy MacCurtain

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Shea Rink, Willard St. Braintree

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: partly Cloudy

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) Hiked all the trails in the St. Moritz Pond area plus  Babel Rock. Cloudy and a bit muggy

Blue Hills - Houghton Pond Area

TRIP DATE: Aug 22, 2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills – Houghton’s Pond area and rolling hills around the pond.

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n): N

MEETING TIME: 6:00 pm

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 16

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 3.25

LENGTH IN MILES: 4.1

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): no GPS, but no big hills

DIFFICULTY: C (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Michael Swartz

CO-LEADER NAME(S):
TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Picnic area parking lot

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: no TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST? no

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: muggy but no rain

Whiteface Hike

Hike Date: 8-17-2013
Leader: Len Ulbricht

Whiteface is one of the smaller 48 NH 4000 footers, elevation 4020 feet, with 180 degree commanding views to the south. It anchors the west end of the Bowl Natural Research Area in the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Mt. Passaconaway, also a 4000 footer and 23 feet higher, sits at the east end, the two peaks connected by a ridge line above the bowl.

Perfecto weather- sunny, mid-70s, light wind, low humidity - filled the day for nine of us. The planned loop hike took us up the Blueberry Ledge Trail to the Rollins Trail and the summit of Whiteface, the Rollins Trail then continuing along the Bowl ridge line to the Dicey’s Mill Trail at a point about a mile below the Passaconaway summit. We descended from there and had the loop’s only water crossing on Dicey’s Mill. The hiking distance of 9.8 miles with 2800 foot elevation change was completed in 7.5 hours, book time plus one hour for lunch and rest breaks.

The 4 mile Blueberry Ledge Trail has lower and upper ledges, the lower being less difficult and manageable with poles, but put them away for the upper ledges. The uppers are a challenging scramble demanding use of all fours. Reminded me of Baldface. Stone steps have been placed on a steep section between the lower and upper ledges. Outstanding views from the upper ledges encompass Sebago Lake, Lake Winnepesaukee, Chocura, Passaconaway and the Bowl. The Whiteface summit is further along the Rollins Trail and treed, so get your views in at the ledges.

Continuing along the treed ridge line, the Rollins Trails roller coasters up and down for 2.4 miles, gradually descending 700 - 800 feet. Soft tuff makes for pleasant trail footing. There are a few small lookout points out over the bowl along this section. Also noticeable are many blowdowns, all facing north, evidence of a fierce wind driving up the bowl face. Fortunately the trail was cleared of blowdowns.

The 3+ mile descent along Dicey’s Mill Trail was easy, made easier by the stone steps on the steep sections. The one water crossing over a felled tree was aided by a taught rope to steady ones balance.

Many hikers on the ledges took in the view on this glorious weather day, and there were several places to do so. Crowding was not an issue. We only passed one hiker on the ridge line, many apparently descending the shorter Blueberry Ledge route. No parking fee at the trailhead lot.

Blue Hills from Shea Rink

TRIP DATE: 8/8/2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills Reservation

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n): No

MEETING TIME: 5:45 PM

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 12

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 2.5

LENGTH IN MILES: 4.8

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): 578

DIFFICULTY: C (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Joe Keogh, Michael Swartz, Jim Casey

CO-LEADER NAME(S):Jerry Yos

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: hea Rink Granite st. Braintree

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST? No

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: partly Cloudy

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) Nice night in the woods, a little muggy at times.

Blue Hills - Halfway Path toward Hancock Hill

TRIP DATE: August 15, 2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills: Halfway Path towards Hancock Hill

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n): N

MEETING TIME: 6:00 pm

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 18

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 2

LENGTH IN MILES: 3.5

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): 690

DIFFICULTY: C (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy
)
LEADER NAME(S): Joe Keogh

CO-LEADER NAME(S):
TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Picnic area parking lot

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: N TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: Excellent -- breezy and no mosquitos

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)

Blue Hills - Horse Bridge to Trails North of Ponkapoag Pond

TRIP DATE: August 1, 2013

TRIP LOCATION: Blue Hills – Horse Bridge to trails north of Ponkapoag (RLBH Series)

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n): N

MEETING TIME: 6:00 pm

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 22

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 3
LENGTH IN MILES: 6.08 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): ?

