One of my favorite winter hikes, Franconia Ridge weather is similar to Mount Washington so I scrutinized the forecast for a Goldilocks Day. Posting the trip well in advance, I didn’t receive any bites until Brent signed on the day before. We spent the night at a motel in Woodstock to facilitate an early departure. Not the infamous Cascade Inn which was deemed a public nuisance and burned, but the Parker Motel instead. On the trail at 6:35 AM, the Goldilocks forecast took a tumble with snow showers, stronger winds, and cloudy skies on the menu. Since the trailhead was hard-packed ice and snow, micro spikes were the footgear of choice. The trail conditions were excellent and several spectacular views were enjoyed before reaching the closed Greenleaf Hut. Shortly after, an overnight trekker was met breaking camp. He had crossed the ridge the day before but was unsure if he would return. The shoulder of Mount Lafayette presented an unanticipated complication, a steep, consequential icy section. For about 75 yards, full crampons and ice axes would have been the preferred gear. Snow ended and the winds were manageable on the 5,260 foot summit of Mount Lafayette. The ridge traverse was typically glorious in and out of the clouds with a fair amount of ice to 5,089 foot Mount Lincoln. After meeting two hikers cleverly wearing full crampons, we continued to Little Haystack Mountain. Descending the dazzling Falling Waters Trail, I developed a new old age issue, intense left ankle discomfort. Vitamin “I” provided partial relief. The 9 mile loop was completed in a little more than 6.5 hours. Not a record time, but not bad for a couple of retirees. See my column at: http://rchase.bangordailynews.com/ for the rest of the story.
Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society
Where Maine Paddling Began
