A returning guest has booked hikes with us in the past for her grandchildren and she did so again this season. The hikers she was gifting were ages 20 (it was his birthday), 16, and 12 and they love to hike. Especially fun scrambles. The plans floated included Mt Chocorua as well as the Baldfaces. The latter was the adventure selected. Leading this, as had been done in the past, was Redline Guide Debra McCown. Her short summary follows along with some photos…
This crew returned for another scrambly hike, this time on the Baldfaces. The original plan was to do the Baldface Loop — up South Baldface and down North — but a downpour when we arrived at the trailhead shifted the plan a little bit. Rather than attempt the Class 3 scrambles on South Baldface — dangerous when wet — we opted for an out-and back to North Baldface, the same total distance and with plenty of scrambles, but safer at Class 2.
Even so, the descent was an exercise in caution after we snapped summit photos in the wind and gathering storm, and steady rain showers began shortly after we reached the trees. While they didn’t get perfect weather this time, it was good enough for some views and scrambling — and making memories together in the outdoors. —Debra
