grouseking
Well-known member
Not that I never wanted to hike here.... 
Before this weekend all my trips have taken me to NH, except for one hike up Mt Pisgah back in 2000 with the Lyndon State meteorology club. I shall compare this hike with most of my NH hikes in one sentence.
There are no where near as many rocks and the terrain (at least the trail we took) was practically mellow. So, I now know where to go if I want to hike a 4k without destroying my knees and feet.
We arrived at the Monroe tr via Camels Hump rd and headed off around 9am. The sun had just poked thru after a quick hitting shower so it made things feel quite humid. Still we made really good time despite constantly climbing and were at the first junction within a half hour (1.3 miles) At this point the bugs wern't all that bad and I didn't even have bug dope on, so I was happy. The clouds were in and out and then it started to get darker. As we neared what appeared to be a slightly steeper section, I felt a couple drops of rain. Then the skies opened up andit downpoured for a good 15-20 min. This was the first time I have ever had to deal with rain while hiking with my dad. Normally he's a good luck charm. Oh well.
The rain actually helped to cool me down, though we were getting to rockier sections and my boots are worth crap when I walk across wet areas, so much care was taken. Thankfully, the trail wasn't that steep and we still made good time. At the junction with the Alpine trail, we stopped for a short breather and a bit of food. Trilliums were out in force as were other flowers but unfortunately I don't know their names.
Things were looking very green at the higher elevation, so this must be a new development within the last week or two. The Monroe trail between the Alpine junction and the old hut clearing was beautiful, so beautiful that I forgot to take pics. I was too busy chatting and looking around. Plus I think I put my camera away to keep it dry.
When we arrived at the hut clearing/junction with the Long Trail, there was a thermometer there and it read 64 degrees. Not too shabby. After a 2 min stay at the clearing (the black flies were out, and biting in this area) we pushed on for the final 0.3 mi climb. I thought it was going to be steep, but it never got that bad. Then around the corner, I saw something I wasn't sure I was going to see....snow! Just a little patch...and I got to say farewell to winter on my own terms. June 2nd...a record for me.
A few minutes later we reached the summit and we treated to fantastic views of the clouds. Actually, it really wasnt that bad, esp if you looked down into the valley. This is number 1 for me in VT....well I might as well keep track, there are only a few of them!
Since I put these pics in, I'm going to write up part two in a different post.
To be continued.....
Before this weekend all my trips have taken me to NH, except for one hike up Mt Pisgah back in 2000 with the Lyndon State meteorology club. I shall compare this hike with most of my NH hikes in one sentence.
There are no where near as many rocks and the terrain (at least the trail we took) was practically mellow. So, I now know where to go if I want to hike a 4k without destroying my knees and feet.
We arrived at the Monroe tr via Camels Hump rd and headed off around 9am. The sun had just poked thru after a quick hitting shower so it made things feel quite humid. Still we made really good time despite constantly climbing and were at the first junction within a half hour (1.3 miles) At this point the bugs wern't all that bad and I didn't even have bug dope on, so I was happy. The clouds were in and out and then it started to get darker. As we neared what appeared to be a slightly steeper section, I felt a couple drops of rain. Then the skies opened up andit downpoured for a good 15-20 min. This was the first time I have ever had to deal with rain while hiking with my dad. Normally he's a good luck charm. Oh well.
The rain actually helped to cool me down, though we were getting to rockier sections and my boots are worth crap when I walk across wet areas, so much care was taken. Thankfully, the trail wasn't that steep and we still made good time. At the junction with the Alpine trail, we stopped for a short breather and a bit of food. Trilliums were out in force as were other flowers but unfortunately I don't know their names.
Things were looking very green at the higher elevation, so this must be a new development within the last week or two. The Monroe trail between the Alpine junction and the old hut clearing was beautiful, so beautiful that I forgot to take pics. I was too busy chatting and looking around. Plus I think I put my camera away to keep it dry.
When we arrived at the hut clearing/junction with the Long Trail, there was a thermometer there and it read 64 degrees. Not too shabby. After a 2 min stay at the clearing (the black flies were out, and biting in this area) we pushed on for the final 0.3 mi climb. I thought it was going to be steep, but it never got that bad. Then around the corner, I saw something I wasn't sure I was going to see....snow! Just a little patch...and I got to say farewell to winter on my own terms. June 2nd...a record for me.
A few minutes later we reached the summit and we treated to fantastic views of the clouds. Actually, it really wasnt that bad, esp if you looked down into the valley. This is number 1 for me in VT....well I might as well keep track, there are only a few of them!
Since I put these pics in, I'm going to write up part two in a different post.
To be continued.....
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