BIGEarl
Well-known member
September 26, 2009: Hancocks (N & S) and Osceolas (East & Main)
Trails: Two hikes as follows
Hancocks via: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Osceolas via: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail
Summits: N. Hancock, S. Hancock, East Osceola, Osceola Main
Hikers: Solo
Hancocks Hike:
With the great three-day forecast I had planned on a back-to-back-to-back series of hike days. It’s been a while since the last time I did three hike days in a row. It will be a while longer since I missed day two.
This is day two of the plan being hiked on day three. I started early on the Hancock Notch Trail. My plan was to hike the Hancocks in the morning and head for the Osceolas in the afternoon. This is the same hike I did recently with Sue, Liz, and Loanshark and the hike where I lost a hiking pole. I thought it may have been lost on a pit stop and perhaps it was off the trail and not seen by anybody. I’d check later when I reached the area.
Roughly five minutes before heading out, another hiker set off on the same hike to the Hancocks. I’m not a fast hiker and was pretty sure I wouldn’t pass him and possibly wouldn’t see him at all. Before starting, I put on my usual top layer for winter hiking – the temperature was 28 degrees on the truck display and I knew most of the hike to N. Hancock would be in the shade. In other words, slow to warm up. With a headlight I made my way to the Cedar Brook – Hancock Notch trails junction. By the time I reached this point the headlight was no longer needed and I packed it away. I made the turn and headed for the Hancock Loop junction. Very soon I was treated to a nice surprise. The mud pits on Cedar Brook Trail were all dry and firm. There was no problem staying clean and dry. Plus, the crossings were all easy. I’ve got a pretty good day going for me.
At the loop split I took a left and headed for N. Hancock first (doing the loop clockwise). The climb to N. Hancock is completely clear for the full distance with no blowdowns at all. A short distance into the climb I started to get pretty warm and decided it was time to retire the top layer. It isn’t difficult to stay warm while climbing North or South Hancock. Along the way I could see the sun in the trees getting closer and knew the day would get warmer soon. At roughly 3900 feet I finally started getting hit by the sun. Nice! I enjoyed the final climb to the summit and arrived in bright sun and no breeze at all. Out on the open ledge was a fellow named John. He was the person that set off from the trailhead a few minutes before me. The views were terrific. We visited for roughly a half hour before I decided to get moving. There was a full afternoon waiting for me but first I needed to get through the morning.
The trip to S. Hancock was another surprise. The mud is gone. The pits are still obvious but they are dry and solid. I made good time across the middle PUD and on to S. Hancock, With the great clear conditions I had to pay a visit to the outlook even though the views are very limited there. The view to Chocorua on a clear day is always worth the stop. After a quick break I was headed down from S. Hancock to close the loop and make my exit to the trailhead.
The hike out was uneventful, except for the endless stream of hikers on the trail. I came upon the first group roughly half way to the Cedar Brook junction, and then it seemed every few minutes there were more. In the mix was a familiar face. She wasn’t a happyhiker, she was the Happyhiker. We stopped to visit for a while and we soon back into our goals for the day.
There was a lot of entertainment on the Cedar Brook and Hancock Notch trails. One pair of “old people” (in their 50’s) was evidently unsure of the way to their objective. The man didn’t ask directions (we never do) and the woman just glared at him (they seem to do this a lot). Another couple possibly in the same boat was having a heated discussion when they saw me coming down the trail. Immediately they started moving and as they passed the man shouted – “Is this the way to Hancock?”. Yup! The woman smiled. Another couple at the Hancock Notch – Cedar Brook trails junction asked which way had less climbing. Finally, a group of four asked if the trail ever climbed or was it always flat. Most of these people were in sneakers and without a pack. I guess it’s that time of year.
I finished my walk to the trailhead with a smile on my face and stopped for lunch and to re-load with water. After a brief lunch break during which several people asked if I was planning to leave my parking place soon I finally left and made one of the leaf-peepers smile. Next target was the Greeley Ponds trailhead and the Osceolas.
