Who knew that this summer would be so crazy? I haven't been on a hike since June and that was a failed attempt to summit Mount Flume. We turned back on that one when we noticed that my hiking buddy was stopping every hundred feet or so. I still think we could have made it to the top but I've learned not to push things too far. Fortunately, we have been biking a few times and managed to go for a few walks a week. I think this has kept us in better shape than in past years.
Today, I demanded that my husband put things aside and we go hiking. We were scheduled to go camping up in the Whites and try Flume again but with talk of tornado warnings and hail we decided to play it safe. Instead we went up to the Belknap Range and bagged 3 peaks.
We found the Mount Major parking lot fairly full around 11AM and set off on a trail that we hadn't tried. I believe it was the Beaver Brook Trail. It was a humid day and we were pouring sweat from our pores as we made our way up the 2 mile trail. The trail itself was a moderate grade with only a few challenging points. Once we made it to the higher elevation we enjoyed the breeze off of Lake Winnipesaukee and found our way to the old shelter. We had a bite to eat up there with lots of families. We did not know where the next trail started and had to ask one of the dads if he knew where it was. He didn't.
We decided to follow the blue/yellow trail that everyone else was taking back down. It was a good choice because that trail led us to a trail sign pointing us to our second peak, Straightback Mountain. We followed along the blue blazed trail and eventually came to the summit. It was much quieter! Only one other pair of hikers showed up while we were there. We had been hearing thunder in the distance and as we sat in the sun watching the clouds we wanted to push on to our third peak.
Mount Anna was a mile away from Straightback. There were lots of bare rocks and some nice cool dark trees. During this portion of the hike we came across scat from many different animals. Deer, coyote/fox, and possibly bear! We saw very few animals on the hike though. Except for the large bird that we startled out of a tree. We crossed over a stone wall and into the Boy Scout Reservation. A little ways from there we found a trail marker pointing to trails all over the reservation. The clouds were rolling in so we paused only for a minute or two and dashed back on the Anna/Straightback Link.
A few minutes later the rain started. A few minutes after that the sky opened up and we were getting soaked. Neither of us took out our rain gear as we were so sweaty from the humid hike that it wouldn't matter. Fortunately we made great time and avoided all of the electrical storms going through the area. During our dash we startled a red fox who was prowling about the trails.
We decided to take the blue/yellow trail back down to the parking lot. I believe it's official name is the Brook Trail. There was quite a bit of erosion on this trail and I could see that someone had done lots of maintenance. In truth all of the trails were well marked. I was surprised since our last trip in the Belknaps was filled with searching for our trails.
Unfortunately we didn't have a working camera for this trip so no pictures to actually post. I was happy that this 8 mile hike wasn't too challenging for me. I had very few knee problems and don't feel exhausted. I hope that next weekend I can actually get up to the Whites for a hike and tackle one or two of those 4k's. As it is for the Belknap List... I am now 50% complete. I just have Klem, Mack, West Quarry, Whiteface and Rowe to do.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Midstate #4
After a much postponed hike we struck out last Saturday to complete the 4th segment of the Midstate Trail. We started at Old Worcester Road in Charlton and went through the Cow Tunnel. Of course, there was mooing. :-)
Then we went in through a nice little village area. The historic signs were all around. This building was the old schoolhouse. Now it houses the Cultural Center. It was built in 1848 on the site of an Baptist meetinghouse and held classes for 100 years. The bell was cast in England in 1719. It was the first bell in the town of Charlton.
There also was this lovely cemetary near a vineyard. I have a thing for cemetaries since one of my other hobbies is geneology. I find them so peaceful and the headstones are so interesting.
Aside from the heat, the other thing we didn't expect to encounter was the massive blowdowns. We all had forgotten about the horrible December ice storms that left many with out power for weeks in Central MA. The beautiful weather must have blotted it from our minds. We were quickly reminded as we lost the trail, cut our legs up, bushwacked, and fought our way through the fallen trees.
It was a great hike. We completed about 11 miles and are very close to the middle of the Midstate. We all agreed though it was tough and that we were really ready to start reaching some peaks. The next hike will be at a higher elevation than 1000 feet.
Thru the cow tunnel and into the woods. At first the trail seemed just like all the other times we've traveled the Midstate. It was rather flat, occasional street walking, and then back in the woods. As the day went on it became warmer and warmer. I'm not certain how hot it was but I can guess that it was above 80F. This is pretty unusual for a day in April in New England.
The heat may have started to get to Jen. Either that or this fish was looking for a nibble.
The trail took us up and over the Mass Turnpike (I-90). It was rather terrifying to see how quickly the traffic travels on that interstate.
Then we went in through a nice little village area. The historic signs were all around. This building was the old schoolhouse. Now it houses the Cultural Center. It was built in 1848 on the site of an Baptist meetinghouse and held classes for 100 years. The bell was cast in England in 1719. It was the first bell in the town of Charlton.
There also was this lovely cemetary near a vineyard. I have a thing for cemetaries since one of my other hobbies is geneology. I find them so peaceful and the headstones are so interesting.
Aside from the heat, the other thing we didn't expect to encounter was the massive blowdowns. We all had forgotten about the horrible December ice storms that left many with out power for weeks in Central MA. The beautiful weather must have blotted it from our minds. We were quickly reminded as we lost the trail, cut our legs up, bushwacked, and fought our way through the fallen trees.
It was a great hike. We completed about 11 miles and are very close to the middle of the Midstate. We all agreed though it was tough and that we were really ready to start reaching some peaks. The next hike will be at a higher elevation than 1000 feet.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Midstate #3
Today we picked up the trail in Oxford at Rocky Hill Road and began our hiking season. There were 9 of us and one 4-legged friend. It was pretty cold to start with temperatures in the mid 30's.
