| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Adams, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Star Lake Trail, Lowes Path, Spur Trail, Knights Castle Branch, Randolph Path, Short Line, Airline |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, August 2, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of spots open at Appalachia in the morning, a few still left upon return. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails in great shape. RMC trail crew out doing work on Spur Trail installing new rock steps and waterbars at 4 locations below Crag Camp, next stop for them: King Ravine Trail. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
They were around, but not bothersome. Tons of tiny bugs all over the rocks on Adams summit. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
It was a great, if not a bit oppressive day to climb Mt. Adams. Originally, I had planned on a circuitous loop over Madison and Adams, but decided to skip Madison once at the hut, and just press on to Adams. I still managed a bunch of redlining, though not as much as I would have liked.
Took Valley Way to the hut, under overcast skies, thick with humidity. I've never much cared for Watson Path, and had never been on Valley Way, now I know that I don't much care for either of these trails. We made our way slowly over rocks slippery from the nights rain, and arrived at the hut, sweaty, and ready for a break. Refilled water, had a bowl of corn soup and a cheddar biscuit, made decisions, and hit up Star Lake Trail to Adams. I absolutely love this trail, though the clouds interfered view-wise, it was still a pretty climb up to the summit, which was shrouded in clouds. There were a few peekaboo views through the clouds, but being impatient, we left, headed towards Thunderstorm Junction and the Spur Trail. This trail is super too, and another new one for me. There are several trampled sections of alpine flora adjacent to the trail in a couple of spots above treeline, but other than this, the trail is in great shape, and easy to follow. Followed the spur to Knights Castle for great effect, as during our descent, the clouds cleared from the summits, and impressive cumulonimbus clouds tracked across the sky. Crag Camp had equally impressive views from the porch, and we sat here and had another extended break. Met an RMC trail crew below Crag Camp, busy installing new rock steps and waterbars in four locations, I heartily thanked them for their time and effort. The rest of descent was uneventful, redlined from Thunderstorm Junction all the way to Appalachia. Celebratory beer at the car, then the long drive home. |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-08-02 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.473230309356007.117186.100000071269072&type=1&l=cc75a66342 |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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