Date(s) Hiked:
Oct 11-12, 2003
Trails(s) Hiked:
Avalon, A-Z, Willey Range, Mt. Tom Spur, and the bit of Zealand & the Twinway to the Hut
Total Distance:
15.2 miles
Difficulty:
Varies from a brutally steep mile to a leisurely stroll.
Conditions:
Slippery leaves everywhere, mud on the lower A-Z, otherwise fine.
Special Required Equipment:
Poles highly recommended for descent.
Trip Report:
It was a spectacular weekend to be up north! After struggling to find a parking space in Crawford Notch on Saturday morning, I started up the Avalon Trail under clear blue skies and cool temperatures. The trail was in fine shape, though I did miss a turn (which, based on the "trail" that continues then cuts back, many people have done).
The view off of Avalon was terrific, what a restful place to pause and chat, at least until a group arrived. Then it was ever-upward to Mt Field, with its one viewpoint spectacular in the contrast of blue sky and red/yellow/brown foliage. Over to Willey and back was a letdown from a view perspective, but still a beautiful walk in the woods on a great day.
Back to Field, I headed down towards the A-Z trail and slogged it all the way to Zealand Hut without water. Oopsie.
An enormous family was having their 10th annual get-together, occupying pretty much the entire Hut except for myself and an AMC volunteer. They were fantastic, fun people whom I thank for making me feel right at home in their midst.
The just-past-full moon rose bright and big; the peaks glowed over the dark valley all night.
Sunday morning again dawned clear & cool, blue skies and sun. I went back up the A-Z trail from the Hut, and this time could enjoy it. Although a fairly long way, with a few deep, muddy spots, it's a beautiful walk in the woods, and with the colorful leaves on the trees and ground was a joy to hike along.
Up on Mt Tom the winds were strong. The viewpoint towards the Presies was getting buffeted with gusts, so I retreated to the true summit and enjoyed the views towards the Twins and across the Pemi. A few high clouds were coming in. Anyone know where the path heading off NNW goes to?
Then it was all the way back down the A-Z towards Crawford Notch. Saw a lot of folks on the trail, some unprepared, some not. The sunlight off the golden birch leaves lit the mix of yellows and reds fallen on the trail.
As I got into my car, I noticed the clouds had gotten thicker, and drove into cold rain on the way home. Talk about timing!
Oct 11-12, 2003
Trails(s) Hiked:
Avalon, A-Z, Willey Range, Mt. Tom Spur, and the bit of Zealand & the Twinway to the Hut
Total Distance:
15.2 miles
Difficulty:
Varies from a brutally steep mile to a leisurely stroll.
Conditions:
Slippery leaves everywhere, mud on the lower A-Z, otherwise fine.
Special Required Equipment:
Poles highly recommended for descent.
Trip Report:
It was a spectacular weekend to be up north! After struggling to find a parking space in Crawford Notch on Saturday morning, I started up the Avalon Trail under clear blue skies and cool temperatures. The trail was in fine shape, though I did miss a turn (which, based on the "trail" that continues then cuts back, many people have done).
The view off of Avalon was terrific, what a restful place to pause and chat, at least until a group arrived. Then it was ever-upward to Mt Field, with its one viewpoint spectacular in the contrast of blue sky and red/yellow/brown foliage. Over to Willey and back was a letdown from a view perspective, but still a beautiful walk in the woods on a great day.
Back to Field, I headed down towards the A-Z trail and slogged it all the way to Zealand Hut without water. Oopsie.
An enormous family was having their 10th annual get-together, occupying pretty much the entire Hut except for myself and an AMC volunteer. They were fantastic, fun people whom I thank for making me feel right at home in their midst.
The just-past-full moon rose bright and big; the peaks glowed over the dark valley all night.
Sunday morning again dawned clear & cool, blue skies and sun. I went back up the A-Z trail from the Hut, and this time could enjoy it. Although a fairly long way, with a few deep, muddy spots, it's a beautiful walk in the woods, and with the colorful leaves on the trees and ground was a joy to hike along.
Up on Mt Tom the winds were strong. The viewpoint towards the Presies was getting buffeted with gusts, so I retreated to the true summit and enjoyed the views towards the Twins and across the Pemi. A few high clouds were coming in. Anyone know where the path heading off NNW goes to?
Then it was all the way back down the A-Z towards Crawford Notch. Saw a lot of folks on the trail, some unprepared, some not. The sunlight off the golden birch leaves lit the mix of yellows and reds fallen on the trail.
As I got into my car, I noticed the clouds had gotten thicker, and drove into cold rain on the way home. Talk about timing!
