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!).