TwinMom+1
Member
Perfect conditions for these trails - dry, sunny, minimal wind and no bugs. If this week's weather continues as planned, these would continue to be great peaks to bag right now. Absolutely stunning views from the slides, esp. up the North slide with a panorama from Moosilauke to Washington. A few fellow hikers but not too crowded given the holiday weekend and sunny skies.
That said, the slides were a real bear to hike - much harder than I expected. One of our party had a really hard time planning out his foot steps (he's autistic) so progress on both the up and the down slides was excruciatingly slow. We parents of us strove to balance understanding for him with impatience. But - we all made it, safe, sound and smiling.
I'm curious as to whether anyone has a favorite route up the North slide - we found we tended to do best moving up the left side route, although some hearty and hale 20-somethings zipped right up the middle where flat slabs had minimal moss and/or scree. They said they left their packs at the base to be lightweight - as a parent, I would never feel safe hiking without water and a first aid kit but that's me.
Equipment: poles are essential for the downward trek on the South slide, IMHO.
TwinMom+1 and the gang, mkmarinac [at] comcast.net
That said, the slides were a real bear to hike - much harder than I expected. One of our party had a really hard time planning out his foot steps (he's autistic) so progress on both the up and the down slides was excruciatingly slow. We parents of us strove to balance understanding for him with impatience. But - we all made it, safe, sound and smiling.
I'm curious as to whether anyone has a favorite route up the North slide - we found we tended to do best moving up the left side route, although some hearty and hale 20-somethings zipped right up the middle where flat slabs had minimal moss and/or scree. They said they left their packs at the base to be lightweight - as a parent, I would never feel safe hiking without water and a first aid kit but that's me.
Equipment: poles are essential for the downward trek on the South slide, IMHO.
TwinMom+1 and the gang, mkmarinac [at] comcast.net
