This is a special event offering qualifying participants, ages 17-25, free training funded by Hiking Buddies and delivered and discounted by Redline Guiding! To learn more, visit this page.
For our Hiking Buddies we did things a little differently this season. Instead of two days of classes, this year we opted for one day of classes — dropping the backpacking segment at this time — followed by a full day hiking objective. We figure a full day of application of some of the material would be most beneficial. We write “some” of the material because river crossing skills weren’t put to the test on day two. The test in that case is the day-one class itself. Brr, at least at this time of year: a.k.a. the season of stubborn, complicated, and uncooperative weather. In addition to the skills course, day one also featured an LNT-inclusive Hiking Intro course. Leading the first group were Redline Guides Glenn Van Neil and Michael Scire. Glenn put this together…
It’s Spring! Well Not Really…
When you hear about a spring hiking class with river crossing thrown in, you think about flowers in bloom, the woods alive with frolicking animals, beautiful mountain streams. Wait, it’s New Hampshire, and it’s the White Mountains… Did anyone mention the snow?
Day one was all about the planning with a little water activity thrown in for good measure. The classroom was easy, here is what you should take, here is how you plan, check the weather (check it again — it probably changed), and here’s how to pack a backpack for the adventure. Easy stuff, the room is heated!
Now let’s talk about crossing rivers and streams. How to read a river, how to identify crossing spots, what to do if you go in, what not to do also. But… You can’t learn about crossing a river or stream without actually doing it. There’s no substitute for actual real life experience.
Into Crawford Notch we went, and into the water we went too! Two person crossing, three person, single, in the riffles, in the fast moving water, with poles, without poles… We did it all. Great time! Did I mention it was snowing?
Day two, the general consensus was there was less snow north/west of North Conway. We all agreed on an ambitious plan to attempt to hike Cannon Mountain from the Lonesome Lake side. How much snow can there be? A lot apparently as Lonesome Lake reported just over 3 feet of snow! Neither of the routes up Cannon from Lonesome Lake were broken out and we did not bring snowshoes (this was a spring hiking adventure).
Plan B — back to the Lonesome Lake Hut and up to North Kinsman! Spectacular day and spectacular hike. This should have been Plan A, but sometimes you just don’t know what conditions are until you’re there and give it a shot. Thankfully the route was well broken out and travel was relatively easy. And it was quite warm in the sun. Maybe it really is spring? Was the first 4k hike for a few of our group — CONGRATS!
10 mile ’round trip with the attempt at Cannon, but all in all a great day!
Spring has sprung? Soon? Please? —Glenn
