Temps in the Whites

ctenidae · Jul 23, 2006, 5:47 PM

How's it been in the mountains around the Kancamangus Hwy? I'm going overnight with my wife and a couple who don't really camp/hike. NOAA says a cold front is coming through on Friday, but do you guys think we'll still be okay with 50 degree bags? I'd really rather not carry any more than I have too (since I'll probably be hauling most of it)

Bob R · Jul 24, 2006, 6:31 AM

I'll be in the area also. As long as you don't have alot of elevation you should be fine. It was 54 in Concord am today.

**thetrailboss** · Jul 24, 2006, 6:36 AM

Well, just because it is about 50 F and you have a 50 F sleeping bag does not mean you will be warm. Is she a "warm" sleeper or a "cold" sleeper? How many clothes are you going to be wearing to bed? Not all ratings are consistent. I think that assuming you are (a) in a cabin or somewhat sheltered, (b) are not wet, (c) not exposed to wind/the elements, (d) that it does not drop below say 45 F, you will be fine. I'd bring a liner bag or wear long underwear to get some more warmth.

ctenidae · Jul 24, 2006, 8:15 AM

My wife and I have zip-together 50 degree bags, so I figure we'd be fine in a tent with a dog down to 40 or so, assuming we're dry. I'm not real sure what the other couple has for gear, but we're not going to go that far in, anyway, so an exit shouldn't be too tough in an emergency.

Anybody walked the Smart Brook Trail off 49 in NH? It joins with the Sandwich Mountain trail at the end. AMC guide says it's 3.5 hours to the junction, which with this crowd would probably be more like 6, so we're definately not going up that far.

David Metsky · Jul 24, 2006, 9:01 AM

You are much better off going for a shorter hike with a known view. Try the Welch-Dickey loop just off 49 as well. There is some scrambling, so the best bet would be to go counter-clockwise to the ledges overlooking 49 and Sandwich. That may be enough for your group. If you are willing to try some scrambling you can continue to the first summit. Or you can go clockwise and get to the lower ledges on the other side. Both are great views and will reward the casual hiker.

Another mellow hike is to Greeley Ponds. The trailhead (Depot Camp) is just past the center of Waterville Valley at the end of the Tripoli Road. The trail is mellow all the way to the Ponds which have some nice views of East Osceola and the ponds themselves.

-dave-

Bob R · Jul 24, 2006, 9:13 AM

Welch-dicky loop is my favorite hike in the region. Be aware if it rains Friday, the rocks will be slippery am sat. Very good view for a fairly easy hike. Thinking about it for Sunday.

ctenidae · Jul 24, 2006, 10:32 AM

Is Welch-Dickey crowded? We're going to have our dog with us, and while he's not one to go crashing off into the woods on his own, the fewer human-type distractions, the better.

We're also planning to camp out (not in a campground if I can help it). I don't have the topos in front of me- are there good areas off that trail (well, well off, of course)?

I'm a firm believer in LNT, but that may not be entirely possible with an ameteur group, but we will be low, and as close to no as I can get it, impact.

**thetrailboss** · Jul 24, 2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctenidae

I'm a firm believer in LNT, but that may not be entirely possible with an ameteur group, but we will be low, and as close to no as I can get it, impact.

Well, it depends on how serious you take it I guess. I know some folks don't "find trees" when they go and "pack it out." I do not throw litter and pack out other people's trash. I also stay on the trail and don't destroy plants or animals. I don't think any of these measures are tough at all and when I've led groups we've had no problems following these basic rules.

I've got an idea of who you are and I doubt that you would be doing this:

At least I hope....

ctenidae · Jul 24, 2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetrailboss

I've got an idea of who you are and I doubt that you would be doing this:

At least I hope....

Gad, I hope not. When my wife and I go out, I drive her nuts re-packaging whatever food we're taking to eliminate excess materials (and weight!). She didn't get it until I kept the bits I was getting rid of and compared that pile to the pile we packed out. I think she understands it now.

No, my main concern with a group is 2 tents and 4 sets of footprints, more than anything else. People leaving garbage gets me

, which can lead to

and sometimes

. I'll be all

until I get to

.

riverc0il · Jul 24, 2006, 4:30 PM

waterville campground is a WMNF place and nice. can't help you if you are backpacking and looking to pitch a tent off trail. welch dickey is a popular hike that does attract a crowd on a weekend.

