Moriah... finally!

[HikerBob]

Third time was a charm and the Stony Brook trail gets my vote for route to Moriah. A fabulous day as anyone who didn't sleep all day could attest.

Started out about about 7:15 in shorts, shirt and vest. Was a little chilly but soon warmed up. Temps were in the 30's. Around noon I measured the temp at 70 on the south ledges!

I barebooted the whole way there and back and conditions were perfect for doing so. I did posthole twice, once for each leg, but didn't feel too guilty as there were plenty of previous efforts. Carried snowshoes and crampons the whole way and if I went out again tomorrow I'd take the shoes. Conditions could change quickly.

There was still a good three feet of snow up top but the crust was good and solid and even off trail travel was not a problem. The warmth had loosened up the very top layer making for great traction. On the steeps it was a breeze to toe-kick or edge and on the way down heel plants made nice small platforms.

Had the trail to myself the whole way up and the summit to myself for about 20 minutes when I was joined by a group of five guys.

After the trials of the Carter Moriah trail I found Stony Brook to be a breeze. Conditions helped of course but unlike the up/down/up of the C-M Stony Brook eases you in gently then throws a heap of elevation at you right at the end. But at least it is all up!

Pics sometime tomorrow.

Hope more you all got out to enjoy such great conditions.

Bob

 

[bobandgeri]

Congrats !!! And what a great day to be out hiking. Looking forward to your pics!

 

[dr_wu002]

Glad you finally made it, Bob. I agree -- looking forward to pictures! You've got a great site.

I barebooted Lafayette and Lincoln the other day and never postholed but I agree, I'd still take snowshoes on any further hikes for the next few weeks. Conditions really could change and you'd be trudging through 2 or 3 feet of yucky snow.

Wanna hike on Monday!?

-Dr. Wu

 

[MEB]

Way to go HikerBob!!!

I can't wait to see the pictures!

-MEB

 

[HikerBob]

OK folks! Pics are done and can be found starting HERE

What a fantastic day in the mountains.

If my remaining eight all take three attempts I may not finish by September as planned

Bob

 

[MichaelJ]

And there was much rejoicing!

 

[MichaelJ]

By the way...

A great study in contrasts: today vs. last September.

 

[HikerBob]

Wow! Michael - that really does show how much snow is still up there.

Guess I'll just have to go back later in the year and check it out for myself

Bob

 

[alpinista]

Congrats, HikerBob! Great pix and great trail report as usual!

 

[amstony]

Congratulations HikerBob, nice pics. And what a contrast in the pictures, looks like they'll be snow up there for a few more weeks!

 

[poison ivy]

Hooray HikerBob! I just knew you were going to make it this time! Your pictures were fantastic as always!

-- Ivy

 

[SherpaKroto]

Guess I'll just have to go back later in the year and check it out for myself

Bob

HikerBob: C'mon, I don't think I'll live that long. Everyone reminded me that I'm turning 50 in a few weeks! (you know I'm kidding!)

I also prefer Stony Brook over CM for Moriah. Next time, come up from Rattle River and down Stony Brook. A most excellent hike!

Congrats! Look forward to taking YOUR pic at the next awards dinner

 

[HikerBob]

Thanks folks, glad you liked the pics. Hard not to get one or two good ones on such a glorious day.

Sherp - I passed that milestone 18 months ago and it didn't slow me down any... of course, it would be difficult to go any slower

Bob

 

[sapblatt]

Congratulations

HikerBob -
congratulations...it sounds like a great day. Wonderful pictures as always!

 

[pbernard]

HikerBob, your pictures are awesome! Great site, I am sure I am not the only one here that appreciates your efforts. Thanks!

 

[HikerBob]

Awwww - stop it, I'm blushing

I always appreciate the insight gained from other folks trip reports and pictures and am just doing my bit in return.

Bob

 

[pbernard]

HikerBob, great to look at your site when waiting on hold(ugh work). I'm just up the road, hope to see you on the trails and thanks again.

 

[askus3]

Great hike and photos. My vote for later in the spring once the snow is gone and the streams recede a little is to come up from Wild River thru Moriah Gorge and work your way up the ledges of the Carter-Moriah Trail. Then circle back by way of Kenduskeag & Shelburne Trails over Shelburne Moriah, finishing with a tantalizing bone-chilling water-soothing invigorating ford of the Wild River. This circle is about 13 miles and offers views in all directions from numerous vantage points. This is the route less traveled because of its inaccessibility but is an outstanding different way to bag Moriah and obtain Shelburne as a bonus.