71>71 Liberty & Flume July 25, 2014

Out and back --- Liberty Spring then Franconia Ridge Trails over Liberty to Flume and return.  I began at the north bound Basin parking lot.  Then down the bike path and looked for the woods walk up to the hairpin turn on Liberty Spring trail.  I missed finding it going in, so continued to the established trail junction where LST leaves the bike path.  An uneventful trip up except for the relentless grind from midway to the ridge ---- and the number of hikers passing me by!  I have come to accept a few but when most everyone passes me it becomes a bit discouraging!  "Slow and steady, slow and steady" has become my mantra.  It helps.

Mt. Liberty --- or, Washington lying in state.

Just a few of the rocks on the way up.

On Liberty's summit a bit of lunch, a steady breeze to keep the bugs at bay, and great views in spite of the  lingering haze.

Summit ledges

and views

north along Franconia Ridge

and South to Mt. Flume (next stop.)

Then when on Flume --- looking back to Liberty

 On the return trip I was able to find the short cut between lower Liberty Spring Trail and the bike path.  I hesitate to call it a bushwack (it's pretty well worn, but hard to locate on the low end.)  For those looking for a landmark to find it's junction off the bike path --- just look for this tree!

71>71 Eisenhower & Pierce July 18,2014

Thank you Mr. Edmands and the Crawfords for the fine trails you constructed in the White Mountains so many years a go. The thinking that went in to the layout of these trails is evident.  The brute strength, stamina, bashed fingers and swearing it must have taken to get the job done can only be imagined.  I'm not sure I would have taken on, or could have completed, such a herculean task.
Today I hiked up Edmands Path then down the western end of the Crawford Path taking in the summits of Eisenhower and Pierce.  Observing some of the stone placements on both these trails, I thought about all that goes in to any good trail's construction.  I became tired just thinking about it!

Early clouds lifting off Eisenhower's dome.

A well constructed section of Edmands Path

How many trail builders took time to shore up the downslopes of their work?  JR did!

After a relatively moderate climb, Edmands Path curves around a shoulder of Mt. Eisenhower and pops out above tree line with spectacular views east toward Franklin and Washington ---- and of gobs of summer hikers on the vast network of southern Presidential trails.

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Just at the base of Eisenhower Loop is a tiny pond or tarn with alpine flowers blanketed nearby.

Hare's Tail

white flower

yellow flower

Three-Toothed Cinquefoil

mounded lichens

From the trail on Eisenhower there are views west toward, and a mostly open path way to, Mt. Pierce.

Pierce in center directly over the two rock cairns

From the summit of Pierce are good views back toward Eisenhower and Mt. Washington

Domed summit of Eisenhower left of center with Washington far back center.

From here it's back in to the woods on Crawford Path to Crawford Notch.

Gibb's Falls

And to my truck waiting for me at a very crowded parking lot.  A sincere "thank you" to the generous couple that gave me a morning ride between trailheads.  I would not have wanted a two and a half mile road walk at the end of today's hike!

71>71 Cabot July 10th, 2014

Mt. Cabot --- the northern most NH 4000 footer.  I have previously hiked it from the east.  This time I came in from the north via Unknown Pond Trail from Stark then Kilkenny Ridge Trail.  One reason I wanted to try this route was the guidebook's description of a large stand of birch along the trail.  I'm especially fond of nice forests of most all types, and White Birch are a special favorite.

Some of my ancestors in the late 1800's and early 1900's owned peg mills (think short stubby toothpicks.)  They were used primarily for "pegging" shoe soles to the uppers.  Though pegs were being replaced by stitching in this country, they were still in demand in Europe.  Birch was the preferred wood and clear straight grained trees were most desirable.  I suspect my Great Grandfather and I would have had a "difference of opinion" on the need to cut these magnificent trees.  I value them very highly for their aesthetic value alone!

One beautiful tree!

After reaching the first height of land, remote Unknown Pond is reached.  The setting could not be more magnificent.  The only thing missing were trout rising and a loon calling.  The yellow water lilies were there.

The Horn over Unknown Pond

At Unknown Pond, Kilkenny Ridge Trail breaks off to the south passing over The Horn and The Bulge to Mt. Cabot.

Lunch on The Horn looking at The Bulge and Mt. Cabot

Looking South from the Horn

Cabot is one of the more remote 4000 footers, but still I was surprised to not meet a single other hiker on such a beautiful mid-summer's day.  My only companions were the mountain climbing toads.  For a period of time each summer I see lots of toads on most all mountains --- always heading uphill!  Do any of you other hikers EVER see them heading down hill?  I don't.  Which raises the question ---- "why aren't our summits all overrun with toads?"  I for one want to know, "why did the toad climb the mountain and what did he do when he got there?"

Always uphill?

And toadstool season is beginning too

The summit area of Cabot is a wooded ridge.  The "true" summit is identified with a distinctively marked stick.

And then I get to take in all the splendor again on the way down!

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71>71 North & South Twin July 1, 2014

Prior to this hike I had always approached the Twins from the south via Twinway to South then the spur to North.  This was my first time from the north via North Twin Trail.  The first and last thirds of the climb were fun.  The middle third was not --- it was long, steep, buggy, muggy and hot!  Needless to say, I have few photos of the middle.  I was too busy then swatting flies and wiping sweat from my eyes.
The ridge walk between North and South Twin was special (as are most all ridge walks.)  Near the end of the trip down I took the "high water" alternate route avoiding two crossings I had made on the way up.  I am glad I did.  I found a very large stand of Pink Lady Slippers (even though most were past bloom) and the "little tree in the trail" that marks the take off point for the unmaintained, but often used, Firewarden's Trial up Mt Hale.  Something I have heard about, but never known just where to find it.  Now I know!
A few photos of the trip are below  The smudge on the lens was from some misapplied insect repellent!

Little River along the approach

Up

The ridge walk

an interesting scramble

South Twin from North twin Spur trail

South Twin summit

Mountain Cranberry

Labrador Tea

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Pink Lady Slipper

"Little Tree in the Trail"