November 29, 2009
With my November Grid complete, I was free to do whatever I wanted today. I decided on Mount Chocorua, my favorite mountain that isn't a four-thousand footer. It's been over two years since I was up there, so I was really looking forward to it. I decided to take a new trail to the top. Madison and I started on the Hammond Trail at 9:45 a.m., a late start, but it would be a short day.
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There was no snow when we started the hike.
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But I knew snow was up there. I ran into up to two feet of snow yesterday on Mount Moriah. This mountain was a lot further south so I wasn't expecting as much, but I could see the peak as I drove through Conway. There is definitely snow up there. Up we headed until we neared the 2140' summit of Bald Mountain. I took a picture of Madison.
I later learned that this is not the true summit. Bagging the true summit involves a 100 yard bushwhack to some ledges with great views. I guess I'll just have to go back!
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I started seeing traces of snow and ice. I reached the junction with the Weetamoo Trail.
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I was surprised to find that this mountain only had a couple inches of snow compared to the one to two feet of snow that I was in yesterday.
I had some nice views on the way up.
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Next I reached the junction with the Liberty Trail.
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Looking up to the summit of Chocorua
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Liberty Cabin with Chocorua in the background.
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The view south
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Just another three tenths.
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Looking west to Whiteface and Passaconaway
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Almost there
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I found it necessary to put on my microspikes for a few minutes and then took them off for the last couple minutes.
Madison and I on the 3475' summit of Chocorua.
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Here's a few summit photos
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Here's a 360° clip from the summit.
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This was a short hike. In an effort to make the day a little longer I continued north.
Looking back to Chocorua.
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Looking over to Three Sisters
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Once I dropped below treeline I came to the junction with the West Side Trail.
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I followed this .5 mile trail back to the Liberty Trail and then descended the mountain the same way I came up. I finished about 3:00 p.m.
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