TDawg
Well-known member
(my head fell off!!!
)I got a late start (1:15pm) after a lazy morning and chose the Beaver Brook Tr. as my route. The lower part of this trail, below the Asquam Ridge junction I had never set foot on. And it's reputation as a steep climb has had it on my must-do list for a while now.
The trail sure proved to be a steep climb, although all the warning signs I found a little funny and slightly exaggerated. Especially the one near the ridge trail juncition I read on the way down, saying to "consider another route." This is the AT after all, and for many, that IS the route.
But it's probably for the better to have them up. I really enjoyed all the fine excuses for breaks along the way up.
Passed 4 people total descending Beaver Brook and that would be it for the day. I stopped at the shelter for a tuna sandwich and a little chocolate while flipping through the log book. Apparently, not every thru-hiker likes the AMC.
The break and snacks felt good after the stiff climb and propelled me for the next 2.2 to the summit. In the interest of time on this section, I resisted the urge to take a herd path leading in the direction of the Mt. Blue summit. Another day! Got to the top around 3:45 and chose the proper wind fortress for the SE wind and layered up. I then spent some time picture taking and binocular viewing trying to spot my house in Campton, from which the mountain is in view along with Mt. Kineo. No luck on the house spotting because it was already in the shadows of the surrounding hills. Views were fantastic in every direction and the late afternoon light was beautiful, casting very long shadows. (see first pic)
I was very tempted to stay for the whole sunset show, but didn't feel like being in the dark for the entire way down. At the viewpoint before Mt. Blue the full moon was out above the mountains to the NE, very pretty.
I made it back to the shelter before donning the headlamp for the rest of the way down, taking my time to avoid slipping on this steep trail. I paused many times to turn off the lamp and enjoy the bright light of the full moon and the sounds of the cascading water beside the trail. I didn't know the moon would be so bright that night, so that was a nice bonus.
A memorable trip for my 6th climb of Moosilauke, my most climbed (possible favorite?) White Mountain peak. Gotta love the variety of routes on this "gentle giant."
All pictures here, enjoy. Thanks for reading.
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