The Kinsmans & Cannon - 06/09/16

This was a fun Thursday evening hike with Alton & Nate. The weather was looking much better a few days prior, but it takes a little more than what was there for us to alter plans.  It was strange for June with gusty winds and temperatures in the 40s at Lonesome Lake Trail head (Lafayette Place).  We packed for a chilly, potentially wet, but fast hike of Kinsmans and the Cannon. We elected to ascend the Fishin' Jimmy and hit the Kinsmans first. 

The gradual ascent on Lonesome Lake Trail 

Jogging by Lonesome Lake

We did some quick climbing up the wet rocks on the Fishin' Jimmy. We reached the summit to no views.  Moving on quickly towards South Kinsman, we encountered a patch of ice pellets. They almost looked liked broken ice cubes. Cole seemed happy to see them and stick nearby.  We took the opportunity for a quick stop and photo to enjoy the freak ice in June.  It made us talk about how we've been encountering ice for the last 7-8 months in a row now, including a winter with a storied abundance of icy trails. 

Fishin' Jimmy Trail 

No views today from North Kinsman 

Enjoying a nice break with the ice

 As we reached the summit, we saw a potential view starting to clear. As we got our phones out to capture it, it went away. We decided to wait 20 seconds to see if would come before we'd shoot back into the trees. Within time, but for only another few seconds, we had this view below from South Kinsman. On the way back, we had a few more little view opportunities before it was going to get dark. On a hike like this, when the view opens, its kind of cool to take it in if its there. This happened a couple of times, and during those times we'd grab a snack or change a layer.

South Kinsman

View from Kinsman Ridge Trail

Hiking north on Kinsman Ridge Trail

Cannon from the Cannonballs 

This loop is one my favorite late afternoon or night hikes.  I like it as a fast and physical hike...5,000 ft of gain over 11 miles.  We had fun slipping into the puddles on the trail, sliding off bog bridges, and trying to beat daylight to the summit of Cannon. We kept on going, and climbed up the steep backside of Cannon.  It was incredible to see the boulder that recently wiped out many trees next to and across the trail.  It was amazing to see such a tremendous force and reality of nature. We reached the summit of Cannon in 4hrs 25 min, which is fast. It felt like it'd been a while since I did a short fast hike, so this one was fun, and I felt good.

Nearing the Rim Trail on Cannon 

Nate and I braving the wind on the Cannon Summit deck

Highlights:

Kinsmans - 13th Round
Cannon - 14th Round

Trail Conditions:
It was extremely windy at the trail head with temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. The trail was wet from start to finish. Slippery bog bridges all along the way, and muddy puddles up on the ridge. Going up Lonesome and Fishin' Jimmy included wet, slippery rocks and flowing water, and Kinsman Ridge Trail had wet, slippery rocks and mud puddles. Only a few spills during this fun and fast hike.

Hike Stats
Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail
Distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,036 ft.
Actual Book Time: 5:18

Photo Album Link

Kinsmans & Cannon - 6/6/15

After a fun and fast mid-afternoon bush whack hike to Owls Head, I grabbed a chicken parmesan sub in Lincoln before heading on over to Lafayette Place.  I was excited to continue hiking into the night as it would be my 8th round finish on Cannon.  It was a beautiful night with warm temperatures, a breeze, and little bugs.  The Kinsmans and Cannon are my least frequented peaks, at this point in the journey for the grid, which means I'll be visiting them in each of the next few months, and will also finish 9th round on Cannon.

Lonesome Lake Trail

A nice tribute and quote to live by.

The hike up to Lonesome Lake was pretty easy going.  It's only been a couple of times now that I've gone up the Lonesome Lake Trail to start this loop.  As I walked around the pond, I read the nice quote in honor of David Copestakes, which was followed immediately by a breathtaking view of the Lafayette and Lincoln from the boardwalk at Lonesome Lake.  I walked up to the side of the hut, and could see the open door with the noise of everyone busy and chatting at dinner.  Still to this day, after passing it at least 9 times, this remains the only hut I've yet to step foot inside.  It seems fitting that perhaps in my very near future I could plan to enjoy a quick visit...perhaps at the end of a Hut-to-Hut Traverse (we'll see).  I never really stopped to ponder about going in, and kept on my way up the steep and rugged Fishin' Jimmy Trail.

Lonesome Lake Hut Entrance

Fishin' Jimmy Trail

Sunset was taking place as I approached the Kinsman Ridge and Kinsman Junction. The color was bright orange with a bunch of scattering pink, which motivated me to reach North Kinsman and enjoy a really nice evening twilight view out over Franconia Ridge.  Arriving at South Kinsman, the sun had since dipped below the horizon offering a dark landscape topped with the deep orange glow of the set sun. The Kinsmans have never been an exciting pair of peaks to bag, but on this beautiful night it was a nice scene making for one of my favorite visits.

