MichaelJ and I met-up at the Lafayette Campground to hike Cannon via Hi-Cannon, Dodge Cut-off and Kinsman Ridge Trails. I had not slept well the night before due to excitement and the nerves of hiking with someone new. It is like getting ready for a stage performance where you get to put on your own little hiking show and hope the other hikers can relate and are compatible.
I brought along Jelsi and Tuscany, my parents’ 18-month old Goldens, who are very good trail dogs and who love to be part of the action! Having dogs on a hike always creates a pleasant distraction from the workout and keeps me from being too focused on myself. Tuscany, a work dog by nature, was carrying his dog pack for the second time ever, loaded with dog water and dog snacks for him and his sister.
Michael and I were both getting used to our heavier winter packs and mountaineering boots, but the trails were in descent shape with just a dusting of snow. Further up on the mountain sections of ice became more abundant, but we decided to stick with just boots – even though I had new crampons to try out. Progress was slow and plodding, but chatty and enjoyable as the grey sky made way for blue and bright.
Michael had sent me a picture of the Hi-Cannon ladder during our planning. I thought it was going to be a challenge with the dogs, but knew it could be overcome. The dogs however didn’t have the same confidence upon seeing the structure – and the snow on it didn’t soften the picture. Michael climbed to the top of the ladder, took of his pack and got ready to catch, haul or carry depending upon how the dogs got transferred to him. I took off Tuscany’s pack and put it on mine, climbed half way up the ladder and urged the dogs to climb half way up on the rocks. I stepped through the rungs on the ladder and stood on the rocks below and lifted Jelsi (feather-weight) up onto the ladder where Michael could grab her. Next, I tried to lift Tuscany (approx. 70lbs) but was ineffective until I could get my laughter under control. Everyone was clearly relieved when we were all above the ladder safe and sound!
On top of Cannon we felt blessed with the views as the last of the clouds cleared from the Franconia Range. Everyone had lunch and got rejuvenated.
After lunch we headed down the Kinsman Ridge Trail toward the first Cannon Ball, which Michael needed for his 100 Highest. The trail was steep and challenging with the snow and ice. The pups whined often at tough sections that scared them. Eventually I took off Tuscany’s pack and carried it as he felt much more free and confident without it on the touch sections.
We tagged the Cannon Ball and decided to head back to the car for a pre-dusk finish. As the dogs stretched out in the car for a well-deserved nap, Michael and I went for bison burgers in Woodstock then went our separate ways home.
Pictures: http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/cannon-ne-cannonball-2005
I brought along Jelsi and Tuscany, my parents’ 18-month old Goldens, who are very good trail dogs and who love to be part of the action! Having dogs on a hike always creates a pleasant distraction from the workout and keeps me from being too focused on myself. Tuscany, a work dog by nature, was carrying his dog pack for the second time ever, loaded with dog water and dog snacks for him and his sister.
Michael and I were both getting used to our heavier winter packs and mountaineering boots, but the trails were in descent shape with just a dusting of snow. Further up on the mountain sections of ice became more abundant, but we decided to stick with just boots – even though I had new crampons to try out. Progress was slow and plodding, but chatty and enjoyable as the grey sky made way for blue and bright.
Michael had sent me a picture of the Hi-Cannon ladder during our planning. I thought it was going to be a challenge with the dogs, but knew it could be overcome. The dogs however didn’t have the same confidence upon seeing the structure – and the snow on it didn’t soften the picture. Michael climbed to the top of the ladder, took of his pack and got ready to catch, haul or carry depending upon how the dogs got transferred to him. I took off Tuscany’s pack and put it on mine, climbed half way up the ladder and urged the dogs to climb half way up on the rocks. I stepped through the rungs on the ladder and stood on the rocks below and lifted Jelsi (feather-weight) up onto the ladder where Michael could grab her. Next, I tried to lift Tuscany (approx. 70lbs) but was ineffective until I could get my laughter under control. Everyone was clearly relieved when we were all above the ladder safe and sound!
On top of Cannon we felt blessed with the views as the last of the clouds cleared from the Franconia Range. Everyone had lunch and got rejuvenated.
After lunch we headed down the Kinsman Ridge Trail toward the first Cannon Ball, which Michael needed for his 100 Highest. The trail was steep and challenging with the snow and ice. The pups whined often at tough sections that scared them. Eventually I took off Tuscany’s pack and carried it as he felt much more free and confident without it on the touch sections.
We tagged the Cannon Ball and decided to head back to the car for a pre-dusk finish. As the dogs stretched out in the car for a well-deserved nap, Michael and I went for bison burgers in Woodstock then went our separate ways home.
Pictures: http://hiking.saletnik.org/gallery/cannon-ne-cannonball-2005
