Hiking Mt Kearsarge in Central New Hampshire

Mount Kearsarge is a 2,937 foot mountain located in the towns of Wilmot and Warner, New Hampshire.  Our ascent to the summit starts at the Winslow State Park parking lot at the northwest slope of Mt. Kearsarge.

Mount Kearsarge has multiple trails and a bare rockbound summit with an observation fire tower and a cell phone tower.

From the summit on a clear day lies a spectacular view of the White Mountains and Mt. Cardigan in the north, the Green Mountains and Mt. Sunapee in the west and the Monadnock Region and the Merrimack Valley in the south.  The summit with its towers are a distinctive landmark and is easily seen from its surrounding communities.

We chose to summit from Winslow State Park with the option of two trails.  The Winslow Trail, marked with red blazes, begins at the park’s parking area.  Winslow Trail climbs for 1.1 miles (1,100 vertical feet) through the forest and over bare granite ledge to the 2,937-foot summit.

The Barlow Trail, marked with yellow blazes, also leaves from the same parking area at Winslow Park and provides a longer, but more gradual ascent to the summit. Several vistas along the 1.7 mile trail afford views of the Andover area, Ragged Mountain, and Mount Cardigan.

We decided to ascend via the longer Barlow Trail and to descend using the much steeper but shorter Winslow Trail.  The wet spring run-off and mossy rocks made today's Winslow Trail very slippery.

Early June is the black fly season, and they were plentiful on the day of our trek.

Enjoy this beautiful outdoor recreation of New Hampshire – never say, “I wished I had taken my family to climb Mt Kearsarge."

For a map and more information on Mt Kearsarge go to https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/winslow-state-park.aspx and 
https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedia/1fb58d3d-a22c-4066-8aa1-db931ec63f2d/Mount-Kearsarge-Hiking-Map.pdf

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Tuckerman Ravine, Southeast Face of Mt. Washington, White Mountains, New Hampshire

Tuckerman Ravine is one of New Hampshire’s unique natural resources.  My wife Catherine, friend Dundee, and I did an uphill 2.4 mile snow and ice packed hike to the base of Tuckerman.  The short video below shares highlights from our 4 hour hike via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.  Our trek starts with the 2.5 hour hike from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Hut up to the Hermit Hut Shelter, and includes our 1.5 hour downhill hike return to our car. 

Tuckerman Ravine is a vast open bowl perched on the southeast slope of Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. In the spring snow depths can reach 100 feet in the Ravine.  

Needless to say, Tuckerman Ravine is a very dangerous area subject to avalanches and falling massive blocks of ice the size of automobiles. It also is very exciting and challenging for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. The open porch of the Hermit Hut shelter is a great place to watch the skiers.

How do I get to Tuckerman Ravine?

Tuckerman Ravine can only be reached by hiking uphill - there is no ski lift, road, or method of access - other  than to hike.  You start your hike (many wear their ski equipment on the hike) at Pinkham Notch to the Hermit Hut Shelter (http://timefortuckerman.com/tuckermanravinemap.html).  Then you hike straight up the headwall of the Ravine, so you can extreme alpine, snowboard, and telemark ski.  This video shows skiers on the Hillmans Highway, Left Gully, and Bowl.

Once reaching the Hermit Hut Shelter, extreme alpine, snowboard, and telemark skiers continue to climb another hour or so up to the headwall of the Ravine’s various self-made ski lanes.  This video shows skiers on the Hillmans Highway, Left Gully, and Bowl

A Training Hike for Us

Later this summer Dundee and I with five friends plan a 10 hour hike to the peak of Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak at 5,269 feet, and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  (http://www.northeasthikes.com/knife-edge-katahdin-baxter-state-park-maine/).  We are using this Tuckerman Ravine hike to begin building our physical endurance, and at the same time enjoy this marvelous extreme ski ritual of spring in New Hampshire.

To see a graphic of Tuckerman Ravine ski routes go to Time for Tuckerman.

Microspikes or Crampons?

My video says we put on "crampons" on the trail.  In fact we used "microspikes".  To learn the difference go to Microspikes or Crampons?  For most hikers in the Whites today microspikes have replaced crampons - and some of the older hikers still refer to crampons when they indeed wear microspikes.

