timmus
Well-known member
I knew MacNaughton wouldn’t be easy, so I did two things in order to increase my chances. First, I made a sandwich out of it, by doing really easy hikes before and after (Adams Saturday, and Hurricane Monday), and second, I got myself a guide. I know, it’s terrible, but hey, I’m not perfect.
Sunday morning, we drove to Tahawus, and had a late start because I slept in. Let’s just say that a small celebration for Arm’s big finish (46th/115th) took place the evening before. Frodo, Swamp JayH and Dani (supposedly) were part of the group.
The trail that leads to the metal piece of junk is starting on an old muddy/rocky road that gains something like 80ft in 1.5mi. Then it gets much better as the path gets carved into a small mossy and narrow notch, sided by rocky walls. We explored a path that leads to the Upper Preston Pond, discovered two boats, a storage shed and a dock. According to the map, there’s a cabin or some kind of building on the southwest shore of the pond. I thought having a place like that would be awesome.
We made a right turn at the junction of the herd path, and got into the woods. There’s a very distinctive herd path along the south side (for the most part) of the brook up MacNaughton. Sometimes we had to hop in the middle of it, but it was fun because my guide took a fall, butt-first into the water. Great moment. There’s a blowdown area to negociate up there, and we found a small path around it on the way down, that helped a lot.
Minutes later we got where the brook gets spit out of the mountain. It’s a very pretty spot to rest and eat some snacks. I was feeling weak and all food was dropping into my stomach like heavy rocks. I had a terrible headache, and I knew the day will be long.
We followed the old orange flags from the lunch spot to… well, not very far. The guide lost the herd path, and we had to bushwhack all the way up. Some parts were not very pleasant, and I was dragging behind. I was very glad to hear ‘’I found it !’’ few minutes later. The herd path that follows the ridge is charming ; soft footing and waving around the trees. There’s a very nice lookout facing north on the first bump (of course I thought I’d reach the top and almost got in tears when I realize it was not). Finally, we got under the summit sign (very well nailed by Pete) few minutes later. Sandwiches, rest and gazing views got me back on my feet.
I was ready to go down, and ready for more action. But my knees were not doing well, so the idea of going down the brook was not very appealing. We decided to try another route, which is following the ridge that leads to a smaller bump, and head down to reach Wallface Lean-to. My guide heard something about a herd path all the way to the bump, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to stay on it. We went down in the woods a little, and realize it was almost 3pm. So long for the adventure. We went back to the old orange flagged route, and I took the lead. I don’t loose herd paths easily, maybe because I have limited orienteering skills (and no GPS unit). Back to the brook, we went down pretty quickly, following the herd path all the way. There are little cairns at some places that mark the entrances/exits of the brook. The return was like most returns: quiet, long and getting obscured fast. Great day overall, with very good company.
One word about Adams and Hurricane... Absolutly AMAZING.
Please help save all fire towers, I love them.
Sunday morning, we drove to Tahawus, and had a late start because I slept in. Let’s just say that a small celebration for Arm’s big finish (46th/115th) took place the evening before. Frodo, Swamp JayH and Dani (supposedly) were part of the group.
The trail that leads to the metal piece of junk is starting on an old muddy/rocky road that gains something like 80ft in 1.5mi. Then it gets much better as the path gets carved into a small mossy and narrow notch, sided by rocky walls. We explored a path that leads to the Upper Preston Pond, discovered two boats, a storage shed and a dock. According to the map, there’s a cabin or some kind of building on the southwest shore of the pond. I thought having a place like that would be awesome.
We made a right turn at the junction of the herd path, and got into the woods. There’s a very distinctive herd path along the south side (for the most part) of the brook up MacNaughton. Sometimes we had to hop in the middle of it, but it was fun because my guide took a fall, butt-first into the water. Great moment. There’s a blowdown area to negociate up there, and we found a small path around it on the way down, that helped a lot.
Minutes later we got where the brook gets spit out of the mountain. It’s a very pretty spot to rest and eat some snacks. I was feeling weak and all food was dropping into my stomach like heavy rocks. I had a terrible headache, and I knew the day will be long.
We followed the old orange flags from the lunch spot to… well, not very far. The guide lost the herd path, and we had to bushwhack all the way up. Some parts were not very pleasant, and I was dragging behind. I was very glad to hear ‘’I found it !’’ few minutes later. The herd path that follows the ridge is charming ; soft footing and waving around the trees. There’s a very nice lookout facing north on the first bump (of course I thought I’d reach the top and almost got in tears when I realize it was not). Finally, we got under the summit sign (very well nailed by Pete) few minutes later. Sandwiches, rest and gazing views got me back on my feet.
I was ready to go down, and ready for more action. But my knees were not doing well, so the idea of going down the brook was not very appealing. We decided to try another route, which is following the ridge that leads to a smaller bump, and head down to reach Wallface Lean-to. My guide heard something about a herd path all the way to the bump, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to stay on it. We went down in the woods a little, and realize it was almost 3pm. So long for the adventure. We went back to the old orange flagged route, and I took the lead. I don’t loose herd paths easily, maybe because I have limited orienteering skills (and no GPS unit). Back to the brook, we went down pretty quickly, following the herd path all the way. There are little cairns at some places that mark the entrances/exits of the brook. The return was like most returns: quiet, long and getting obscured fast. Great day overall, with very good company.
One word about Adams and Hurricane... Absolutly AMAZING.
Please help save all fire towers, I love them.
