Mt Hale 4055'

4.4 miles total

Hale Brook Trail from Zealand Rd

Just an easy stroll on Memorial Day Weekend, up & back on Mt Hale while we were in the area Sunday.

A group of friends car camps at Dolly Copp near Washington every year, so I had plans to head up north for one of my weekend days off. My brother called midweek wanting to hike something small, and I knew he needed it for his list so Hale picked up two more hikers.

Busy day indeed, counted 7 different groups on the mountain and a trailhead full of cars to prove it. No bugs yet and the watercrossings on Hale brook were easy breezy even with the higher water. Bugs are going to be out late and in force this year I'm not looking forward to it. I sense a disturbance in the force...

Mt Passaconaway 4042'

12.5 Miles. Oliverian Brook up & back Square Ledge

Winter's grip has finally ended. Two adventurers enjoyed a sunny 70 degree weekend hiking in the Sandwich range this past weekend, snow is almost gone.

Oliverian Brook is flat and easy, gradual climb gets more serious closer to Square Ledge. 4 Water crossings total, spring hiking means wet boots and rock jumping. We Used Yaktrax for two rough ice patches near the summit but other then that we were just sloppy barebooting; clean trail below 3000 ft

This was my third time hiking Passaconaway with a heavy pack. A good quest was needed for weary winter souls, another big year for adventures I'm sure.

Mt Tecumseh 4003'

I returned to Tecumseh last weekend, stretched my legs with a friend and found winter hiding in the North.

This mountain is a great season starter. 2.5 up, 2.5 down, a nice outlook and an easy commute. On the trail by noontime Saturday, we had a steady albeit light snowfall the entire hike.

A cloudy, cold day on a closed ski slope would make my wife cringe with horror, but I tend to find unique bits of magic others might ignore. The unused portion of Waterville Valley ski area reminded me of a true Scottish mountain side, with rock and snow separated by soaked brown grass. The clouds were close enough to carry the evaporating mists right off the ground, winter's grip loosening like the packed monorail under our feet. The trails we've been using to snowshoe during the cold months don't have much more integrity left, muddy boots are in my future I fear.

Hoping to venture forth again soon before the bugs do, mud & melt be damned