Copy/Repost Hike

JT led an epic 10-mile, 7-hour winter hike up Chocorua today.  The five of us met promptly at the Champney Falls trailhead, off the Kanc highway, at 8 am.  The temperature was a balmy 6 degrees, but the sun was warm and the air was (thankfully) breezeless.  We followed the Bolles Trail for about four miles.  The trail was well-packed and easy to follow.  After making a sharp left onto Bee Line Trail, we came across looser snow as we began to ascend.  Breaking trail and succumbing to the occasional posthole slowed our pace a little, but spirited conversation moved us forward with ease.  Eventually, we merged with a snowmobile-packed section of trail and picked our pace up again.  As we climbed, we saw tracks of rabbits, moose, and bobcats.  We even came across a tree with several large holes drilled out dramatically by a woodpecker hunting ants.   The grade became steeper and icy in spots, and the group banded together to help as needed.   The summit of Chocorua did not disappoint.  We had clear views of the Ossipee caldera, Carrigain, Hancock, Passaconaway, and, of course, Washington, among others.  After a quick bite, we started our descent and caught up with Bobcat and his husband John on their way down, partly on foot and partly on sled.  :)  We arrived back at the parking lot at 3 pm, a little sore but grateful for the experience.  Thank you so much, JT, for a fantastic day!

Signed,

The Real Housewives of the Whites 

  There are 39 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)