SherpaTom
Member
The planning stages for this trip began back in December when it was decided we would utilize Galehead Hut as a home base for our trip. The Bonds were very doable from this location and from questions/responses to my previous postings, Owlshead could also be summited. These peaks were all on my "list to do", while some of my hike partners needed some of the other peaks we would encounter.
The hikers were:
SherpaTom
Rabbit
Rocky
Chafe
Rookie
Sandal
Hippie
Maniac
Our trip began with five of us meeting at the Kangamangus Visitor Center. As always, Chafe was early and was waiting for me. We decided to hit Bill & Bobs for a roast beef sandwich but at 11:15 a.m., it was closed. We hit a sandwich shop down the road and then only to find B&B open on the way back to Rt 93.
We stashed one car at N.Twin Trail and took the other over to the Gale River Trailhead, where we would begin our four day journey. There was 5.
Rabbit took off and was never seen again with Rookie right behind in an attempt to show off his youth. Now half a mile into the trip, I realized that I forgot to pay the parking fee so I dropped my pack and ran down & back. I was so drenched in sweat I never recovered for the day. Rocky & his pet rock which was placed neatly on my pack had waited for me. Say what you want about Rocky, but he's like that trusty dog that never leaves your side.
Both teams made it to the Hut in 2.5 hours, which allowed Chafe, Rookie & Rocky to summit the wooded Galehead Mt., while Rabbit & I slurped soup.
At the 6 p.m. dinner bell, Sandal & Hippie came rushing up the mountain to join the group. Now there was 7. That night there was a sock robbery; a mystery that has yet to be solved although I have been implicated but pleading the 5th. The Lemonade Maker also left a lemon for his good friend & partner, Rocky.
The next morning, the hike to the Bonds was planned. Maniac had planned to begin his hike from Gale River at 5 a.m. and meet us at the hut. Due to a late night and some needed sleep, he radio'd us just as we were readying ourselves to summit S.Twin. The plan was for us to hike ahead and Maniac would catch us. As we hit S.Twin, Maniac was approaching the Hut. As we hit Guyot, he was at S.Twin and so on and so forth. During out approach to Guyot, Sandal decided that he did not need his hiking boots anymore...and hence the name Sandal was applied.
We decided to drop our packs and summit W. Bond first and were rewarded with beautiful views of the Pemi Valley. As always, Rabbit was waiting for us at the top. We then left and hiked over Mt. Bond and then headed for Bondcliff, a place I always wanted to be on a clear day. Even though it was overcast, the views were spectacular and for anyone that has not been there, let this be your next trip. All of us took pictures on the cliff which is on the AMC Guidebook....my legs locked & shaking.
As Rocky broke open the pepperoni & cheese, up through the dust came Maniac. Now there were 8. We wined & dined (well not wine, water) for an hour out at Bondcliff until we decided to return to our home base. Even though Maniac had already hiked 3.6 more miles than us, he decided to hit W. Bond on the way back. Rabbit saw him leave, sprang to his feet and scampered after him.
During a break, Chafe found a rock in his bag and immediately looked at Rocky, who, as always denied any involvement. It was later discovered during our celebration dinner that Rabbit was the culprit....or was it the Rookie who was now feeling comfortable in his new environment????
On the way back, there was a search for a Hippie & and old Sherpa with a bandanna, who were later found on S. Twin singing Roy Orbison songs.
We celebrated that night with cigars, lemonchello & cognac at the Hut and readied ourselves for the next day's journey: Owlshead. Early to bed that night.
The next morning, Rocky & Sandal decided to skip the Owlshead hike so six of us took off at 7:50. First off, I want to thank all those who had responded to me in July in the Galehead Hut to Owlshead Q&A section. All your input was valued as well as the gentleman at the hut who shared his "day before" hike description to Owlshead. For those of you that have done this hike, congrats, for those of you who are planning it, good luck.
Once down to 13 Falls Campsite & Falls, Lincoln Brook Trail is the most un-maintained, muddy, rugged area with blowdowns that are several years old. There are a few occasions you can & will lose the trail only to easily find it again. Trails are re-routed around blowdowns. Rabbit, Hippie & Rookie pushed on, while Maniac, Chafe & I kept to the rear. We saw a lot of moose tracks, but no moose.
We met at the well marked trailhead which has two large cairns, dropped our packs, turned left and found the trail heading up to Owlshead. We took only water as we scammbled up the slide with fantastic views of the Franconia Ridge behind us.
As some have posted previously, there is the old summit and now a new summit. The old summit, I presume has a sign which states Owshead "no L" and points left. As you continue, the trail ends, but as suggested you push through some 20 yards of trees, scrub & branches and you reach an opening and soon find the new "Owlshead", which is so much like the old summit. Chafe & I gave the old Owl our own bird sign to show our power on conquering the peak.
