Gay Outdoors - Blog

Lost, ill-prepared hikers rescued in Franconia Ridge

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:57:00 GMT

Highlights: All three were NH residents; "lacking appropriate food, water, clothing or equipment for his hike" (specifically mentioned all 3 were given headlamps because they did not carry a flashlight).

Sounds to me like they will be charged a ‘search and rescue’ fee.

Here is the story from the Union Leader:

Fish and Game officers were called in to locate a lost and ill-prepared hiker over the weekend, with rescuers finding two more in similar states of distress along the way.

According to a release, New Hampshire Fish and Game officials received a call on Saturday at 7:15 p.m., from a state police dispatcher reporting a lost hiker near the summit of Little Haystack in Franconia.

Fish and Game officials said the hiker, identified as Mark Wilson, 29, of Manchester, became disoriented and lost the trail after mistaking the Shining Rock Trail for the Falling Waters Trail.

Once becoming lost on the Shining Rock Trail, Wilson called 911 and requested assistance. Conservation officers were able to provide directions to Wilson and get him back on the trail, but darkness became a factor and the Manchester man did not have a flash light or head lamp to continue to descend the trail.

Fish and Game reported that as a result of darkness falling and Wilson "lacking appropriate food, water, clothing or equipment for his hike," Conservation officers hiked approximately 1.6 miles up the Falling Waters Trail until they located Wilson.

While providing him with food and water, Conservation officers say they came across two additional lost and unprepared hikers and their dog. The hikers were identified as Corey Robertson, 25 and Analia Olivia, 20, both of Bedford.

All three hikers were given head lamps, food and water and were assisted down the mountain safely to the Lafayette Place Trailhead. No injuries were reported.

Mike Boisvert

Steep Climbs in the White Mountains Part Two

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:00 GMT

The following is some steep climbs in the eastern and northern White Mountains.

Great Gulf Trail [Spaulding Lake to Gulfside Trail] 1700 feet in 1.0 mile
King Ravine Trail [Foot of headwall to Gulfside Trail] 1300 feet in 0.6 mile
Great Gully Trail [King Ravine Trail to Gulfside Trail] 1700 feet in 1.0 mile
Madison Gulf Trail [Foot of headwall to Parapet Trail] 950 feet in 0.7 mile
Castle Ravine Trail [Roof Rock to Randolph Path] 1300 feet in 0.7 mile
Huntington Ravine Trail [Floor to Alpine Garden Trail] 1400 feet in 0.8 mile
Six Husbands Trail [Buttress Trail to Top of Jefferson's Knee] 1400 feet in 0.8 mile]
Wamsutta Trail [Great Gulf Trail to Outlook] 1250 feet in 0.9 mile]
Chandler Brook Trail [Great Gulf Trail to Auto Road] 1300 feet in 0.9 mile
Tuckerman Ravine Trail [Snow Arch to Alpine Garden Trail] 600 feet in 0.3 mile
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail [Gem Pool to Lakes of the Clouds Hut] 1560 feet in 1.0 mile
Carter-Moriah Trail [Climb to North Carter from north] 800 feet in 0.5 mile
Wildcat Ridge Trail
[Lost Pond Trail to Wildcat E] 2150 feet in 1.8 miles
[19 Mile Brook Trail to Wildcat A] 1034 feet in 0.7 mile
Baldface Circle Trail [South Baldface Shelter to Baldface Knob Trail] 1100 feet in 0.7 mile

Mike Boisvert

Love-Hate Relationship With Transition Seasons

Sun, 13 May 2012 18:58:00 GMT

I have a love-hate relationship with transition seasons. I love fall, because of the colors of the leaves, the cool, crisp air, and the prospects of the forthcoming winter season. I hate (well, more like dislike) fall because it's difficult for me to deal with the anticipation of the upcoming snowshoeing/skiing season. As for the transition season we're in now, spring, I love it because even I need a break from the snow and cold. The warmer weather also allows me to get back into biking, kayaking and swimming, among other outdoor activities. Oh, and I absolutely love spring wildflowers. I dislike spring because of the mud, the bugs, and because I do ultimately have a hard time letting go of winter some years.

Mike Boisvert

The Many Seasons Of Brokeback Mountain

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Growing up, we are taught that there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. And most people would associate these seasons with the weather or plant life. In spring, flowers and leafs on trees return and things start getting warmer. Summer is hot and can bring severe weather. Fall bring cooler nights and a change in the foliage color. And winter brings the cold and usually snow or ice. Now, while these all hold true for calendars and educational purposes, depending on where you live, there are several more localized seasons that are a subset to the big four. And having lived in New Hampshire for most of my life, I have learned a few that make sense to people I talk to locally but if I mention them to my friends out west or down south, you're usually asked "What's that?" or are provided with a similar facial expression.

