NH Tramper
Member
Date of Hike: June 19, 2014
Trail Conditions: The Caps Ridge Trail was in good shape. A tiny bit of bridged mud at the start as is typical it seems, then nothing of concern the rest of the way. I noted some of the water bars could use a cleaning, and as if by magic, on descent I ran into a member of the AMC Pro Crew who was hard at work clearing the water bars. I thanked him and we talked for a bit. He informed me they just worked on Valley Way so that made me happy. The more workers on my trail the better. No blowdowns, no water crossings, no bugs, no clouds, no problem. Perfect day for a hike.
Special Equipment Used: We brought poles but we didn't really "need" them and much of the time we kept them on our packs. We also brought bug spray but didn't really need it either, thanks to the breezes.
Comments: I hiked this one with my 22-year-old son, Chris. It was his first major hike and certainly his first 4k. Caps Ridge Trail is a little tough for some beginners, but I knew he'd be fine. He's a strong, fit surfer dude (paddling is hard work), and he's good on his feet. And he's got youth on his side. I was right; we killed it and made the hike well below book time, including a bit on time near the summit and a couple of short breathers. It was a VERY nice day.
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
North Conway NH
Trail Conditions: The Caps Ridge Trail was in good shape. A tiny bit of bridged mud at the start as is typical it seems, then nothing of concern the rest of the way. I noted some of the water bars could use a cleaning, and as if by magic, on descent I ran into a member of the AMC Pro Crew who was hard at work clearing the water bars. I thanked him and we talked for a bit. He informed me they just worked on Valley Way so that made me happy. The more workers on my trail the better. No blowdowns, no water crossings, no bugs, no clouds, no problem. Perfect day for a hike.
Special Equipment Used: We brought poles but we didn't really "need" them and much of the time we kept them on our packs. We also brought bug spray but didn't really need it either, thanks to the breezes.
Comments: I hiked this one with my 22-year-old son, Chris. It was his first major hike and certainly his first 4k. Caps Ridge Trail is a little tough for some beginners, but I knew he'd be fine. He's a strong, fit surfer dude (paddling is hard work), and he's good on his feet. And he's got youth on his side. I was right; we killed it and made the hike well below book time, including a bit on time near the summit and a couple of short breathers. It was a VERY nice day.
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
North Conway NH
