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