Winter and Spring Travel for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines

A good reference for people for winter and spring travel is run by the Tuckerman Ski Patrol www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org. This site gives people information from November to Memorial Day on avalanche danger and snow/ski reports for Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines.

AMC: Avoiding perils from the Tuckerman Ravine abyss:
Here is a quote taken from Rob Burbank's Union Leader April 3, 2016 Outdoors with the AMC: Avoiding perils from the Tuckerman Ravine abyss:
 (http://www.unionleader.com/article/20160403/NEWHAMPSHIRE03/160409925#sthash.Frhjcxe1.dpuf)
"SPRING CONDITIONS in Tuckerman Ravine have been variable, and U.S. Forest Service snow rangers recommend that skiers looking to take on the ravine's notoriously steep terrain obtain and heed weather and avalanche advisories posted at the Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Hermit Lake Shelters, and online.

Tuckerman Ravine is an undeveloped ski area in the White Mountain National Forest. Rangers at the Mount Washington Avalanche Center post advisories on weather and terrain and issue avalanche ratings at mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org.

In addition to the precipitous terrain, ravine visitors should be prepared to deal with varying conditions, which can include icy patches, crevasses, and undermined snow. Add to that, car-sized ice chunks breaking off the ravine's upper reaches and hurtling into the Bowl, and the dangers posed by avalanches.

The snow-covered walls of the ravine are highly reflective, and visitors should protect eyes and exposed skin by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen.

Ski runs in Tuckerman Ravine are steeper than routes at nearby developed ski areas. Adding to the challenge, skiers must work for their runs by hiking uphill for 2-1/2 miles or so to reach the ravine. There is no ski lift, no snow grooming, and no indoor shelter at Tuckerman Ravine. But it does boast some of the most challenging terrain in the eastern U.S., making it a magnet for accomplished skiers and snowboarders, and legions of spectators who also make the climb to take in the scene.

Weather and trail conditions can also be found by clicking on the "Conditions" tab at outdoors.org."

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"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Diana's Baths Waterfalls in Bartlett, New Hampshire

Diana’s Baths are Mother Nature's swimming holes and are a must see if you are in the North Conway area and want to experience nature at its finest. Diana’s baths lie along Lucy Brook in Bartlett which is fed from Big Attitash Mountain. During the summer the baths are a great place for children and grown-ups alike to enjoy the tranquility of nature, and explore the many rocks, ledges, cascading falls and pools in the brook. The cascading falls measure close to 75 feet in total  height.

The hike to Diana’s Baths is a fairly easy 6/10ths of a mile on a relatively flat, wide gravel path. Being part of the US National Forrest System, there is a large parking lot at the entrance to the hiking path and a self service pay station which requires visitors to purchase and display a daily pass on the dashboard your vehicle. (http://www.northconwaynh.com/diana's-baths.html)

"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Carson in Warrior Dash - Mountain City, GA

Here is a five minute video of a race Carson did Saturday in Mountain City, Georgia.  The Warrior Dash is the world’s largest obstacle race series, held on the most rugged terrain in more than 50 locations across the globe. Participants tackle a fierce 3-4 mile course and 12 extreme obstacles.




To learn more about  the Warrior Dash go to http://www.warriordash.com.

"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Hula Hoop Training in Live Oak, Florida

"Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

 

 

 

 

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Tim Priest Reflects on his Maine Paddling Treks Guided by Loon Parsons

This recently identified video was made by Frank Crosby as he interviewed Tim Priest heading for eight days of paddling and tenting on the 92-mile North Maine Woods Allagash Wilderness Waterway in July 2009.  We call this particular trek a Father-Son trip as the expedition of ten was made-up of four Dads and their sons and one friend.

Tim has been on many wilderness paddling trips guided by Master Maine Guide Linwood “The Loon” Parsons and his wife Betty “The Chickadee”.  Tim shares his reflections on Linwood and Betty and his Maine North Woods trips.

The video includes pictures from this Allagash Wilderness Waterway trek.

Thank you to Frank Crosby for sharing this interview.

 

References to Timothy's Maine paddling trips can be found at http://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

http://www.outdoorsteve.com

http://www.loonsnest.biz

The Ballad of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go outdoors with my family." – S. Priest

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

Snowshoeing in Bedford, NH at Benedictine Conservation and Van Loan Preserve

My friend Mark sent an email inviting his fellow outdoor enthusiasts to a moonlight snowshoe in the fields and woods of Benedictine Conservation Land and Van Loan Preserve in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Both areas are next to each other separated by Wallace Road.

