Sandwich Mountain 5/16/10

[loanshark]

Liz and I were eager to get in a hike. We also wanted to take my son's Lab, Dooley. Hiking with Dooley can most times be an adventure. We thought long about which mountain and trail and came up with Sandwich using the loop of Bennett st and Gleason trails. We picked this side for a couple of reasons. One being we really love the Sandwich area, and two we wanted to take some trails without alot of traffic. We are not antisocial, but sometimes Dooley wanders with alot of hikers. Two years ago my son almost lost Dooley on Mt Cardigan. This turned out to be a perfect choice. From the parking lot we followed the Flat Pond Trail all the way to it's intersection with the Guinea Pond Trail. Then turning right to follow the old railroad bed to the Gleason Trail. It was an easy walk tru some nice hardwoods and served as a good warm-up. The Gleason trail starts out pretty mello, again thru hardwoods. It is reasonably well defined, but not very well blazed. After a short distance the trail stiffens and the footing gets rougher. Half way up the steep section the trail passes close to a nice stream. We noticed a small cascade that had a nice view to a smaller but pointed peak. Maybe someone with better Knowlege of the area can I.D. it. The forest, as is typical, changes over to fur with the elevation gain. Then the blowdowns started. There were many that will take an axe or chain saw to clear. The trail then moderates to follow what might be an old woods road to it's intersection with the Bennett St Trail. From here the summit came quickly with only a short small scramble in between. The views from the top were great. From left to right Wech Dickey, Jennings and Noone Peak Tecumseh, The Osceolas, Tripyramids, Sleepers, Whiteface and Chocorua. My Washington stood out as usual and looked like it had lost alot of snow in the last week. Hope to see him soon. The walk down by the Bennett St Trail was a treat. Easy grade,soft footing and lots of wild flowers. The blowdowns were again commonplace, but once we were in the hardwoods it was easy going. About halfway down the trail crosses the old railroad bed. We noticed some of the railroad ties still in place. It made me shudder for a moment as it resembled the Wilderness Trail. At this point the trail follows Pond Brook. Very scenic with a large waterfall, then a smaller cascade. What a great hike. Dooley loved it. Lots of mud, some great swimming holes and more moose poop than he's ever seen. He gives it four paws up. On the way home we decided to stop at the creamery. All three of us thought it was a great way to top off a perfect day.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/577692151syhbfw

 

[PETCH]

Nice job Skip with great pix. Looks like a really pretty area. Another peak to visit. Dooley looked to having a great time. I'm sure you guys did too!

Petch

 

[Shoes to Views]

What a difference a week makes!

Great photos! Looks like you caught a great day and everyone (especially Dooly) made the best of it. We went up Sandwich on the 9th up the Sandwich Mountain Trail in freshly fallen snow.
Funny thing about those Labs. They're pretty social creatures, willing and able to make friends in seconds. We always have to pay attention and make sure Otis leaves any trail encounter with us as well.

 

[grouseking]

Love the pics, of everything, esp the pup!

 

[loanshark]

Thanks all. This was a very enjoyable hike. The trails on this side of the mountain do not get as much traffic and are not at all eroded. Very soft on your feet and knees. It is also very dog friendly. Lots of shade and water. There must have been alot of logging in this area years ago as there are railroad beds and woods roads in several locations. We also saw alot of moose sign. Rubs from last years rut and so much dung you couldn't go 20 feet without stepping in it. I was also thinking of coming back with my fly rod as pond brook looks like it might have some trout . My son and I like catch and release fly fishing.