Mount Washington Observatory Forums http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/ Mount Washington Observatory community forums en Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:28:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/images/misc/rss.png Mount Washington Observatory Forums http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/ Favorite Hiking Foods Part 2 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6332-Favorite-Hiking-Foods-Part-2&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:08:27 GMT What are folks favorite hiking foods for overnights. here are a few of mine. #1 Starbucks Instant A must have #2 Hawks Vittles A... What are folks favorite hiking foods for overnights. here are a few of mine.

#1 Starbucks Instant A must have

#2 Hawks Vittles A backpacker that sells off his website in NY. Good and generous portions lots of variety.

#Peanut butter crackers, Peppridge Farm cookies
Apples ]]> General Discussion hague8 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6332-Favorite-Hiking-Foods-Part-2 Photo Request: Post your favorite cairn pics http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6330-Photo-Request-Post-your-favorite-cairn-pics&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:30:28 GMT For some reason, I'm always drawn to take pics of cairns when I'm on the trail and figured I would start this thread as a different sort of photo topic. Post your favorite cairn pics. Can be that the photo itself was particularly good, or that the cairn itself was creatively built, or its a cairn marking a significant or special spot for you.

Secondary motive here... I've actually been wanting to get a tattoo done of a cairn, and may take ideas from the pics to turn into an illustration and have it inked. :)

Below are a few of mine...


Cairn on Mount Washington on the approach to Lions Head


Cairn marking the summit of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park


Random cairn on the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

]]> Photographs BlueDog http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6330-Photo-Request-Post-your-favorite-cairn-pics Funny trampings around the Rockpile http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6329-Funny-trampings-around-the-Rockpile&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:41:05 GMT Every once in a while I start to get an itch about a certain type of hike or area or thing to do (for example Hurricane Earl gets me thinking about... Every once in a while I start to get an itch about a certain type of hike or area or thing to do (for example Hurricane Earl gets me thinking about surfing). I'd been hankering for some time above treeline and wistfully imagining a sunny day with low winds above treeline. I know it's a bit of a fantasy, but one can dream right?

So I first plan to climb Mt. Washington with my boys IF the weather looks like it is going to be perfect. As the week rolled in it was looking dicey, but possible. Then one of my sons got sick and the weather was not cooperating; time for a scrub. But wait....

Maybe I could fit in a Thursday Night and Friday traverse of some of the Presidentials. Thursday was set to be a bit cloudy and rainy, but Friday was looking good. OK so off I go, leaving from work early. My plan was an ambitious evening from Pinkham Notch up the AT, a loop around Crew Cut and Liebskins Loop and then back to Old Jackson Rd for a climb up Madison Gulf Trail. This would have all been great if I didn't then get the nausea that my son had....I made the loop, saw Lila's Ledge (and got this nice shot)

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

I couldn't eat or drink, so I knew that I was done....back to the car I went.

After a nice mellow day on Friday and Saturday, I headed back to finish....well something. I arrived at Pinkham at 10:30pm Saturday Night and headed toward Boott Spur. 50 feet past the Avalanche sign a racket sets up in the woods to my left. Two moles were having a battle royale and they didn't care that I was taking flash pictures and watching....

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

The salamanders were just watching the whole thing....

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

Wow 3 wild animals and I was only 50 feet into the trail! Night hiking is great. I made my way up the trail and once above treeline, I turn off the light and hike to the top using moonlight. Fortunately the spur was on the leeward (non-windy) side of the mountain and I had an easy hike to the Davis Trail. The fog was surrounding only the summit cone so the hike to the cone was easy and provided nice views down into the valley. The fog on the cone was so thick that I couldn't see the cairns on the way up and compass navigated to the parking lot. I then followed the paths from memory to the top. As I crossed the Cog tracks the full brunt of the wind slammed into me.

This was fun. I spent some time on the deck playing in the wind, sort of like the video they have in the museum where the Obs people are serving tea in the wind. Next I went underneath to get out of the wind and have "lunch". Today was a sunrise drive and I left before the cars came.