Osceolas Hike:
I reached the trailhead and it was packed. Vehicles were also parked on the road. I noticed one vehicle in particular that was in the trailhead lot. It was a van – as big as vans get, and it had a utility trailer attached to it. The vehicle and trailer combination was parked in such a way to block at least four parking spaces (possibly five). I wondered to myself the thought process that was behind parking such a vehicle there. A very short distance up the road was a pull-out on the side of the road that would have been much easier to park in (and leave from) and parking there would have been much more considerate of others.
Across the road and a couple hundred yards toward Lincoln Woods was the place I decided on for my parking place. I was able to get my truck well off the side of the road, perhaps 15 feet off the pavement. It worked great and a couple hundred yards more made no difference to the day.
Soon I was hiking the Greeley Ponds Trail headed for East Osceola. At the first stream crossing I came upon the couple that was at the Cedar Brook – Hancock Notch trails junction. It was none of my concern but I was curious and asked if they were just looking for a walk or wanted to climb something. They said a low-level walk was their main interest. I gave directions to Greeley Ponds and how to make a loop hike around the ponds. They seemed very appreciative and set off.
At the Greeley Ponds – Mt. Osceola trails junction I made the turn and started the climb. From here to the slide crossing was a steady stream of people on the trail. A couple were hikers but most appeared to be experiencing something new. The trail conditions were great and the on-coming traffic didn’t really hold me up except for one fellow that wanted to visit for a while – but he was a hiker. I made it to the slide crossing and then to the ridge without any problems at all. A quick stop at the outlooks on the ridge and I was off to East Osceola. On reaching the cairn first it was time for a picture and then it was time for the time. I was curious about my progress against plan. A quick check showed I was right on plan, the various stops along the way didn’t cost anything.
It’s a short 1 mile to Osceola Main and the hike went fairly quickly. There were a few others headed in the opposite direction, enough to break things up but not hold things up. As I approached the chimney I decided to see if possibly the pole that I lost on the earlier hike was in the area of my “pit stop”. I looked around but found nothing. Oh well. Off I went up the chimney and on to the main peak and my final target for the day. A short distance from Osceola Main I came upon a long line of younger people (early 20’s I guess). They were leaving the summit and heading toward East Osceola. We all exchanged greeting as we passed and continued on our way. I hit the summit and enjoyed views as good as they probably ever get. The clear and dry air with the afternoon sun lighting up the surrounding mountains was an impressive sight. I got the summit pictures and view pictures, and I also hung around for a while to enjoy the rewards of the climb.
Eventually, it was time to leave. The exit hike involved a re-climb of East Osceola, part of hiking back out the way I hiked in. The hike back to East Osceola was uneventful. I continued down to the ridge at the top of the steep climb and charged into the descent. As I approached the slide crossing I noticed a few people on the slide. At the slide I could see the large group of young people having a scary crossing of the slide. Slowly but surely they all made it across without any problems but I’m pretty sure they won’t be back right away. I assumed the slide crossing was the only real concern but learned differently. The steep descent along the slide was also a problem. I found myself taking a few steps and waiting for the others to make some progress. Then I’d take a few more steps. This wasn’t working out well but one of the group leaders noticed me standing on the trail above the group and gathered everybody together to let me pass. It was a very nice move, and definitely appreciated. Soon, I was gone. The remainder of the hike down and out was an easy cruise back to the trailhead. There were no other hikers on the trail.
At the trailhead the only vehicle was the huge van and trailer, everybody else was gone. I stepped out to the road and everybody that had parked outside the trailhead lot was also gone. Mine was the only other vehicle around. I made the short road walk, crossed the road, tossed my things in the back, and headed for Lincoln Woods. I wanted to relax on the bench at the outhouse while I changed into comfortable footwear and then pull out some refreshments for the ride south. With that out of the way I was back on the highway home.
