Monday, June 15, 2015

Genetian Pond Shelter - Solo Hike


AMC Genetian Pond Shelter
Trail: Austin Brook Trail
Elevation: 2,270 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
Miles: 7.0 miles Roundtrip
Duration: 4.5 hours (includes stops for trail photos & 30 min @ shelter)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead parking: 44°24'45"N  71°4'6"W

Originally I was set to solo a practice hike to the Hermit Lake Shelter at Tuckerman Ravine today. But when I awoke this morning and read Jeff D's email about a possible practice hike to the Genetian Pond Shelter, I decided to check it out instead. It's mileage/gain is similar to the mileage/gain we expect to backpack to the South Colony Pond on our Colorado trip. Once at the Pond, we will be setting up camp. So I did a quick search of trail/trailhead info and got on my way.


The trailhead is located on North Road of Shelburne, NH. 
Yes, that's a turnstyle!

Along the Austin Brook Trail







At mile 3.1, after crossing over the Bog on bog bridges, the trail bears left at the base of a steep slope. It's just 0.4 miles to the shelter and the Mahoosuc Trail, but it's rather steep. I ain't gonna lie, it was tough but tougher on my knee coming down this steep section. This is just one section of the steep part leading up to the shelter.








At the shelter




Genetian Pond with North Bald Cap mountain in the background
Notice all that beautiful rock for multi-pitch climbing!


As you can see in my photos, the weather was just beautiful! It was cool to start off. But towards the end of my hike, under the wooded areas, I was bait for swarms of mosquitoes...and a tick! Hopefully, I won't have to worry about those pests in Colorado! :) There were 8 other folks on the trail and I spoke to another woman solo hiker who had hiked the Colorado 14ers. She didn't have problems but did notice that she was huffing and puffing more than usual due to the thin air. She said that I shouldn't have any problems hiking but to take rests and stops along the trail if needed.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Diana’s Bath, Champney Falls, Cathedral Ledge - Easy Hike


Just a few photos of some short hikes on a weekday. Spent the day at some mellow waterfalls and at the top of Cathedral Ledge. The trail to Diana’s Bath falls is wide, well-maintained and easy. I can see why this spot attracts many families with small children. 









Afterwards I drove to the top of Cathedral Ledge.  During the winter season, this gate is locked. At the top is a parking lot and a short walk to fenced views above climbing route finishes. 







Chatted a bit with Tom Sawyer who was belaying
Mike Cummins up the route called “Refuse”.  

From the lookout point with Whitehorse Ledge,
Echo Lake and The White Mountain Hotel & Resort

On my way home I stopped off at the Champney Falls trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway. At the loop junction I took the right, up along the stone stairs. Then left onto the loop along the water. The hike up to the top of the loop trail was easy and views along and down the loop trail was fantastic! I never have, but hope to ice climb here. 





Sunday, May 31, 2015

The Gunks – Multi pitch rock climb


Belly Roll (5.4)
120 ft, 2 pitches
Jackie and Friends

Betty (5.3)
150 ft, 2 pitches
Jackie and Friends

Twin Oaks (5.3)
190 ft, 2 pitches
The Guides Wall

This weekend was a meetup event with the Mountaineering, Climbing & Backpacking of New England Meetup group! The newly opened Shawangunks Gateway Campground opened for business just weeks before and everything was shiny and new! We pulled into camp Friday night and expected to climb both Saturday and Sunday. But Sunday was a washout so we packed up and headed out in the morning. As for climbing at the Gunks, Saturday was a fun day climbing with Geoff. A sunny, warm day with windy finishes at the tops.

Geoff and I started off with Belly Roll and that “squeeze” through the large crack was, I felt, pretty awkward as well as comical. I slipped and fell on my bad knee on the first pitch of Betty. It was a pretty hard fall on my knee, I wanted to cry but forced myself not to. I had to figure out how to get up that slick section without hurting my knee again, and eventually I did. I loved the second pitch. There was a family of 4 on this climb ahead of us. They went straight up from the belay station. Geoff chose the right side and I’m glad he did. That chimney, to the deck, to the traverse up to the face climb was so fun! Unfortunately, my knee was hurting bad at the end of Betty. So Geoff and I finished the day off on just the first pitch of Twin Oaks (~50 ft).

Enjoy some photos taken of our day at The Gunks. 

Looking up the 1st pitch of Belly Roll

Brian on Dennis route and me on Belly Roll

At the belay station of Belly Roll

Brian and Gabe on the belay station of Dennis

 Geoff at the belay station of Belly Roll


From the top of Belly Roll

Some guy (Peter) solo climbing Betty
(Geoff is already at the belay station)

Coming up P1 of Betty

Gary and Scott at the belay station of RMC

Gary and I at the belay station

Geoff at the belay station of Betty

That fun chimney to start off P2 of Betty

P1 of Twin Oaks

Rappelling


At the Shawangunks Gateway Campground

Footpath along our tent sites



Community Campfire

Main Office

Water isn't free

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Mt. Major - Spring Hike


Mt. Major (1,786ft)
Trails: Mt. Major main
Elevation Gain: 1,100ft
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Great to get out hiking with Tim B. again. Enjoy a few photos taken of this little fun cardio workout!








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