I had the genius idea to take the route over Ball Crag instead of heading toward Jefferson (into the wind) and found that between the wind, the footing and the fog I wasn't going anywhere safely. I headed directly East and down for a few hundred feet to get out of the wind. I sheltered under a rock and took a long rest. As I headed toward the Alpine Garden I could see the cars headlights sweeping the sky at the turns on the auto road.

Unfortuanately for the drivers, they couldn't really see sunrise, but I could.....

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

Wind was whipping all morning and even the walk through the Alpine Garden was unsteady. Down Lions Head and home by 9:30....a great hike in spite of the weather.

PS If anyone can tell me why my embedded images from Picasa don't work here...well that would be great. ]]> White Mountain Hikes mahony http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6329-Funny-trampings-around-the-Rockpile Subarus http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6328-Subarus&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:14:21 GMT For some reason, Mrs. Hobbes wants to replace the '92 Civic (original owners!). Something about the cubs being more protected in a newer model. So, being loyal Obs' members, we're considering a Subaru. Given what appears to be a number of Subaru owners in these forums, this seems like a logical place to ask for advice. So here goes:

We're trying to decide between the Legacy & Outback. The front cabin of both appears to be the same, and even the overall length & width is nearly identical. So, other than the Outback's additional rear cargo space and roof rack, any major differences?

I keep reading about issues on the Outback with vibrating steering wheels and a less than comfortable driver seat. Anyone experience any of these issues? What year/model?

Did you purchase through the VIP program? Any pros/cons/issues?

Thanks! ]]> General Discussion hobbes http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6328-Subarus <![CDATA[Crawford Notch & View from the Franconia Range]]> http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6327-Crawford-Notch-amp-View-from-the-Franconia-Range&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:35:52 GMT Hey guys, Here are two shots from this summer that I hope you will enjoy... Looking into Crawford Notch from Crawford Depot before hiking in the... Hey guys,
Here are two shots from this summer that I hope you will enjoy...

Looking into Crawford Notch from Crawford Depot before hiking in the Willey Range (August 3, 2010)


Incredible view of the Franconia Range from Cannon Mountain summit (August 14, 2010)


I don't really like this shot because the colors need some work, but I'll post it anyway...Mount Lafayette
]]> Photographs ow2010 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6327-Crawford-Notch-amp-View-from-the-Franconia-Range STP Fleece 2010 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6325-STP-Fleece-2010&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:39:45 GMT who will be the first to get the new Fleece any ideas when they are comming who will be the first to get the new Fleece
any ideas when they are comming ]]> Seek the Peak Charlie http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6325-STP-Fleece-2010 NH State Parks explore corporate sponsorship http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6324-NH-State-Parks-explore-corporate-sponsorship&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:51:09 GMT I think this could be a win/win if done tastefully. Park staffers need to wear uniforms, so what if there's a little EMS logo on there? If EMS showcases NH parks in their catalogs, that helps promote the state.

It doesn't have to be "parks vs corporations" if it's actually thought out (not giant billboards or renaming parks like they have to sports arenas)

http://www.nh.com/news/837182-151/nh...onsorship.html

I would love to hear vacationers say "oh, we saw all of those cool photos of New Hampshire and great places to hike and kayak and just had to come up to visit"

Kirk ]]> General Discussion spyboy http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6324-NH-State-Parks-explore-corporate-sponsorship Lincoln/Lafayette Franconia Ridge loop hike http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6323-Lincoln-Lafayette-Franconia-Ridge-loop-hike&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:34:06 GMT We had an incredible day on the ridge! I'm so glad we decided to do this hike and glad we did the loop. We couldn't have asked for better weather! We headed up the Falling Waters Tr and it was great. We did have to work to get to the summit of Little Haystack, but it was worth it. It was only the last mile or so that was a real climb, and the rocks along the waterfalls.

IMG_1926.jpg (23.4 KB)

It was nice that the scrub just spit us above tree line and on the summit of Little Haystack. We had views in every direction! I took a lot of pictures and then we added a longsleeve and headed across the ridge. It wasn't cold by any means, but there was enough of a breeze that an extra layer was nice. The trip over to Lincoln was fairly easy, scrambling over some rocks, but there were great views down into the slides and back down to the Notch, Cannon, and Owl's Head and the Bonds on the other side.