Sunset from the Kinsman Ridge Trail

North Kinsman Summit

View from South Kinsman after Sunset

Summit of South Kinsman after sunset

After South Kinsman and the loss of light, was the rugged traverse along the Kinsman Ridge Trail and over the Cannonballs to get to Cannon. The trail was a little muddy but at all times easy to follow.  It's up and down with a lot of tough footing, but hiking at night allows a different type of focus to keep going at a fast pace.  I had one of the most interesting animal encounters along this stretch.  Wearing headphones, I stopped for about 30 seconds or more, looking down, playing with my phone, sending out a text. While doing so, I caught movement out of the top of my eye coming towards me at a pretty quick pace. My immediate reaction had me yell, "hey!", and in response, it darted in the other direction after making it to just a foot or so away from me.  Turns out, it was a little bunny running full speed at me. I was pretty startled!! Thank the heavens it was not a bobcat or mountain lion or lynx or something! After the scare, I continued on, battling the steepest parts of this section to get onto Cannon.

Kinsman Ridge Trail at night ended route to Cannonballs

It was a little bit cooler as I made my way up to the tower observation deck.  There was no one else around of course, and it was nice to complete my 8th Round atop Cannon looking down on the lights of Littleton and other nearby towns. I head over to begin my descent of the Hi-Cannon Trail, but not before taking a lovely break atop the cliff where I saw the almost full moonlight rising over Lincoln and Lafayette.  In a matter of a few more minutes, I was jogging my way down the Lonesome Lake Trail back to my car.  What a great day it was to hike Owl's Head and the Kinsmans and Cannon. After the fun day, I head over to Ferncroft, where the next morning, I'd tackle Whiteface and Passaconaway.

Nighttime lights from Cannon's summit.

8th Round Finish summit photo atop Cannon

Hi-Cannon Trail ladder at niget. 

Almost full moonlight over the ridge while descending.

Highlights:
Kinsmans - 9th Round
Cannon - #48 of 8th Round
Did not see another person (except the noise emanating from the hut as I passed)

Trail Conditions:
Overall there were decent conditions and no hazards that I recall.  Most of the Kinsman Ridge Trail between South Kinsman and Cannon was damp or wet, but not that bad.  The other parts, well they were pretty steep and dark, especially over the Cannonballs.

Lonesome Lake Trail 

Fishin' Jimmy Trail 

Kinsman Ridge Trail

Hike Stats
Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,326 ft.
Actual Book Time: 5:57

Garmin Adventure Link (Upload later)

Photo Album Link

W48-in-1: Cannon & The Kinsmans - 1/5/13

It was cold, windy, and there was no one else around as I reached the summit of Cannon Mountain on Saturday morning for my 48th solo White Mountain 4000-footer. I've done about 1/3 of all my hiking solo. I wasn't really shooting for this, but after looking at it some time ago, I realized I had only a handful left. It's pretty exciting. I've done some absolutely amazing hikes in the White Mountains solo. Its a rewarding feeling that is often quite different than when you reach a summit with someone else or a group. Its a greater challenge, but one I've welcomed. I've had some of my best moments, views, and experiences hiking these peaks solo through all seasons. Now to the hike....shall we?

The drive up from MA was very early, and it was uneventful until I hit Lincoln, where it was snowing and blowing like crazy. I pulled into the Lafayette Campground. I sat in the car, as it looked like a blizzard outside. Gee, I knew there would be some snow that morning, but I seriously didn't want to get out of the car. I dozed for about an hour and a half staying toasty for a bit longer. Thankfully the trees behind me didn't snap, and as the sun was rising, I finally got geared up. I'm so glad I waited, because it would have been a lot tougher to get going.

I headed up into the campground area, and took the Lonesome Lake Trail to the Hi-Cannon Trail. I'm glad I chose this starting point. One, so I could red-line the Hi-Cannon Trail, but second of all, because the trail was really nice. It was a nice switch compared to the Kinsman Ridge ascent from the tram lot. It was perfect for this last solo ascent. I had a peek-a-boo view of Flume and Franconia Notch from one of the ledges above the ladder. Shortly after that I made it to the Kinsman Ridge Trail where it was a nice easy walk to the summit of Cannon Mountain.

Flume & Franconia Notch from Hi-Cannon Trail

Kinsman Ridge Trail junction on Cannon 

Cannon Mountain summit

I remember the last time I went from Cannon to the Kinsmans, and the back-side of Cannon was a like an icy death trap. This time it wasn't so bad. I was able to carefully maneuver myself down, and I also saw a broken-out bypass around the area I questioned. Although it was dusted over nicely, it was a nice relief to have at decently broken out trail passing over the Cannonballs. I saw exactly where I had lost trail last time. I can't believe how close to the trail it was, but I remember those 30 or so minutes that time; it wasn't fun not being able to find the trail in this remote section. This time I had no problem whatsoever. I passed over the Northeast Cannonball. It was my second time on this peak, and first time in winter. This peak is on the New England Hundred Highest list. Although it was cloudy and cold, I was getting occasional glimpses of the blue-sky above as I continued on.

