A Misty Day on Mt Flume - 5-29-11

[mtruman]

Sometimes last minute decisions are good. While we had not planned to hike this weekend we wound up driving up yesterday and getting in a fantastic day hiking Mt Flume. The day started as a mostly gray hike through the mist and into the clouds but the summit had something to offer that we weren't expecting. You'll have to read the blog post for the details. http://theramblingsblog.blogspot.com...-mt-flume.html

Here's a little preview...


Cloudy start looking over the East Branch


Osseo trail was in full bloom


Stairway into the clouds


Final summit ridge


In the mist on 4K #22


A picture perfect end to the day

[CHRIS]

Great report and pictures. Thanks for sharing. For some reason I really like the stairs shot.

[ow2010]

Awesome report, Mark! The picture of the trail with no rocks or roots is shocking - I didn't think those kinds of trails existed in the Whites! Even in the clouds, there's nothing better than standing on a mountain summit.
I have to agree, the drive back is always a bummer. I'll have to stop at Woodstock Station after my next hike - looks like a great afterhike meal.
Congrats on #22!

[Snow Miser]

Very nice report and photos Mark!!! Mt Flume looks like a great peak to bag. Congratulations on #22.

[FisherCat]

Nice TR Mark! It was like walking our trail. We are the Adopters for the Osseo Trail and will be heading back for our first Trail Work trip of the year very soon. Normally we go the first weekend and week of June but this year our daughter graduates in that time frame so our return is a bit delayed. I've heard there are 3 blowdowns on the trail but my guess is that the AMC Buzz Crew will get to them before us this year. Nice pics and glad you had a great day. When one is not distracted by views, one is able to connect with the mountain itself much easier.

[mtruman]

Thanks everyone!

Chris - I hadn't been looking forward to the ladders (particularly for the way down) but they were kind of fun and definitely better on the knees than the alternative. The view up that long double section in the picture was really pretty cool. Looked like they just went on forever and kept going into the clouds.

Owen - even though I'd read the trail description the Osseo was a surprise to me too. I'd say pretty close to half of its 4 miles is like this. There are still plenty of rocks and roots on the rest buts it's still one of the nicest trails we've hiked. When you get out there (which I'm sure you will soon) you'll love it. As for the drive home as long as there isn't the crazy Boston traffic I really don't mind it anymore. We've got about 450 miles round trip (to the southern end of the Whites) and 6-7 hours round trip if the traffic is good (which it was on Sunday). Small price to pay for a great day in the mountains. If you haven't been to the Woodstock Station you definitely need to try it. Awesome,

Bob - it sure is! You need to go bag it!

Scott - I knew that you were a trail adopter but didn't realize that it was the Osseo. What a wonderful one to have "as your own". I'd love to be able to do this someday myself if circumstances allow. Would be great to be able to give something back to the places that have given us so much. Our thanks go out to you and all the others that make our time in the woods and on the mountains possible. There are indeed 3 blowdowns on the trail - two small and one fairly good size one that's a climb-over. The other two are no big deal as long as you're paying attention and done watch the roots at your feet and walk head first into it like Nat did. There is a fourth one that's hung up pretty high over the trail and should get out of there soon as it looks a bit unstable. I've thought a lot more about what you said about connecting more with the mountain when not distracted by the views. You're definitely right. I'm looking forward to our next day in a cloud already...

[FisherCat]

Mark- Had a day like that with Carrigain several years ago. With Carrigain all you hear about is the view, the view, the view. There was no view, ALL DAY, totally socked in, but it was indeed a great hike. That is when the mountain becomes a reality, not just the view, it involves all of your senses and you are not consumed with "what's the view gonna be like?" Some forests, like Zeta Pass, and the col between Starr King and Waumbek (in my opinion) are best visited on a cool, misty, rainy day.

If someday you are interested in Trail Adoption, let me know. There may be some openings in my Region soon. Just three days (Trips) a year, that's it, you can always do more if you like!

[KD Talbot]

Glad to see you guys got out! Love the Osseo and Flume! Great pics!

KDT

[freighttrain]

this is what flume looked like on may 22

[mtruman]

Scott - there are indeed some special places where the connection can be even stronger. One of those for me is Zealand Valley. You never have to think about the views there because they are always right under you nose. A long hike in the mist/drizzle/rain to Thoreau Falls with good friends was one of the best days I've spent on the trails. Nat and I deciding to wander out through the valley rather than bag a couple of more peaks at the end of a 4 day hut hike was another. I could be there once a week (or more) and never be tired of it. Thanks for the offer to connect us with trail adoption. When we get our daughter off to college in another year and have a bit more flexibility we may just take you up on that.

Kevin - wish you could have joined us. Look forward to getting out on the trail with you again soon.

freighttrain - now THAT'S mountain magic!