#IMG_1930.jpg (21.4 KB)

We summited Lincoln but didn't stay too long. We wanted to wait till Lafayette to take a nice long break. It was cool to look ahead and see the long ridge and the mountain waiting.

IMG_1946.jpg (21.8 KB)

IMG_1984.jpg (21.0 KB)

We made it over to Lafayette, pretty tired but excited to make it. It was loaded with people, as I knew it would be on a day as perfect as today! We saw a silent 'glider' plane doing loops around the summits which was cool. Freaky cause it didn't make a sound and then all of a sudden it would be right over our heads. At times it was down below us even. There was a guy sleeping in his sleeping bag on the summit, and a hiker in a kilt. Lots to look at and watch. I took lots of pics, took a break, then we headed on down to the Hut.

IMG_2013.jpg (18.3 KB)

There was a long line of hikers heading to the hut, and a long decent of rocks. It was nice that they were in 'step' form, so it was like a hike down a really long flight of stairs with great views!
#
IMG_2037.jpg (31.3 KB)
#

We made it to the hut and were ready for another break. Still lots of great views from here. Glad we did the loop CCW, as I think the views would have been different (and maybe dishearting at this point!)

IMG_2058.jpg (30.6 KB)
#

I took a last couple of shots of the Greenleaf Hut and the mountains looming behind/above it.

IMG_2071.jpg (#

We headed down over the lumps, our knees starting to feel the pain. There were some tough rock sections on the way down (especially with bad knees) but the Old Bridle Path was really nice in the end, which is when we really needed a break from the rocks. Our knees slowed us down a lot,and we were passed by just about everyone we saw on the trip that day.
Although we were in a lot of pain coming off the trail, it was still an amazing trip and I'm sure I'll be back again. I couldn't stop taking pics and stopping to take in the views. Had I done this as a solo hike I'm sure I could have turned it into a 12 hour adventure.
Attached Images
]]> White Mountain Hikes Addicted http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6323-Lincoln-Lafayette-Franconia-Ridge-loop-hike Sliding Across the Tripyramids - 8/28/2010 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6322-Sliding-Across-the-Tripyramids-8-28-2010&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:19:56 GMT Last week when we were sitting on the summit of Osceola staring at all the beautiful mountains that surrounded us my eye kept getting drawn to the... Last week when we were sitting on the summit of Osceola staring at all the beautiful mountains that surrounded us my eye kept getting drawn to the North Tripyramid Slide. Sure looked like a great climb. Figured we'd have to do that one soon. Today was the day.

I had the privilege of being accompanied by four lovely ladies for today's hike - Natalie, Val, Judy and Emma. It couldn't have been a better day to be in the mountains! After a pre-dawn departure from RI and a stop to pick up Val we were at the Livermore trailhead at 8:30 and ready to roll. The air was cool and clear and the sky was that almost-autumn blue. After a nice walk up Livermore we found ourselves at the start of the slabs on the North Slide. This was the first time on the Tripyramids for Nat and I and although Val, Judy and Emma had done them numerous times none of them had ever been up the slide. First times for everything....

The hike up the slide was AWESOME! After getting by the slick slabs at the bottom everyone got comfortable and we all enjoyed the gorgeous views. Lots of other folks (and dogs) on the trail today too. At the top of the slide we followed the obvious path - which turned out not to be the trail but more of an "interesting" bushwhack. A few scrapes later we were on North summit.

The walk across the summits was beautiful. This is a really nice walk and the soft paths were definitely a welcome change from the slide. All too quickly we were at the top of the South Slide and on our way down. We enjoyed the way down and managed to avoid any serious slide surfing. With the cool green woods waiting at the bottom (and the brook for Emma) it was a nice walk back out and a great end to a great day. Couldn't have asked for a better hike or a greater group of people (and dog) to have shared it with.

Emma heading up Livermore Rd


Getting to the slide


Osceola vistas


Steep on the slide


Judy getting the best of the slide


Almost on top


Nat gets a visitor


Great views


Nat and I on Middle Tripyramid for #21


Down the South Slide


Finally - a place to cool off!


