It might have been raining in other parts of NH on Sept. 1, but it was a lovely day in Bartlett where the Turtles hiked Black Cap.

Karen, Lorraine, Jane, Nancy, Irena, John   Photographer:  Ricky

Mt Madison and Adams - August 31, 2026

There was a lot of interest in this hike. Twelve of us (!) hiked up Valley Way on a perfect late summer day, with clear skies and cool, dry air. High up on the trail, Steve M cut over to the Airline trail, then on up to bag Adams (5799'), while the rest of us continued to Madison Hut. After a brief stop at the hut to snack, we did the half mile scramble up over boulders to the top of Mt Madison (5367'). On the way up, we encountered two more of us, Larry and Andy, who had decided separately to do the hike also but left earlier. They connected atop Madison and were on their way down. "Small world," amid a much larger one! The view up there is 360 degrees, from looking across the Great Gulf at Mt Washington, part of the Auto Road, across the notch at the Wildcat ski area, sweeping around past the Carter Range, northward to the Kilkenny Range. It seems odd that we couldn't see Mt Adams itself, just a mile and a half to our west, but that was hidden behind Mt Quincy Adams, looming above the hut. Back down at the hut, we took our time having lunch and snacking on the hut's "front porch." Below are Ginger (front), David, Marie, Barbara, Michele, Mary, Jane, Katherine, Dick, Charlie, and Leanne.

 

Our photographer, Lynn:

 

Another group hiked Adams and Madison from a different direction. Pam, Chris, Doug and Steve started from Rt 16 at the Great Gulf Wilderness Trailhead and ascended to Adams on the Great Gulf, Madison Gulf and Star Lake trails. Great Gulf and Madison Gulf are on the NH Terrifying 25 list. At the top of Adams, they met up with Andy and Larry. Upon leaving Adams, the group of 4 headed to Madison Hut and the summit of Madison before descending to Appalachia. Andy and Larry descended partly on Airline and then took the cutoff to Valley Way.

The views and the weather were absolutely tremendous.

Below are Pam, Steve and Doug on the trail. Pic by Chris.

Below are Larry, Pam, Andy, Steve and Doug on the Adams summit. Pic by Chris.

Below are Steve, Doug, Pam and Chris on the Madison summit with Mt Washington to the right.

 On Aug. 28, the Friday Walkers hiked around Knights Pond in Wolfeboro (though perhaps it is in Alton...).  A lovely trail which allows one to see the pond from many different vantage points.

Jane, John, Ricky, Lisa, Kathie, David   Photographer:  Ann

B group hike, Rogers Ledge

 On the third attempt to hike to Roger’s Ledge, we finally made it! The weather cooperated (after two cancellations due to heat and rain), and Michele, John, and I (Mary) enjoyed the good views and wonderful breeze.  Chris, after being waylaid with car troubles, was also able to complete the hike.

B group hike, Mt Percival & Morgan, Aug 21, 2026

Four hikers went in a counterclockwise direction heading up Mount Percival first. Steve and Carol went through the caves to reach the summit. Katherine and Brenda went to the summit via the cliffs route. Great views and snacks at the summit looking out over Squam lake. After a 1 mile traverse to Mount Morgan, another stop for more views, pictures and snacks. Carol, Steve and Katherine descended via the ladders as Brenda went around to meet them.

5.3 miles, 1512 feet, with some fun adventures along the way.

Mt Cabot - August 26, 2026

 We had a very good weather day for our trip up Mt Cabot, the northernmost of the NH 48 4K. The route from near the hatchery on York Pond Rd took us up Bunnell Notch to the Kilkenny Ridge trail. From there it was on and up, first to the cabin near the top, and finally up the last couple tenths of a mile to the wooded, viewless summit. Steve and Brenda decided to continue on, going over the Bulge and to the Horn (a 52WAV peak), down past Unknown Pond, and out via the southern half of the Unknown Pond Trail. Meanwhile, Pam and Chris did that loop counterclockwise. At the end, we all arrived back at the cars over about a half hour or so. Here we are, the hike done, and ready for the long ride home. Front: Katherine, Brenda, Dick; rear: Steve, Chris, Pam, Michele.

 On Aug. 21, the Friday Walkers hiked the Center Harbor Woods and Proctor Wildlife Preserve.  The lack of rain this summer meant that there were no mosquitoes, but also that several of the streams were entirely dry, as were the wetland areas.

Ann, Lisa, John, Lea, Jane, Mary, Kathie, Jorge