Some of these seasons are as follows: mud season, "okay" season, black fly season, "dimwit" season, swimming season, leaf peeper season, ski season, the January thaw, back country ski season, and so on. So what defines each season? Mud season is a subset of spring. In early spring there is snow but as this melts and things warm up, it creates mud. New Hampshire's mud season has to be experienced to be believed. After the mud season tapers off, okay season takes over. It's that period in spring where it's not really warm enough to do summer stuff nor is it cold enough to do winter stuff. It's just "okay!" Then, as things warm up, the black flies hatch, starting that season. Now, I've heard the state has somewhere near 40 species of flies. While most are just the annoying type that swarm you when outside, there is a handful that bite; the kind of bites that leave welts and bruises. You would think bug spray would help, but it doesn't. When you go out during this season, you have to be prepared to look like you got in a street fight. Not a fun season at all.

"Dimwit" season is kind of a rolling season but it peaks in summer. This is when the mountain communities are swarmed by...let's say, severely underprepared individuals. If you're "hiking" in flip flops, you're a "dimwit". If all you have is a 20oz bottle of water for an 8 mile hike, you're a "dimwit". If you go hiking without a flashlight, you're a "dimwit". Some are so unprepared that they need rescuing. Luckily, the rescuing subset is a small group. So, now that you are aware of this term, try not to be one. As summer starts to end, swimming season lasts for about the month of August. This is the one month span that allows for swimming comfortably in most watering holes. Some holes have a longer period, but where I live up north, it's one month. Then comes leaf peeper season where you give yourself more time to get around because inevitably you'll get stuck behind the one car going 25mph in a 55 mph zone with no passing allowed. Fun times! This is followed by another okay season as the leaves are gone and there isn't any snow on the ground. But once it does snow, skiing (and winter activity) starts and usually continues through winter. January thaw (or sometimes February) is a warm period where it feels like spring in the middle of winter. I usually like this short span. Then as winter draws to a close, back country skiing peaks with perfect corn conditions and mostly stabilized slopes that are melting leading back into mud season...

While I'm sure there are several other seasons I could talk about, these are the key ones around here I have learned over my years. And in case you are wondering what season we are in, I would say it's going to be okay. The weather is mild, not too warm, not too cold. The trees are generally bare but are finally getting their neon green and flowers are starting to sprout again. The sedge is a mix of browns and green. And the weather is non-descript. There's just nothing significant to report per say. But, luckily this season is a short one. It will quickly be replaced by all the ups and downs that summer and it's "sub-seasons" bring. Now we just have to wait it out and play the waiting game...

Mike Boisvert

Bugzilla

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:43:00 GMT

This past weekend on Brokeback Mountain we started to get bugs.

Conditions were perfect for their arrival. The winds were calm with warm temperatures. They buzzed around me while I was doing yard work. The birds seem to be happy to see them as their visits to my birdfeeders has dropped significantly. Sunshine went out to chase the bugs. She was happy as she could be.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the nice weather, since today begins a rainy period that will end just in time for next weekend.

Mike Boisvert

Supermoon

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:28:00 GMT

Seeing the sky from Brokeback Mountain where there is not any light pollution is a special treat ~ especially the last two nights. Not only was it a nearly calm, comfortable, and clear evening, but a special event called the supermoon took place.

Lots of times, a phenomenon such as this is hit-and-miss. However, high pressure had been doing its job keeping skies clear, allowing the moon to shine quite bright.

Officially the supermoon took place on Saturday, as the incredibly bright and brilliant moon moved into a special alignment with earth during the full moon phase--a scenario that happens once every year.

I found this great shot of the supermoon on the web.

Last night, or should I say morning, I woke up to go to the bathroom, forgetting for a moment about the supermoon, and thought 'Wow, dawn is coming way too early!’ Of course I'd looked up at the moon and instantly remembered, then subsequently contemplate how lucky I am to live here.

Mike Boisvert

Steep Climbs in the White Mountains Part One

Sun, 06 May 2012 19:06:00 GMT

The following is some steep climbs in the western and southern White Mountains. More to come tomorrow...

Willey Range Trail [Ethan Pond Trail to Mt. Willey] 1600 feet in 1.1 mile
Mount Osceola Trail [Greeley Ponds Trail to East Peak] 1850 feet in 1.5 miles
Beaver Brook Trail [NH 112 to Beaver Brook Shelter] 1900 feet in 1.5 miles
Owl's Head Path [Lincoln Brook Trail to Owl's Head] 1500 feet in 1.0 mile
Desolation Trail [Carrigain Notch Trail to Mt. Carrigain] 2500 feet in 1.9 miles
Twinway [Galehead Hut to South Twin] 1150 feet in 0.8 mile
Hancock Loop Trail
[Loop Junction to North Hancock is 1150 feet in 0.7 mile]
[Loop Junction to South Hancock is 1000 feet in 0.5 mile]
Mount Tripyramid Trail
[Livermore Trail to North Peak is 1800 feet in 1.2 mile with north slide portion being 1200 feet in 0.5 mile]
[Bottom of south slide to South Peak is 1000 feet in 0.6 mile]
Flume Slide Trail [Foot of slide to Franconia Ridge Trail] 1400 feet in 0.7 mile

Mike Boisvert

The Signs of Summer

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:23:00 GMT

They're all around...the signs of summer...

