dr_wu002
Well-known member
Despite a forecast calling for -30F temps at departure time, 6 hardy souls - Dalraida (Tom W), Mary Ellen (MEB), Gillian, Marhsall M, and Tom (Wild Peaks) and I (Dr. Wu) showed up and departed for Starr King and Waumbeks on Saturday, 1/22.
Those with little cars parked along Rt. 2 and Dalraida kindly picked us up and drove the 0.3mi in his truck to the trailhead where we started out at around 8:30. Actual Trailhead Temperature in Fahrenheit Degrees: Negative Seventeen (-17). But still comfortable, I might add, due to lack of wind and plenty of sunlight. Starr King trail travels at moderate pace first through open hardwood forest and then through beautiful thick, winterish fur trees. The Crew stopped first to strip down some clothes and then for a snack or two. We cramponed up to get across some icy sections (and then just left them on), reaching the summit 2.6miles away in ohhh, 2.5 hours.
Starr King has some nice views, including an impressive one to The Presidentials but you've got to stand on your toes as the mountain is taking its outlooks back. The cleared summit area is nice and sunny and the Gray Jays await handouts as usual. There is an old fireplace but we decided not to light a fire. We ate lunch (Hot lunch -- I can't tell you how fantastic a hot lunch is on a cold day like that day)
The real treat, in my opinion though is the ridge link between Starr King and Waumbek. What Waumbek lacks in views (it actually doesn't) it makes up for it with a gorgeous, little 1.0mile ridge filled with snowy, moss covered conifers and little sneak peaks in nearly all directions. There are several views out to the semi-circular ridge going out to Waumbek and Weeks along with more Presi Views. The dense forest with its corner-of-the-eye views leaves me feeling all warmly romantic inside, longing to my woods scurrying boyscout days. Before I got kicked out.
Waumbek doesn't have much in terms of views but if you poke around you find an imposing shot to the Presidentials and all around you can find little peek-a-boo views out, but you have to work for it. We ate a few more snacks, checked the temps (a balmy 12F!!), and headed back. On the way out, who did we run into but Brutus the Newfoundlander!! Now this is one fellow I'd heard about but had not met. I wasn't disappointed.
From there we tramped along the easy ridge, hitting Starr King once again before heading out. All in all, we covered about 8.0 miles in roughly 6 or 7 hours (who was counting?). We took a bunch of breaks and enjoyed this easy and very beautiful trail. Waumbek, in my opinion, gets a bad rap for being "dull" due to its lack of views but to me it more then makes up for it with its sense of inner beauty. It's a good time to stop and admire the woods around you and to check out the scenery -- and pay attention because you do get some nice peaks out into the distance.
-Doctor Wu
PS. Please check out the pictures of myself, Waumbek, Starr King and the fantasic Crew!
Starr King and Waumbek Part I
Starr King and Waumbek Part II
Those with little cars parked along Rt. 2 and Dalraida kindly picked us up and drove the 0.3mi in his truck to the trailhead where we started out at around 8:30. Actual Trailhead Temperature in Fahrenheit Degrees: Negative Seventeen (-17). But still comfortable, I might add, due to lack of wind and plenty of sunlight. Starr King trail travels at moderate pace first through open hardwood forest and then through beautiful thick, winterish fur trees. The Crew stopped first to strip down some clothes and then for a snack or two. We cramponed up to get across some icy sections (and then just left them on), reaching the summit 2.6miles away in ohhh, 2.5 hours.
Starr King has some nice views, including an impressive one to The Presidentials but you've got to stand on your toes as the mountain is taking its outlooks back. The cleared summit area is nice and sunny and the Gray Jays await handouts as usual. There is an old fireplace but we decided not to light a fire. We ate lunch (Hot lunch -- I can't tell you how fantastic a hot lunch is on a cold day like that day)
The real treat, in my opinion though is the ridge link between Starr King and Waumbek. What Waumbek lacks in views (it actually doesn't) it makes up for it with a gorgeous, little 1.0mile ridge filled with snowy, moss covered conifers and little sneak peaks in nearly all directions. There are several views out to the semi-circular ridge going out to Waumbek and Weeks along with more Presi Views. The dense forest with its corner-of-the-eye views leaves me feeling all warmly romantic inside, longing to my woods scurrying boyscout days. Before I got kicked out.
Waumbek doesn't have much in terms of views but if you poke around you find an imposing shot to the Presidentials and all around you can find little peek-a-boo views out, but you have to work for it. We ate a few more snacks, checked the temps (a balmy 12F!!), and headed back. On the way out, who did we run into but Brutus the Newfoundlander!! Now this is one fellow I'd heard about but had not met. I wasn't disappointed.
From there we tramped along the easy ridge, hitting Starr King once again before heading out. All in all, we covered about 8.0 miles in roughly 6 or 7 hours (who was counting?). We took a bunch of breaks and enjoyed this easy and very beautiful trail. Waumbek, in my opinion, gets a bad rap for being "dull" due to its lack of views but to me it more then makes up for it with its sense of inner beauty. It's a good time to stop and admire the woods around you and to check out the scenery -- and pay attention because you do get some nice peaks out into the distance.
-Doctor Wu
PS. Please check out the pictures of myself, Waumbek, Starr King and the fantasic Crew!
Starr King and Waumbek Part I
Starr King and Waumbek Part II
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