Garfield Isn't Just a Cat...Meow

What an amazingly gorgeous day for a hike in the White Mountains. Today was brought to you by Garfield, no not the comic strip or the president, but the latter's name sake, Mount Garfield located off Route 3 on Gale Loop Road. Driver beware, though, Gale Loop Road has no road sign just a hiking trail sign on the right. (If you pass over the Gale River or the Beaver Brook Recreation Area you've gone too far). Head up there for about 2 miles to find the Garfield Trail on the right hand side.

The trail is a fairly easy grade throughout. The first mile being very reminiscent of some of my favorite trail runs. In addition, you'll cross a low brook 3 times within this mile. I found that it wasn't a very well marked trail, leaving me to guess that I was on the right path. Mile 2 reminded me of a dry river bed as it was quite rocky and worn low. I found that throughout the hike it alternated between a slight hike followed by flatter areas (great for interval training!). All was dry and rocky until mile 3...then things got a little wet. There was definitely more mud to step around and one section had water steadily trickling. This area was one of four that had the old logging road visible.

Fast forward 4.8 miles and you come to the junction with Garfield Ridge Trail. You can go down to the  hut or continue to your right to head up the last .2 miles to the summit. Do not become confused by the sign saying Mount Lafayette! It's just letting you know that you can get there from Mount Garfield. This section is much steeper than the rest of the trail, but it goes by super quick and the reward at the top is well worth it. We're talking 360˚ unobstructed views. Plus, the remnants of a fire tower.

Love my Scarpa's. They grip to rock and turn me into a Rock Ninja!

I also met a guy that goes by the trail name of The Forest Grump because he hates heat and bugs (bad day for bugs it was!) He gave me the tip that Vicks works as bug repellant right when another guy came by and suggested Tea Tree Oil as a more natural alternative. I had a really great conversation with The Forest Grump prior to reaching the summit and then again on the way down as we hiked about a mile down. I'm loving getting to hear people's stories this year as I hike throughout the White Mountains. 

Overall this 10 mile hike took me a little over 3 hours thanks to easy grades as the trail switchbacks across the mountain. 

Happy Trails! 

Getaway to the Berkshires

Since hiking Waumbek on Thursday, I've been taking it easy. Well, in terms of hiking that is.  The boy and I left Friday to head to Great Barrington, MA as a stopping point on our way to GFest (a BMW car event thing...clearly, not my idea). It left no time for a hike on Friday as I spent the morning packing, cleaning, and yoga-ing. (Which is an essential part in staying bendy and flexible, so when I run down mountains I don't get injured.) Then we were off!

Saturday was spent soaking in too much sun (helllllooooo sunburn!) while watching races at Limerock Park in CT and pretending I was intrigued by all the bimmer talk at GFest. However, it wasn't just a weekend of laziness. On the way back to NH we stopped at Monument Mountain in Great Barrington. 

Monument Mountain, as we did it, a 3 mile loop hike that boasts 360˚ views at the peak. It's located right near Monument Mountain High School on Route 7, and the parking lot is super easy to spot. 

We started off on Hickory Trail located on the right hand side. This trail is slightly steeper than the other option on your left (the Indian Monument Trail) and is 0.8 miles prior to the connector trail, Squaw Peak Trail, that is 0.7 miles and brings you to the summit of Squaw Peak where you'll be rewarded with views, intriguing rock (it's light pink because it's quartize), and slabs to sit upon and rest. HOWEVER continue on the Squaw Peak Trail to Devil's Pulpit and you'll see some amazing rock architecture. This was my favorite place, even though venturing out on the precipice was nerve wrecking. 

Not sure what happened to the coloring, but there's Butternut Ski Area

and some sweet rock forms

We continued on down using the Indian Monument Trail, granted we saw no Indian Monuments, running as we went. I found the summit to be quite rocky and the rest of both trails to be laden with roots. With that being said, round trip took 56 minutes. If you're in the area it's definitely a place to check out if you're into nature and such (which you probably are if you're reading this). 

Happy trails and possibly see you out there this week (it's going to be a gorgeous one!)

Mount Waumbek

Ahhh, a sigh of relief as I have officially ended my school year in VT and moved to Lincoln, NH for the summer. To celebrate (and start back up with my quest of completing the 48 NH 4,000 footers) I ventured north to Mount Waumbek in Jefferson, NH.

First off, the views on the drive alone are worth venturing to this quaint town. I was struck with the beautiful architecture that immediately brought my mind to days of old where the Vanderbilts and other ridiculously wealthy families built elaborate summer homes. Anywho, on to the hike itself.

To get there if you're coming South take 93N to Exit 35 US-3 N towards Twin Mountain. Follow this road for 12 miles, going through the lights at the intersection of 302. You'll turn right onto NH-115 N (this is where awesome mountain views start to pop up on the horizon) until you see a sign for NH-115A N, which will be on your left. You'll follow this road and see a dairy farm, more amazing views, and an old Victorian B&B. If you're following your GPS like I did...DO NOT TAKE POOL RD! (Well you can, just be prepared for an extremely bumpy ride). Go straight instead and turn right on Route 2. Starr-King Road will be on your left right (a sign for Waumbek Golf Course, the oldest 18 hole course in NH, will be across from Starr-King. Head up trying to avoid the potholes to the best of your abilities.

