Ridgewalker
Active member
Many years ago my hand was held as I went hiking as a scout. The lessons that I learned as a budding leader were on those hikes, highlighted by many mistakes and victories. But now looking behind that trail of progress, all things that seemed hard such as packing and planning the route were ingrained into my mind, like tying my shoes.
I had not given much thought about planning my own outing at all when I came home for the summer. That is due to one of my friends from school, who shares the same interest in hiking as I do.
The mother of all peaks, Mount Washington, was considered, and my friend wanted to do it through Tuckerman Ravine. After asking if this route would be possible, the time of year was against us. So I opted for another adventure, in a southern part of the Whites.
Cannon was another peak on the 48’s for me to tag. I also wanted to include the Kinsmans as well. I planned a tough, but manageable route up Hi Cannon, through Kinsman Ridge, and down Fishing Jimmy. Our total group number was three; my friend Cabot invited one of his friends Bobby from home college for the hike, so it all seemed to work for us.
The drive up to Franconia Notch was marked with heavy rain, but as we continued north, there was no sign of it. We began out of Lafayette Campground.
We ascended rapidly up many switchbacks. As our feet touched the eroded ground, it seemed only obvious that Hi Cannon is a popular route. The image of the climb remains fresh as we saw Franconia Ridge slivers of snow near its pyramidal summits.
The verdant woods smelled of Christmas. To add to scenery we had to play a little “White Mountain hopscotch” over the many boulders and muddy water. Once again I was reminded that these mountains are the highest origins of many rivers in New England.
Deception had the better of us. As soon as it appeared that the summit was ahead, it was not. We were concerned if we were lost. But thanks to a map, we marched on. I was annoyed that the 1.5 miles to the top seemed a tad longer than one would expect on a road, but who is complain in the end? The familiar white and green sign confirmed our short distance to the top.
We went up the Cannon tower, digested a view or two, and retreated to the woods, thanks in part to a few strong zephyrs in the air.
Since we had a late start at nine o’clock, the Kinsmans were not an option, and most of all we all wanted Denny’s! We moved fast as we could, using our youthful strength as we boulder hopped. I said ironically to my friends that, “Oh there is no water on this trail,” and then we had some water to pass through.
Then as we passed through that challenge I though, “When will this boulders end?” and then the trail gave way to the gentle grade of Lonesome Lake Trail, which we elected to do on the descent from Cannon. We sailed past Lonesome Lake, and stopped for a few minutes at the hut. The 1.2 miles back to Lafayette Campground sailed by quickly, just like the whole day itself.
Stats:
Ascent, Lonesome Lake trail, broke off to Hi-Cannon to summit.
Descent, Lonesome Lake Trail
Time about five to six hours, mileage unknown.
No traction needed, but gaiters recommended.
I had not given much thought about planning my own outing at all when I came home for the summer. That is due to one of my friends from school, who shares the same interest in hiking as I do.
The mother of all peaks, Mount Washington, was considered, and my friend wanted to do it through Tuckerman Ravine. After asking if this route would be possible, the time of year was against us. So I opted for another adventure, in a southern part of the Whites.
Cannon was another peak on the 48’s for me to tag. I also wanted to include the Kinsmans as well. I planned a tough, but manageable route up Hi Cannon, through Kinsman Ridge, and down Fishing Jimmy. Our total group number was three; my friend Cabot invited one of his friends Bobby from home college for the hike, so it all seemed to work for us.
The drive up to Franconia Notch was marked with heavy rain, but as we continued north, there was no sign of it. We began out of Lafayette Campground.
We ascended rapidly up many switchbacks. As our feet touched the eroded ground, it seemed only obvious that Hi Cannon is a popular route. The image of the climb remains fresh as we saw Franconia Ridge slivers of snow near its pyramidal summits.
The verdant woods smelled of Christmas. To add to scenery we had to play a little “White Mountain hopscotch” over the many boulders and muddy water. Once again I was reminded that these mountains are the highest origins of many rivers in New England.
Deception had the better of us. As soon as it appeared that the summit was ahead, it was not. We were concerned if we were lost. But thanks to a map, we marched on. I was annoyed that the 1.5 miles to the top seemed a tad longer than one would expect on a road, but who is complain in the end? The familiar white and green sign confirmed our short distance to the top.
We went up the Cannon tower, digested a view or two, and retreated to the woods, thanks in part to a few strong zephyrs in the air.
Since we had a late start at nine o’clock, the Kinsmans were not an option, and most of all we all wanted Denny’s! We moved fast as we could, using our youthful strength as we boulder hopped. I said ironically to my friends that, “Oh there is no water on this trail,” and then we had some water to pass through.
Then as we passed through that challenge I though, “When will this boulders end?” and then the trail gave way to the gentle grade of Lonesome Lake Trail, which we elected to do on the descent from Cannon. We sailed past Lonesome Lake, and stopped for a few minutes at the hut. The 1.2 miles back to Lafayette Campground sailed by quickly, just like the whole day itself.
Stats:
Ascent, Lonesome Lake trail, broke off to Hi-Cannon to summit.
Descent, Lonesome Lake Trail
Time about five to six hours, mileage unknown.
No traction needed, but gaiters recommended.
