Mt Waumbek 4006'

-7.2 miles roundtrip, Trailhead on Starr King rd in Jefferson, NH
-Constant but non-technical inclines (forest walk)
-Dog friendly hike no water crossings or tough jumps

 Well maintained trails in Jefferson, NH found a familiar band of heros searching for the elusive Mt Waumbeck, with Mt Starr King also falling under our boots on a clear Sunday afternoon. Starr King trail is gradual all day, minor steep spots Zelda afforded with no assistance necessary. The walk to Waumbek after had very little elevation change, made for a nice stroll with my brother & dog trailing behind me most of the day.

 Although most of the trails were secluded by a high canopy, there isn't alot of water on the trail. Dogs with winter coats can fill their canteens at a spring shortly before the summit area on Starr King, but on a hot day like today Zelda might've been pushing her limits.

Awesome old fireplace on Starr King is the remnants of an old cabin that was once there, blackflys in the area prevented us from loitering too long. Great view (only one all day) of the Presidentials, belittled somewhat by the majority of the region sharing a similar view from there front lawns.

Waumbeck and Starr King have dream easy trail grades and the old north woods is certainly scenery I enjoyed. Not the place to find exposed rock and spanning vistas, but great hike for the dog and another peak off my list. Great day - lets see what the summer brings...

Mt Welch 2605' & Mt Dickey 2734'

4.5 miles 2.5 hours- Dog Friendly if they can jump 3 feet or be carried maybe twice
Zelda held up traffic momentarily, hopped most spots with little help

The black flies in Waterville Valley had Erick & Zelda on the menu last weekend, hit a quick dayhike before lunch on Memorial Day. And when I say before lunch, I mean we got home at 2pm. Awesome solo adventure with the dog and I managed to mow the lawn after.

Meant to hike Mt. Cannon, got as far as the 293/93 split and realized I had no cash or cellphone, ended up heading back home. Zelda was looking sad with a potential day stuck in the house, so I decided to take her with me when I went back out. The Welch/Dickey loop is only about 4.5 miles total, open rock faces with great views, very little effort. Monday was clear all day, so we were bouncing in between shady spots to avoid the princess from overheating. Stopping for more then 60 seconds in late May means you're an appetizer for like 30 bugs however, so we kept a brisk pace most of the morning. Zelda was awesome and happy to be out. She wasn't keen on all the exposed rock, slight overcast ended up saving the day for us.

A short hike has its pros and cons for me right now. For some context - my wife is a pregosaurus right now. As any of the pregopotomai will tell you, Pregos do no chores. Prego sits and watches her some shows on MTV about other younger pregos and laughs/eats. Getting back early meant my lawn finaally got some attention, floors swept, cat litter, laundry etc etc. WTF.
Prego and I both will be happier in October when everything calms down again (hopefully).
Man up time at home, shrugging off the small shit and moving forward.

Spending this weekend at the Notchland Inn, an awesome B&B a 1/2 mile north of the 4th Iron tentsite on 302. Trying to sneak out early for a hike tomorrow, rainy weather or not I can't be this close and not take advantage.