Lemon Bars on Lafayette, Lollipops on Lincoln. Aug. 25, 2013

We're continuing our dessert-themed, happy repeats of the NH48 peaks.  This was Alex's 4th time ad Sage's 2nd time visiting Lafayette and Lincoln.

Skookumchuck Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, and Falling Waters Trail.  10.1 miles with about 4000 feet of elevation gain.

When Alex asked to do another round of the NH48, I agreed, but with a caveat.  Whenever possible, I want to hike a trail I have not hiked before.  Therefore, we chose Skookumchuck Trail instead of the more popular Old Bridle Path for our ascent.

We joined our friends Tammy and Emma, who had just hiked the Tripyramids the day before.  They'd gone up and down the slides...I was astonished they now had the energy to give Franconia Ridge a go.

Skookumchuck Trail is a lovely, moderate ascent through the forest.  It's more mellow than Old Bridle Path, and therefore it's more enjoyable (in my opinion).

It was a glorious day to be above treeline.  We reached Franconia Ridge Trail and marveled at all we beheld.

Looking north, toward Garfield, Galehead, the Twins, and the Presidentials...

Looking east, toward Owls Head and the Bonds...

Looking south, toward Lafayette's northern peak...

Going UP...

Looking west, into Vermont...

The view north from Lafayette's northern peak...

Heading toward Lafayette's main peak...

The view west, toward Cannon and the Kinsmans...

Alex and Sage (and a bunch of other people) on the summit of Lafayette...

Lemon bars on Lafayette!

Tammy taking a picture of Emma...

Looking south toward Lincoln...

Alex contemplating Cannon's cliffs...

Tammy and Emma...

We lounged on the summit for almost an hour, enjoying the perfect weather and extensive views.  Eventually, we moved on toward Lincoln.

 

On the way, Sage managed to get happily crushed...

Upward and onward, to Lincoln's summit...

Looking back toward Lafayette...

On the summit of Lincoln...

Lollipops on Lincoln!

 

Alex builds a stone bench...

The girls falling off Lincoln...

We spent another huge chunk of time resting on Lincoln.  The day was spectacular -- it truly couldn't have been better.  Eventually, with great regret, we began our descent.

Heading down Falling Waters Trail...

End of hike!

 

 

It was a real pleasure hiking with Tammy and Emma.  Congrats to Emma, who now has 18 NH4K peaks in the bag.  Have to say, I'm amazed at her stamina -- the girl had just done the Tripyramid slides the day before...I don't usually do much of anything the day after a Tripyramid adventure, and here she was tackling Franconia Ridge.  Kudos, kiddo!

 

This quest is fun.  Alex and Sage look forward to revisiting the rest of the NH4K peaks...and I look forward to exploring new and rare desserts as I try to figure out what to bring on Zealand, Hale, etc.





Tuesday Trip Report (2): Carrot Cake on Cannon. August 16, 2013

Alex and Sage both completed the 48 Four Thousand Footers when they were 6 years old.  Alex then did a winter version, becoming the youngest person to ever hike all 48 during calendar winters (she finished when she was 9).  Because of their young ages, neither girl remembers all 48 mountains; they have little recollection of some of their first ascents.  Both girls have done certain 4Ks multiple times, but other peaks have only been done once or twice and at ages too young for the formation of lasting memories.  For example, Alex hasn't seen the Hancocks in three years, and Sage barely remembers the Bonds.

Alex recently told me she wanted to do another full round within the next year or two so she can fully re-experience each peak.  Sage was initially apathetic -- there are MANY mountains and trails out there to explore, so why focus solely on the 48? -- but after I came up with a theme, she was enthusiastically in.

I therefore happily announce our next (casual) project -- Desserts on the 48.

The rules -- same as the AMC's NH4K rules, but with one important addition -- eat a dessert at the peak that has the same first letter and sound as the name of the mountain.  For example, last Friday we ate carrot cake on Cannon.

We ascended via Kinsman Ridge Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip, 2200 feet of elevation gain) from the tram parking area.  Alex and Sage each did this trail when they were five, so neither remembered much about this path.

Starting out...

Heading up...

View of nearby Bald Mountain...

Breaking out above treeline...

Views from the "outlook"...

A few more trees and a bit more brush...

Summit tower...

Reaching the summit area...

Summit!

Carrot cake!

Carrot cake on Cannon!

The weather was perfect, so we spent a long time milling about and talking to the many folks who had ridden the tram.  We also visited each and every one of the little viewpoints near the summit area.

 Eventually, we made our way back down.

This was an enjoyable, relaxed hike.  The girls both remarked that the Kinsman Ridge Trail was a lot easier than I'd made it out to be.  I responded by telling them I felt the same way...the trail wasn't anywhere near as steep or difficult as I'd remembered.

This was Alex's 4th time hiking Cannon, Sage's 2nd time, and my 8th.

Looking forward to our next summit (and our next dessert!).