When I got there, there were only 3 other cars in the lot and no fee station. I'm assuming that's because Randolph Mountain Club maintains the trail. I was excited to be getting back into hiking 4,000 footers and selected Waumbek because of the promise of an easy, gradual accent. I wasn't disappointed either.

About a quarter mile up the Starr-King trail there's this intriguing, round, stone structure to the right.

See! Cool, right?

This is an old horse trough as the trail used to be used as a road back in the day. This also explains why it's a super easy trail to follow that has good footing throughout. I found the trail to be fairly dry besides two spots around mile 1 and mile 2 that were a little mucky. However, there's tons of stones to walk on so you're feet stay dry and your shoes clean. Keep heading up and be rewarded with the only views you'll get on this hike...on Mount Starr King. 

Ohhh, views!

There's also this old chimney, fire-pit thing that is left over from a Summit Cabin that used to take in weary travelers. 

Once here congratulate yourself for making it more than half way, stay right of the structure, and continue a mile on a ridge-line trail to your final destination: Mount Waumbek! At a staggering 4,006 feet, it just merely makes it into the 4,000 footer category. There's a cairn letting you know you've arrived and a sign letting you know where you just came from if you came up the Starr-King Trail.

This is a sweet cairn and view

Now here you can decide, do I want to continue over numerous other peaks to bag Mount Cabot as well, or do I call it a day and head back to my car? I chose the latter as I had important summer business to attend to after the hike. But, before that, let me tell you about the inspirational fellow I met at the top. He was on his 5th 4,000-footer and since January has lost over 50 pounds! We swapped stories about favorite hikes so far and least favorites. (I couldn't hide my sympathy for him when he told me he was planning the Kinsman's next as THAT has been my least favorite to date.)  

After chatting for a bit, I ran down the trail making for a round trip time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. The total trail distance is 7.2 miles, although for whatever reason my app only tracked 6.63 miles. I feel like I was robbed, but it was most likely user error as it's my first time using an app to track my hike. 

Until next time...safe and happy travels.

A Weekend for the Record Books

This weekend started off with a race to the finish. No, literally, I was racing to the finish line of the Craft Brew Race-Stowe 5k. It was actually 3.6 miles, but whateves, it was still my personal record for a race. I did behave like an amateur and sprinted out the first mile. Haven't ran a 6:16 mile since I was 18. That's a full minute off my best mile! Best part, you get to sample craft brews after! Win-Win. Although I was bummed I didn't have my running accomplices due to injury and travel, I was excited that the injured one was waiting at the finish line, cheering me on while running (and later sipping my brews). We discussed how organized the race was, the great selection of craft breweries present, and how awesome it would be with a group of friends. New mission: con(vince) all my friends that they must do this race series with me at their Waterville Valley location.

There I am with my sweet medal and a coconut porter from Bent Hill Brewery...one of my favorite brews of the day! Oh and that skirt, a pre-race/end of school present from the boy. I'm obsessed with it. Most light weight, comfortable thing I've ran in, like, ever. Not to mention it's totes ADORABLE!

So running took up Saturday, but the whole point of this blog (HIKING) that happened today. It's my last weekend living in VT until I trek east to set my summer roots in the White Mountains of NH, and what better way to spend it then in the sunshine at the peak of a mountain! I hiked Mt. Hunger from the Waterbury side. It's super easy to get to. If coming from Waterbury just take 100 N until you pass Ben & Jerry's (resist stopping until AFTER  the hike!) Then take your first right onto Guptil Road, follow it straight until you come to an intersection. Turn right onto Maple Street, go by the fire station, turn right onto Loomis Hill Road and cruise all the way to the top until you see a parking lot on your right. Wham bam, slap on your shoes (if you're like me and wear flip-flops EVERYWHERE), and get ready for some amazing views!

I trekked up the two mile trail, which was SUPER muddy after a week of rain. I mean, seriously, it was like mini rivers were flowing in some sections. Now, this hike is listed as advanced and I'm guessing it's because of the class two rock scrambles towards the top. Now maybe I have a different idea of difficult/advanced because I'm a White Mountain girl, but I found it fairly easy/moderate. I mean, I didn't stop once for a sip of water and let me tell you I was jittery from all the caffeine I had consumed prior to the hike. I also saw all sorts of folks on the trail: people in jeans, people with kids on their backs, kids, old folks...all walks I tell ya! But who cares about the people I saw...let's talk about the meat of the hike: THE VIEW! It was ah-mazing! I could see Camel's Hump, Stowe (aka Mt. Mansfield), the Presidentials (made my NH heart happy), and I believe there were glimpses of the Adirondacks over in NY in the distance (but I could totally be wrong...why doesn't someone make an app that tells you what mountains you're looking at. Like, seriously, someone, get on that!) 

Oh...hey, Camel's Hump! Don't you worry, you're on my list of hikes!

Overall I'd chalk this up to one solid weekend even if I couldn't spend it with my dad on Dad's Day (Happy Dad's Day, Dad!) I'd highly recommend either or both of these events to anyone who's into running/brews/hiking/athletic endeavors.