NH48 Two for one specials...

[McRat]

Looks like I've been granted a hike day for Monday! I'm hoping to do a 2 for the hike of one peakbag with a friend. He found the Webster-Jackson loop fairly challenging, but managed fine.

The most obvious choice seems to be the Oscecolas. Other choices seem to be N. & S. Hancock, N. and S. Kinsman, N & M. Tripyramid, Whiteface & Passaconaway, or any two peak combination on the Carter/Wildcat ridge.

Any that would be recommended? I can't wait to get back into my daypack.

 

[Sherpa John]

River Crossings on the Hancocks will be HIGH
Kinsmans if your not using the Deluge called Fishin Jimmy and Kinsmans can be rather steep.

Cats and Carters might be ok for your friend but both ridges have various sections of difficult ups and downs.

Osceolas
Tri's
Passaconaway & Whiteface

Of course... IMHO

 

[SherpaKroto]

Tom-Field, Field-Willey, or all 3.
Ike-Pierce (good weather only)
Monroe-Ike (only in good weather!!!)

 

[Bob Kittredge]

If Webster-Jackson was a bit of a challenge, I'd go with the Osceolas rather than jump to a 10-miler right away. It appears that Tripoli Road is open, and that is the easier approach. But the approach from Greeley Ponds is cool too, if rather steep.

 

[sapblatt]

Hikes

Russ -
Glad to see you are getting out!
Still trying to kill Dennis I see!
I would go with the Osceola's...I did these with a nonhiker a few years back and it was a good experience.
SJ's remarks about the Hancocks are very true...lots of high water.
Wildcats and Carter area are a lot of work...
Trys approach a 13 mile day, althoug well over half of it is on the Livermore Road which is less hilly than the Middlesex Fells.
Whiteface and Passaconaway is also very long and the Rollins Trail will be real tough until the snow melts.

How many 48s do you have done now? I hope you are at the awards ceremony with me next year!

 

[percious]

ike pierce

I just did ike/pierce as a loop last week (Edmunds up Crawford down) What a great hike. Awesome view, substantial time above treeline. Bring sunglasses! Expect snow!

-percious

 

[DougPaul]

But the approach from Greeley Ponds is cool too, if rather steep.

Isn't there a stream crossing on this approach? (I forget--might only be from the south.? I have only done the GPT in winter.)

Doug

 

[Double Bow]

Hancocks this weekend!

Spoke to someone who did the Hancocks last weekend and they said that judging from what the crossings were like then (no problem!) and factoring in the recent rain, he thought it would still be quite doable. There has not been as much rain up north as there has been in the southern part of the state. Also, there was very little in the way of ice and snow.

 

[Sherpa John]

Spoke to someone who did the Hancocks last weekend and they said that judging from what the crossings were like then (no problem!) and factoring in the recent rain, he thought it would still be quite doable. There has not been as much rain up north as there has been in the southern part of the state. Also, there was very little in the way of ice and snow.

I have been monitoring the NWS website where they speak of 5-6 inches of rain in the north country since Tuesday PM. There is also a flood watch in the North Country.

I crossed the Gale RIver last Staurday no problem... by sunday.. Sapblatt told me the river had risen some 7-8" JUST from scattered showers Saturday PM. Gale River doesn;t travel far to that point of crossing.. the hancock river collects water for quite a ways before the crossings on those trails. If seen that river rise in AUGUST after a thunderstorm like a tidal wave. To be safe, lets heed caution. Even though... you and your friend may indeed be right Double Bow. Never know until you get out there and see it first hand I suppose.

 

[cp2000]

I was on The Hancocks a few days ago and the river crossing weren't that bad but as SJ said a single day can make a difference. If you do take it on I suggest going up Hancock and down South Hancock. The north seemed to have far less snow and ice pack than did the south.

 

[Double Bow]

If you do take it on I suggest going up Hancock and down South Hancock. The north seemed to have far less snow and ice pack than did the south.

Although, if you go up South Hancock and you slip, you can grab something as you're falling forward. Coming down, you might fall onto your pack and go for a ride!

Of course, you could always go up and down Hancock...

 

[Bob Kittredge]

Lots of rain on Thursday

I think the north country got socked yesterday; the Observatory says Mt. Washington got almost an inch of rain. I expect streams will still be pretty high on Saturday.

The northern approach to the Osceolas may indeed have a streamcrossing that should be avoided. (Right near the juction of the Osceola Trail with the Greeley Ponds Trail?) I've only done it in late summer when it was a non-issue.

 

[Mike P.]

Osceola's first choice

Field & Tom 2nd (Willey makes a longer day but probably easiest three peak day)

Tri's will liekly have some snow on ridge top but should not be enough to kill anyone

Worse Hancock Crossings can be avoided, more snow between summits

Liberty & Flume & down Liberty Spring, if Dennis is somehwat of a noive, Flume Slide might get the killing done.

In good weather Ike & Pierce or higher Franconia's, Franconia likely very popular

 

[forestgnome]

Chocorua and the Sisters would be beautiful this weekend, with no crossings to worry about.