W48-in-1: Cabot & Waumbek - 2/2/2013

It was another frigid morning in the Whites last Saturday for our hike to Mt. Cabot, but there was no doubt about it, it was a beautiful morning to be in the North Country. My goal for the day was Cabot & Waumbek. My brother, easing his way back into hiking after his shoulder tendinitis, joined me for Cabot, but not Waumbek. We started just before another solo hiker, and as we descended there were more heading up. We used microspikes the entire hike on the well packed trail. As we took a quick break in Cabot Cabin, we reminisced on the cold night we spent there last October. The views from the outlook just before the summit were the best we've seen from Cabot. After five and half hours of work, we were done, and headed towards Starr King so I could bag Waumbek real quick! =)

The morning moon over a mountain top (One of the Weeks, I think?) 

We crossed the partially frozen stream on this log to the left of the trail 

This icy waterfall was a stunningly beautiful spot in Bunnell Notch 

Hiking the Kilkenny Ridge Trail in winter 

Kilkenny Ridge Trail nearing Cabot Cabin

Views from Mt. Cabot... 

  

Cabot Hike Stats
Trails: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail
Distance: 9.6. miles
Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft.
Actual Book Time: 5:30

Mt. Starr King & Mt. Waumbek 

I started up the Starr King Trail at about 2:30pm after woofing down some cheeseburgers. I know, not good, but oh well. Off I went. It was looking a little bare down below after the thaw during the week. Quickly though, I realized the trail was extremely icy, and on went the microspikes.

Starr King Trail to Mt. Waumbek 

The fireplace on Mt. Starr King (I so want to camp here some night) 

The rest of the way to the summit of Waumbek from Starr King was smooth sailing in the microspikes. Cabot & Waumbek were peaks 28 & 29 of this winter season, and both were my first winter summits of these peaks. Now, a funny thing happened that never happens! I did this 7.2 mile hike quickly, in two and half hours. I thought I was flying up the trail to start, but as I hit the summit of Starr King, a girl came flying by me with her snowshoes perfectly strapped to the sides of her pack, and her little dog chasing about. She didn't stop at all or say anything! I kept at the pace I was going all of the way to summit, and she didn't even stop at the summit either, just turned around and started flying out. I thought for sure I'd catch her on the lower icy part of Starr King Trail to say hi, but nope, she never stopped. I was actually kind of hoping she'd fall on her butt maybe so she would stop and I could say hi, but that didn't happen either. I couldn't believe that we practically hiked 3mph for about 4 miles at about 100 feet apart, and she never stopped!

Mt. Waumbek summit in winter

After 16 miles, and two more 4000-footers, I called it a night back at the camp near Winnisquam Lake, and prepared myself for another lengthy solo trek the next day - this one out to Mt. Isolation.

Waumbek Hike Stats

Trails: Starr King Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft.
Actual Book Time: 2:30

Inside The Moments: Episode 6 - A Cold Night Cabot

After finishing my 48 in August 2011 via a Moonlight Presi Traverse with my brother, we were hiking towards the end of his 48 in one year, led by his determination, we were squeezing hikes in to accomplish it in the same one year I had set out for. Between that August and this date last October, I had gone onto Pemi Loops, Grafton Loops, and the like, and the weekends between, we knocked of the Kinsman's, Owl's Head, and Jackson for Bill. Hiking crazy hikes going nuts across tough terrain, we were on a roll. That was until a hike on October 22, 2011 (close to a year ago today) that gave us a reality check. Of course we had a cool plan to start a night-hike to the Horn, Bulge, and Cabot, for an attempt to traverse the Kilkenny Ridge to Waumbek by early Sunday. After being slowly soaked by increasingly dense fog, a chilly Cabot almost did us in. Along the way we heard a loud smash in the woods I remember clear as day. Both of these things were not really highlighted in my original post, so it's a good one to take you back inside the moment.

By the time the car spot was done at Starr King, and we were at York Pond Road on that Friday night, we were quite tired, so we napped about an hour and a half until about midnight, and then we set off on the Unknown Pond Trail. (If you have the time, first go back to the original trip report here before continuing.)

