Last year, I didn't follow my normal routine of hiking through the winter. I suppose it is understandable, since the temperatures in New Hampshire are much more brutal than those to the south. However, I never felt like I found my trail legs in 2021 - mostly, I believe, because I spent three straight months cross country skiing and walking on flat rail trails. Determined not to repeat the same mistake, I've been watching the weather in the WMNF very carefully (including checking conditions at the Summit of Mount Washington), hoping that I'd get an earlier start in 2022. Today, everything came into place: warmer temperatures, no precipitation, day off from work and I found an achievable "Kick Off" hike destination: Mount Tecumseh (4003'). Left house at 0830 (later than I'd wanted) and used I-89, US-4, NH-118, NH-25, US-3, I-93 and NH-49 to reach the Waterville Valley Ski Resort by 1000 (1.5 hour drive). It took a while to locate a parking spot (very busy) but, after I was all geared up (it felt strange!), I started up the mountain. There were other folks who had the same idea but it was nothing like the lines that I saw for each of the chairlifts - the craziness of the downhill skiing scene reminded me of videos I've seen when Black Friday Sales begin (wow). I didn't need a hat or gloves for most of the hike but my microspikes were a must. Other people chose snowshoes but I never felt the need for them (lucky that was the case because I left them in the car). For most of the ascent, I was in my own little world, sometimes seeing a hiker or two above or below me. The trail was very peaceful, overall. This was good, because I needed to concentrate to get my climbing rhythm back after several months of walking and skiing. The temps were much warmer than I'd expected (mid 40s) and, even though I was only wearing two top layers, I was sweating all the way. About a quarter mile from the top, I had a choice of trails to take to get to the view and I ended up choosing the wrong one. There were enough clues that I should have gone left - mostly unbroken trail, steep ascents in places - but the book I bought (for conquering the 48 mountains above 4000 feet) had suggested it. After getting submerged in snow drifts a few times, I encountered a snowshoer coming down on her rear end - at that point, I decided to turn around and use the other option. This turned out to be very wise (MUCH easier) and I was very pleased to soon be standing on top of Tecumseh! It was much colder and windier up there than I'd seen all day but the views were spectacular - practically all of the high peaks of the White Mountain range were visible. I only stayed for a short time because I still had the descent and drive home to complete. Thus began an even harder part of the day - walking downhill on a sledding hill. It was literally that because lots of people brought their little sleds with them and smoothed out the footing area until it was almost impossible to get a firm step planted. The snow actually started balling up on the soles of my boots - hard to walk! Somehow, I made it down without falling into a deep drift on the side of the trail - my poles went almost to the handles into the snow. Stopped in a few places on the way down to watch skiers on the Waterville slopes - the trail paralleled their trails for most of the hike. Was glad to reach my car (1400) after hiking (with my mistake) over six miles in less than three hours. Drove home via NH-49, I-93, US-3 and got on NH-25. Used this last road to reach Wentworth and then took NH-25A to Orford. Crossed Connecticut River (into Fairlee) and then used I-91 to get back to Hanover (arrived at at around 1545). Not a bad start to my 2022 hiking season - hope I can get some other days just as good as this by the time the AT sections are hikeable! NH 4000 Footer #11 of 48
