amstony
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- Joined
- Apr 24, 2004
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I hadn't hiked Cannon since July'03, so it is on my return list for this year. I woke up determined to hike today, despite the constant rain. I'd cleared the honey do list yesterday 
and packed up last night. At 9:00 AM I was headed up north knowing that the rain would stop and the day clear and all would be well! As I drove the rain didn't stop, only became heavier and heavier, then it would stop to nothing, then a downpour with bad visibility, and that continued that way all the way up to Ashland, where I desperately needed a Dunkins. As it happens, the rain stopped at DD's.........I fely very hopeful.
As I headed into the Notch it was pouring. And didn't stop. I had planned to take the Kinsman Ridge trail, but diverted to the ski trails instead, at least if the rain stopped I'd have better views. As I pulled into the very deserted ski lot, I quickly switched into rain gear and boots, grabbed my pack and began heading to the Ski Lodge. After checking the map for the best route I headed up, and it poured and poured and poured. But it was going to get better- it had to. I continued to slog up the ski trail, with bad visibilty and hreavy rain. I also spied a big patch of snow off to the left....... (Its almost Memorial day- I think).
At about the 1/2 way point I'd had enough. It was raining heavier, my rain gear was not too rain protective today, the temp had dropped to 44 degrees, a strong wind was blowing, and the cloud base descended down (or I climbed into it), dropping visibility to near zero. At this point I was no longer very optimistic, nor did I want to be a hypothermia candidate. So I turned back, only the 3rd time I've had to do that on a 4K hike.
On the way down near the base I decided it was time to play and went looking for that big patch of snow....... I tried to make a snow angel (yep) but the snow was too hard, crunchy and nasty! I settled for some pics of me standing in a field of snow in late May instead!
Then I headed down and changed and headed home..... There is always another time. Pics will follow at some point!
Oh yes, I need to thank the Cannon folks for leaving that big party tent up, my car fit in it and I was able to change into dry clothes on dry ground for the ride home!
and packed up last night. At 9:00 AM I was headed up north knowing that the rain would stop and the day clear and all would be well! As I drove the rain didn't stop, only became heavier and heavier, then it would stop to nothing, then a downpour with bad visibility, and that continued that way all the way up to Ashland, where I desperately needed a Dunkins. As it happens, the rain stopped at DD's.........I fely very hopeful.As I headed into the Notch it was pouring. And didn't stop. I had planned to take the Kinsman Ridge trail, but diverted to the ski trails instead, at least if the rain stopped I'd have better views. As I pulled into the very deserted ski lot, I quickly switched into rain gear and boots, grabbed my pack and began heading to the Ski Lodge. After checking the map for the best route I headed up, and it poured and poured and poured. But it was going to get better- it had to. I continued to slog up the ski trail, with bad visibilty and hreavy rain. I also spied a big patch of snow off to the left.......
(Its almost Memorial day- I think).At about the 1/2 way point I'd had enough. It was raining heavier, my rain gear was not too rain protective today, the temp had dropped to 44 degrees, a strong wind was blowing, and the cloud base descended down (or I climbed into it), dropping visibility to near zero. At this point I was no longer very optimistic, nor did I want to be a hypothermia candidate. So I turned back, only the 3rd time I've had to do that on a 4K hike.
On the way down near the base I decided it was time to play and went looking for that big patch of snow.......
I tried to make a snow angel (yep) but the snow was too hard, crunchy and nasty! I settled for some pics of me standing in a field of snow in late May instead! Then I headed down and changed and headed home..... There is always another time.
Pics will follow at some point!Oh yes, I need to thank the Cannon folks for leaving that big party tent up, my car fit in it and I was able to change into dry clothes on dry ground for the ride home!
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