11/1/2011 (my 63rd Birthday) Mt. Moosilauke (4802’ AMC #10)
Started at Ravine Lodge (Ravine road not yet snowed in). Took Gorge Brook trail up, down Carriage Rd Trail to Snapper Trail (did not break off to summit south peak of Moosilauke.
7.5 miles, 2,450 ft elevation gain, book time: 5:00 Book
My time 7.5 hours 06:30 (½ hour before daybreak) - 14:00
Gorge Brook trail very scenic along water (crossing brook 2-3 times then through the pines).
Weather: Clear, zero wind, 30– 50 degrees 2-4 “ snow on bottom 6-12” with some 3’ drifts . Near summit, had single set of prints (post holes?) through them, and snow blown off of most of summit. Excellent views from Summit.
Saw no one on the way up. At 3500 ft in snow and pines with no wind it was the quietest spot I think I have ever been. Trail well broken out near bottom but at the top there was only 2-3 sets of prints in the snow probably from the day before. Three hikers came to summit from Carriage Rd side shortly after I got there. I also, met one guy nd his dog coming up carriage trail as I was going down.
Hike was fairly easy and I took it slow, first hike with my treking poles, I will never hike without them again. I believe it made it much easier on my knees. Also, first hike with my new hiking boots. I also found that they are not really water proof, could have used gators for going through the drifts.
I think the mistake I made on my first hike was to hike too fast (meaning almost the same as most people) then getting too short of breath and having to sit a long time to recover. This hike I tried to adjust my pace slow enough so that I didn't get too short of breath and have to stop. I didnt know it then but this is really were I became "1slowhiker".
Excellent hike, I would do it again. Mouselauke will remain near tthe top of my "do it again after 48 list"
Pictures:
started at O-dark-30
It took a while to find the start of the trail.
pointing back down the trail with one of my new poles
Rime ice encrusted cairn.
Views from the top:
On the way down Carriage Rd trail.
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