Some signs of fall coming!!!



Complete album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtruman42/Tripyramids82810# ]]> White Mountain Hikes mtruman http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6322-Sliding-Across-the-Tripyramids-8-28-2010 From Fraconia to Crawford Notch http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6321-From-Fraconia-to-Crawford-Notch&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:47:08 GMT I am planning a hike in mid October that would go from Franconia notch over to Crawford. I plan on dropping a car at the lot in Crawford and starting... I am planning a hike in mid October that would go from Franconia notch over to Crawford. I plan on dropping a car at the lot in Crawford and starting off in Franconia. I will do my first night at the Liberty Spring campsite (3 mi) and the second at the Garfield ridge campsite (7.5mi). My third day would be at Guyot (6.2) and my last at Ethan pond (8.9), then out. I know this terrain is not that bad once you get on the ridge. From the topo it looks fine down to Guyot and back. But please fill me in. I am curious if I should add the milage to go past Zeland Hut (the AT) or just go the Zeacliff trail. The topo shows the Zeacliff trail to be steep...the AT route seems rather flat. Please give me your thoughts on this route. I know parts of it but not the full route. I am experianced so packing warm clothes etc.. is a given. But what about water at Garfield and Guyot ? ]]> White Mountain Hikes ELM http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6321-From-Fraconia-to-Crawford-Notch Franconia Loop Hike http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6320-Franconia-Loop-Hike&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:00:04 GMT My wife and I are going to be hiking weekend after next and would like to do what I have heard called the Franconia Loop. What I can't seem to find is a definitive description of this hike. I know it's obviously described somewhere but cannot locate it. Would someone please either point me in the right direction or simply tell me what trails comprise this loop hike?
Thanks in advance.
Russ ]]> White Mountain Hikes rko001 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6320-Franconia-Loop-Hike Black Mountain: the One near Benton, NH (24-Aug-2010) http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6319-Black-Mountain-the-One-near-Benton-NH-(24-Aug-2010)&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:10:45 GMT Black Mountain seems to be a popular as a name for mountains, not just in New Hampshire, but also in other States and even in other countries. The... Black Mountain seems to be a popular as a name for mountains, not just in New Hampshire, but also in other States and even in other countries. The Black Mountain that I recently visited is the one located near Benton, NH. But as you know, there are several other peaks in NH with this same name, such as the one in Jackson, and the one in the Sandwich Range (just SW of Sandwich Dome).

I find it curious as to why so many mountains are named Black Mountain. Maybe it has something to do with how the light hits these mountains which gives them an overall dark appearance. But then, why is the name Dark Mountain rarely used??:confused:

Okay, that's more than enough chit-chat about names. When I was on Mts. Flume & Liberty a few days ago, I could see Black Mountain (Benton) off in the distance. This reminded me that it had been several years since I had visited this little 2,830 ft. mountain. And so, I made a mental note to hike this mountain on the first day when I only had a few hours to spare.

I chose to use the Black Mountain Trail rather than the Chippewa for a couple of reasons. For one, I knew this trail would be in good shape since the Trail Adopters are my friends, and I know they do a good job. And secondly, that particular trailhead is closer to my home in Bethlehem.

Speaking of trailheads, for both the Black Mountain Trail and the Chippewa Trail the trailhead for each is a bit off the beaten path. However, for the Black Mountain Trail, you at least know when you've arrived in Benton. This metropolis has a prominent sign on one of its buildings which provides confirmation that you are there!


The climb to the top of Black Mountain was uneventful. Upon reaching the summit area, one of the first things I did was to pick out Mts. Flume & Liberty and zoom in on them. I don't know why, but it was sort of a kick for me to be looking at those two mountains since I had just visited them a few days prior. And when I was there, I'd been looking at the very mountain that I was now standing on. One has to get one's kicks somehow!:rolleyes:


Black Mountain is a popular destination, and so many are already familiar with the views. Therefore, you know there is the nice ENE view with the Kinsman Range prominent on the horizon, along with "peeks of the peaks" in the Franconia Range also visible.

And of course, you couldn't miss seeing the huge mass of Moosilauke located nearly due east.


