Mt. Stinson with SE'ern Mass. AMC

12/17/11 - Nice views from the summit where the old firetower once stood, and a view over Stinson Lake when you bushwack a bit on a spur path leading southwest.

Thanks to leaders Cheryl Lathrop and Bob Vogel from the AMC's Southeastern Mass. chapter for a lovely day on the mountain. 3.6 miles, 1,400' elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Stinson (2,900')
Route: Stinson Mountain Trail

Mt. Chocorua via Liberty Trail

12/4/11 - This was a special hike, for several reasons -- it would have been my mother's 71st birthday; it was the first time I'd ever summitted Mt. Chocorua; and John and I descended in the dark (something I tend to avoid). We'd meant to take the Brook Trail up and Liberty down, but ended up on Liberty and decided to stick with it. After meeting the Hammond Trail on the right at 2.7 miles, the trail continues another half-a-mile to the rustic Jim Liberty cabin. After that, there was some ice and some moderate ledge scrambling. The wind on the top is reminiscent of Mt. Monadnock, but we were able to find shelter on the south side of the summit and eat lunch -- which included Mint Milanos and Lindt Chili Chocolate. Yumm!

Several stream crossings and my no-longer-waterproof, three-season boots meant wet feet. Happily, though, I lost, then found, my winter hat in the dark while taking a separation break at the end of the hike!

7.8 miles RT, 2,700' elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Chocorua (3,500')
Route: Liberty Trail to Brook Trail (last 0.3 miles to summit) and back

A fun fall day - Mt. Monadnock hike and apples

Sunday 10/16/11 - Weather conditions calling for rain in the White Mountains caused an early-morning change of plans from Mt. Osceola to Mt. Monadnock. The weather around Jaffrey and Dublin, NH was just fine for a fall day. Sheeba, Alex and I hiked up the White Cross Trail, Alex stopping to take photos along the way. We had a lovely time on top, seeking shelter below the summit for lunch.

We stopped for apples -- and my first caramel-covered apple -- on the way home.

4.2 miles RT, 1,800' elevation gain (2 hours up)
Summit: Mt. Monadnock (3,165')
Route: White Cross Trail