I've had a great weekend getaway to “America’s Favorite Ski Town” (I believe it may be self named)! This morning, I was up early again (0630). I packed and loaded up the car before heading over to Jim and Cathy's. We ate breakfast together again and then I left the Red Jacket (0830). Drove north on NH-16 and stopped to check out Pinkham Notch. Also checked out the trailheads for Carter Notch, Imp and Moriah (all too crowded). After giving up in the area, I drove to Gorham and the took US-2 to the west. I wasn't exactly certain about the plan but eventually settled on trying to hike on Mount Waumbek. Fortunately, I was able to find a trailhead parking spot just outside of the town of Jefferson (1000). From my guidebook, I knew that Mount Waumbek was about four miles from the road - I had to take the Starr King Trail to reach it. There were other folks with the same idea as me but I noticed that the big climb discouraged some. I don’t blame them! The roughly 3000 foot climb in the first three miles was quite steep - add slippery snow and ice and it was some hard work. I plodded along steadily and was surprised that I actually passed a few people on the way up. The temps were pretty nice (low 40s) and most of the hike stayed on the leeward side of the mountain but, when I reached the summit of Starr King, I got the full blast of wind and cold. Fortunately, I’d stayed layered up (3, with another in reserve) and was able to power through without stopping. The views were good but the cloud cover over Washington took some of the “amazing” out of the vista. Perhaps I’m spoiled from summiting several other peaks in the area - my climb up Mount Hayes gave me closer and better angles of the High Peaks of the Whites… The trail between Starr King (just under 4K) and Waumbek (just over 4K) was bowl shaped; this meant that I got to descend a bunch before reaching my goal. I did meet a lot of cheerful people up there, though - the mountain air is a great boost. There were a lot of deep snow drifts in this area and I had to be careful not to step off the trail by even a few inches or I’d end up in snow that was at least three feet! The trees were mostly still heavy with snow but some had dumped their branches in places, making the trail snowshoe depth. I stuck with my microspikes, though, and didn’t have too much trouble. Waumbek’s summit was not very exciting - just a small stack of rocks - but I found an overlook about 25 yards beyond it (on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail). There were actually 15 people there and I didn’t tarry (I stayed long enough to enjoy the view, though). The descent was very quick - I had to worry about sliding, rather than stepping, but weathered it ok. Arrived at my car after about 8 miles in four hours (1400). Felt great after getting a nice, tough workout today - it inspired me to do some more climbing soon! When I was settled in the car, ready to drive home, I realized I had a bunch of voicemails. I talked to Mollie (briefly) on the phone and resolved a few things before starting up the car. Then took US-2 to NH-116 and followed it all the way to Littleton. On the way, I called my dad. Used US-302 to reach Woodsville and then NH-10 to Orford. Crossed the Connecticut River there and got on I-91 at Fairlee. Arrived back at my condo by 1630. Very nice to get out on the trail a few times this weekend - hoping the winter hiking will help prepare me for a great summer of AT hiking! NH 4000 Footer #12 of 48
