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!