July 18, 2009
I had trouble deciding what to hike today. I am still hoping to get a Pemi Loop in sometime before the end of the month. This would leave a couple straggling peaks such as Zealand/Hale and North Twin. Which ones should I hike? All of them. I decided to do a loop of the peaks which would mean I would have to summit South Twin as well since it would "be in the way". There is an old fire warden's trail that comes down from Mount Hale to the North Twin Trail. Finding and taking this trail was crucial to the success of this hike. I was sure the trail would be easier to spot from the summit of Hale, but what if I got there and couldn't find it. I would be up a creek that's what. So I hoped that I would be able to find the bottom of the trail.
I got to the trailhead about 7:15. This was a solo hike, although I did have my canine pal Madison who was ready to go.
Yesterday, the forecast was predicting rain for most of the day. I was quite pleased to find that although it was overcast, the rain had stopped by the time I got there. Maddie and I headed down the North Twin Trail. When I was here last January, Cath Goodwin had pointed out the base of the fire warden's trail to me. I was hoping to find it, but winter and summer are two different worlds. I spent a good 30-40 minutes looking for it and easily hiked an extra mile, but no luck. I was really counting on getting the unfamiliar part of my loop over with first. Oh well. At this point I wasn't convinced if I would do the whole loop or not, but at least I would go up and bag the Twins.
At the last river crossing before the ascent I met a hiker named Mike who is working on the 48. I talked with him some as we began the brutal climb up to North Twin. After 20 minutes or so, I realized he was keeping a pace a little faster than I was able to maintain. He left me in the dust. It was a slight blow to my ego, but I'll get over it. Up we climbed to the top of North Twin.
Madison on North Twin, a repeat peak for her.
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With no view today, we just kept right on going until we reached South Twin.
I ran into Mike on the summit.
I was almost afraid to ask but the words managed to come out, "How long have you been here?"
"Only five minutes," he replied.
That wasn't too bad. My pride was slightly restored.
Mike on South Twin
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Mike took my picture on the summit
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Mike began his descent and was on his way to climb Waumbek in the afternoon. I wished him well. I studied my map for another minute, trying to decide if I wanted to do this loop with the unknown factor regarding the fire warden's trail. I finally decided, No Guts, No Glory!
Maddie and I headed over to Mount Guyot. Once there it was tempting to bag the Bonds as well. They were just a stone's throw away. Plus Madison "needed" them. But again, there was the unknown factor that I mentioned earlier. I decided to play it safe. Off we headed to Zealand Mountain.
Madison on Zealand. This was #35 for her.
I didn't realize this until I got home that although there are peaks that I have done more times, I had now done Zealand in more months (9) than any other peak. I never would have guessed that Zealand would have taken the lead in my quest for my Grid completion.
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By the time we reached the next lookout, the weather really had changed. The sky was breaking up and there was plenty of blue up there.
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Just before Zeacliff, we went through a very muddy, wet area. Madison who loves to lay down in streams to cool off decided to lay in the mud. Gross! Madison you are not a pig! There was no stopping her.
Madison takes a mud bath.
Needless to say, when she got up and began to shake, I made sure I was no where near her. Fortunately we would have several more streams to cross where I could get her cleaned up.
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Once at Zeacliff I got a great view of Vose Spur and Carrigain which was on tomorrow's agenda.
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Whitewall from Zeacliff
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My attempt at a self-photo.
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Maddie and I continued down Twinway until just before the hut.
We took a left onto the Lend-a-hand Trail.
Lots of bog bridging
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Partial view from a false summit of Hale
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This section of trail felt good on my sore feet.
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Just a few more feet to the summit.
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There's the cairn.
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Another hiker was kind enough to take a picture of me with Madison.
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Now the moment of truth. Could I find the old fire warden's trail? I found a herd path and headed down. It quickly dead ended. I headed back and tried another one. Sure enough this was it. Considering the trail is no longer maintained I found it in excellent shape. It was a gentle descent as far as four thousand footers go.
Although I had absolutely no problem finding or following this trail, I don't want to be responsible for anyone else. Please use this at your own risk. It is no longer maintained and seldom travelled. Yes, I did it, but I went in with a GPS, compass, and prior bushwhacking experience. I also left an itinerary with my wife regarding where I would be. Fortunately, I didn't need any of these tools, skills, or backup plans, but I feel responsible to say, "Use your own judgment."
Madison on the old fire warden's trail.
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Partial view on the way down.
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After 45 minutes on this trail, Madison and I reached the bottom. Turns out I was looking for this trail to far south. Madison and I continued on the North Twin Trail. We finished about 4:05.
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