August 12 Cannon

Pam and Doug hiked the Kinsman Ridge Trail up Cannon on Monday. The trail starts near the base of the tram and goes up the face to the left of the tram. The trail heads toward the east shoulder of Cannon which provides some nice views into the valley. The trail also weaves in and out of the Kinsman Glade ski trail.

From the summit of Cannon, the views include Moosilauke, the two Kinsmans, Waumbek, Garfield, all of the Franconia Ridge, the two Osceolas. The Franconia Ridge blocks the view to the east.

Below are Pam and Doug at the summit and on the shoulder.

40th Year Celebration at HOBBS Tavern

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Turtles hike Black Cap, Aug 6th

Here’s an informal picture of us at the top of Black Cap on August 6th. 

"A" Hike August 5 Owl's Head

Five of the A group (Doug, Larry, Pamela, Dick, and Frank) made the long 7 or 8 mile trek into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, then a very steep mile up the steep rock slide and "trail" through the trees on the west side of Owls Head, and finally a few tenths of a mile north along the ridge to the true summit. Below are pics of Dick at the small summit cairn and of the east side of the Franconia Ridge a thousand feet higher, a view the tourists can't see at all. Then it was back down that treacherous slide. The long trek back to the cars was relatively easy walking compared to that slide.

Below are Pam and Doug at the impressive Owl's Head summit cairn.

Below is Doug descending from the summit.

Turtles hike Little Sugarloaf

It was a great hike with views of Newfound Land on July 30th.

Growing pains

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Over the Hill Hikers, we are certainly experiencing changing times and some growing pains.  The internet and our excellent networking abilities have led to some serious growth among mostly our Turtles and B group hikes.  This has become problematic for several reasons; First, the White Mountain National Forest has a policy limiting group size to 10 hikers.  In addition, some of our trail heads have limited parking. And lastly, leading a group over 10 is exceeding the comfort of many of our volunteer "leaders / organizers".  

While there is no easy solution for us, and it is one that we collectively are struggling with, it is time that we may need to establish a hiking group size limit, or, designate an additional leader and divide into multiple groups for the scheduled hike with staggered start times (this may cause logistical problems).  

Please bear with us as we work through this and figure out the best way to handle our growing pains.  While we work to be good stewards of the WMNF policy, we may have to send our regrets to your interest in participating in a hike.  Please know that it is difficult for us as "leaders / coordinators", as our group has been one of inclusion and friendships.  I know it is hard as a “leader / organizer” to turn anyone away... but it may be necessary in order to comply with the policy of the WMNF and have a safe and enjoyable hike for all.

In addition to this difficult topic, I would like to add a few friendly reminders: 

            It is important to the enjoyment of your fellow hikers that you correctly choose the hiking level based on your CURRENT health, fitness, and endurance.  If you are unsure of your hiking level, it is polite to err on the conservative side and start with hikes where you have a high confidence level in your ability. 

And lastly, please ensure you have your emergency contact sheet in your pack, and the hiking essentials. I also recommend purchasing a HIKE SAFE Card for a modest $25.00 individual / $35.00 family.

Aug 1st, 2019, B group hikes South Moat

Several hikers took to the most amazing views of South Moat.  Many of us had never hiked this mountain, and it did not disappoint!  The views were  impressive, 360 degrees!  While the hike is challenging, the ledges were not as open as "Welch -Dickey", but the views were just as grand. Definitely a hike to come back to, the fall might be a perfect time to do this one again.