Looking back to western slopes of Cannon Mountain 

Near the summit of NE Cannonball

With the powdered-over path as my company for the day, it allowed me to move forward confidently. There were also plenty of fresh blazes, it seemed. The trail in this section seems to get a little long, but you know you're super close when you hit the Kinsman junction. Just before that, I ran into the two hikers I met earlier who started about 10 minutes before me from the lot. Just a few moments later, I was on the summit of North Kinsman with a limited view. This summit of North Kinsman was a Trailwright summit for me, and the last I needed on the Kinsman Ridge.

Kinsman Ridge Trail between Cannonballs and N. Kinsman

Summit outlook of North Kinsman

After a super short break here, I was quickly on my way to South Kinsman. Knowing the hike out would be pleasant on the Fishin' Jimmy and I was on decent time, I was looking to wrap it up and be on my way down. I made it to the summit of South Kinsman. It was really cold - coldest all day, but I was getting a little better of a peek at Franconia Ridge, as the clouds lifted ever so slightly.

South Kinsman summit

Franconia Ridge from South Kinsman

Slightly closer look at Franconia Ridge

After that, it was pretty much a non-stopping descent until I reached Lonesome Lake Hut. Here, I took about a 10 minute break to enjoy the view. I did a quick time lapse of the view and took a few other photos. The sky had cleared up nicely, but it was still cold at the lake. This is a really a great piece of scenery and it would be nice to stay out here sometime. But, as nice as it was, I had some rest to get for the next day, so I was on my way.

Lonesome Lake and Franconia Ridge

This was a good one for me - I was on a roll as I knocked these three off. It was my last solo 48 hike, all were for my third round of the 48, all new grid peaks, one was a Trailwright, and then NE Cannonball in winter, and last but not least, 7-9 of 48 for this winter season. Feeling pretty good, I grabbed a bunch of food, and went back to Winnisquam to eat it and catch some sleep for another 10 miles and three peaks the following day.

Hike Stats:
Trails: Lonesome Lake Trail, Hi-Cannon Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail
Distance: 12 mi.
Elevation Gain: 3,850 ft.
Actual Book Time: 8:10

Cannon Mountain 3/24/12

Yesterday, we were really undecided until we got into the car around 7:30 from MA. It was a slightly later awakening then we wanted, but just when you think you might not have a great hike, think again. This was a pretty enjoyable hike.

Bill's temperature gauge read 45 degrees all of the way up the lot from MA, and when we left, it was about 50. There was some humidity in the air with the incoming system, but it was perfect weather for hiking. There was a patch of snow at the beginning of the trail, and I thought maybe we were all set with any snow, but about halfway up, we had a dwindling monorail still pretty much intact. I was pretty surprised after looking at all of the reports, but then again its ski resort mountain, and the trail must have been nicely packed.

Start of the Kinsman Ridge Trail

My brother tackles an early steep section - wait, they're all steep!

View from the trail, somewhere near the glades section

Snow like this from here to top of Cannon Cliffs and col

Despite that fact they would have helped tremendously, I suggested a challenge to leave our spikes in our bag, and for this hike we let our boots, calves, and hammys do the work. No spills all day, but navigating or avoiding the gray ice sections sometimes required a solid effort. It was actually fun and challenging. A great leg conditioning hike :)

Ohhh Mt. Lafayette

Looking NE from top of Cannon Cliffs

Oh 93, how you take so much of my gas

Last time we hiked Cannon for the first time in April of 2011. There was still several feet of snow on the ground, and it completely covered the outlook sign, so we didn't even know to check out the cliffs then. It's amazing - its March and there's no snow! Just an example. Since we got a boost from the views here, we were at the summit in no-time.

Looking back towards the cliffs and Franconia Ridge

Arriving at the summit

There was a couple at the summit, which was one group out of 3 we saw all day. Me and Bill enjoyed the summit for quite a while as we devoured oranges, cookies, Gatorade, and some tea as we took in the calm 360 views consisting of Franconia Ridge, Kinsmans, Moosilauke, peaks along Asquam Ridge, and so on.

Cannon Mountain Observation Tower

Cannonballs & Kinsmans, the Moose behind them

Franconia Ridge from Cannon summit.

Bill stands proud in front of Lafayette, where he finished his 48

Even after a late wakening, a great hike can still be had. We started at 10 and it took 4 hours and 35min. We took our time, enjoyed the cliffs twice, and sat at the summit for about a half hour. This hike paints a different picture of Cannon compared to round one, I feel like I appreciate it a bit more. A great hike for number 40 on round two. On we go to the final eight - hoping to take care of them pretty quickly.


Hike Stats

Trails: Kinsman Ridge Trail

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft

Book Time: 4hrs 35min