Stinson Mountain with Sage, Oct. 11, 2009

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TrishandAlex

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White Mountains, NH
Cut and pasted from http://sagehikes.blogspot.com
Accompanying pictures can be found there.
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Stinson Mountain Trail, 3.6 miles roundtrip.

Today's hike began rather dramatically. Soon after I took the traditional trialhead picture...

...a man came running down the trail and asked if I had a cell phone. Turns out his friend had broken her ankle a little over a mile up the trail. We called 911, but my phone didn't have the best reception. After I hung up with the operator, he went running to a nearby house while Sage and I ran up the trail.

In the rush to notify the authorities, I had forgotten to ask the man if his friend was alone. It was a chilly day, and the thought of the injured woman sitting in pain and possibly by herself made my feet fly as fast as they could with Sage in tow. My daughter did me proud -- she understood the urgency and moved as quickly as she was able.

Just before we reached the place where the woman was sitting, the man who had run down the trail returned, sprinting by us in a flash. Five minutes later, Sage and I came upon the three of them: the man, the injured woman, and her friend. I was relieved to discover that she had not been waiting alone. Her friend was sitting with her, hugging her to keep her warm.

I offered my ground mat and a few chemical warmers, then started searching through my pack for other useful items. A few seconds later, a group of medics with a stretcher arrived. I was amazed at their response time. They were astoundingly fast.

Once they arrived, Sage and I continued on our way. The trail never got more than moderately steep, and the fallen leaves carpeted the trail beautifully.

We arrived at the summit ledges feeling fine. Sage struck a couple of silly poses.

We asked a nice fellow to take our picture...

...and then we admired the views!

After much ceremonial noshing of chocolate, we followed a spur path and checked out this view of Stinson Lake:

Our descent was casual, though made curious by this note we found about halfway down. I hope Greg eventually finds what he is looking for.

It was a nice walk out. The few tenths of a mile close to the trailhead, which we didn't notice on the way up because we were running as fast as we could, are flat and wide. We enjoyed walking this bit. The fallen leaves made great playthings.

We finished our hike in good spirits. And when I returned to the car, the ground mat was waiting for me. That was nice of them, I hadn't expected to get it back. I'm just glad the lady was taken care of so quickly.

Another nice hike with my youngest.
 
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Wow that is quite the story. The last time I hiked Stinson, were both somewhat dramatic as well, but because of wild life. A black bear fell out of a tree literally 20 feet from the trail when we accidentally spooked it (we saw the evidence of the bear hiking up, thanks to scat and lots of eaten berries) . I almost wonder if it was snoozing in the tree :). But it took off down the hill at the speed of light and we never saw it again.

Nice pics! It was good to see that area again. I went to Plymouth State for college, so I definitely miss it.

Glad to hear that hiker was quickly attended to.
 
Wow, a black bear falling out of a tree? That is quite the visual! :D

It's amazing, how fast that woman was taken care of. Guess it probably helps that Stinson Mt. Trail is fairly flat and free of rocks for much of its beginning.
 
As always, your TR is a very entertaining read! And, your report also demonstrates what you and others already know, i.e. there is a lot that goes on out there in the woods!:)

On your hike alone, you witnessed a medical emergency, plus you found a love note written on a piece of birch bark. Perhaps those particular events were a bit out of the ordinary. However, it seems to me that on nearly every hike I undertake, there is frequently something (be it large or small) that is unexpected, and/or something new that is learned.

Oh! And regarding Paradox's comment about poor Greg "barking up the wrong tree", I totally agree, but at least poor Greg is showing some dogged determination.:rolleyes:
 
FYI: There was a 2 paragraph blurb on the accident that you helped with on page B2 of Monday's Union Leader if you wanted to see it.
 
Trish,
What a way to start the hike! It's great you and Sage were able to help them. No good deed goes unnoticed. I like the fact they returned your ground mat...
Petch
 
Trish, as always a very nice report and pictures, but also nice effort to help out another on the trail. Stinson has many fond memories for me since I grew up in its shadows. Mom used to take us, myself and three brothers, up when I was about Sage's age. The fire tower was standing and we could visit with the fire warden attending it. They would always point out the surronding peaks and weather coming our way. Its a sweet view of Rumney village even without the tower. Pleasure running into you Saturday!;)
 
Love your pictures!

I visited your blog. You have a couple of charming hams. I was laughing out loud at many of them. :p Must make some on this site want to have some of their own. I hope to see you all on the trail some time soon.
 
Thanks, everyone! I've been away from the internet for a couple of days and didn't notice all the kind responses until just now.

The girls and I do love getting out there. Right now, both of them are pouting because I'm making them do handwriting and math instead of getting them up a mountain (we'll get to the mountains this weekend). Sage took one look at the snow on top of Cannon and declared she could hike up there right now. (No, she can't...next year, perhaps).

The medical emergency was taken care of by the powers-that-be so quickly -- it was truly amazing. If any of you must have an accident, try to have it in Rumney.

DaveBear -- pleasure running into you too (and your beautiful daughter!). Glad the two of you had a great time on the Bonds.
 
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Wow what an adventure for Sage not to mention helping someone in need! The letter on the birch bark was so sweet! Last time I hiked Stinson all I found was some chanterelles!
 
We have been following your adventures with your doughter for a long time waiting for the opportunity to comment. It sounds like it was an epic adventure and great opportunity for your daughter to see people helping people. Thank you for sharing and hope to run into you and the girls on the trail someday.
 
Wow, quite an experience!

Glad you two had a good Mom and daughter day, despite the initial drama!

3.6 miles, that is awesome! Your children are being instilled with the value of using thier feet and thier imaginations - good stuff that I am sure they will carry with them throughout their lives! They are lucky to have such a cool Mom. :)
 
una_dogger, thanks. We are lucky to have such cool friends who allow us to invite ourselves over and drink their hot chocolate. ;) Another big congratulations to Terra!

Cymbidium, thanks as always for your very nice words. :)

Trail Walker, thanks. And congrats on finishing the 48! You just completed the list a month or so ago, yes? We will see you in April!
 
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