Hiking Ike!

A friendly reminder about being above tree line in the Presidential Range.

Em and I got on the road early this past Saturday and drove up to Crawford Notch. This was to be Em's first wintery hike, complete with cold temps, some ice, and the endless quest to find a perfect layering system. 

Em nearing the summit of Eisenhower.

There was a bite in the air as we started up the trail, but we warmed up as we gained elevation. We soon encountered ice and mircrospikes went on.

In the distance: Washington, Monroe, and Franklin.

Our goal today was Mount Eisenhower (4,780ft), one of the mountains in the Southern Presidential Range. Many people were out, and when we got to the summit we were not alone. It was a little breezy, so we snapped a few photos and then continued down to complete the summit loop.

Descending Eisenhower: We found snow!

October Outing: Mt. Moosilauke

Mt. Moosilauke: Above treeline.

The last time I hiked Moosilauke, it was in a snow storm on Easter many years ago and there were blizzard conditions. So when my friend suggested we hike it, I was more than happy to oblige and hopefully, I would get some views in this time. Luckily for me, the weather was much more favorable and I got to enjoy the sprawling views from the treeless summit.

Mt. Moosilauke: One of the best signs I've seen!

We did a classic loop up and down the mountain using the Gorge Brook trail, the Carriage Road and the Snapper trail. The trail is above treeline and very exposed as you near the summit, which meant on this particular day we had to bundle up to cut the wind. Despite the sunshine, it was easily below freezing with windchill.

Mt. Moosilauke: Emily headed for the summit. 

Once at the top, we quickly snapped a picture with the summit sign, and then ducked down behind some rocks to have a snack out of the wind. The remainder of the hike was a relaxing stroll down the rocky Carriage Road to the Snapper trail, and then back to the trailhead. 

Mt. Moosilauke: Descending via the Carriage Road. 

It's beginning to feel a lot like Winter!

Trail intersection near the summit of Cannon. It's a winter wonderland! 

This past weekend I headed up to Franconia Notch for a solo hike, my first in a long time. It was also my first hike in wintry conditions since the previous winter. As I drove up 93 North, the snow started to fall, the wind started to whip, and I got extremely giddy at the sight of the snow covered mountains in the distance.

Along the Hi-Cannon trail on the way to the summit: Ladders and rocks galore!

I choose to do a quick loop up to Cannon Mountain and Lonesome Lake via the following trails: Lonesome Lake, Hi-Cannon and Kinsman Ridge.

The observation deck at the summit: No views today! Wind and snow instead!

Looking down at Lonesome Lake and the Hut from an outlook on the Hi-Cannon trail.