Moosilauke 1/21/10

[loanshark]

My son Rob his friend Colin and our Lab Dooley went up the Glencliff trail today. The forcast called for sunny skies, moderate winds and temps in the teens. The sunny skies and temps were right on the money. The wind on the summit was more than moderate, but this Mountain is known for that. I love the beginng of this trail where it goes into the fields with old apple trees. The trail had a few inches of fresh snow and was being broken out by a group who started 10 minutes before us. After about 20 minutes we passed them and returned the favor for the remainder of the hike. Colin and Rob are both in great shape and they did a fine job of breaking trail. It also helped me gain some conditioning back trying to keep up. The skies eary on were pretty overcast and I was fearful of another fogged in hike. About halfway things improved as patches of blue sky began to appear. By the time we reached the viewpoint near the tallus slope we were treated to an undercast. The remainder of the trail to the junction with the Carriage trail is very tight with snowladen bent over trees. We layered up at the junction and continued on. The dome of Moosilauke appeared and was under cloudless skies. When breaking out of the trees the wind became pretty strong from the north. We had to put on the facemasks and goggles. We didn't hang around too long on top as Dooley was shivering. But the views were special. Taking pictures was difficult as the wind made holding the camera steady tough. Also it was so bright I had a hard time seeing the screen. A point and shoot camera might have been better. The views east towards Franconia Ridge and Washington beyond were great. Some of the pictures are a bit repetative, but I was more just pointing the camera and hoping to capture the right image. After getting back into the trees and having some lunch we started down. Shortly thereafter we ran across a group of 4 college kids from Dartmouth who were hiking in jeans and cotton sweatshirts. No packs, 2 with no hats, and leather work boots. I hope they made it o.k. The trip down took no time at all. What a great day. I'm fortunate to be able to sneak out of work during the week. I must have an understanding employer.

Pictures will follow.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576416553icBLUC?vhost=outdoors

 

[NeoAkela]

Great report, and I agree it was a beautiful day with an excellent undercast! I was waving to you from Flume - I could see the Moose floating above the clouds across the way!

 

[BIGEarl]

Hey Loanshark,

Nice report and pictures. What a day you all had! Thanks for sharing your hike.

It's been over a year since the last time I hiked Glencliff. I really like that trail. Your report and pictures have me thinking it is time for a return visit. I'll have to check my calendar.




Hi to Liz!

 

[loanshark]

Moosilauke

Thanks Earl, We did have a great day. I tried to get in a few hikes with my son before he went back to school. He's in great shape and I had to push myself to keep up. If you want some company on a return to Glencliff let me know. I might be getting in touch soon as my endurance is coming around. Say hi to trailtrotter for me.

 

[1HappyHiker]

Nice report & photos Skip! It sounds like you have raised your son to also have an appreciation of hiking the Whites. Like father like son?!

 

[loanshark]

Thanks. My son and I have shared alot of great moments together. It's getting to the point now where he's starting to take me places. I guess things go full circle.