Sunday, May 7, 2017

Mount Moosilauke

Mount Moosilauke is one of the 4000 footers in the White Mountains that we have been eager to climb.  It is situated on the western edge of the White Mountains and is a favorite summit for hikers for the 360 degree views which include the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks in New York.

Plans to climb "The Moose" on April 23rd had been in the making for several months and were hoping for a clear day so we could make the most of the views.  After several days of clouds and rain we woke to a clear day with temperatures predicted to reach the low 60's by late morning.

We approached the summit from the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge using the Gorge Brook Trail.  The trail surface was packed snow and we found microspikes helpful for the entire ascent. Plenty of others were in boots but watching them slip and slide made us thankful for our 'spikes.

We arrive at the summit in full sunshine and were rewarded with the views we had heard so much about from fellow hikers.   We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the top while we chatted with a few other seasoned hikers.  We were amused by a few novice hikers who showed up in tank tops and shorts that were incredulous over the 4-5' of snow still clinging to the summit.

We descended via the Carriage Road, and connected back to the Gorge Brook Trail using the Snapper Trail.  By early afternoon the snow had softened and we were happy to have snowshoes for the descent.  We were speeding past others in boots and microspikes and leaving the trail in good conditions.












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