Jul 23, 2006, 5:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
ctenidae Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 4,794	Temps in the Whites How's it been in the mountains around the Kancamangus Hwy? I'm going overnight with my wife and a couple who don't really camp/hike. NOAA says a cold front is coming through on Friday, but do you guys think we'll still be okay with 50 degree bags? I'd really rather not carry any more than I have too (since I'll probably be hauling most of it)

Jul 24, 2006, 6:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bob R Sunday River Feb 27 2008 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashua NH, Campton NH, Sunday River Posts: 6,828	I'll be in the area also. As long as you don't have alot of elevation you should be fine. It was 54 in Concord am today. __________________ Skiing is my addiction. Need a condo in the southern White mountain region?.

Jul 24, 2006, 6:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
thetrailboss Paddling...... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Now Playing at Sugarbush and Burke. Posts: 10,560	Well, just because it is about 50 F and you have a 50 F sleeping bag does not mean you will be warm. Is she a "warm" sleeper or a "cold" sleeper? How many clothes are you going to be wearing to bed? Not all ratings are consistent. I think that assuming you are (a) in a cabin or somewhat sheltered, (b) are not wet, (c) not exposed to wind/the elements, (d) that it does not drop below say 45 F, you will be fine. I'd bring a liner bag or wear long underwear to get some more warmth. __________________ Live, Ski, or Die! Trailboss' Ski Videos now on YouTube! Trailboss' Photo Albums. 66 days for the 2007-2008 ski season!!!! 40 of the 48 New Hampshire 4,000 Footers Completed and Counting!

Jul 24, 2006, 9:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bob R Sunday River Feb 27 2008 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashua NH, Campton NH, Sunday River Posts: 6,828	Welch-dicky loop is my favorite hike in the region. Be aware if it rains Friday, the rocks will be slippery am sat. Very good view for a fairly easy hike. Thinking about it for Sunday. __________________ Skiing is my addiction. Need a condo in the southern White mountain region?.

Jul 24, 2006, 4:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
riverc0il Ari Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ashland, NH Posts: 6,826	waterville campground is a WMNF place and nice. can't help you if you are backpacking and looking to pitch a tent off trail. welch dickey is a popular hike that does attract a crowd on a weekend. __________________ -Steve TheSnowWay.com featuring Big Jay Coverage "Skiing is not a sport, it is a way of life." - Otto Schniebs 52

Jul 24, 2006, 8:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
ctenidae Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 4,794	My wife and I have zip-together 50 degree bags, so I figure we'd be fine in a tent with a dog down to 40 or so, assuming we're dry. I'm not real sure what the other couple has for gear, but we're not going to go that far in, anyway, so an exit shouldn't be too tough in an emergency. Anybody walked the Smart Brook Trail off 49 in NH? It joins with the Sandwich Mountain trail at the end. AMC guide says it's 3.5 hours to the junction, which with this crowd would probably be more like 6, so we're definately not going up that far.

Jul 24, 2006, 9:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
David Metsky Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 565	You are much better off going for a shorter hike with a known view. Try the Welch-Dickey loop just off 49 as well. There is some scrambling, so the best bet would be to go counter-clockwise to the ledges overlooking 49 and Sandwich. That may be enough for your group. If you are willing to try some scrambling you can continue to the first summit. Or you can go clockwise and get to the lower ledges on the other side. Both are great views and will reward the casual hiker. Another mellow hike is to Greeley Ponds. The trailhead (Depot Camp) is just past the center of Waterville Valley at the end of the Tripoli Road. The trail is mellow all the way to the Ponds which have some nice views of East Osceola and the ponds themselves. -dave-

Jul 24, 2006, 10:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
ctenidae Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 4,794	Is Welch-Dickey crowded? We're going to have our dog with us, and while he's not one to go crashing off into the woods on his own, the fewer human-type distractions, the better. We're also planning to camp out (not in a campground if I can help it). I don't have the topos in front of me- are there good areas off that trail (well, well off, of course)? I'm a firm believer in LNT, but that may not be entirely possible with an ameteur group, but we will be low, and as close to no as I can get it, impact.

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