Questions!!!

[FisherCat]

I don't think anyone here or their suggestions were meant to offend. Whether or not someone decides to do Seek the Peak is up to them. It is a chance to enjoy hiking and for a good cause. Hopefully, if you do it or not,you will still enjoy the opportunity to hike NH, especially the White Mountains, and will have a good time wherever it is you go. I don't think anyone will dissuade or disagree with that.
Please enjoy!

[Brad]

All I wanted to know is if there was ledges on Lions Head, I said I never hiked before BUT the seekthepeek page claims it is for all people like there would be lots of help!! I'm not going, forget it. I don't want to be part of something where the people don't really help much. I can't even read the maps left why did you think I could know how to read that map?? You aren't very nice or helpful to new people.

Well, there are ledges on Lions Head. But, the real question is do you have to get near them and the answer would be "no". Here is a view of the major area of "ledges".



Here is the ladder going up Lions Head


As you can see those are not a big deal.

The Jewell Trail on the western side has one section by the Great Gulf. The ledge drops off quite dramatically. I am not comfortable being too close there as the footing is loose rock. But, the trail is wide enough there to allow you to stay 10-15 feet away from the edge.



At this point in the next picture going down Tuckermans Headwall the trail is not very wide and it drops off. There is no room to stay away from the edge on the narrow trail.



Learning to read a street atlas is one of those things you do when one starts to drive. When hiking one learns to read a topo map. It tells the distance - puts the directions in perspective to help you know where you are on a trail - gives information about water crossings or drinking water sources - and gives a clear idea of the steepness of the trail. Yes, they are confusing - but, just because they are different.

Having a topo map with you when hiking is key - just like having enough water. Pick one up at your local REI store and read the legends. Try to figure it out. If there is something you do not understand, ask questions. The folks here are willing to help.

[Charlie]

when i was up there a week ago we were at lions head looking down on the tucks and here comes an older man and his wife coming up lion head and he is wearing sandals with socks ,and had a plastic bag that you get at a super market with some food in it .he made it to the top .
so with that said i say if you have some good supply's with you and the weather is not to bad you can do it.
there are a lot of boulders to go over and sandals are not recommended

[Brad]

LOL - I did have to laugh at Hawk's post. I have seen folks in sandals - and even heeled shoes. I saw one girl a couple of years ago barefoot because her shoes were hurting her. My son ran up Tuckermans one day in Tava's. But, I have also helped carry people out of there because they did not have good footwear. Going down seems to be harder on folks because they do not have a good soft down technique. Show them a better approach and they double their speed.

Still when they get to the bottom their knees and hips are shot for a few days. Instead of crashing to a stop with each step down - float from step to step so your upper body is "going down an escalator" and your feet are hopping from rock to rock. It works so much better.

[Charlie]

do you use walking poles .
some of the people i was with had them and they look like they can help on the rocks ,like having two more legs.

[KD Talbot]

I started out without poles, pounded my knees. My legs took a beating. There had to be a better way. There is. I use one pole. It not only takes the stress off of going down, you can use it to push going up. Absolutely helps with balance, especially if you're uncomfortable at water crossings like my wife.
After about 2 trips you get used to carrying it. They telescope, so you can always throw it in your pack and just use it when you want to.

I don't leave home without it.

KDT

[Brad]

Hiking in NC I have started using them (2 actually) - but, have never used them in NH/Maine. The rougher trails and scrambling is very different. I might try taking one this weekend. The ones I use have built in shocks and screw off tops. When the top is unscrewed it becomes a monopod for a camera to hold it steadier.

I got them from REI
http://www.rei.com/product/745686

8 oz in weight is excellent.

[BlueDog]

Learning to read a street atlas is one of those things you do when one starts to drive. When hiking one learns to read a topo map. It tells the distance - puts the directions in perspective to help you know where you are on a trail - gives information about water crossings or drinking water sources - and gives a clear idea of the steepness of the trail. Yes, they are confusing - but, just because they are different.

Having a topo map with you when hiking is key - just like having enough water. Pick one up at your local REI store and read the legends. Try to figure it out. If there is something you do not understand, ask questions. The folks here are willing to help.

I ordered a map from MyTopo.com for this trip. Reading a Topo is a VERY good skill to have, along with a compass. Here's a link to the preview image that the site gives you before you place the order. If anyone wants to check it out on Friday I'll be at Moose Brook (see the "Where we staying?" thread) and more than happy to share it with everyone. I'm hoping to find a clearer trail map when I get there.

MyTopo map of Mount Washington 1:25000 scale with UTM grid

[Brad]

What I like about Delorme's TopoUSA software is I can zoom and move around to get the topo map I want. It has most trails and you can do a route - by car - or by trail. Plus, it can work with a GPS like I have in the car.

[BlueDog]

One of these days I'll actually break down and get a GPS. Handheld so I can take it on the trail. I got the topo because we have to use these same ones on the Adventure Races I do, so I'm forcing myself to become more and more familiar with them and orienteering the old fashioned way.