July 26, 2009
With weather less than ideal and after having a long hike yesterday, I decided to take the quickest way to the top today. Anyone who knows me, knows that I usually try to take a longer route or a trail I haven't hiked yet. Not today. Madison and I hit the trail at 10:00. Up we headed to Lonesome Lake which was in the fog. We were now on the Fishin' Jimmy Trail.
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As we headed up to the hut, there were a couple new staircases. At least I think they were new. I don't remember them and the wood smelled fresh.
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Lonesome Lake Hut
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Heading up some steps attached to rock.
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Maddie on some bog bridging
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Up Madison and I climbed, non-stop to the top of North Kinsman. #36 for Madison
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With nothing to see, we headed straight over to South Kinsman. #37 for Madison
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Again, with nothing to see, we just turned around and headed down. By the time we got back to North Kinsman, all the hiking from the past two days was starting to catch up to me. I decided to take it easy on the descent. By the time I got back down to Lonesome Lake, the weather had slightly improved. At least the lake wasn't in the fog any more.
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I looked up to Cannon. It was definitely within reach for the day.
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The weather forecast had a 50-60% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. I was kind of tired. I was by myself. Cannon would be there another day. It's an easy peak that can be easily done another day. Madison and I continued back to Lafayette Place finishing about 3:15. Of course, in typical White Mountain fashion, the sun came out and for the next hour I enjoyed nice weather as I was driving home through the Whites.
I hadn't set out to do this, but for the month of July, I summited 33 four-thousand footers, breaking my previous mark of 29 set back in January.
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