Unknown Pond Trail

It was a raw, wet, damp night, and the leaves were slick as we made our way down the Unknown Pond Trail just after midnight. What a beautiful trail, but I will have to hike it again to see it in the daytime. We were pushing along about halfway up to Unknown Pond when we both heard a distinctive sound of tree in the woods. It was as if something crashed in the woods, but it was sort of like one loud thump and echo. My brother described it as, "sounded like something huge took a 50-foot tree and slammed it up against another tree, like a baseball swing." Immediately we were thinking Sasquatch, but no, this sound was real, weird, and the feeling we both had was that sound was not just a tree falling. We're hopeful we startled a Moose or something and it was not a Sasquatch, but after a few minutes of looking around nervously, we continued hiking at a VERY swift pace up the hill towards Unknown Pond, crossing the raging outlet from the pond using two sticks for balance. It was one of a few a un-explainable things we've encountered on the trails, especially at night. There was no wind at the time, and it would be tough for a tree in dead-fall to make that noise. Very spooky nonetheless. 

Looking our over Unknown Pond (I think)

We made it to Unknown Pond, and there was no fog yet. I remember shining my light over the pond, and seeing darkness, and no fog in the path of the flashlight. However afterwards were making our way over the Horn and Bulge, and we were engulfed in thick wet fog. On the Horn, we could hardly get up onto the rocks they were so slick, and after about 30 seconds on the summit and a couple of quick pictures, we decided we better get back onto some soil before we fall. It was ice. Then it started to spit a very light mixed precipitation as we made our way to over to Cabot. 

Bulge summit, not knowing I'd be shivering very shortly

Now, approaching Cabot, we had progressively been ascending into the wetter fog, but being in the trees, I guess it was hard to tell, but we were actually getting pretty soaked. We didn't have waterproof gloves for this hike, but we both did have two pairs each. They were soaked, and my fleece was really damp from me not noticing how wet the outside was before putting on my waterproof layer. Our pants were soaked through to our legs from the wet trail and precipitation. At the summit of Cabot, it was certainly close to freezing, as pellets of sleet were flying. My brother was in a similar situation, so after hitting the summit, Cabot Cabin was looking really nice....at least we thought.

Bill on his first summit of Mt Cabot, a memorable one for sure

We got into the cabin and the first thing we did was put our base layers on next to our body, and then put some of the other clothes back on over. We changed into some dry socks even though our boots were completely soaked. There was absolutely no way for us to dry anything without starting a fire, which was pretty much out of the question. Standing in the cabin, I clearly remember shivering trying to get warm. We marched around the cabin for quite some time as the wind gusted occasionally outside. We saw there were some foam sleeping pads already secured to the bunks. Eventually, we decided to sit on one of the top bunks back-to-back, and try to rest a bit, warm ourselves if possible, and wait for sunrise just a couple of hours away. A couple of long hours that I think back to as a definite learning experience. Just because its not a raging rain or snow storm, doesn't mean you can run into a little trouble with hypothermia, even when you think you have packed everything you need.

Bill looking out, wondering when daylight might come

"Dan, it's snowing out, should we get moving?" 

About to leave the cabin after our unexpected "Cold night on Cabot"

Just before actual sunrise, we sluggishly geared up upon the sight of grey sky and stepped outside the hut to see it flurrying with snow. This was not good, but it instead of stopping altogether for us, it turned to a rain as we arrived at the Bunnell Notch Trail junction. Clearly with it raining and after what we experienced, we made the easy decision to head back to the car at the hatchery instead of continuing with the traverse.

Even after a lot peaks in the prior seven months and some really intense hiking, we still had a lot to learn about hiking (and there still is). Us each having that full unused base layer and extra socks that night was the key for us being able to stick this one out. However from this, we learned that if we had gaiters, our pants wouldn't have been so wet. If our gloves were waterproof instead of "weather-proof", our hands might have been warmer. If we had a stove, we could have cooked a meal to warm-up. Those were just a few things we learned on this one. We didn't expect the fog to create such wet conditions before it actually started to precipitate. It was only near freezing, and we learned that's all it takes when mixed with wet gear. It was all a matter of these things coming together on that night to give us a run for our money. We are thankful it did not turn into a more serious situation, but at the same time, I'm glad that we both went through it because, for me, I know that I never want to be that wet in any colder conditions ever again. It sticks with me every time I plan a hike. 

After this, and prior to the impending winter, we started to bulk up our gear closet, starting with the purchase of some gaiters and better gloves and stuff. When it hits October, the White Mountains are unpredictable. Having the correct gear to cover the number of situations that one might face could make all of the difference in getting you through an unexpected cold night. Be prepared, always bring the 10 essentials and more, and always consider the minor details.

