Questions about the Bonds

[arethusastar]

Hi there,

I am an experienced day hiker but novice backpacker and am planning on heading out for a two-and-half day, two-night trip to the Bonds with my sister this coming weekend. The plan is to hike into Guyot the first day/night, then do the Bonds the second day, and end up at the Franconia campsite the second night, then hike out the next morning.

My questions are these:

1. I found this hike here (http://www.mountainzone.com/weekendjournal/html/zealand.html), but when I looked in my White Mountain Guide I had trouble finding where the Franconia campsite was. Does it even exist?

2. This seems to me like a two-car three-day Bonds hike. Is there a better three-day route that can be done with one car that anyone knows of?

3. Is there a Web site/sites with lists of good overnight hikes in the Whites and/or backpacking tips for newbies?

Thanks very much, and apologies if any of these questions are dumb!

: )

[KD Talbot]

I've done this hike 4 times, all except one was a one day hike. That doesn't make me an expert, but I have some experience. I assume you plan on starting on Zealand Road and ending at Lincoln Woods. If this is the case, then you will need 2 cars, or some other arrangement such as someone meeting you at Lincoln Woods and driving you back to Zealand Road. AMC may have a shuttle, not sure if they run this early in the season, and they run on their schedule, not yours. If you want to use just one car, the only alternative is an out and back, either from LW or Zealand. Either way you have to hike over Mount Bond twice, not fun with a pack.

Guyot can fill up fast on weekends. There are tentsites. Bring a tent or bivvies if you plan on staying overnight. Just in case. Who knows? The shelter may be empty, but don't count on it. There are tentsites near the bridge over Franconia Brook near the confluence of Franconia Brook and the Pemigewassett. These can fill up quickly, too. At this point you're only 3 miles from Lincoln Woods. A lot less to carry if you only stay out the one night at Guyot.

There is still snow in some gullies and on the north side of some mountains. You won't need snowshoes, just don't be surprised by this. It could slow you down a bit.

We just got back from 3 days in the mountains. The days were hot and buggy and the nights were cold. Bring plenty of clothing to cover whatever the weather brings, especially rain. Also, IMO this is not a sneaker hike, especially if you run into snow.

As far as websites, there are tons of trip reports and info on these sites:

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/

Also check their trail conditions section. They have a search engine, just type in what you're looking for. Also:

http://rocksontop.com/phpbb2/

And, for reliable trip planning check here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/

Mohamed writes the accident reports for AMC. He has seen it all and knows how to prepare and avoid.

KDT