Sun., Aug. 12 -- Mt. Crawford (NH's Whites)

5.0 mile loop; 2,100 ft. elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Crawford= 3,119 feet
Route: Davis Path, then a spur trail to the top

Review: The Davis Path, one of three bridle paths to the summit of Mt. Washington, follows the bank of the Saco River for about 200 yards to a wonderful suspension bridge, named for the man, Bemis, who built the granite mansion nearby (must be the Notchland Inn across 302 from the Davis Path ).

Compared to the grueling Caps Ridge Trail of the day before, this trail is a cake walk. Boulders and rocks, to be sure, but no scrambling and a lot less exposure. The last 0.3 miles on the spur off of Davis Path is reminiscent of the granite ledges of the Welch-Dickey Trail. When you follow the trail "until you can go no further" (sayeth Leslie), you end up on a summit with glorious 360 degree views -- of Crawford Notch, the Wiley House, Mts. Webster and Jackson, Stairs Mountain, and the Presidential ridge (though not as far as Jefferson or Washington).

It took us about 2-1/2 hours to the top (we were going a bit slower than usual today because of yesterday's activities!), but only 1-1/2 hours to get down.

Thanks again to Leslie Greer, Janet Spriggs, Dawn Jones and Barbara Fay for leading and co-leading the trip.