Then, looking westerly there are the sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley, and far into Vermont. Also, probably most have visited that huge boulder named Tipping Rock, which I suppose could be somewhat likened to a smaller version of Glen Boulder in Pinkham Notch.


While descending from Black Mountain, it occurred to me that I could perhaps get a view of this mountain that I had just climbed by taking a short detour onto Long Pond Road on my way home. I decided to give it a try. If nothing else, it would be a new experience for me since I'd never been on the northern end of Long Pond Road.

Well, my short side-trip to Long Pond Road was successful. I was pleasantly surprised to get what I felt was a pretty decent roadside view of Black Mountain. It would've been nicer yet if the sun had cooperated and more brightly illuminated the ledges. But hey . . . I was happy to get what I got!


I decided to park the car and do some further exploration on foot. I did a short trek down to the lakeshore and got a nice view of Moosilauke.


Also, there were plenty of nice views of the lake itself. I'll just bore you with one of the many lakeside snapshots I took.


It was a very nice half-day of hiking, especially since the weather turned out much better than it was forecasted to be!:)
Plus, it was a fun and rewarding to do a short exploration of Long Pond.

1HappyHiker ]]> White Mountain Hikes 1HappyHiker http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6319-Black-Mountain-the-One-near-Benton-NH-(24-Aug-2010) White Mountain winter hikes http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6318-White-Mountain-winter-hikes&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:24:21 GMT Hey everyone, I won't be back in the mountains again until winter time, so I was wondering if you could recommend any good winter hikes. I've never been winter hiking before but I'd really like to give it a try. I'd like to do just day hikes and even bag a 4000 footer if possible (but perhaps I should start smaller haha). I plan on buying crampons for my boots, but I've read that they are not always necessary for day-hikes. I'm sure it's good to have them just in case.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! ]]> White Mountain Hikes ow2010 http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6318-White-Mountain-winter-hikes deer in a meadow http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6315-deer-in-a-meadow&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:42:30 GMT While stalking my favorite meadow for moose a nice young doe came in for a visit. I saw movement and looked to see her looking at me already. She... While stalking my favorite meadow for moose a nice young doe came in for a visit. I saw movement and looked to see her looking at me already. She stopped and sniffed at me, then slowly started walking right toward me, a few steps at a time.






The meadow is starting to feel like autumn, with the goldenrod and pearly everlastings...






I talked to her as she kept coming toward me. She stomped her feet many times as she walked and she waved her flag a lot...

She eventually came to within 15'...
















That was really nice. She eventually wandered off. I did see a nice young cow moose, probably a yearling, but I couldn't coax her in any closer than 100'.







It was a wonderful evening in the meadow. It's a wonderful place in autumn.

happy trails :) ]]> Photographs forestgnome http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6315-deer-in-a-meadow High fives to MWSP staffers~ http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6314-High-fives-to-MWSP-staffers&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:07:54 GMT Its been quiet about this, no news reports, but we should all give thanks that the Summit State Park staff on MW are competent, skilled and... Its been quiet about this, no news reports, but we should all give thanks that the Summit State Park staff on MW are competent, skilled and dedicated.

Sunday 8/22 late afternoon a single, unaccompanied motorcyclist went down hard, fast, cold and blue in the MWSP cafeteria. MWSP staffers employed their AED and didn't get a conversion, at which time they switched to 2 on 1 CPR. Within 20 minutes they got a restoration of vital signs, were able to transport the patient safely and in control down to a waiting ambulance from Gorham EMS, then to AVH in Berlin and from there, the patient was choppered to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

Ladies and Gents of the MWSP summit team, that is just awesome work. No one should ever lose track of the vital functions you perform at the top of the Rockpile. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each season are within your reach, voice, and touch and yet so very few of them truly understand or respect all of what you are there to do and provide.

High fives to you all. Competence, confidence, dedication, skill and teamwork saved a human life for another day. EMS is alive and well and working through you, because of you, a remote location notwithstanding.

Awesome work, job well done.

Breeze ]]> General Discussion Breeze http://www.mountwashington.org/forums/showthread.php?6314-High-fives-to-MWSP-staffers