The trail wasn't muddy as the ground was still a bit frozen. We walked through marshes near the Buffumville Dam with little trouble.
There were a few other hikers out, as well as dirt bikers and mountain bikers.
We all were eager to be out and enjoying the day. I lagged behind a bit as I took some pictures of the scenery. There was little wildlife except for some ducks swimming in the marshes.
Since this was our first venture out for the season, I had planned a short trip. I was unsure of some of our new hiking partners' abilities. Everyone proved to be strong and quick. We finished our 6 mile trek well before lunch. Here are a few more pictures of our trip.
After our hike we went to Zorba's in Charlton. Decent food. Pretty good service. But odd policies when it came to billing. Then we went on for the drive home. Next hike is coming soon!
The trail wasn't muddy as the ground was still a bit frozen. We walked through marshes near the Buffumville Dam with little trouble.
There were a few other hikers out, as well as dirt bikers and mountain bikers.
We all were eager to be out and enjoying the day. I lagged behind a bit as I took some pictures of the scenery. There was little wildlife except for some ducks swimming in the marshes.
Since this was our first venture out for the season, I had planned a short trip. I was unsure of some of our new hiking partners' abilities. Everyone proved to be strong and quick. We finished our 6 mile trek well before lunch. Here are a few more pictures of our trip.
After our hike we went to Zorba's in Charlton. Decent food. Pretty good service. But odd policies when it came to billing. Then we went on for the drive home. Next hike is coming soon!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Spring is creeping in!
Yesterday we had temperatures up in the 60's. I actually can see some of the yard that has been buried under snow for the last 3 months. My feet are craving some hiking. I've sent out my save the date to some of my hiking pals and have pulled out the Midstate Trail guide book. There's three weeks until the first hike and I need to start getting some cardio in before then. Winter often kills my exercise routine and though I look fit I definitely do not have the stamina needed for a 12 mile hike through the woods. Time to get in shape!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Cabin Fever
It's February now. The holidays are over and yet the snow keeps coming. I know winter doesn't end for another 2 months but I'm starting to get a bit twitchy. I want to be out hiking. I've been reading about some trips that others have done this winter but they don't draw me. I still don't want to hike in the snow. It's too cold!
In fact, I've participated in very few winter activities this year. I did do some cross country skiing a few weeks back at Great Brook Farm during one of their weekly lantern lit nights. It was terrific. Gorgeous stars and the lanterns light the trail just enough so you don't run into anyone.
I'm still hoping to hit the next segment of the Midstate Trail next month. I think it might be time to start planning those trips.
In fact, I've participated in very few winter activities this year. I did do some cross country skiing a few weeks back at Great Brook Farm during one of their weekly lantern lit nights. It was terrific. Gorgeous stars and the lanterns light the trail just enough so you don't run into anyone.
I'm still hoping to hit the next segment of the Midstate Trail next month. I think it might be time to start planning those trips.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Peakbaggin'
I am a natural list maker and follower. Love "to do" lists, "travel" lists, "wish" lists, ect. That is why I am a natural peakbagger. I discovered a few years ago Peakbagger.com. This fabulous site has hiking lists from all over the world of various challenge levels. Some I know I'll never accomplish, like the 7 Summits of the World. Others I have a great start on. You can check out my list and maybe make one of your own.
For me the list is another way to get outdoors. I'm able to try new trails and perhaps challenge myself a bit more than if I were to hike the same tried and true trails over and over. This all started, for me, when I picked up The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains by Steven Smith. I never even knew there was such a hiking list. From then I was hooked. At the moment I have completed 50% of the AMC's White Mountain Four Thousand Footers List. I hope to complete a large chuck of it next summer and maybe complete it in the next 4 years. Meanwhile, because of Peakbagger.com, I've found so many other lists that are in the area. It's enough to keep me hiking and outdoors.
For me the list is another way to get outdoors. I'm able to try new trails and perhaps challenge myself a bit more than if I were to hike the same tried and true trails over and over. This all started, for me, when I picked up The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains by Steven Smith. I never even knew there was such a hiking list. From then I was hooked. At the moment I have completed 50% of the AMC's White Mountain Four Thousand Footers List. I hope to complete a large chuck of it next summer and maybe complete it in the next 4 years. Meanwhile, because of Peakbagger.com, I've found so many other lists that are in the area. It's enough to keep me hiking and outdoors.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Hiking Schedule for Next Year
At the end of every hiking season, I plot out my ideas for next year. I know that things change, especially with craziness of work and life in general but I think it's great to have an outline to go by. For those of you who hike with us on a regular basis this is what's in store for 2009.
March 28- Section 3 Going North on the Midstate Trail
April 5 - Section 4 Going North on the Midstate Trail
April 25 - Section 5 Going North on the Midstate Trail
May 9- Section 6 Going North on the Midstate Trail
May 22 - 25 Annual Memorial Day Camping Trip in the White Mountains
June 26 - 28 Mount Jackson
July 10 - 12 Mount Isolation (2nd attempt)
July 24 -26 Mount Clinton and Mount Monroe
August 7 - 9 The Wildcats
August 21-23 Mount Carter
September 4-7 Annual Labor Day Camping Trip in the White Mountains
March 28- Section 3 Going North on the Midstate Trail
April 5 - Section 4 Going North on the Midstate Trail
April 25 - Section 5 Going North on the Midstate Trail
May 9- Section 6 Going North on the Midstate Trail
May 22 - 25 Annual Memorial Day Camping Trip in the White Mountains
June 26 - 28 Mount Jackson
July 10 - 12 Mount Isolation (2nd attempt)
July 24 -26 Mount Clinton and Mount Monroe
August 7 - 9 The Wildcats
August 21-23 Mount Carter
September 4-7 Annual Labor Day Camping Trip in the White Mountains
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