We did the Northern Presi's over the last two weekends by doing them one at a time and trying to use new trails while doing them. Hiked up Madison first by way of Pine Link, Howker Ridge, down to the hut and then back down the Pine Link to Dolly Copp road. There's a dead cow moose about five minutes up the Pine Link trail from the hut. It had died the day before we saw it. One of the croo told me that it had been hanging out in the area for 3-4 days before it dropped dead. Brainworm? Actually the moose smell was not as bad as the smells emanating from the hut waste.
Last Sunday we did Jefferson. While we didn't bag any new trails it was a great day to be in the mountains. We hiked up and then just hung out a while off the Gulfside trail staring into the Great Gulf.
In between we did Adams. A long loop with lots of boulder hopping and elevation. Started up the Daniel Webster Scout Trail from Dolly Copp campground. A nice trail through the woods until you hit treeline and then lots of boulder hopping. Skipped going over Madison as we had done it the prior weekend so opted for the Parapet trail instead. A mile of more boulder hopping. Not much elevation gain but great views over to Washington and the Great Gulf. Awesome views to Adams.
Intercepted the Star Lake trail to the summit of Adams. As you guessed, a lot more boulder hopping with a fun little pitch as you top out. Down to the hut and five minutes up the Pine Link trail to see how the moose was doing. She is now being visited by other critters and it won't be long before there's nothing left but bones.
Back to the hut for water resupply and a bite to eat. Hit the Star Lake trail again to hook up to the Buttress trail (lots more boulder hopping) which would take us down to the Six Husbands trail. This part of the Six Husbands is below the gnarly stuff so it was a breeze getting through. We lost the trail briefly where a legal campsite is located and there are many diverging paths but which one to take? The answer is look to the river. There is a river crossing by the campsite and that is the way to go.
Connected to the Great Gulf trail eventually and had a nice long enjoyable hike out to Dolly Copp via Great Gulf Link trail. No boulder hopping necessary.
About a 14 mile day with about 5k elevation gain but most of that gain comes in the first five miles. Just another great day in the mountains!
Here's the link to our pictures. Hope you enjoy them!
http://community.webshots.com/album/409809376Cpzqbn
Last Sunday we did Jefferson. While we didn't bag any new trails it was a great day to be in the mountains. We hiked up and then just hung out a while off the Gulfside trail staring into the Great Gulf.
In between we did Adams. A long loop with lots of boulder hopping and elevation. Started up the Daniel Webster Scout Trail from Dolly Copp campground. A nice trail through the woods until you hit treeline and then lots of boulder hopping. Skipped going over Madison as we had done it the prior weekend so opted for the Parapet trail instead. A mile of more boulder hopping. Not much elevation gain but great views over to Washington and the Great Gulf. Awesome views to Adams.
Intercepted the Star Lake trail to the summit of Adams. As you guessed, a lot more boulder hopping with a fun little pitch as you top out. Down to the hut and five minutes up the Pine Link trail to see how the moose was doing. She is now being visited by other critters and it won't be long before there's nothing left but bones.
Back to the hut for water resupply and a bite to eat. Hit the Star Lake trail again to hook up to the Buttress trail (lots more boulder hopping) which would take us down to the Six Husbands trail. This part of the Six Husbands is below the gnarly stuff so it was a breeze getting through. We lost the trail briefly where a legal campsite is located and there are many diverging paths but which one to take? The answer is look to the river. There is a river crossing by the campsite and that is the way to go.
Connected to the Great Gulf trail eventually and had a nice long enjoyable hike out to Dolly Copp via Great Gulf Link trail. No boulder hopping necessary.
About a 14 mile day with about 5k elevation gain but most of that gain comes in the first five miles. Just another great day in the mountains!
Here's the link to our pictures. Hope you enjoy them!
http://community.webshots.com/album/409809376Cpzqbn
