It was a ‘Fellowship of Nine (and a half)’ that gathered at the Downes Brook/UNH/Potash trail head parking lot, on an overcast yet unseasonably warm Saturday morning, to deliver the ring to Mordor. However, we decided to leave the ring in an envelope for Frodo and Hike Mt. Hedgehog instead. :D

John, Sonny & I arrived early at around 9:15 to scope out the conditions of the trail and discovered them to be well broken, packed and covered with a light coating of dry powder that had developed from scattered flurries throughout the morning. Shortly after, Al, Matt, Stephen, Randy, GOme, Jim & Vinny trickled in with all present and accounted for by 10:15. After advising participants on choice of traction about half the group decided on microspikes while the other half stuck with snowshoes.  After a round of introductions we were on our way by 10:30 and headed south (clockwise) up the UNH Trail.

A nice easy grade for the first .2 miles gracefully increased to a moderate climb with some rolling up & down terrain to mix it up. It wasn’t long before we needed to stop and shed a layer or two as the temps held near or slightly above 30 degrees with very light flurries and no wind with breaks of sun peppered in.

Just after 2 miles we reached the East Ledges at 11:45 for our first official ‘drop pack & snack’. Here we were able to enjoy slightly filtered views of the eastern Sandwich Range, Mt Chocurua & surrounding peaks. Here, members were able to relax, catch their breath, chat, munch & hydrate in glove/hat free temps (again no wind).

After recharging and bonding we set out to summit Hedgehog. A brief decline followed by another moderate .9 mile incline and we were on ‘Top O’ The HOG’! Alas.. the overcast conditions were thinning and we took in notable views of Mt Potash, Mt Passaconaway and glimpses of the southern Sandwich Range. Here, a heartier dose of sustenance and merriment were had by all and by 12:30 we were way ahead of schedule and ready for a nice relaxed cadence for our descent.

At 1.8 miles from the summit, we reached the Allen’s Ledge where although the temps & wind held in our favor, so did the clouds. We were still able to commune with the surrounding peaks, but more importantly we were able to pause and strengthen the bond of our group. By 1:30 we were on our way for the final leg of our descent. At two distinctly different spots along the way down, we encountered a flock of Starlings in the trees above that were excited about either our presence or something far more mystical, with an unexpected chatter that was worth noting.

By 2:30, an hour ahead of schedule, we reached the trailhead.. everyone present, accounted for and feeling high. Equipment was removed, layers were shed and we all headed east for Tex Mex at Café Noche in Conway (buena comida y bebida), stopping at the Saco Ranger Station along the way so several members could purchase annual parking pass stickers and souveniers.

After an outstanding meal, a round (or two) of libations and some good conversation at Café Noche, our group bid our goodbyes for the day and went off in our separate directions. As my first officially led GO trip, I have to extend my warmest gratitude for this gracious, amicable and good natured group of guys that made this event a wonderful & permanent memory for me. Thanks to Steve and John for your photos and a warm welcome to Vinny & GOme as brand new members to GO.  See you boys next time!  

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