Fishermen are out flyfishing.

Spring Beauty is blooming.

The landscape is snow free, thanks to warmer temperatures and plenty of spring rain.

The sun's rays are noticeably stronger even when partially obscured by clouds and patchy fog. This is due to the more direct angle of the sun overhead as the summer solstice approaches. With less atmosphere to penetrate, more of the sun's radiation makes it to the surface.

Trout Lilies are appearing all over the woods.

The bird feeders will be coming down permanently real soon.

Taller clouds. Again, with increased instability in the air, clouds are generally allowed to grow to more sizable heights in the summertime. It's a sign that thunderstorm season is on the way!

More hikers are making their way into the woods.

Sunshine is practicing on the deck to embrace her role as the Brokeback Mountain mascot to ensure she lives up to her infamous re-purr-tation.

Mike Boisvert

Rain Is Helping With Fire Danger

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:38:00 GMT

Today the weather has been quite different here on Brokeback Mountain. Rain and surrounding fog have once again confined me to my summit home. I will admit I am a little excited that we are receiving rain. With the small amount of rain we have been receiving lately the fire danger has been high and consequently prevented the ability to have a campfire in the backyard. The deficit of Smores is taking its toll.

Besides the rain aiding in lowering the fire danger the rivers are benefiting too. With the lack of snow to melt the river levels have been lower, but the rain that we are receiving will help. Looking at the USGS Discharge charts for the Ammonoosuc River it is evident that we are below the 72 year median daily discharge represented by the triangles. Hopefully with rain on the horizon the rivers will return to normal.

Mike Boisvert

Getting Things Ready

Thu, 03 May 2012 19:09:00 GMT

It's been overcast here with just a light breeze and very mild temperatures.

Sunshine and I took the opportunity to get outside after I got out of work. While she explored the deck I started to think about getting things ready for the rapidly approaching summer season. The deck furniture has been out but I still have some yard work, window washing, and spraying the yard for ticks. Hopefully in a couple of weeks it will be warm enough to start thinking about decorating the deck with flowers.

It's hard to imagine but our peak season will be here soon enough with lots of trips to participate in. And we'll be welcoming more members at the house afterwards. Must say I'm looking forward to some summer weather too - it's been a while since I've seen towering cumulus and a thunderstorm light show.

Mike Boisvert

Its Difficult to Pack for Hiking in the Higher Summits in Spring and Fall

Tue, 01 May 2012 19:44:00 GMT

In the winter, it's easy to pack for hiking because you know it's going to be typically cold and snowy. In summer, it's easy to pack for hiking because it's going to be warm with the potential for rain. But as we transition in spring and fall, it's a whole other story at times as we find ourselves packing everything we have due to the variability of the weather. These shoulder seasons bring a huge and variable buffet of weather each week. Not the kind of buffet you'd see at a barn dance or other social gathering. No, I'm talking more like a buffet like you'd see in Las Vegas where you need a map just to get around. The kind of buffet that when you return to your seat, your plate is loaded with a hot dog, fried rice, yellow curry, a taco, a brownie and a salad (just to stay 'healthy); a combination that you would never usually want to think about and will learn to regret later that night or the next day. That kind of buffet. Only instead of a wild combination of food, our buffet is a wild combination of weather.

If we were to put all our weather on a metaphorical plate we would see a pile of rain and sleet next to a serving of snow topped with a bit of glaze ice. Next to that would a large serving of sunshine mixing in with clouds and a small sample of fog. We would find most of our servings are served lukewarm as they were provided when temperatures were in the fifties but some parts of the plate have been warmed to around 80 degrees for good measure. On a portion of the plate, we have things mixing as a serving of winds. And lastly, you find everything coated with the colors of rainbow, just 'because'.

All right, so maybe it's not the best metaphor, but hopefully you get the general picture of the large mix of weather we see during a spring/fall week when hiking up in the higher summits; it's a bizarre mix of everything you can pretty much think of. As a result, we have to pack for a mix of everything. So this means that a lot of what I have in my gear closet makes its way up: rain pants, synthetic underwear tops and bottoms, long sleeve synthetic shirt, wool socks, baseball hat, wool hat, bandanna, sunglasses, fleece jacket, fleece vest, hard-shell/wind breaker jacket, varying thicknesses of gloves, microspikes, and so on and so forth. Before I leave on a hike, I look at the weather forecast then lay all of my needed gear before packing so I know how to pack it all up efficiently in my backpack. It is very reminiscent of the scene in the Vin Diesel action flick 'XXX' where there is an array of weapons laid out on the ground next to a Pontiac GTO and he states 'All of that (referring to the weapons), in here (pointing to the GTO)'. Only, in my case, my 'weapons' are the 'weapons' against the elements of weather not evil, my transportation device is a backpack, not a car and the person I am saying that line to isn't a weapons tech, it's just myself, and silently in my head. While it is a lot of gear that needs some creative packing at times, in the end, all my gear makes its way up. And no matter what weird combination we are provided in regards to the weather buffet known as spring, I am at the ready with a counter offensive so I can continue to hike safely.