Double Bow
New member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2005
- Messages
- 1,172
- Reaction score
- 219
The saga continues...
Sure, I'd done the Hancocks twice already this year but, each time was for a different reason. First time was because I hadn't done them before, the seccond because Gator hadn't, and this time because Shamie hadn't (these would be #s 42 & 43 for her). A cool, sunny day seemed to be perfect conditions for this pleasant loop.
The trailhead was buzzing with tourists taking pictures of the Osceloas, leaves, and each other. On the trail, we saw two pairs of hikers all day. The couple we saw near the junction of Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook were on vacation from Germany. We chatted with them and they were very pleasant. They did not go up to either summit and I wondered how people from Germany would hear about the Hancocks. I figured that they must be distant relatives of Dr Wu.
Despite knowing that there had ben a decent amount of rain the night before, I had opted to wear my trail runners and take my chances with the crossings. Although the water levels were a little high, I managed fine and didn't get my feet wet. We chose to go up the south loop, as I had done the other two times. The climb was fun and more enjoyable than it had been in May (with ice) or July (hot). Once on South Hancock, we stopped to admire the view.
After a quick break, we did my favorite part, the ridgewalk. I love looking through the trees and catching glimpses of views! The big mud puddle was easily navigated and we got to the summit of Hancock in good time. Once there, we went over to the nearby viewpoint for a break and Shamie was blown away by the view.
The way down was very interesting to me since it has seen MAJOR changes over the course of the year. In May it was a loose, gravel slide. In July, it was under construction. Now, the work is complete and there are numerious wooden bars to retain the rock and dirt as well as new rock steps. They appear to have done a good job to help slow down the errosion of this trail. I would also say that this leg of the loop is much better suited for climbing now. I plan to try it next time.
The rest of the way out was pleasant. The water crossings went faster since the best routes were fresh in our minds and we actually did "book time" which is something Shamie has struggled with this year. I was proud of her and she was happy both with how enjoyable the hike was and with now being only 5 away from finishing her 48.
Sure, I'd done the Hancocks twice already this year but, each time was for a different reason. First time was because I hadn't done them before, the seccond because Gator hadn't, and this time because Shamie hadn't (these would be #s 42 & 43 for her). A cool, sunny day seemed to be perfect conditions for this pleasant loop.
The trailhead was buzzing with tourists taking pictures of the Osceloas, leaves, and each other. On the trail, we saw two pairs of hikers all day. The couple we saw near the junction of Hancock Notch and Cedar Brook were on vacation from Germany. We chatted with them and they were very pleasant. They did not go up to either summit and I wondered how people from Germany would hear about the Hancocks. I figured that they must be distant relatives of Dr Wu.
Despite knowing that there had ben a decent amount of rain the night before, I had opted to wear my trail runners and take my chances with the crossings. Although the water levels were a little high, I managed fine and didn't get my feet wet. We chose to go up the south loop, as I had done the other two times. The climb was fun and more enjoyable than it had been in May (with ice) or July (hot). Once on South Hancock, we stopped to admire the view.
After a quick break, we did my favorite part, the ridgewalk. I love looking through the trees and catching glimpses of views! The big mud puddle was easily navigated and we got to the summit of Hancock in good time. Once there, we went over to the nearby viewpoint for a break and Shamie was blown away by the view.
The way down was very interesting to me since it has seen MAJOR changes over the course of the year. In May it was a loose, gravel slide. In July, it was under construction. Now, the work is complete and there are numerious wooden bars to retain the rock and dirt as well as new rock steps. They appear to have done a good job to help slow down the errosion of this trail. I would also say that this leg of the loop is much better suited for climbing now. I plan to try it next time.
The rest of the way out was pleasant. The water crossings went faster since the best routes were fresh in our minds and we actually did "book time" which is something Shamie has struggled with this year. I was proud of her and she was happy both with how enjoyable the hike was and with now being only 5 away from finishing her 48.
