Copy/Repost Hike

There is nothing better than being rewarded by nature’s beauty with a brilliant group of trail mates.  I was delighted to be joined by Richard, Mike, Jon and Jim on a hike along the Wapack Trail through New Hampshire’s oldest state park.  We were to hike a portion of the Wapack Trail.  The Wapack is a 21 mile footpath that extends from Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, MA through to North Pack – one of the days summits.  Although North Pack tops out at 2,276’, a small summit, it’s a stunning hike through a pristine forest with nice views on a spectacular summit dotted with evergreens.

I was a few minutes late arriving at the parking lot but by 9:30am we were suited up sporting snowshoes starting our ascent to Pack Monadnock.  The forecast for this day promised to be partly cloudy with sun and it delivered.  Along the way up we had blue skies with puffy clouds and clear views over to Mt. Monadnock.  The path was previously hiked and well broken.  New Hampshire received upwards of 14” of snow in the preceding days so we were in the thick of winter once more! 

Upon reaching the summit we were socked in by a snow squall.  While we didn’t have views – we loved the mini-storm and light winds we found ourselves in.  It was here the broken trail ended.  We began the descent off the summit towards North Pack and had fresh and pure snow pack to break.  This trail is well blazed with yellow triangles and we had no problem following the path.  It was awesome and stunning.  The gift of this hike is the traverse between the peaks – silence – unspoiled nature – stunning pines – all waiting to be appreciated.

In no time at all we found ourselves atop North Pack.  By this time the snow squall passed, the skies cleared and we had beautiful views.  After a few photos and cheers we began our descent.  Mike lead the way and must have been hungry – for he kept a hearty pace and we soon came upon him having secured a huge blow down that we could all sit on for lunch.  We took 15 minutes, ate and before the cold set in set off to continue our hike.  The way back was easier and faster because the trail was well broken and we were following our footsteps back.  We were soon atop Pack Monadnock – again socked in by clouds.  We took a short break and decided to head down the toll road back to the parking.  The toll road afforded us views of the summits across the road – a landscape that continues to reveal itself as a former ski area.  We arrived back at the cars around 3:30pm.

Thank you Mike, Richard, Jon and Jim – a brilliant day and a brilliant adventure.  As we begin to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring I was so happy we got one last classic winter hike in.  The bears will soon awake, the bugs will thrive and the rocks and roots will magically appear making for more rugged hikes.  I look forward to each of those experiences in the months to come and to seeing YOU on the trails – cheers gents!!  

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