Now, another year later, both my brother and I are still challenging ourselves, learning as we go, and enjoying every adventure we can! Hike on and stay safe!

The Horn, The Bulge, & Mt. Cabot - 10/22/11

The plan for this hike was a full traverse from the Horn to Starr King where we had left one car Friday night. We drove from Starr King over to the Berlin Fish Hatchery, and the gate was open around 10:30pm, so we proceeded to the trailhead for the Unknown Pond Trail. We relaxed for about an hour and tried to get a quick nap in before setting off.

After getting our gear, food, and everything situated, we started up the Unknown Pond Trail at 11:50pm. The trail was wet from the get-go and muddy along some stretches. Our boots were covered in mud early, but no wet socks yet. The stream roared pretty loudly next to us. Although rugged, the trail was very easy to follow with just headlamps. There was one pretty tricky crossing where there were 3 thin sticks crossing the first section of the crossing. It was really the easiest way across; we had to grab two sturdy sticks so that we could walk across without relying on balance only.

Bill using a birch stick for balance across the stream

But once we got across that section, we were now in the middle and used the two sticks again to help us over the other half of this crossing which was less technical. After this, it was a smooth ascent until we reached the Unknown Pond Tentsite. Along the way, we came across one of the coolest thing I've seen on-trail. We happened to stop, and I looked down, realizing I almost had stepped on it.

A yellow-spotted salamander on Unknown Pond Trail

At Unknown Pond, we took a look around to explore and we shined our lights out over the pond to get a glimpse of it and anything that might be out there swishing around, but there was nothing but silence and complete darkness. After a short break we carried on to the junction with the Kilkenny Ridge Trail and then started towards the Horn.

Along this 1.6 mile section of trail, the conditions were still wet, but there was a little less mud. The fog was starting to increase steadily, reducing visibility, however the trail remained very easy to follow in the darkness. We made it to the spur trail seemingly quick. We were anxious to get a summit under the way. The spur trail was a very narrow trail. As it nears the summit, the trail is a tunnel of scrub and boulders and then emerges onto a rock ledge at the summit. Of course we couldn't see anything, but we're peakbagging, so tonight the goal was the peak, not the view. The fog even made it difficult for picture-taking.

On the summit of the Horn in deep fog at 3:20am

We continued along the Kilkenny Ridge Trail to the Bulge summit. We had to do a double take when we came across the small cairn. It didn't seem like we gained much more elevation. But, there was two New England Hundred Highest out of the way.

Standing next to the summit cairn on The Bulge

Next up was Cabot, another 4000 footer for Bill, and were looking forward to a break and some shelter at the cabin. As we made the approach from the Bulge, I could sense when we were making the final push to the summit, and we then came out at the clearing and found the summit sign.

Bill on Mt. Cabot, his 34th NH 4000-footer

Me on Mt. Cabot for the 2nd time

As we made our way to the other side of the mountain, the wind and fog picked up. We made it to the cabin, which was vacant, so we hunkered down and relaxed on the sleeping pads and snacked on some of our food. Since we hiked through the clouds and wet trail the entire way, our gear had become either damp or wet. After stopping, and even inside the cabin and in our extra clothes, we had a hard time staying comfortable and warm. We arrived at the cabin around 5am, and we ended up leaving sometime after 7am when daylight was breaking.

Foggy daybreak from Cabot Cabin

As we stepped off the porch and started down the trail, there was snow and sleet mixed with the rain. Despite that, we were moving quickly and carefully down the trail, arriving at the junction with the Bunnell Notch Trail. Here, we decided that because of the conditions, that we would loop to Bill's car back at the hatchery and shorten this trip. On the way down, I slipped on one of the wooden trail bridges and plunged both feet completely into a puddle up to my shins. I dislike those trail bridges because they are more slippery than anything else on the trail. We made it to York Pond Road just after 10am.

Kilkenny Ridge and Bunnell Notch Trail junction

Fall on the lower Bunnell Notch Trail

Hike Stats
Trails: Unknown Pond Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Horn Spur, Bunnell Notch Trail
Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3635 feet
Book Time: 10hrs 20min

To view the full album from this hike, view or click on the slide show below.

Mt. Waumbek & Mt. Cabot - 6-18-11

This week I bring to you a double feature; two separate hikes on Saturday to peak two 4000 foot peaks and one peak on the 52 with a view list. The choices are not getting easier when it comes to knocking these mountains off the list. Mt. Waumbek and Mt. Cabot are the two northern most peaks on the NH48 list. Waumbek and Cabot are not easily done together, but my plan was to start and complete Waumbek as early as possible, and be able to start Mt. Cabot as soon as possible after the Berlin Fish Hatchery gate opens.

