chinooktrail
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- Joined
- Feb 27, 2004
- Messages
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The day started out perfect for a hike, sunny skies and cooler temperatures. I packed up quick and headed over the Kank to Lincoln to pick up the infamous Tom and Atticus. Off we headed to the Flume parking area to hit the Mount Pemigewasset trail.
Once in the parking lot we took a little pre hike warm up, there is a very nice little nature trail that loops around on the far side, away from the bike path. Well worth it, especially if you have very small kiddos.
So, off we went up the bike path and under the bridges to hit the trail. It felt good to be out hiking again, and it really felt good to have cheerful company and my summer hiking shoes! Whoo Hoo!
This trail may only go to a 2557' mountain, but wow, it was kicking my butt. It wanders and meanders through the different forests, and finally, you get to that spot, where you are still in the evergreens but can see blue sky through the trees straight ahead! 5 more minutes and WOW!
The peak is just amazing, with astounding views all around you. The ledges ewere bright and sunny and hardly anyone else was there. We wandered around, took in the views for a while, had some snacks and just sort of meditated. (BTW, Atticus REALLY likes cheese) The center of the summit is forested, and looks to be a perfect spot for some foliage season camping.
On the way down, Atticus made a new friend, a tiny little mouse who was so cute! he was very polits and allowed him a piece of cheese, which he ate right out of Toms hand! Quite adorable, then when he was a little frigthened, he ran right under Atticus and hid there, too cute!
Then back on down the trail for the second adventure. Tom came up with a really cheesy title for the trip report, but I just couldn't bring myself to use it.
I think Atticus would have been humiliated...
The drive over to Waterville Valley is pleasant, even if no one helps you with direction... Finding the trailhead can be a little interesting, since it appears someone has removed the signs pointing you toward it.
Once in the parking lot we knew we would not have the solitude we were close to on the Pemi.
The trail is very nice, winding along by a river/stream for a while, easy grades, and COMPLETELY snow free, not even much mud on this one. Fairly quickly you reach an opening on the ledges where you can see your goal, and take in some impressive views. The club that takes care of this area, (sorry, do not remember the name) sees to be doing a great job of protecting the fragile ecosystem on the ledges, a big thank you out to them for their time and efforts.
We were playing tag with 3 young girls and their adorable little dog Otter. Nice to see the younger crown out on hikes! This trail was quite a workout for my calves, but we had good footing and clear skies the whole way.
We stopped on Welch for a while, had some snacks while Atticus took a nap and protected the cheese in my pack for me from 2 visiting doggers.
The hike out was pleasant, lots of exposed rock, beautiful bonsi-like trees and a strong enough breeze to keep you cool.
All in all these were two wonderful hikes, and well worth revisiting.
Thank you Tom and Atticus for a great day out in the woods! And I am happy to report that Atticus seems to be doing smashing post operative, he definately was taking in the views he so loves once more! Way to go Tom for taking such good care of this little amazing creature.
Christine
Once in the parking lot we took a little pre hike warm up, there is a very nice little nature trail that loops around on the far side, away from the bike path. Well worth it, especially if you have very small kiddos.
So, off we went up the bike path and under the bridges to hit the trail. It felt good to be out hiking again, and it really felt good to have cheerful company and my summer hiking shoes! Whoo Hoo!
This trail may only go to a 2557' mountain, but wow, it was kicking my butt. It wanders and meanders through the different forests, and finally, you get to that spot, where you are still in the evergreens but can see blue sky through the trees straight ahead! 5 more minutes and WOW!
The peak is just amazing, with astounding views all around you. The ledges ewere bright and sunny and hardly anyone else was there. We wandered around, took in the views for a while, had some snacks and just sort of meditated. (BTW, Atticus REALLY likes cheese) The center of the summit is forested, and looks to be a perfect spot for some foliage season camping.
On the way down, Atticus made a new friend, a tiny little mouse who was so cute! he was very polits and allowed him a piece of cheese, which he ate right out of Toms hand! Quite adorable, then when he was a little frigthened, he ran right under Atticus and hid there, too cute!
Then back on down the trail for the second adventure. Tom came up with a really cheesy title for the trip report, but I just couldn't bring myself to use it.
I think Atticus would have been humiliated...
The drive over to Waterville Valley is pleasant, even if no one helps you with direction... Finding the trailhead can be a little interesting, since it appears someone has removed the signs pointing you toward it.
Once in the parking lot we knew we would not have the solitude we were close to on the Pemi.
The trail is very nice, winding along by a river/stream for a while, easy grades, and COMPLETELY snow free, not even much mud on this one. Fairly quickly you reach an opening on the ledges where you can see your goal, and take in some impressive views. The club that takes care of this area, (sorry, do not remember the name) sees to be doing a great job of protecting the fragile ecosystem on the ledges, a big thank you out to them for their time and efforts.
We were playing tag with 3 young girls and their adorable little dog Otter. Nice to see the younger crown out on hikes! This trail was quite a workout for my calves, but we had good footing and clear skies the whole way.
We stopped on Welch for a while, had some snacks while Atticus took a nap and protected the cheese in my pack for me from 2 visiting doggers.
The hike out was pleasant, lots of exposed rock, beautiful bonsi-like trees and a strong enough breeze to keep you cool.
All in all these were two wonderful hikes, and well worth revisiting.
Thank you Tom and Atticus for a great day out in the woods! And I am happy to report that Atticus seems to be doing smashing post operative, he definately was taking in the views he so loves once more! Way to go Tom for taking such good care of this little amazing creature.
Christine