The Presidentials Looking Very Presidential (Cherry Mtn: 11-May-2010)

[1HappyHiker]

On the day of this hike, it was a good day for viewing the Presidentials from both the Mt. Martha and the Owl's Head peak, both of which are located atop Cherry Mountain. However, I didn't spend a lot of time trying to get the perfect photo. My primary goal for this day was to do my routine maintenance as the Trail Adopter for Martha's Mile (the trail that connects these two peaks).

Anyway, below are two snapshots. The first was taken from Mt. Martha, and the second one was taken from the Owl's Head peak.

Other than an occasional trace of snow at the higher elevations, the trail was basically dry for the entire distance. However, there was one very notable exception. The final approach to the Owl's Head summit is quite steep, and it had patches of thick ice. It might take a few warm days to melt it away. In the meantime, you should bring your microspikes!

It's difficult to tell much from the snapshot below, but nonetheless, it shows one of the patches of ice as you approach the Owl's Head summit.

1HappyHiker

 

[hikes-with-him]

WOW!!! Postcard pictures!!!

Well, guess that answers my proverbial question: Is there still lots of snow up there

 

[bristlecone]

Beautiful! Most of that snow-covered area must have been very thin, since today's mwobs cam shots are looking more June-like. Way to catch a beautiful day in a beautiful place.

 

[1HappyHiker]

WOW!!! Postcard pictures!!! Well, guess that answers my proverbial question: Is there still lots of snow up there

Beautiful! Most of that snow-covered area must have been very thin, since today's mwobs cam shots are looking more June-like. Way to catch a beautiful day in a beautiful place.

Thanks guys for your response and nice words!
It's just my opinion, but I think Cherry Mountain is one of those gems of the Whites! And apparently, a lot of moose agree! With all the moose sign I see up there while doing maintenance on that trail, I'd guess that a lot of moose call that place home!

 

[NeoAkela]

Beautiful photos, John! And what a great day to be out in the mountains!

I was wondering - I was able to find a great south-facing view by pushing around the summit of Mount Martha this past winter... is that just a seasonal bonus due to the deep snow, or is that possible when the snows melt as well?

 

[1HappyHiker]

Beautiful photos, John! And what a great day to be out in the mountains!

I was wondering - I was able to find a great south-facing view by pushing around the summit of Mount Martha this past winter... is that just a seasonal bonus due to the deep snow, or is that possible when the snows melt as well?

Chris, judging from your Trail Conditions report about your trek to Mt. Lafayette, it sounds to me like you also had a wonderful day in the mountains on the same day I was on Cherry Mountain!

Hey, I think the view in the photo below might be the one you're talking about. If so, then yes . . . that view is there in all seasons of the year. And actually, since the photo below was taken on the same day that you were on Lafayette, we might have been looking at each other!

 

[grouseking]

John,

Pic 1 is a quintessential hiking shot, with all the gear and gorgeous vistas in sight.

Pic 2 is as good as the Presidentials get...standing tall, and stoic. I think I like the views of this range more in mid spring or early fall better than any time of year, when they are snow capped. The contrasting colors can't be beat. And perhaps the sun angle is perfect?

Anyways, perfectly done, as usual!

 

[1HappyHiker]

. . . The contrasting colors can't be beat. And perhaps the sun angle is perfect?

Phil, thanks for your response. And speaking purely for myself, I think you are correct about factors such as the sun angle, etc playing a big role in getting a good photo. Any "good" photos that I happen to get are not the result of any skill, but rather are just a combination of dumb luck and being at the right place at the right time.

 

[MichaelJ]

As of today, you can go all the way from 115 over Martha to Owl's and only encounter a brief, easily steppable-over section of ice off the backside of the Martha summit.

 

[forestgnome]

Nice TR, John...thanks much..been so long since I enjoyed that area...just put it at the top of my wishlist


happy trails