Good to gather with you all again ... and again ... and again ... and I know Erik shares that sentiment.
The Gatherings over the years are similar in that they feature many hikes and new teams of hiking companions, many of whom continue to coordinate hikes (and paddles) for months and years to come. They also feature food and festivities though I do miss Peakbagger's pasta ... he promises an encore at the Banff Gathering.
The biggest difference I've observed since the first gatherings is that initially we had a couple families with their kids, usually teens. I hope they (families in general) haven't been scared off by the notion that it has become too much of a frat party because the party and the hiking has been restored to good balance. Seems like more women are coming now, though, and really accomplished outdoor sports at that.
Another difference which I have mixed feelings about is that initially we had more slide shows. While that is entertaining from several perspectives, it does take away a bit from the opportunity to socialize and chat with new friends. Guess we'll have to extend the event an extra night to get it all in!
As for the hikes we did, Erik and I drove up late Friday afternoon and managed to squeeze in Boulder Loop before dinner. Those rocks hang out over the Kanc and many a time we promised ourselves to hike the loop as we drove by. It's only 3 miles and under 1000 ft. gain but a good way to either warm up or wind down ... and, as if any excuse is necessary, a good cause for a tequila tailgate.
On Saturday, with the notion of bagging a few ponds ... ponds??? ... well, we completed the 100 highest 8 years ago and being listless since, one of our goals is to hike every pond in Steve Smith's book, Ponds of the Whites ... we set out for a loop in the Mahoosucs that included Gentian and Moss (Upper Gentian) Ponds and Dream Lake. This turned out to be a beautiful 6 mile hike with a little over 2000 feet of elevation gain. Gentian is nothing to write home about but the nearby shelter has great views across the Androscoggin Valley to Moriah. We spent about an hour there having lunch and talking with northbound thru-hikers. Moss Pond is a pretty mountain pond and we also spent nearly an hour there eating and chatting with northbounders. Here we got inspiration for some hiking in Big Bend National Park which we're thinking of doing as part of a larger trip in February (somehow I think the town of Lajitas has a special draw). At Dream Lake ... you guessed it ... we paused to snack and enjoy the view over to Madison and Washington. By then we were off the 2 miles of the A.T. where we had met a dozen thru-hikers. A side trip to Dryad Fall, a must see looking up the falls and down the falls to another view to Moriah, capped a scenic trip full of White Mountain variety.
Not surprisingly, we weren't hungry but upon returning to the car did medicate on the traditional agave anti-inflammatory treatment.
On Sunday a quick hike to the Cherry Ponds was "uneventful" except for the lone loon on Big Cherry and what I believe to be a nest of bald eagles across Little Cherry Pond.
Our intent from there was to watch the 2nd half of the Patriots game in North Woodstock but hearing what we did on the radio we wondered why torture ourselves and take away from the enjoyable hikes and time with Gatherers that had made it a spectacular weekend ... offering a little insincere sympathy to Chomp and Darren as we passed up the TV.
