Welch-Dickey loop

 

If you are a fan of open rock, short scrambles and plenty of wide open views then the drive to the Welch-Dickey trailhead in Waterville Valley is a must do. The 4+ mile loop over these two mountains is pretty awesome. Both ends of the loop are the standard hiking trail in the woods and the remainder of the trail is over open rock with lots of ledges and slabs and viewpoints to take in the scenery. It's a shame that it took me so long to get to this hike but it won't be long before I do it again!

Mt Potash and the good book

 

I had been to this trailhead (Downes Brook off the Kamcamagus highway) about a month ago but hiked to Hedgehog mountain instead. A recent hiatus from hiking (bad back) had given me time to think about things and I realized had gotten away from the wisdom of the good book and I should return to using it for guidance. It had always led me to great things in the past. The hike to Mt Potash is a delight and one I will return to for fall folliage as well as in winter conditions. The 2 mile long trail is a mix of soft switchbacks and open rock. There is a nice ledge part way up with a close-up view of Passaconaway. The summit is partly open with views west towards the Tripyramids and north to a slightly further away Carrigain. Put this one on your list, great views for small effort.

 

Oh and if you are interested, check out the good book here (or buy it in person where you can also get hiking advice from an expert).

"Back" to Phelps

 

 

I needed a hike to test my ailing back. Phelps fit the bill being a short hike with a steep and rough section of trail and some nice views for the effort. It was a cool day yesterday and the skies were clear and blue when I got to the views. Everything checked out and with some reds starting to show in the valleys, leaf peeping season is not far off!

Smoking brakes instead of sore knees

After two hiking days I gave my legs a rest and made my car do the work. I headed up the Mt Washington Auto Road. It hadn't occurred to me until the complimentary CD mentioned that some with a fear of heights may find parts of the road a bit uncomfortable. Anyhow it was well worth it on a clear sunny day with views to the horizon in all directions. They suggest stopping often on the way down to cool off your brakes and they provide spots to pull over with great vistas. At some of the lower parking areas my brakes were smoking when I stopped. Funny, but that is just how my knees feel when descending a mountain.

For a slightly faster version of the ascent check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BZh-7hkNe4