December 20, 2008
I have a short window of opportunity for a hike today. We got several fresh inches of snow last night and a much bigger storm is in the forecast for tomorrow. I got a really late start this morning. I wanted to give the storm time to wrap up as well as give the road workers plenty of time to get the plowing done. As a result, I didn't begin my hike until 11:30 am. There's no winter parking at this trailhead so I parked down the street at the Irving Gas Station. My hiking pal Madison was with me. Here's today's track.
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We walked along Route 2 before turning left onto Starr King Drive. As we began walking up the road we were greeted by the cutest, friendliest little beagle. I petted him for a quick second and then realized it probably wasn't the best idea. I stopped since I didn't want him following us up the mountain. I tried to chase him away, but he was intrigued with Madison. He followed us up to where the road ended. I tried again to chase him away.
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It wasn't easy telling this little guy that he couldn't come.
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I tied Madison to my pack while I put my snowshoes on.
The two dogs got acquainted.
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Now the hike begins.
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I thought for sure the little dog would head back once we got in the snow, but he just kept coming. For his own good I would stomped my feet, chase him, and yell at him. It was just a game to him.
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I was reminded of Becca Munroe's hike up this mountain almost two years ago. She had a similar experience with a different dog. Only with Becca she dropped her glove, and the dog decided to play keep away with it. The dog followed her all the way to the top. I had a feeling this energetic little dog was going to do the same. For 20 minutes I tried to chase him away but with no luck. I could tell by his features that he still had to be a puppy, probably less than a year old. I didn't want him to get lost, so I figured the best thing I could do was keep him with me while I climbed the mountain. I stopped to read his tag. He was Billy the Kid. The two dogs had a great time. For a video clip of Madison and Billy the Kid playing click here.
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Despite my late start on the trail today, no one had been on the trail yet.
It was up to me to break trail through 4-5 inches of fresh powder.
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It was a beautiful day as I reached the top of Starr King.
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Madison and Billy the Kid checked out the old chimney near the summit.
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I sat on the edge of the chimney and had my first snack of the day. I wasn't sure Billy the Kid was used to this type of activity so I gave him some of Madison's food to keep his energy up (although that didn't seem like it was going to be a problem). Maddie wasn't crazy about the idea of sharing her food, but she went along with it anyway. I gave both dogs some water. Well, I didn't want to spend too much time here. I was sure Billy the Kid's owner was probably getting worried, so I pressed on to Waumbek.
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When I got about a quarter of a mile from the summit, I dropped my pack and decided to enjoy a little freedom hiking. The three of us made it to the 4006' summit of Waumbek. Madison and I had been here before. I figured this must have been Billy the Kid's first time here. In fact, it was probably his first 4000 footer. Congratulations to Billy the Kid! Here's a partial view from a point just past the summit.
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Billy got a whiff of something and buried his head in the snow.
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Sign at the summit.
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Maddie and Billy on the summit.
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I made my way back to Starr King where I stopped again at the old chimney. I gave the dogs the rest of the dog food I had. I then started the trip down. I met my only other hikers of the day as 2 hikers were heading up. Down, down, down I went. About 5-10 minutes from the trailhead, I saw a woman coming up. Both dogs ran ahead to greet her. I figured this must be the owner who had come looking for Billy. It was. Her name was Winnie. Her and her husband Jim had been very worried about their dog Billy.
"Did he follow you all the way to Starr King?" she asked.
"Yes, and to Waumbek."
"Really, you went all the way to Waumbek."
"Yes, Billy the Kid has his first 4000 footer under his belt."
We proceeded back down the rest of the trail. Once I was back on Starr King Drive, I got to meet Winnie's husband Jim. Billy the Kid was now safe at home. Jim and Winnie, you are wonderful, sweet couple with a beautiful dog. Thanks for 'allowing' him to spend the day with me.
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Well, this was my last pre-winter hike of the season. Tomorrow winter officially begins. Winter will be starting with a bang as a massive nor'easter will blow through tomorrow. All my hard work from breaking trail will be wiped away.
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I will be on call at work next week so this will most likely be my last hike of the year. Here's a brief summary of 2008. I got all my completed pieces of the Appalachian Trail connected. I passed the 2000 mile mark for the A.T., leaving just 155 miles to finish next year. I completed New England's 100 highest mountains. And I also completed 82 peaks toward the Grid. Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year. Weather permitting, my next hike will be New Year's Day.
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