10-7-06 Garfield and Peak Foliage

[grouseking]

Yesterday was one of those days. Humans have yet to come up with words that could describe the surreal beauty the White Mountains showed off. Many think that this time of year is the most beautiful in New England, and I have evidence (in pictures) to back that up. As a spectator, I did my best to document it all and I'll attempt to share it. But obviosuly, it is best observed with one's own eyes.

I woke up extra early for this one and bintrepidhiker and I were off from Lebanon at around 6am. Once we drove above the fog, Rt 118 was beautiful and the setting moon combined with pink skies to make for a beautiful scene . Note the heavy frost as temps dipped into the upper 20's here. We arrived at the trailhead around 7:40 and waited for my father to get there. For once, I actually had to wait for him to arrive! Thankfully, it gave me time to become acclimated to the weather, since the temp was down at 25 degrees! Around 8:12 am, we were off and running.

I had three layers on, and pretty much needed all of them. But within 2 miles, I was down to just my wicking t-shirt, at 30 degrees. It didn't feel like 30 though, as long as I kept moving. The foliage along the Garfield trail was awe inspiring. Even at that early hour, color were brilliant and were brightning the path. It was easily the brightest, clearest morining I have ever experienced in the White Mountains. The deep blue was mesmerizing. The trail was easy too. That helped me get a chance to look around, chat with other hikers, and take many pictures. Around 4,000 ft I encountered an area with heavy frost/rime ice. The firs were delicately coated with beautiful frost, reminding me of what is to come just a few short weeks from now.

There were a few patches of ice along and off the trail, but nothing dangerous. I just had to watch where I was walking in a few places. I thought I was going quite slow up the trail, so I was completely surprised when I made it to the junction with Garfield Ridge in 2 hours 10 minutes, over an hour under booktime! The last couple tenths were indeed steep, but I stopped for short breaks to marvel at the terrain, and to get more shots of the ice . Just below the summit, I took a big handful of it and ran up and threw it on bintrepidhiker to see if he was paying attenton to me. He wasn't, and couldn't figure out where the flying ice came from! It was definitely cold up there below the trees, because the ice was in my hands for about 2 minutes, and it didn't melt. My hands almost fell off though!

I don't know what can I say about the views that haven't been said before....so I'll let the pictures do the talking. Everyone on the top was in a great mood. It was an amazing atmosphere....the sun was out, people were happy, and they were all admiring nature's splendor. As usual I took many pictures, and had a few silly pics taken of me. At this point, its tradition. After over an hour of summit rest and relaxation, souls clensed from the busy life that we all lead, it was time to head back down. Bintrepid had a hockey game to catch and my dad was feeling kind of sick from either allergies or a head cold.

As for the walk down, it was more magical than the trip up. Not only were the leaves in peak form, the sun was shining down on them to make them beautiful to even the most cynical foliage critics. I can say this with confidence because I am one of those critics. In reality, we haven't had a good year for foliage in a while, but we take what we can get. Besides, a sunny day can make even the dullest foliage look wonderful.

Except for one nasty fall by my father, there were no problems heading down the trail. The hike, company and overall vibe was all perfect. What more can I say? Yesterday was one of those days.

grouseking

Pics are separated...
1. Mt Garfield hike
2. Foliage Splendor

 

[Roxi]

Excellent trip report Grouseking! You captured the beauty of yesterday perfectly. Today was just as nice. I spent both cycling throughout the Great North Woods. The foliage this year drapes the hills like a colorful quilt. It's gorgeous. I'm really glad you got to enjoy it! Thanks for the great trip report and pics!

 

[bintrepidhiker]

Truly was a great day. I don't think it could have been better. Having clear blue skies, colors from the trees, comfortable temperatures and views from many miles around, amazing and spectacular!

Now, we wait for some snow and get to say that all over again about those snowcapped tops.

 

[alpinista]

It was indeed an amazingly picture-perfect day in the mountains, and you really captured it all!

 

[grouseking]

My take on hiking

Every time I hike, my expectations are high, no matter what the weather. With each passing hike, there seems to be something that sets the bar even higher. All of the different experiences I have while up there help to raise that bar.
I think the biggest key to raisning the "bar" is to enjoy everything as much as you possibly can, no matter what is going on. If its raining, admire the puddles and rushing rivers. If its socked in, pay more attention to trees and life in the woods rather than the expansive views. (Example...i see a grouse on almost every hike....including Saturday) Hiking with friends creates a special bond between all who participates because you share that similiar experience and can compare your perceptions to what happened. And if you hike solo...well for me I'm buddy buddy with pretty much everybody as long as they are willing to talk back to me. If I want to be left alone, I find a rock just off the summit. All of these things help to raise the bar for me each time I hike, no matter what the circumstance. Most importantly, have a great sense of humor. Things won't always go your way while hiking. I'd like to be able to hike faster uphill and not be on the verge of passing out, but I take it in stride and keep pushing, keeping my sense of humor and positive attitude. If you go in with a positive attitude, the possibilities are endless.

Thank you everyone for your kind words (even though just a few have responded so far). Its great that we can all share in something that is so special and somewhat unique compared to what is going on during the hustle bustle of every day life.

grouseking

 

[Mattl]

I wish I could have gone with you man, but I did end up at the Sugarloaves on Sunday with my girlfriend. It was a beautiful and perfect weekend. So still debating fishing for the last weekend of brook trout or seeing snow? hmm. -Mattl

 

[TMax]

Excellent TR Grouse... and amazing pictures. This past weekend was one that does "raise the bar." I was sooo grateful to have spent it in the woods and above treeline. I agree that each hike has its own specialness. At times I find it hard to get out of my own way to appreciate what's around me, (especially if I'm having an off day) but generally speaking, once I let the flotsam in my head run its course, I truly recognize that "Life is good...."