Mount Garfield - 10/11/09

[Snow Miser]

This past weekend, Lowgear, Overdrive and I had the opportunity to travel from PA to enjoy the foliage, and hike up Mt. Garfield on Sunday.
When we got to the Garfield Trail trailhead, the sky was mostly cloudy so we knew the summit would be in the clouds. The temperature was perfect around 45 degrees and conditions were supposed to improve, so we headed on our way up at 10am.

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Once we past over Thompson and Spruce Brooks, the trail went through a huge area of brightly colored yellow trees that I think were maples.

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In the shot below, were the first ice cycles we had seen since last winter. It was funny to see them so early in October since we typically don't see any ice in our area until maybe late November or early December.

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When we reached the summit, sure enough it was in the clouds with winds around 30 MPH and temps around 30 degrees.

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Then after about 20 minutes, the clouds started to lift, revealing the beautiful foliage in the Pemi to the south. The photo doesn't show how colorful the scene was.

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Fortunately, the clouds just kept lifting, and lifting.

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All in all, the hike was a total success and we couldn't have asked for a better day to do it.
I do have to say I love hiking in the Whites more than any other place I have been. I only wish I lived a little closer.

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Complete photo album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pastramionrye/sets/72157622580204062/

[FisherCat]

Nice job Bob! Garfield is truly a great hike. It is a favorite autumn destination. Well done!

[1HappyHiker]

I do have to say I love hiking in the Whites more than any other place I have been. I only wish I lived a little closer.
Very nice report and photos, Bob!

And yes, the Whites are a very special place. After spending so many years working in the "flatlands", I'm especially grateful for being able to finally relocate to Bethlehem, NH about 5 years ago. Sometimes, dreams do come true!

[mtruman]

Looks like you guys wound up with a fantastic day! Great pictures! Few places more beautiful than the Pemi in the fall. Too bad you didn't get more snow and ice though - know how much you love it :rolleyes:. We were on Mt Mansfield in VT on Sunday and Camel's Hump Monday and there was plenty of ice there. You'll just have to get back up north again soon. Winter is coming. :)

[CHRIS]

Great trip report and awesome pictures. Glad the weather cleared for you guys when you got to the summit. Thanks for sharing.

[Anna LeBlanc]

Really enjoyed your TR and pics Bob.I have to agree with you that there is something very special about hiking in the Whites.

With all the hiking we've done in Western MA and CT.the Whites will always be where my heart and soul live.

_________________________

Anna

[Snow Miser]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments.:) Glad you liked the TR and photos.

[KD Talbot]

Nice Tr and great photos! It took us a couple of trips to Garfield before we got to see the view. Glad it cleared for you!

KDT

[Snow Miser]

Nice Tr and great photos! It took us a couple of trips to Garfield before we got to see the view. Glad it cleared for you!

KDT

Thanks Kevin! It's always nice to reach a summit and have Mother Nature part the skies for you.:D

[Anna LeBlanc]

Thanks Kevin! It's always nice to reach a summit and have Mother Nature part the skies for you.:D

With our luck hiking this year Mother Nature didn't part the skies for us but the heavens sure did rain down upon as a few times.:D

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

Well done! You really lucked out when the clouds lifted and you were surrounded by those terrific views. There's nothing better. Needless to say, wish we lived closer to NH too. We're heading up to the Whites next Friday for a week of hiking. Hope to run into some MWO members on the trails.

Donna:)

[Snow Miser]

Thanks Donna! I see you guys live further away than I do. Hope you both have fantastic weather on your week up there.:)