Copy/Repost Hike

Today Jon and I finished the Denali Challenge on Jennings Peak! We had to reach summit elevations totaling over 20,000 feet over the weekend!!!

The water was high due to some overnight rain so the Drakes Brook crossing was a bit tricky using the normal crossing. I found some huge flat boulders a bit further down that made it easier. We were amazed as to the variety of mushrooms we saw so we labeled the hike the ‘mushroom walk’!

The Sandwich Mountain trail is fairly steep during its first two miles, and after the wilderness sign, it kicks into high gear and becomes almost overly steep.

At 1.1 miles we reached the large boulder where we took a swig of water. It always reminds us that the very steep section of this hike was about to begin! The extremely well maintained trail transitioned to a beautiful green of moss covered rocks and spruce. The color green was enhanced with the damp and overcast weather.

After a methodical pushing up thru the steep stuff, we make it to Noon Peak. No views today but were able to get shot of us together on the summit. We put on our rain jackets as it started to rain.

The trail dropped slightly and became more gradual. We passed a few open ledges continuing south but no views today due to the weather. At 2.5 miles we reached the junction with the Drakes Brook trail where we encountered a group of around eight. We passed them by and reached the .02 spur trail to the "NH 52 with a View" peak of 3460 foot Jennings Peak.

On the summit, we filled out our hiker log, took a few photos and celebrated with pizza! The descent meant enjoying viewing more mushrooms on this wet day.

The Denali Challenge was something special! The weather cooperated for the most part with a wet Sunday adding a little extra to the challenge. We climbed six peaks all together: The Scaur [2200’], North Tripyramid [4180’], Middle Tripyramid [4140’], South Tripyramid [4100’], Noon Peak [2976’] and Jennings Peak [3460’] for a total of 21,056 feet! Total mileage for the weekend was approximately 21.4 miles.  We were exhausted Saturday night after the Tripyramids but felt relaxed Sunday after hiking up Noon Peak and Jennings Peak. Simply the best!

~ Mike and Jon

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