DIFFICULTY: D A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Joe Keogh

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Donovan School in Randolph

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: No TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST? No

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: Cloudy, humid, no rain

Blue Hills Chickatawbut Hill Area - RLBH

Trip date: 7-25-2013

Trip location: Blue Hills (RLBH Series), start in Chickatawbut Hill area

Was trip cancelled: No

Meeting time: 6:00 pm

Number of participants (including leaders): 9

Total hiking time: 2.5 hours

Length: 6 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous or very strenuous ( B or A)

Leader name: Michael Swartz

Co-leader name: none provided

Trailhead parking: Chickatawbut Road (no car spotting required)

Weather conditions: drizzle, cloudy

South Carter Mountain, NH

DATE: June 22, 2013

Location: South Carter Mountain

Was Trip Cancelled: No

Meeting time: 9:00 am

Total time of hike: 6.6 hours

Length in miles: 9.2 miles

Elevation gain in feet: 3,226 feet

Difficulty (A-D rating): B (strenuous)

Leader: Leslie Carson

Co-leader: Sue Franconi-Salmon

Trailhead parking: 19 Mile Brook Trailhead (no car spotting required)

Was trip in WMNF? Yes - hike covered 19-Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Zeta Pass, Carter Moriah Trail

Weather conditions: sunny, warm, humid, light showers/sprinkles toward end of hike

Other comments: Good hike, nice day, just missed downpours a little later on...

Borderland State Park, Sharon, MA

TRIP DATE: July 20, 2013

TRIP LOCATION: Borderland State Park, Sharon MA

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n): n

MEETING TIME: 8:45 am

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 7

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 3
LENGTH IN MILES: 6

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): n/a

DIFFICULTY: c (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S): Kathy Stanley

CO-LEADER NAME(S): Mike Kupkofska

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION ample; DESCRIPTION: Borderland St Park Main Entrance

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?: no TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHIN WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST? no

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE: hot and humid

Welch-Dickey Loop Hike

TRIP DATE:      7-13-2013                   

TRIP LOCATION:  Welch and Dickey Mountains, Campton, NH                    

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):  N

MEETING TIME:          9:15 AM         

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 6        

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS):       app. 4 hours

LENGTH IN MILES:      app. 4.5 miles

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET):    1,650 ft.

DIFFICULTY:          B                       (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):       Paul Miller and Jim Casey

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:    Ample trailhead parking in lot with outhouse - $3.00 WMNF parking fee (or permit) required

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:        No                  TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS: N.A.

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?           Yes

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:
Hike Welch-Dickey loop.  Trails in good shape and mostly dry.  Initial stream crossing was easy.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Mostly sunny with temps in high 60s/low 70s with some humidity. 

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)

Wonderful views from both summits and numerous exposed ledges.  Several ledges would have been tricky if wet.

Blue Hills Intro. to AMC Hiking Hike (Chickatawbut Loop)

TRIP DATE:            June 15, 2013                    

TRIP LOCATION:            Blue Hills Intro. to AMC Hiking Hike (Chickatawbut Loop)           

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):  N

MEETING TIME: 9:30 am                  

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS):  7                     

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): app. 3 hours  

LENGTH IN MILES: app. 3.5 hours

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): 300 ft. ???

DIFFICULTY:   D              (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):  Paul Miller and Jim Casey

CO-LEADER NAME(S):     

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: Chickatawbut Overlook        

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:    No                      TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?              No

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Beautiful sunny day with temps in the high 70s and a light breeze

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.):  This loop hike with varied terrain, some nice views, and moderate distance and steepness worked out to be an excellent intro. hike

Borderland State Park

TRIP DATE:      April 28, 2013            

TRIP LOCATION: Borderland State Park                    

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):  No

MEETING TIME:  8:45 am                  

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 10       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): 3.5 hours  

LENGTH IN MILES:  6 miles    

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): negligible

DIFFICULTY:     C                            (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):  Kathleen Stanley 

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION:  Yes        

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:   No                       TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  No    

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Excellent sunny day, 65 degrees

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.)  No problems, excellent hike!

Grand Monadnock via Monte Rosa

TRIP DATE:      April 27, 2013            

TRIP LOCATION: Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH           

WAS TRIP CANCELLED? (y/n):   No

MEETING TIME: 8:45 am                   

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (INCLUDING LEADERS): 13       

TOTAL HIKING TIME (IN HOURS): app. 6 hours         

LENGTH IN MILES: app. 6 miles         

TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN (IN FEET): app. 2,500 ft.    

DIFFICULTY:  B                                 (A=very strenuous; B=strenuous; C=average; D=easy)

LEADER NAME(S):  Paul Miller and Ken Jones          

CO-LEADER NAME(S):

TRAILHEAD PARKING LOCATION & DESCRIPTION: main parking area off Poole Rd.          

CAR SPOTTING REQUIRED?:      No                   TIME REQUIRED TO SPOT CARS:

WAS TRIP WITHING WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST?  No    

IF YES TO ABOVE, DESCRIBE SPECIFIC TRAILS HIKED AND TRAIL CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED:

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR HIKE:  Cool in morning, warmed up in afternoon.   Mostly sunny with light breeze.  Unusually light breeze on summit….

OTHER COMMENTS (problems, views, terrain, etc.) – only (non-) issue is that almost everyone arrived at the trailhead early. 

IMPORTANT: Contact Hike Committee Chair ASAP with any medical emergencies or other serious incidents.