The way down the slide was fun for the youngsters as they hopped from rock to rock and never falling, while us old farts fell and bruised ourselves several times. A short lunch on the slide provided by the Maniac was a pleasant & welcome surprise. That was the best bite of a sandwich I ever had. As we descended, we found that Rabbit & Rookie got into a scuffle on the river bed and Rabbit went full body into the water....oh what a long walk home with soaking feet. I found a rock in my bag which had the fingerprints of Rocky written all over it (later to be denied...investigation pending). Thanks to Maniac & his water filter, we were all able to tank back up with full bottles & bladders.
Off we headed back home with our eyes set on 6:00 p.m. dinner time. Once again, Rabbit led the charge as his wet feet only slowed him down a pace or two. He & Rookie made friends again and decided to swim at 13 Falls after taking their boots off this time. Hippie & Maniac followed them out with myself & Chafe in tow, making it to the Hut at 6:00 & 6:25 respectively. The Maniac hadn't hike enough that day so he left us sore bodies and hiked another 4.6 miles down Gale River...now there was 7.
The hike was considered a battle, yet we perservered and conquered. It was the toughest one day hike I had ever encountered and others agreed, except for Rabbit of course who thought Garfield Ridge, between Galehead & Lafayette was. I reminded him he was 12 when he did that.
During dinner, Rocky & Sandal talked about their hike down to 13 Falls, where they dipped their toes into the cold water. Rocky took on Garfield and took some nice photos of Owlshead for us. Thanks Rocky, you are always thinking of us.
After dinner, anolther rock was found in my bag....WTF? Are these my friends or foes? After a hearty laugh and spending 10 minutes trying to zipper the wrong legs to my pants it was time to retire at precisely 8:30 p.m.
The next morning left us with a choice of hikes as we had cars parked in two locals. Sandal & Hippie decided to head down Gale River. The rest of us decided on the longer route....so we headed up S. Twin again. Now there were 5. The hike was semi-uneventful as exhaustion was setting in. We met at S. Twin and again at the N. Twin overlook, taking our last photos overlooking Galehead Hut, our home for the last three nights. The last of the pepperoni was divided.
The river crossings were easy and then the long level walk. On this day it seemed forever until the sight of a vehicle in the parking lot, which was the happiest moment of the day.
Off to Bill & Bobs for roast beef....only to find it closed on Wednesdays?!&?!?&! The cafe down the street was just what we needed though; few brews, nachos & sandwiches.
Thanks to all of those who hiked with me on this trip (#32,33,34 & 35 are now completed). Looking forward to next year's Hut trip at Carter Notch, where we will take on the Wildcats & The Carters.
Regards,
SherpaTom
The hikers were:
SherpaTom
Rabbit
Rocky
Chafe
Rookie
Sandal
Hippie
Maniac
Our trip began with five of us meeting at the Kangamangus Visitor Center. As always, Chafe was early and was waiting for me. We decided to hit Bill & Bobs for a roast beef sandwich but at 11:15 a.m., it was closed. We hit a sandwich shop down the road and then only to find B&B open on the way back to Rt 93.
We stashed one car at N.Twin Trail and took the other over to the Gale River Trailhead, where we would begin our four day journey. There was 5.
Rabbit took off and was never seen again with Rookie right behind in an attempt to show off his youth. Now half a mile into the trip, I realized that I forgot to pay the parking fee so I dropped my pack and ran down & back. I was so drenched in sweat I never recovered for the day. Rocky & his pet rock which was placed neatly on my pack had waited for me. Say what you want about Rocky, but he's like that trusty dog that never leaves your side.
Both teams made it to the Hut in 2.5 hours, which allowed Chafe, Rookie & Rocky to summit the wooded Galehead Mt., while Rabbit & I slurped soup.
At the 6 p.m. dinner bell, Sandal & Hippie came rushing up the mountain to join the group. Now there was 7. That night there was a sock robbery; a mystery that has yet to be solved although I have been implicated but pleading the 5th. The Lemonade Maker also left a lemon for his good friend & partner, Rocky.
The next morning, the hike to the Bonds was planned. Maniac had planned to begin his hike from Gale River at 5 a.m. and meet us at the hut. Due to a late night and some needed sleep, he radio'd us just as we were readying ourselves to summit S.Twin. The plan was for us to hike ahead and Maniac would catch us. As we hit S.Twin, Maniac was approaching the Hut. As we hit Guyot, he was at S.Twin and so on and so forth. During out approach to Guyot, Sandal decided that he did not need his hiking boots anymore...and hence the name Sandal was applied.
We decided to drop our packs and summit W. Bond first and were rewarded with beautiful views of the Pemi Valley. As always, Rabbit was waiting for us at the top. We then left and hiked over Mt. Bond and then headed for Bondcliff, a place I always wanted to be on a clear day. Even though it was overcast, the views were spectacular and for anyone that has not been there, let this be your next trip. All of us took pictures on the cliff which is on the AMC Guidebook....my legs locked & shaking.
