I hiked Liberty and Flume with Tom & Laurie (their #19 and 20 of W48) today via Liberty Springs (White House), and Franconia Ridge Trail, out-and-back. Everyone must have gone Presidential today because we saw only about 8 other people on one of, if not the nicest days of winter hiking I've ever had. No wind to speak of, nary a cloud to be found, warm, sunshine, and of course, spring snow. It's time for sun screen!
Cannon, Tom on Liberty
In the AM, the trails were frozen solid and the snowshoes were helpful not only for traction but for the televators. We took a sit-down eat and drink break at the camp site, but there was nobody there to collect our $8.00. Some recent snowshoe hare prints were to be found on top of a very light dusting of fresh powder. Once on the FRT, the snow softened up as the sun hit it. Tom hit Liberty first and posed for a summit shot before we caught up.
Cross-Pemi Presi Shot, Garfield
We delayed on Liberty as long as we could, eating and talking, but mostly enjoying the sun and views. Descending towards Flume, the snow got much softer, and the trail had seen less traffic. The footing was good though and we made it over in 45-50 minutes. On Flume we spent a good 30 minutes hanging out, and talking to Janice and Bruce (Hi!) who'd come up the Osseo.
The Noo-Yorkers on Flume, Liberty
All good things must come to an end and we hiked back to Liberty with no hats or gloves and our sleeves rolled up. En route we met one more hiker (up to 3 now), and on Liberty there were three more (up to 6 now) and after talking about Flume for a bit, they tossed around the idea of going, but eventually they just followed us down. Tom used the "spoon" for some butt-sledding but Laurie and I stay on our feet. Snowshoes were still helpful once in the hardwoods because it was spring snow. Tom demonstrated an advanced stream crossing technique to the final two hikers of the day (we're at 8.) I didn't feel comfortable imitating him though and I went around and found a better place to cross. Back at the trail head, the cars were in the sun and it was quite warm inside. Luckily, Tom & Laurie had been thinking enough to keep the beer in the cooler in the trunk
The whole album is here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bikehikeskifish/LibertyFlume20110320#
Tim
Cannon, Tom on Liberty
In the AM, the trails were frozen solid and the snowshoes were helpful not only for traction but for the televators. We took a sit-down eat and drink break at the camp site, but there was nobody there to collect our $8.00. Some recent snowshoe hare prints were to be found on top of a very light dusting of fresh powder. Once on the FRT, the snow softened up as the sun hit it. Tom hit Liberty first and posed for a summit shot before we caught up.
Cross-Pemi Presi Shot, Garfield
We delayed on Liberty as long as we could, eating and talking, but mostly enjoying the sun and views. Descending towards Flume, the snow got much softer, and the trail had seen less traffic. The footing was good though and we made it over in 45-50 minutes. On Flume we spent a good 30 minutes hanging out, and talking to Janice and Bruce (Hi!) who'd come up the Osseo.
The Noo-Yorkers on Flume, Liberty
All good things must come to an end and we hiked back to Liberty with no hats or gloves and our sleeves rolled up. En route we met one more hiker (up to 3 now), and on Liberty there were three more (up to 6 now) and after talking about Flume for a bit, they tossed around the idea of going, but eventually they just followed us down. Tom used the "spoon" for some butt-sledding but Laurie and I stay on our feet. Snowshoes were still helpful once in the hardwoods because it was spring snow. Tom demonstrated an advanced stream crossing technique to the final two hikers of the day (we're at 8.) I didn't feel comfortable imitating him though and I went around and found a better place to cross. Back at the trail head, the cars were in the sun and it was quite warm inside. Luckily, Tom & Laurie had been thinking enough to keep the beer in the cooler in the trunk
The whole album is here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bikehikeskifish/LibertyFlume20110320#
Tim
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