Trip report

North & South Kinsman

Hiking/Walk DATE: 12/23/2018 - 12/23/2018

Trip/Event Location: Franconia Notch, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): Robert.L

Max # People: 8

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

I know I’m going to be in the minority when I say there simply aren’t enough beautiful WINTER days to hike!  Let’s not let a weekend get between us and SNOW!  It’s

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Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Directions:  Take 93 North or South to Franconia Notch and park at the exit for The Basin.  I will be driving a grey Honda CRV.  You can park at the Basin from the North or Southbound direction but we will meet at my vehicle on the northbound side.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

When I titled the recent trip report for the climb to Mt. Moosilauke – A Storm is Brewing – little did I know the White Mountains would be overcome with a gushing of melted snow and heavy rains.   A little bird clued me in to the raging river warnings before Saturday’s trek which prompted me to move the hike to Sunday (nicer weather) and altering the planned route.  That turned out to be a wise decision.  Ice bridges – no more, beautiful delineated paths – some, water bars – raging torrents, small streams – bursting at the seams.   I loved that winter came early but was saddened at the early thaw – but these are now the norms of the season.  It happened in January of 2018 too.

We met at the Basin and quickly moved the parking spot to Lafayette Place.  We suited up, sported our micro spikes and headed up the Fishin’ Jimmy trail.  The first part of the trail was beautifully intact minus a few exposed water bars.  I was surprised – I expected more earth.  We made it to the hut in no time at all where we briefly paused so I could tinker with my gaiters.  Once balance had been restored (anything out of place for this linear trip leader is just wrong!) we hit the trail.  This section was a mess.  While it had frozen over, post holes from previous hikers were a norm as were running water bars and a particularly ugly water crossing.  Sadly – boots got wet.  Ice bridges – not to be trusted.  Thankfully it wasn’t too terrible and didn’t deter the hike.

We soon reached the trail junction for Fishin’ Jimmy and Kinsman Pond.  We paused and suited up for the winds to follow.  The temperatures quickly dropped as well.  To our delight the trail was restored to its beautiful delineated snow shoe path.  No more post holes, no ankle turning uneven snow pack – just solid, flat snow.  I would call it a crushed granular pack that afforded great traction with microspikes.

We reached North Kinsman, meandered over to South Kinsman where we really indulged the summit.  It was windy and cold but highly enjoyable.  We skittled back to North Kinsman where we delighted in lunch on the protected ledge in full sun.  Shortly thereafter we made our descent reminding ourselves of some tricky icy spots and the awful water crossing.  We paused at the hut for tea and hot cocoa and arrived back at the parking lot by 3:30pm.  We had an early start this day hence the early finish.  It worked out great.  I had traveled south from my parent’s house in Maine and I made it back for dinner – yay.

A massive shout out to David and Long for a splendid day on the trails.  Brilliant sun, perfect temperatures, a few wet feet, but good spirits all around.  Cheers gents – to more happy hiking!!

  There are 31 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

Members That Participated

Robert.L

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Bowdoin, ME


United States

Attended
dpbyrnes

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Ipswich, MA


United States

Attended
Long.S

Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous


Medford, MA


United States

Attended
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