MTNRUNR
Active member
Parked @ Loon XC Ski lot and paid $7 for 1/2 day snowshoe pass...just in case. Left there @ 11:57. Walked to the left and went around the hotel to start up ski trails on the far left side.
When I got to the top(3000'+) I continued south, over the top, and down to the left. In a few minutes came upon a woods ski trail that was headed in the right direction! Had actually seen where it left the ski trail about 100' before the top. It was blocked off by 3 yellow/black ropes that had a closed sign on it.
I followed the ski trail for about 1/2 mile then left it on the right and began the bushwhack. Not having done much in the past I was a bit apprehensive, to say the least! There was 4' to 5' of snow in the woods which varied from not bad to impassible. I pretty much followed the ridge across. When I started up and came to a "dead end" I'd go down aways and go to the right(south) a bit further then try again. There was only one spot I had to do this about 3 times. As I went there were quite a few Moose tracks and several bed down spots. I was about to give up, then after checking the GPS it showed I was within 0.15 miles and 200 vert feet. No way I'm not going to get there(yikes)!!!
I reached the flat open area of the summit in 4 hours
I spent 17 minutes there wandering all around looking for the "cannister" and refueling!? Never did find it but knew I was @ the summit...bummer! I do have the uncanny ability of walking right by something and never seeing it though!
On the way back it took me 45 minutes to reach the woods ski trail and another 15 to get to the main ski slopes @ the top of Loon. Looking to the north there were great views and Mt Washington could be seen clearly in the distance
Another 41 minutes and I was back @ the car @ 5:59pm.
I was real glad I'd decided to try this bushwhack rather than trying for Vose Spur today!!! That one should be real "interesting"!!!
I vote for nice backed trails, sunny windless days in the 20's and unlimited views Oh well...Hike on!!!
When I got to the top(3000'+) I continued south, over the top, and down to the left. In a few minutes came upon a woods ski trail that was headed in the right direction! Had actually seen where it left the ski trail about 100' before the top. It was blocked off by 3 yellow/black ropes that had a closed sign on it.
I followed the ski trail for about 1/2 mile then left it on the right and began the bushwhack. Not having done much in the past I was a bit apprehensive, to say the least! There was 4' to 5' of snow in the woods which varied from not bad to impassible. I pretty much followed the ridge across. When I started up and came to a "dead end" I'd go down aways and go to the right(south) a bit further then try again. There was only one spot I had to do this about 3 times. As I went there were quite a few Moose tracks and several bed down spots. I was about to give up, then after checking the GPS it showed I was within 0.15 miles and 200 vert feet. No way I'm not going to get there(yikes)!!!
I reached the flat open area of the summit in 4 hours
I spent 17 minutes there wandering all around looking for the "cannister" and refueling!? Never did find it but knew I was @ the summit...bummer! I do have the uncanny ability of walking right by something and never seeing it though!On the way back it took me 45 minutes to reach the woods ski trail and another 15 to get to the main ski slopes @ the top of Loon. Looking to the north there were great views and Mt Washington could be seen clearly in the distance
Another 41 minutes and I was back @ the car @ 5:59pm.
I was real glad I'd decided to try this bushwhack rather than trying for Vose Spur today!!! That one should be real "interesting"!!!
I vote for nice backed trails, sunny windless days in the 20's and unlimited views
Oh well...Hike on!!!
