Quick Camp in the Rhode Island Woods

Five Tips to Go Further at Backyard Ultras

18 Laps and a New Distance PR of 63 Miles at Bubba's!

Mt. Tecumseh Hike - First Day of Autumn

The Semi-Pemi - My Longest Effort in the Whites in Some Time

It had been a while since I had put together a big day in the Whites that tested my endurance. I was feeling pretty good about my fitness after a summer of running and yoga. A trip of shorter day hikes back in June suggested my legs could hold up pretty well. I wanted to hit Owl's Head and Galehead to close in on my fourth round and decided to make a Semi-Pemi of it. I started at 4:30 AM and was far from the only headlamp in Lincoln Woods at that hour. I ran as much as I could on the way to Owl's Head, opting to skip the Black Pond bushwhack in favor of the Franconia Brook/Lincoln Brook Trails. I figured with the lack of rain it was a good time to check that route out. 

As I neared the base of Owl's Head I finally had light and was happy to see the emerging foliage around me. Definitely not peak but beautiful all the same. I went up the Brutus bushwhack which really wore me out. I went down the slide so as not to miss the views of Franconia Ridge. I'm glad I descended that way - there were a lot of leaves on the rocks but since they were dry it wasn't too bad. By the time I reached 13 Falls I was doubting whether I had the legs to back up my plan but I continued on to Galehead nonetheless. The Twin Brook Trail was new to me and quite lovely but it also left me tired. I was happy to make a quick stop at Galehead and then continue on to rest at the hut.

A delicious poppy seed cake and coffee rejuvenated me and I made short work of the climb up South Twin. I had North Twin as a stretch goal but decided to quit while I was ahead and head straight towards the Bonds. While I was by myself when deep in the Pemi, I was surrounded by people now and it would be packed summits from hear on out. The colors below Bondcliff did not disappoint and I spent some time there enjoying the afternoon. Now it was after 3 PM and it was time to descend. I did my best to push the pace and was pleased I still had the legs to run out on the Lincoln Woods Trail. Overall a great day in the mountains and I was very happy with how my body responded and recovered.

Blessing of the Fleet 2024

Kinsman Pond Camping in the White Mountains

Searching for That Bear in Carter Preserve

 I didn't find it - only blueberries.

Blustery Hike Up Mts. Pierce and Eisenhowever

Overnight on Moosilauke via the Beaver Brook Trail

I drove up to the Whites on a Friday, reaching the Beaver Brook Trailhead around 2:15 PM. Good number of cars in the lot. I was in a bit of a ramshackle state so it took me a while to get things in order and I hit the trail by 3 PM. One fella was offering trail magic at the start. I hiked in until I left the Forest Protection Area and then wandered around the hills until I found some decent trees to make camp. The site had a bit of lean but I made it work.

Once set up it was already around 4:30 PM so I figured it was time to head on up. This was my first trip up the Beaver Brook Trail and it didn't disappoint. Lovely cascades ran along that first steep mile. Very steep but I was enjoying the effort. The trail was very dry otherwise I probably would not have enjoyed it as much. Once past the Beaver Brook Shelter it levels off and allowed me to do a bit of trail running. It also offered up a restricted view of Moosilauke through the trees. I had the summit to myself and enjoyed some absolutely perfect conditions. Mid 60s and barely any wind.

I can see why they caution against descending Beaver Brook in bad conditions. Thankfully the dry rock/stairs provided good traction. I managed to get back to camp before it got dark and enjoyed a meal in the hammock before turning in. I awoke in the middle of the night with a terrible headache - I developed a good electrolyte routine with Tailwind but let my supply lapse. I think I paid the price on this one. By morning it was a dull ache. One more mistake - I almost always pack up everything under the tarp first but on this day decided to first take the tarp down. So of course it begins to rain. If nothing else it prompted me to pack up quickly. A good hike and a good start to the weekend.

Hiking Mt. Cabot in the Wet Fog

Spent a fine long weekend up in the Whites, working on peaks towards my 4th round of the NH48. My Saturday hike finished fairly early which prompted me to pursue my stretch goal - Mt. Cabot. I was at Crawford Notch so the drive to York Pond wasn't too long but I knew it'd make for an extra long drive back to RI the following day. I had wanted to hike in a bit and set up my tarp with the intention of braving the storm that night. But it was downpouring something fierce when I arrived and seemed like it had no intention of letting up. I hiked down the trail a bit to do some recon and it was very wet with lots of pooling water. My appetite for finding a camping spot vanished and ended up spending an uncomfortable evening in my car. At least it looked like there was a vanlifer next to me in the small lot to keep me company. But then a couple trundled out of the woods at 7 PM and took off in their van. Now it was just me.

I woke up at 4 AM to more rain but it let up after a few minutes which allowed me to get the stove going and make some coffee. I was on the trail by 5 AM and it was certainly a wet one. Not cold though - in the low 70s so I was comfortable in shorts and a tech shirt. Decided to go with boots and gaiters which proved very effective at keeping my feet dry.

Everything was wet, Bunnell Brook (is that its name?) was ripping and it felt like I was in a steam room (just not as sweltering). I actually really enjoyed the hike up as I was working hard and certainly not cold. No views from Bunnell Rock and there were a couple people staying at Cabot Cabin. I hiked up to the summit and then stopped at the cabin to have a snack and chat with the occupants. They had also planned to tent that night but a hike up in the heavy rain changed their tune as well.

I thought Sunday's weather forecast might keep people away but I should have known better. Over my last few miles I encountered several groups heading up. Indeed it was getting sunnier and sunnier and by the time I finished it looked like a lovely day. But I could definitely see some sketchy clouds off in various distances. Bug weren't an issue on this hike until the last 1/4 mile when the deerflies attacked in great numbers. As I made the long drive through the Whites it appeared the morning offered some fantastic weather depending on where you were. But dark clouds pressed closed and closer as I drove south. I didn't hit nasty weather until about 20 minutes from my house when the skies opened up. So I'm glad I got the hike done early, if only so that I could get back home at a reasonable hour.

All in all, a great hike and I'm glad to finally get Cabot done for Round 4. My bad knee held up great this trip and it was only the long drive home that really left my legs tired and stiff.

How to Stop Deer Flies

Last Human Standing 2024

Running Again Six Weeks After Knee Surgery

My New Trail Running Buddy - the Hover Air X1 Drone

Birthday Hike in Green Falls

Recovery from Knee Surgery

One Last Hike Before Surgery...

Barely Winter Camping in the Whites

Wandering Around Big River

Lame Winter and Lamer Leg Woes

Sleeping Outside on the Coldest Night of 2024 Thus Far

Year in Review 2023

Here it is, my recap of 2023. A great year in terms of exploring new places but a mediocre year in terms of my running which started off strong thanks to last year's Border Patrol series but floundered in the summer as injuries derailed things. But 2024 is a fresh year with fresh hope.