This was the final in a series of educational, women’s only backpacking trips for the Hiking Buddies Group. Stay tuned for a fall offering or two. On this trip the destination was Sawyer Pond and was led by Redline Guide Arlette Laan. This site’s a little tougher to get to this year as the closer access road is closed due to a major wash out. That said, it is still accessible from the Kancamagus Highway (NH Rte. 112 a.k.a. The Kanc), but it now involves more hiking and an access-guarding crossing of the Swift River. Next up is Arlette’s summary of this educational trip along with some crowd-sourced photos (thanks team).
After the in classroom gear and packing strategies review, we headed to the Sawyer River trailhead to spot a car (thanks for the suggestion Mike Cherim). We then drove to the Sawyer Pond trailhead and started our hike. I had previously checked water levels and the Swift River was easily fordable, but with a little feel of the power of water in the middle where the current was stronger. Fording techniques were discussed and practiced. Nobody fell in so I’d say we did good.
We changed from our water shoes to our hiking shoes and had a leisurely hike to Sawyer Pond. Along the way we checked out the mushrooms and ski trails. A clear stream was used to test water filters.
Arriving at the pond we found an available tent site with platform and we practiced setting up the tents and testing all the sleeping and cooking gear. I also got to test out some gear. The second time with my tarp and a first time with the new dinghy. A small inflatable ‘not quite’ raft. I took on some water, floated a bit and received encouragement and laughter from the participants on shore. Surprisingly nobody took me up on the offer to try it out as well. Something about wanting to keep their pants dry…
We enjoyed late lunches and early dinners and shared lots of stories and laughter. Like an outdoor slumber party of sorts. Before drifting off to sleep, however, we had to hang the food. There was a bear cable provided but it took me so many tries to get the rock baggy up and over that my guests had to take charge. Guest number two nailed it on the first try.
We were in bed before dark and one participant was up early enough to take pretty photos of the pond in the morning. I snoozed. After breakfast we packed up and headed out towards the Sawyer River Trail. This one mostly an abandoned two track following the river early on and along swampy areas towards the end. More mushrooms, some views, another fording, and, voila back the to Kanc we were! So much laughter, we were ready to go on another trip! —Arlette
Sounds like an amazing time. We especially love the idea of bringing a dinghy. Now for those photos.