As Rocky broke open the pepperoni & cheese, up through the dust came Maniac. Now there were 8. We wined & dined (well not wine, water) for an hour out at Bondcliff until we decided to return to our home base. Even though Maniac had already hiked 3.6 more miles than us, he decided to hit W. Bond on the way back. Rabbit saw him leave, sprang to his feet and scampered after him.
During a break, Chafe found a rock in his bag and immediately looked at Rocky, who, as always denied any involvement. It was later discovered during our celebration dinner that Rabbit was the culprit....or was it the Rookie who was now feeling comfortable in his new environment????
On the way back, there was a search for a Hippie & and old Sherpa with a bandanna, who were later found on S. Twin singing Roy Orbison songs.
We celebrated that night with cigars, lemonchello & cognac at the Hut and readied ourselves for the next day's journey: Owlshead. Early to bed that night.
The next morning, Rocky & Sandal decided to skip the Owlshead hike so six of us took off at 7:50. First off, I want to thank all those who had responded to me in July in the Galehead Hut to Owlshead Q&A section. All your input was valued as well as the gentleman at the hut who shared his "day before" hike description to Owlshead. For those of you that have done this hike, congrats, for those of you who are planning it, good luck.
Once down to 13 Falls Campsite & Falls, Lincoln Brook Trail is the most un-maintained, muddy, rugged area with blowdowns that are several years old. There are a few occasions you can & will lose the trail only to easily find it again. Trails are re-routed around blowdowns. Rabbit, Hippie & Rookie pushed on, while Maniac, Chafe & I kept to the rear. We saw a lot of moose tracks, but no moose.
We met at the well marked trailhead which has two large cairns, dropped our packs, turned left and found the trail heading up to Owlshead. We took only water as we scammbled up the slide with fantastic views of the Franconia Ridge behind us.
As some have posted previously, there is the old summit and now a new summit. The old summit, I presume has a sign which states Owshead "no L" and points left. As you continue, the trail ends, but as suggested you push through some 20 yards of trees, scrub & branches and you reach an opening and soon find the new "Owlshead", which is so much like the old summit. Chafe & I gave the old Owl our own bird sign to show our power on conquering the peak.
The way down the slide was fun for the youngsters as they hopped from rock to rock and never falling, while us old farts fell and bruised ourselves several times. A short lunch on the slide provided by the Maniac was a pleasant & welcome surprise. That was the best bite of a sandwich I ever had. As we descended, we found that Rabbit & Rookie got into a scuffle on the river bed and Rabbit went full body into the water....oh what a long walk home with soaking feet. I found a rock in my bag which had the fingerprints of Rocky written all over it (later to be denied...investigation pending). Thanks to Maniac & his water filter, we were all able to tank back up with full bottles & bladders.
Off we headed back home with our eyes set on 6:00 p.m. dinner time. Once again, Rabbit led the charge as his wet feet only slowed him down a pace or two. He & Rookie made friends again and decided to swim at 13 Falls after taking their boots off this time. Hippie & Maniac followed them out with myself & Chafe in tow, making it to the Hut at 6:00 & 6:25 respectively. The Maniac hadn't hike enough that day so he left us sore bodies and hiked another 4.6 miles down Gale River...now there was 7.
The hike was considered a battle, yet we perservered and conquered. It was the toughest one day hike I had ever encountered and others agreed, except for Rabbit of course who thought Garfield Ridge, between Galehead & Lafayette was. I reminded him he was 12 when he did that.
During dinner, Rocky & Sandal talked about their hike down to 13 Falls, where they dipped their toes into the cold water. Rocky took on Garfield and took some nice photos of Owlshead for us. Thanks Rocky, you are always thinking of us.
After dinner, anolther rock was found in my bag....WTF? Are these my friends or foes? After a hearty laugh and spending 10 minutes trying to zipper the wrong legs to my pants it was time to retire at precisely 8:30 p.m.
The next morning left us with a choice of hikes as we had cars parked in two locals. Sandal & Hippie decided to head down Gale River. The rest of us decided on the longer route....so we headed up S. Twin again. Now there were 5. The hike was semi-uneventful as exhaustion was setting in. We met at S. Twin and again at the N. Twin overlook, taking our last photos overlooking Galehead Hut, our home for the last three nights. The last of the pepperoni was divided.
The river crossings were easy and then the long level walk. On this day it seemed forever until the sight of a vehicle in the parking lot, which was the happiest moment of the day.
Off to Bill & Bobs for roast beef....only to find it closed on Wednesdays?!&?!?&! The cafe down the street was just what we needed though; few brews, nachos & sandwiches.
Thanks to all of those who hiked with me on this trip (#32,33,34 & 35 are now completed). Looking forward to next year's Hut trip at Carter Notch, where we will take on the Wildcats & The Carters.
Regards,
SherpaTom