All things considered, it was a pretty good day.
Pictures will follow.
Trails: Two hikes as follows
Hancocks via: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Osceolas via: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail
Summits: N. Hancock, S. Hancock, East Osceola, Osceola Main
Hikers: Solo
Hancocks Hike:
With the great three-day forecast I had planned on a back-to-back-to-back series of hike days. It’s been a while since the last time I did three hike days in a row. It will be a while longer since I missed day two.
This is day two of the plan being hiked on day three. I started early on the Hancock Notch Trail. My plan was to hike the Hancocks in the morning and head for the Osceolas in the afternoon. This is the same hike I did recently with Sue, Liz, and Loanshark and the hike where I lost a hiking pole. I thought it may have been lost on a pit stop and perhaps it was off the trail and not seen by anybody. I’d check later when I reached the area.
Roughly five minutes before heading out, another hiker set off on the same hike to the Hancocks. I’m not a fast hiker and was pretty sure I wouldn’t pass him and possibly wouldn’t see him at all. Before starting, I put on my usual top layer for winter hiking – the temperature was 28 degrees on the truck display and I knew most of the hike to N. Hancock would be in the shade. In other words, slow to warm up. With a headlight I made my way to the Cedar Brook – Hancock Notch trails junction. By the time I reached this point the headlight was no longer needed and I packed it away. I made the turn and headed for the Hancock Loop junction. Very soon I was treated to a nice surprise. The mud pits on Cedar Brook Trail were all dry and firm. There was no problem staying clean and dry. Plus, the crossings were all easy. I’ve got a pretty good day going for me.
At the loop split I took a left and headed for N. Hancock first (doing the loop clockwise). The climb to N. Hancock is completely clear for the full distance with no blowdowns at all. A short distance into the climb I started to get pretty warm and decided it was time to retire the top layer. It isn’t difficult to stay warm while climbing North or South Hancock. Along the way I could see the sun in the trees getting closer and knew the day would get warmer soon. At roughly 3900 feet I finally started getting hit by the sun. Nice! I enjoyed the final climb to the summit and arrived in bright sun and no breeze at all. Out on the open ledge was a fellow named John. He was the person that set off from the trailhead a few minutes before me. The views were terrific. We visited for roughly a half hour before I decided to get moving. There was a full afternoon waiting for me but first I needed to get through the morning.
The trip to S. Hancock was another surprise. The mud is gone. The pits are still obvious but they are dry and solid. I made good time across the middle PUD and on to S. Hancock, With the great clear conditions I had to pay a visit to the outlook even though the views are very limited there. The view to Chocorua on a clear day is always worth the stop. After a quick break I was headed down from S. Hancock to close the loop and make my exit to the trailhead.
The hike out was uneventful, except for the endless stream of hikers on the trail. I came upon the first group roughly half way to the Cedar Brook junction, and then it seemed every few minutes there were more. In the mix was a familiar face. She wasn’t a happyhiker, she was the Happyhiker. We stopped to visit for a while and we soon back into our goals for the day.
There was a lot of entertainment on the Cedar Brook and Hancock Notch trails. One pair of “old people” (in their 50’s) was evidently unsure of the way to their objective. The man didn’t ask directions (we never do) and the woman just glared at him (they seem to do this a lot). Another couple possibly in the same boat was having a heated discussion when they saw me coming down the trail. Immediately they started moving and as they passed the man shouted – “Is this the way to Hancock?”. Yup! The woman smiled. Another couple at the Hancock Notch – Cedar Brook trails junction asked which way had less climbing. Finally, a group of four asked if the trail ever climbed or was it always flat. Most of these people were in sneakers and without a pack. I guess it’s that time of year.
I finished my walk to the trailhead with a smile on my face and stopped for lunch and to re-load with water. After a brief lunch break during which several people asked if I was planning to leave my parking place soon I finally left and made one of the leaf-peepers smile. Next target was the Greeley Ponds trailhead and the Osceolas.
