Mad Townie
New member
Madame Townie (who is not generally a hiker) and I took a pleasant walk up North Sugarloaf on the Patriots' Day holiday (nah, nah, nah, NH, VT and NY!). Beautiful sunny day, definitely shorts-and-Tshirt conditions (and I don't mean shorts conditions like Arm's definition!!!). We had the place to ourselves, didn't see another hiker all day.
The Zealand Road was still closed, adding a mile each way to our 1.2 mile stroll to the top. Total RT distance was 4.4 miles.
There was a little snow and ice on the trail occasionally, but nothing that interfered with a regular summer-style walk. Even the well shaded areas were quite snow free, but of course this is a very low elevation hike (summit around 2300'). A few new blowdowns, but nothing that caused us to go off the trail.
At the summit we were treated to spectacular VFTT of the Presidentials, with only a few high clouds that didn't get in the way. This place has some of the best views I've ever seen from ANY top, anywhere. Tom & Field, Hale, South Twin, Garfield, etc, etc, etc.
We were also treated to another wonderful sight: a circling falcon below us. It went around a few times, then flew off into the valley. A tremendous bird. We tried to make ourselves inconspicuous and left very soon after we saw it. Anyone know of any nesting reports in that area? There were no "keep away" signs, and the ranger who came down the road in his truck as we walked in didn't stop to warn us.
Madame Townie happily reported no sore muscles this morning.
The Zealand Road was still closed, adding a mile each way to our 1.2 mile stroll to the top. Total RT distance was 4.4 miles.
There was a little snow and ice on the trail occasionally, but nothing that interfered with a regular summer-style walk. Even the well shaded areas were quite snow free, but of course this is a very low elevation hike (summit around 2300'). A few new blowdowns, but nothing that caused us to go off the trail.
At the summit we were treated to spectacular VFTT of the Presidentials, with only a few high clouds that didn't get in the way. This place has some of the best views I've ever seen from ANY top, anywhere. Tom & Field, Hale, South Twin, Garfield, etc, etc, etc.
We were also treated to another wonderful sight: a circling falcon below us. It went around a few times, then flew off into the valley. A tremendous bird. We tried to make ourselves inconspicuous and left very soon after we saw it. Anyone know of any nesting reports in that area? There were no "keep away" signs, and the ranger who came down the road in his truck as we walked in didn't stop to warn us.
Madame Townie happily reported no sore muscles this morning.
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