These properties are protected by The Bedford Land Trust with conservation easements and allow public access to the trails for passive recreational use that remain in place forever.  They were perfect for our snowshoeing quest.

Snowshoeing Benedictine Conservation Land

On a clear moon lit night in December nine (9) Outdoor Enthusiasts met at the Benedictine Conservation Land parking lot.  The temperature was a mild 18 degrees F.

From the Kiosk leading to the Benedictine field we went clockwise on the Perimeter Trail climbing up the open field hill just inside the tree line.  We completed the loop passing the Kiosk in about 15 minutes.

We then crossed Wallace Road to the woods of the Van Loan Trail

Van Loan Preserve

The Van Loan Trail is initially a narrow trail through the woods before crossing Riddle Brook Bridge.  Thereafter the Van Loan Trail reaches a Junction whence we snowshoe onto the Anna and Pic Loop trail counterclockwise. 

The Anna and Pic Loop shortly returns to the Van Loan Trail from where we turn left back to the Junction of the Anna and Pic Loop.

We re-cross Riddle Brook Bridge following the Van Loan Trail to Wallace Road and the Benedictine Parking area.

The total snowshoe trek was about an hour and forty-five minutes.

The videos you are about to see are generally dark because the only light was that of our headlamps and the light of the moon.  I have left these black videos to give you a sense of hiking in the dark led by shining headlamps and the voices of fellow snowshoeing enthusiasts.

It was a magnificent night.  Wonderful friends.  Beautiful clean country air.  Enjoy this short video of snow shoeing in Bedford, New Hampshire.

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go outdoors." – S. Priest

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

The Rocky Steps

Philadelphia Museum of Art  - The 72 Steps of Victory

The 72 stone steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia have become known as the "Rocky Steps".  The steps were part of the triple-Oscar-winning film Rocky and four of its sequels, Rocky II, III, V and Rocky Balboa.  The eponymous character, Rocky, runs up the steps to the song "Gonna Fly Now".  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Steps)



"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go outdoors." – S. Priest

Christmas and Holidays are coming.  Give Outdoor Play, “Fun 4 4 Seasons” ($11.95) as a reading gift for a life-time of family outdoor motivation. 

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($9.95)

Making Apple Cider in New Hampshire with Robert Frost’s, “After Apple Picking”

On a recent fall Sunday in Elkins, NH, family and friends had the pleasure of making apple cider while enjoying apple donuts, caramel covered apples, apple bobbing, and apple slices with cheese - all topped off with a reading of Robert Frost's poem, ”After Apple Picking”. 

We made Apple Cider the New Hampshire way:

 1) Pick the apples

 2) Wash the apples

 3) Cut apples into four quarters

 4) Put quartered apples through a masher

 5) Press the mash for the apple cider.

 6) Bottle the cider

 7) Sip and enjoy the cider

Below is a short video of our family oriented day:

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go outdoors." – S. Priest

Bedford Community TV

Bedford Community TV (BCTV) is now playing Making Apple Cider in New Hampshire with Robert Frost’s, “After Apple Picking”.  Check their Channel 16 schedule.

Christmas and Holidays are coming.  Please consider giving Outdoor Play, “Fun 4 4 Seasons” ($11.95) as a reading gift for a life-time of outdoor motivation. 

Steve’s latest book, Outdoor Play "Fun 4 4 Seasons" is available as an e-Book at Kindle ($3.99) and hard copy at Amazon.com ($11.95)

References

• Lea Newman, “Robert Frost: The People, Places and Stories Behind His New England Poetry”  Amazon.com at http://tiny.cc/927m4w
• OutdoorSteve.com  http://www.outdoorsteve.com
• Download a streaming video from Bedford Community TV channel 16 of Making Apple Cider in New Hampshire with Robert Frost’s, “After Apple Picking”

Kayaking the Herring River Estuary and Popponesset Bay of Cape Cod

Day 1: Kayaking the Herring River Estuary of Wellfleet and Truro
John invited Dundee and I to Cape Cod for two days of kayaking.  Day one was planned to be a full day paddling around Wellfleet Harbor. However, our plan was short-lived when we explored the Herring River Estuary, a tidal river with a history of bygone prominence. 