Osceolas Hike:
I reached the trailhead and it was packed. Vehicles were also parked on the road. I noticed one vehicle in particular that was in the trailhead lot. It was a van – as big as vans get, and it had a utility trailer attached to it. The vehicle and trailer combination was parked in such a way to block at least four parking spaces (possibly five). I wondered to myself the thought process that was behind parking such a vehicle there. A very short distance up the road was a pull-out on the side of the road that would have been much easier to park in (and leave from) and parking there would have been much more considerate of others.
Across the road and a couple hundred yards toward Lincoln Woods was the place I decided on for my parking place. I was able to get my truck well off the side of the road, perhaps 15 feet off the pavement. It worked great and a couple hundred yards more made no difference to the day.
Soon I was hiking the Greeley Ponds Trail headed for East Osceola. At the first stream crossing I came upon the couple that was at the Cedar Brook – Hancock Notch trails junction. It was none of my concern but I was curious and asked if they were just looking for a walk or wanted to climb something. They said a low-level walk was their main interest. I gave directions to Greeley Ponds and how to make a loop hike around the ponds. They seemed very appreciative and set off.
At the Greeley Ponds – Mt. Osceola trails junction I made the turn and started the climb. From here to the slide crossing was a steady stream of people on the trail. A couple were hikers but most appeared to be experiencing something new. The trail conditions were great and the on-coming traffic didn’t really hold me up except for one fellow that wanted to visit for a while – but he was a hiker. I made it to the slide crossing and then to the ridge without any problems at all. A quick stop at the outlooks on the ridge and I was off to East Osceola. On reaching the cairn first it was time for a picture and then it was time for the time. I was curious about my progress against plan. A quick check showed I was right on plan, the various stops along the way didn’t cost anything.
It’s a short 1 mile to Osceola Main and the hike went fairly quickly. There were a few others headed in the opposite direction, enough to break things up but not hold things up. As I approached the chimney I decided to see if possibly the pole that I lost on the earlier hike was in the area of my “pit stop”. I looked around but found nothing. Oh well. Off I went up the chimney and on to the main peak and my final target for the day. A short distance from Osceola Main I came upon a long line of younger people (early 20’s I guess). They were leaving the summit and heading toward East Osceola. We all exchanged greeting as we passed and continued on our way. I hit the summit and enjoyed views as good as they probably ever get. The clear and dry air with the afternoon sun lighting up the surrounding mountains was an impressive sight. I got the summit pictures and view pictures, and I also hung around for a while to enjoy the rewards of the climb.
Eventually, it was time to leave. The exit hike involved a re-climb of East Osceola, part of hiking back out the way I hiked in. The hike back to East Osceola was uneventful. I continued down to the ridge at the top of the steep climb and charged into the descent. As I approached the slide crossing I noticed a few people on the slide. At the slide I could see the large group of young people having a scary crossing of the slide. Slowly but surely they all made it across without any problems but I’m pretty sure they won’t be back right away. I assumed the slide crossing was the only real concern but learned differently. The steep descent along the slide was also a problem. I found myself taking a few steps and waiting for the others to make some progress. Then I’d take a few more steps. This wasn’t working out well but one of the group leaders noticed me standing on the trail above the group and gathered everybody together to let me pass. It was a very nice move, and definitely appreciated. Soon, I was gone. The remainder of the hike down and out was an easy cruise back to the trailhead. There were no other hikers on the trail.
At the trailhead the only vehicle was the huge van and trailer, everybody else was gone. I stepped out to the road and everybody that had parked outside the trailhead lot was also gone. Mine was the only other vehicle around. I made the short road walk, crossed the road, tossed my things in the back, and headed for Lincoln Woods. I wanted to relax on the bench at the outhouse while I changed into comfortable footwear and then pull out some refreshments for the ride south. With that out of the way I was back on the highway home.
All things considered, it was a pretty good day.
Pictures will follow.
