Morgan/Percival Loop 10/25/09

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

Late on Saturday 10/24 we checked in with Steve Smith, at the Mountain Wanderer, to find out about the rising river levels from the predicted 2 to 3 inch rainfall. Several of the hikes we had planned would have involved several stream crossings. We opted for the Mount Morgan/ Percival hike in the Squam Lakes region; near the town of Holderness.
The parking lots were quite full but we managed to squeeze in.

There was still a lot of color south of the White Mountains as evident by this trailhead photo.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival1.jpg

We experienced wet leaves, rocks and mud along the trail; with the trail merging with little streams created from the runoff.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival2.jpg

At 1.7 miles the trail divides with the left diversion going up a series of wooden ladders.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival3.jpg

Above the ladders the trail goes through a cave


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival4.jpg

Then emerges onto a series of open ledges.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival5.jpg

A view of Mount Prospect (right) and The Button (left) can be seen from the Mount Morgan summit.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival6.jpg

It was at the summit of Mount Morgan that we hooked up with a fellow hiker; Jenna.
Descending into and out of a col we arrive at the summit of Mount Percival with views towards Squam Lake and the The Rattlesnakes.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival7.jpg

We chose the option of going thru another cave to descend from Mount Percival.
This one proved to be more difficult than the first one in that we had to lay on our backs and slide through the hole, feet first, staring at the protruding tooth-like rock. :eek: If you look closely you can see Jenna?s foot.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival8.jpg

Once again in the forest we encountered more yellow foliage. I call this one yellow on yellow.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival9.jpg

We ended the hike with our group photo. L to R: Mike, Donna, Jenna.

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lonesome%20Lake/Morgan%20Percival/MorganPercival10.jpg

[mtruman]

Well Donna I guess this answered my question after the Lonesome Lake TR about there being more. Morgan and Percival is such a nice autumn hike and you guys obviously had a perfect day for it. We did it mid-October last year and definitely plan to go back. The sections with the ladders and the crawl through the cave are great fun and the views from both peaks are killer. I'll go out on a limb and guess that there may be another TR or so still to come?...

[CHRIS]

Great trip report and wonderful pictures. Looks like you guys had some terrific weather. Thanks for sharing.

[Snow Miser]

Great TR and photos. The one you call "yellow on yellow" is really nice. Thanks again for sharing.