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.
4 comments:
I love that ridge--that was one of my most favorite hikes ever. It's so fun that you've added the dessert theme! Maybe "zebra stripe cheesecake" on Zealand?
Marcy, good idea. :) Truth be told, there are some 4K names that will make me reach into recipes from other cultures. I'll cross those sugary bridges when I come to them, though.
Thanks for a great day Trish, Alex and Sage! Emma and I had a wonderful time hiking and hanging out with you. On the way down the Tripyramids' hike caught up to us but it just added to the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Keep on keeping on...hope to see you soon.
Hi Tammy, we had a great time with you!! I'm still in awe of the two of you -- I would not have gotten out of bed the day after a Tripyramid Slides hike, let alone tackle Franconia Ridge. :)
Hope to see you again soon too.
--Trish
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