Since I had Saturday off, I decided to head up to the headquarters of the White Mountains National Forest to do a little training. Yup, you may see me at some of the most popular trailheads as a Trailhead Steward. What do we do? Well we provide information about the hiking trails and other areas of interest. But we also provide vital information on the HikeSafe Program and Leave No trace. You can find info on these important programs below:
There was a lot to learn: how to deal with certain personalities, what if people have weapons, how to handle emergencies. For the weapons piece, we follow state firearm laws, but you cannot carry in a federal building. We also learned about other opportunities available to us. It is a grant funded volunteer program, so you might want to hit up your Congressperson to fund it permanently. It is a possible lifesaver. Just convincing one person to change their plans could prevent a SAR situation. Plus you can ask us how to rent bear barrels.
So what else could I do on a warm Saturday. Hike the AT to the Ethan Pond Shelter of course. Granted I wanted to know what the trail was like for my backpacking trip in June, so it was a no brainer given the time. But man, it was hot and humid. I did not like that. And it is a steep trail. 1450ft in 2.6 miles. It really is not bad, but the heat makes it seem horrible. Luckily the clouds came out so it was not sun fueled heat. And there are bog bridges after the Willey Range Trail. Like a city of bog bridges. Like “OH LOOK, another set of bog bridges.” Or “let me guess another set of bog bridges.” And “WOW OMG. more bog bridges.” Did I mention there were lots of bog bridges? And that was just part of the trail. And there were some places that needed them, but did not have them. Hello mud.
But wait, there's more
Finally made it to the junction for the side trail to the shelter. One of the nicest side trails. Some a quite steep and rough, but this was nice. When you get to Ethan Pond, you have two choices to cross. I used both, one coming in, one going out. It is a nice shelter, just interesting to get up. There are also several tent platforms, many look brand new. Of course there is a privy and bearboxes. Please do not sleep with your food. Please. There is also a cooking/dishwashing area. Pretty nice. I can’t wait to stay there. Made it down in good time, but no service, so I could not figure out where I would spend the night. Found service and the location. Passaconaway Campground.
You can go this way
Or this way
Ethan Pond
I belong to a group of awesome hikers and backpacking and just awesome outdoor enthusiasts. We have had several campouts, but I was never able to join. Someone posted they would be at the campground and several of us showed up. I was not well prepared, but somehow having paper towels made me like a goddess. Oh and Fireball. And a water container. It was not grassfed burgers, chicken or steaks, but you know, paper towels. We even had bacon and cinnamon buns for breakfast.
Yummy
We just hung out. And we waited for the rest of our group who was doing a Tripyramid traverse the hard way. After some worrying, they returned and well, the more the merrier. Lots of hiking discussions, planning, and plenty of shenanigans, especially by the canines. Little Bella kept trying to escape. Baron was begging for food. Elizabeth barked and whined. Molly wanted everyone’s attention. By the way Round midnight, when it was just getting good, it started to rain. So off to the tent I went. I stayed dry, but the condensation was lousy. I will be getting another tent as this one has lousy ventilation, and it is heavy. I mean it is a car camping tent, but man. You get what you pay for. Less $$, more lbs.
Baron, the master of begging
Bella, the Princess
Baron, the master of the nap
After not much sleep, I decided I was going home. The first night in a tent is always the hardest. Had breakfast, hung out with some more people, a few more popped by too. It was a great impromptu trip. I will miss the next planned one because of the backpacking trip. I am a co-leader, so I have to show up. I am excited for the summer season. Not the heat, not the bugs, but hanging out with friends. It is much better outside than in some stuffy bar or function hall. Just add nature. I am already having withdrawals.
On the way home I crossed into Maine
Twice, but this time, the road went back into NH
Yeah, I-95 will just have to be reserved for Maine trips
No comments:
Post a Comment