Date(s) Hiked:
November 9, 2003
Trail(s) Hiked:
Algonquin Trail
Total Distance:
9 miles round-trip to Sandwich Dome
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate with one nasty scramble.
Conditions
Leaf-covered, frozen ground, icy patches, otherwise dry.
Special Equipment Required
Warm clothing - it's winter up there. Wind chills were around 0. Poles helpful on descents and water crossing.
Trip Report:
This report covers my participation in SherpaK's 100th highest hike. We met up at the Smarts Brook Trail parking area and then took cars up Sandwich Notch Road to the Algonquin Trail.
Sandwich Notch Road is in rough shape as you get up high through the northern pass. There are some deep washout gullies across and along the road, ice patches, and "potholes" full of water and ice (one was the full width of the road). Although a 2WD Honda sedan made it, something with extra ground clearance is recommended, and AWD/4WD is helpful.
After creatively parking, we started up the Algonquin Trail around 9am. This first part of the trail is easy, just an old road walk with one water crossing that was slippery but not high. As the trail ascends, it gets steep in portions but is straightforward. After passing what was christened "AB Knob" after two young hikers (who at a combined age of less than 20 years have impressively finished their 100!), we came to alternating woods and ledge, where extra layers were needed to protect against the sharp wind.
The ridge walk was nice, up over Black Mountain and in and out of the trees at various points. I found a neat little campsite hidden back off the trail, but it's a long way from water. This was about the time I started wishing I'd eaten breakfast.
Finally, around 12:30, we reached the junction just below the Dome, where a series of "Keep Out" and "No Trespassing" signs threatened the attempt. SherpaK ignored the warnings and discovered a summit cone marked with bottles of champagne and a wonderful cake! Much rejoicing was had.
Since I had a committment back in Massachusetts, I parted from the rest of the group and headed back down the Algonquin Trail. The descent was fine, except in the lower areas where the deep piles of fallen leaves masked holes that it hurt to step into. I made it back to the car at 3:45, just in time to get home, cleaned up, and to the Wang Center for 8:00. Too bad my ticket was for 7:00.
Well, at least now I can eat breakfast.
November 9, 2003
Trail(s) Hiked:
Algonquin Trail
Total Distance:
9 miles round-trip to Sandwich Dome
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate with one nasty scramble.
Conditions
Leaf-covered, frozen ground, icy patches, otherwise dry.
Special Equipment Required
Warm clothing - it's winter up there. Wind chills were around 0. Poles helpful on descents and water crossing.
Trip Report:
This report covers my participation in SherpaK's 100th highest hike. We met up at the Smarts Brook Trail parking area and then took cars up Sandwich Notch Road to the Algonquin Trail.
Sandwich Notch Road is in rough shape as you get up high through the northern pass. There are some deep washout gullies across and along the road, ice patches, and "potholes" full of water and ice (one was the full width of the road). Although a 2WD Honda sedan made it, something with extra ground clearance is recommended, and AWD/4WD is helpful.
After creatively parking, we started up the Algonquin Trail around 9am. This first part of the trail is easy, just an old road walk with one water crossing that was slippery but not high. As the trail ascends, it gets steep in portions but is straightforward. After passing what was christened "AB Knob" after two young hikers (who at a combined age of less than 20 years have impressively finished their 100!), we came to alternating woods and ledge, where extra layers were needed to protect against the sharp wind.
The ridge walk was nice, up over Black Mountain and in and out of the trees at various points. I found a neat little campsite hidden back off the trail, but it's a long way from water. This was about the time I started wishing I'd eaten breakfast.
Finally, around 12:30, we reached the junction just below the Dome, where a series of "Keep Out" and "No Trespassing" signs threatened the attempt. SherpaK ignored the warnings and discovered a summit cone marked with bottles of champagne and a wonderful cake! Much rejoicing was had.
Since I had a committment back in Massachusetts, I parted from the rest of the group and headed back down the Algonquin Trail. The descent was fine, except in the lower areas where the deep piles of fallen leaves masked holes that it hurt to step into. I made it back to the car at 3:45, just in time to get home, cleaned up, and to the Wang Center for 8:00. Too bad my ticket was for 7:00.
Well, at least now I can eat breakfast.
