August 8, 2010
Well, this would be my final trip to the Hancocks for the Grid. I arrived at the parking lot and someone knocked on my window. It was Jim. I hadn't seen him in a long time. He and a group would be hiking the Hancocks today as well. I asked if I could join them for part of the day, and he said that was fine. I would have joined them for the entire hike, but I really wanted to hike Moosilauke later so that I could finish my August Grid.
Several other friends showed up as well as a few folks I didn't know.
Just before we crossed the road to start the hike, I noticed this little bridge which was new.
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This was my 12th time doing this hike, so I didn't bother with many pictures. Seeing this could be my last trip here for quite a while, I had planned to take Arrow Slide to the top of North Hancock which I had only taken once before. All but two from the group joined me. Here's a few pictures as we headed up the steep slide.
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Looking over to South Hancock
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Jason and Kim, who I had just met, were from New Jersey. This was their first experience on a New Hampshire 4000 footer. I wasn't sure if they were hating me about now, but they both said they were having an excellent time. We continued up the steep slide.
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Near the top, the slide splits into two spurs. There is a cairn marking the spot.
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Jim and Robie headed up the left spur. I had done that last time. This time I wanted to head up the right spur. Jason and Kim followed. We then had a short bushwhack to get back onto the trail. I've done both the spurs now. The one on the right was much easier.
We tagged the summit of North Hancock and then went over to South Hancock. I dropped down a few feet to the lookout where I had a nice view to the east.
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I said good bye to the group and headed out. Next up, Mount Moosilauke.
Grid peaks to go: 31.
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