My family has a place near Laconia, so I was relaxing Friday night by the fire and got decent sleep before my early departure at 3am. I started up the Starr King Trail exactly at 5am, just as the sky started to lighten from the sun coming up. The Starr King Trail was a pretty gradual ascent, and I realized that once I was into it. My legs were screaming at first, but overall the trail was generally very easy. Although there is not a whole lot of exciting stuff on the Starr King Trail, the woods surrounding the trail was beautiful with rich green colors from the moss and ferns. I got slightly steeper, and then I came to the summit of Mt. Starr King, which is 3907'. I had a slight glimpse of some under-cast through the trees.

I then continued on past the open area towards Mt. Waumbek. The stretch between Starr King and Waumbek was even more green and lush than below. It also seems flat and slightly open, which is odd for 4000 feet, but flat is good, and I was at Waumbek in no time, my 22nd peak of the quest. With no views and not much else to do other than get down hike another mountain, that's what I did. However, with about a half mile or so left, the heavens just opened up and it poured so hard. It had sprinkled a few times since I started, but it poured like crazy, so on went the rain jacket and rain cover, and continued to quickly descend the rest of the way. I got back down to my car, and completed this trip, a total of 7.2 miles in 2.5 hours, well ahead of my plan for the day, despite the fact it was now pouring and everything was completely soaked.

So I changed my shirt, dried my shorts with a towel, and headed towards Berlin to hike Mt. Cabot. I stopped at a store to pick up a sandwich and some more water, and it was still raining good. I knew the weather was going to be on and off for the day, so I knew it wouldn't rain all day. The York Pond Trail begins wayyyy down the York Pond Road, past the fish hatchery gate. Since I don't have experience dealing with the gate issue, this is why I planned it the way I did. I started up the York Pond Trail at 9am, and it was sprinkling but clearing a bit now. The trail is flat for .2 miles as you walk through a meadow up to the Bunnell Notch Trail. Once here, the trail begins to climb steadily as the trail leads over the notch toward the Kilkenny Ridge Trail. Some parts of the Bunnell Notch Trail are much more rugged than others, but overall, I liked the roughness of the trail; it appeared overgrown in some areas, which was cool (at least for a hike with no views).

Once I made it to the Kilkenny Ridge trail, there was definitely some more elevation gain to be had, particularly towards the top. Having hiked 7.2 miles earlier and already another 3, I was feeling it as I got closer to Cabot Cabin. The Kilkenny Ridge Trail did not give me any issues. The trail is rocky in some parts, but overall pretty easy to contend with. I made it to the Cabin and checked it out. What a place to have camp and hang out on a beautiful day or night. I wish I had been able to see the view, but at least it wasn't raining. I continued on to the site of the fire tower to get a minimal view of the mountains below. About 50 yards from the site of the old tower, there are a few humongous blow downs across the trail that have probably been there for a while, since there were visible paths around them. About 2-3 minutes later, I finally arrived at the sign to mark the summit. Another hiker was there, the first I had seen all day long. I had reached my 23rd peak of this quest.

With not much to look at on the summit, I set off back down the trail past the cabin and down. I snapped a few photos on the way down because the weather got slightly better, offering me slightly better views than on the ascent, which was a great treat. I arrived back at my car at 4:10pm, finishing this hike, a total of 9.6 miles in 4 hours, 10 minutes. The total for the day was 16.5 miles, 6 hours 40 minutes, and about the same elevation gain as an ascent of Mt. Washington. My plan for the day worked out even better than I thought, as finished these peaks in a very timely manner, which got me back to Laconia by 4pm for a much needed steak dinner and nap! Despite the view-less summits, these two hikes in the north country offered attractive trails, which included a variety of wild flowers and trail-side features such as the sound of small streams and waterfalls. I came across a white admiral butterfly and a nicely spun spider-web.

Hike Stats
Waumbek
Trails: Starr King Trail
Miles: 7.2
Elevation Gain: 2650 ft
Book Time: 2hrs 30min

Cabot
Trails: York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenney Ridge Trail
Miles: 9.6
Elevation Gain: 2400 ft
Book Time: 4hrs 10 min

To view selected photos from these trips please view or click the slide shows below: