H
HikerBob
Guest
My last attempt at Middle Carter had me: heading the wrong way around the Imp Loop (not that it really matters); having the inside of clouds for views; and not taking snowshoes and finding too much soft snow.
With a forecast for afternoon thunder storms what could possibly go wrong?
Whatever the forecast, having to leave home before 3am and driving 220 miles to the trail head means having some faith in finding good conditions when you get there. On the drive up the sun rose a little red to highlight distant cloud but arriving at the trailhead I had nothing but clear skies.
The forecast said storms possible after 1pm so I set myself a turn around time of noon or before if rumbles started up.
I managed to park at the right trail head this time for a clockwise hike of the Imp Loop. Within yards of the trailhead there were masses of Painted Trillium and Hobblebush but very little else blooming yet. Once again I didn't spot any Purple Trillium until I gained a little more altitude.
With the sun beating down I knew I was in for a treat for views from the Imp ledges and I wasn't to be dissapointed. I could have stayed there the rest of the morning soaking in the views while the cascades roared in the ravine and still have counted it a good day. However, there was the small matter of a 4k to attend to.
In the four weeks since my last trip most of the ice and snow had gone from the Imp Loop and the tricky stream crossings, including one very wide icy stretch, were a breeze. In fact, I didn't encounter any appreiable snow until above 3,500ft on the North Carter trail.
The North Carter trail is not demanding in a steep sense but I found it somewhat tiring. Lots of water on the trail and a few awkward (for me at least) blowdowns did nothing to brighten the climb. I was glad to finally reach the ridge. Could have bare booted the whole way but threw on snowshoes for some additional traction on some icy spots and for avoiding the occasional post hole.
Took off the snowshoes for the ridge walk. Still plenty of snow in places but only post holed when concentration lapsed and I stepped off the rail. No biggie.
I was within spitting distance of Mt Lethe when I hit my turn around time of noon but decided the storms still had some brewing to do and pressed on. Cloud was building big time over the Presidentials by then and to the south all was grey and gloomy.
I started hearing the occasional rumble of thunder from the south and decided it would be a quick stop at the summit. While Middle Carter summit itself is treed in there are some great viewpoints along the ridge.
Started bumping into a few people on their way up as I headed down the North Carter trail. I warned them of the impending storms and wished them luck.
A little ways down the the south leg of the Imp Loop I heard the unmistakable sound of heavy rain approaching as greyness hid the view through the trees. I dug out my rain hat but decided against the shell as it was plenty warm and I always generate a lot of heat any way.
The occasional rumble had me quicken my pace and every tree I approached looked like a prime candidate for a strike but there were few rumbles and never anything close.
It poured and the already waterlogged trail became even wetter, if that was at all possible. I popped out at the South Loop trail head having done the 4.1 miles from the Carter Moriah trail in 2 1/2 hours. Just an equally damp plod down the road to the van where ice cold (OK, pretty darn cold) chocolate milk, apple pie and dry clothes awaited.
So, the forecast was right and I got a little wet but otherwise a fine day in the woods. Apart from the threat of lightning I quite enjoyed the rain. Kept the bugs at bay. Oh yeah, in the morning the bugs were out and about. Not too many but enough to make their presence known. I ended the day with a solitary bite on the elbow.
Pics are up and can be found starting HERE
Bob
With a forecast for afternoon thunder storms what could possibly go wrong?
Whatever the forecast, having to leave home before 3am and driving 220 miles to the trail head means having some faith in finding good conditions when you get there. On the drive up the sun rose a little red to highlight distant cloud but arriving at the trailhead I had nothing but clear skies.
The forecast said storms possible after 1pm so I set myself a turn around time of noon or before if rumbles started up.
I managed to park at the right trail head this time for a clockwise hike of the Imp Loop. Within yards of the trailhead there were masses of Painted Trillium and Hobblebush but very little else blooming yet. Once again I didn't spot any Purple Trillium until I gained a little more altitude.
With the sun beating down I knew I was in for a treat for views from the Imp ledges and I wasn't to be dissapointed. I could have stayed there the rest of the morning soaking in the views while the cascades roared in the ravine and still have counted it a good day. However, there was the small matter of a 4k to attend to.
In the four weeks since my last trip most of the ice and snow had gone from the Imp Loop and the tricky stream crossings, including one very wide icy stretch, were a breeze. In fact, I didn't encounter any appreiable snow until above 3,500ft on the North Carter trail.
The North Carter trail is not demanding in a steep sense but I found it somewhat tiring. Lots of water on the trail and a few awkward (for me at least) blowdowns did nothing to brighten the climb. I was glad to finally reach the ridge. Could have bare booted the whole way but threw on snowshoes for some additional traction on some icy spots and for avoiding the occasional post hole.
Took off the snowshoes for the ridge walk. Still plenty of snow in places but only post holed when concentration lapsed and I stepped off the rail. No biggie.
I was within spitting distance of Mt Lethe when I hit my turn around time of noon but decided the storms still had some brewing to do and pressed on. Cloud was building big time over the Presidentials by then and to the south all was grey and gloomy.
I started hearing the occasional rumble of thunder from the south and decided it would be a quick stop at the summit. While Middle Carter summit itself is treed in there are some great viewpoints along the ridge.
Started bumping into a few people on their way up as I headed down the North Carter trail. I warned them of the impending storms and wished them luck.
A little ways down the the south leg of the Imp Loop I heard the unmistakable sound of heavy rain approaching as greyness hid the view through the trees. I dug out my rain hat but decided against the shell as it was plenty warm and I always generate a lot of heat any way.
The occasional rumble had me quicken my pace and every tree I approached looked like a prime candidate for a strike but there were few rumbles and never anything close.
It poured and the already waterlogged trail became even wetter, if that was at all possible. I popped out at the South Loop trail head having done the 4.1 miles from the Carter Moriah trail in 2 1/2 hours. Just an equally damp plod down the road to the van where ice cold (OK, pretty darn cold) chocolate milk, apple pie and dry clothes awaited.
So, the forecast was right and I got a little wet but otherwise a fine day in the woods. Apart from the threat of lightning I quite enjoyed the rain. Kept the bugs at bay. Oh yeah, in the morning the bugs were out and about. Not too many but enough to make their presence known. I ended the day with a solitary bite on the elbow.
Pics are up and can be found starting HERE
Bob
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