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We proceeded west along the shoreline from kayak landing next to the Wellfleet pier. As we neared Chequessett Neck Road, and the dike at the mouth of the Herring River, John recalled a recent newspaper article on this dike built in 1909 when it significantly reduced tidal flow to the salt marsh on the other side of the Road.  This dike transformed the estuary into one of the Cape’s most degraded natural resources.

In 2007 the Towns of Wellfleet and Truro and the Cape Cod National Seashore signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the development of a restoration plan for the Herring River.

It is expected that when the existing tide gate structure at the mouth of the Herring is replaced, along with other upstream considerations, that this significant change will restore and provide full tidal flow to the Herring River Estuary and a promise for shell-fishing and other community opportunities.

We had before us an opportunity to see a "before" peek of the Herring River Estuary - with an incentive for us to return  for an "after" look of the restoration on the environmental vitality of the Herring River Estuary.

We decided it would be worth our effort to portage over Chequessett Neck Road and paddle up the Herring River.

The Herring Run in Middleboro, MA

As we paddled along the Herring River I recalled to my friends how as a youngster I used to visit the Herring Run on the Nemasket River, Middleboro, MA. Each spring, herring migrate from the ocean, up coastal rivers and into tributaries and lakes to spawn.  The herring were so plentiful you felt you could walk across their backs on the river – and so hundreds of people would come to see them.

Friends and I would go to the fish ladders and catch herring with our hands and sell them to people.  I remember coming home soaked and with coins in my pocket from selling my herring catch to people for food and garden fertilizer.  It was a marvelous memory – and my connection to the Herring River Estuary.

Our paddle up the Herring River was well worth the expedition of nearly seven miles in five hours up and back on the Herring River Estuary:

• We saw Swans, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Red Wing Blackbirds and other birds.
• Many times we thought we were at the end of the river and about to turn back, but we managed to find a path through the narrowing quagmire of brush, prickly bushes and marsh weeds.
• We passed under old wooden plank bridges.
• We went through culverts under tar and dirt roads.
• At about three hours mark we found a road sign that told us we were passing the intersection of Bound Brook Island Road the Atwood Higgins House.

 

If you are interested in more information, or to stay up-to-date on the Herring River Estuary, please visit Friends of Herring River.  They have an email newsletter.

Day 2: Paddling the Mashpee River and Popponesset Bay, Cape Cod, MA

  Day two’s paddlers were Tim, Rob, John, Dundee and I.

• We put-in at Pirates Cove in Popponesset Bay.  
• Paddled up the tidal Mashpee River.  After an hour or so, we were in marsh weed, and decided to return to Popponesset Bay.
• Paddled around Popponesset Island.  Beautiful homes and boats/yachts.
• Lunch on the sandbar protecting Popponesset Bay
• Crossed Popponesset Bay to Pirates Cover in choppy water and wind.
• Total paddling time about six hours.

References:

• Friends of Herring River http://www.friendsofherringriver.org/
•  Project Management associate Position Opening http://www.friendsofherringriver.org/documents/ProjectManagementAssociatePositionOpening.pdf
• Wellfleet’s Herring River Tide Heights and Salinity Study http://www.wellfleetma.org/Public_Documents/WellfleetMA_Herring/Tide%20heights.pdf
• Middleboro, Lakeville monitor herring run at Nemasket River - Raynham, MA - http://www.wickedlocal.com/raynham/news/x221044127/Middleboro-Lakeville-monitor-herring-run-at-Nemasket-River#ixzz2gwnaIYIS
• To see a more detail video of our Herring River kayak trip, CLICK HERE for a nine minute video
  
  
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  "Everyone must do something.  I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

  

  
  My fifth book, Outdoor Play Fun 4 4 Seasons Volume II, is now ready. Order here by clicking OutdoorSteve.com. Outdoor Play Volume II has trip preparations, routes, and narratives of bucket list places to go. The book will motivate friends and family to make the outdoors a key component of their daily life. If you want 5 or more books signed, send me an email and we can work out the logistics. Order at  https://www.createspace.com/5725742 or  http://www.amazon.com/dp/098503842X
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• "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go outdoors." – S. Priest