Mt Jefferson - June 9, 2026

 It was a great weather day for a hike/rock climb up the Caps Ridge Trail to Mt Jefferson. This trail is on the "Terrifying 25" list, although most who have climbed those "hands required" rock scrambles and steep ledges, which earned the trail a spot on that list, have said they did not think the word "terrifying" really applies. This trail is, however, one where both ascent and descent take longer than "book time." Perhaps half the trail is above tree line, and the long views south to Washington and the southern presidentials and west all the way over to the Franconia Ridge and Mt Moosilauke are always rewarding. Up on the last boulder-strewn stretch over and up to the summit, we had a nice view down into Washington's Great Gulf and up its snow-patch strewn headwall.

Below, at the trailhead start, are Pat, Charlie, Michele, Larry, Barbara, Mary, and Chris (pic by Dick).

 

 

The first Friday Walk of the season on June 5, from Wolfeboro to Lake Wentworth via the Wolfeboro Rail Trail.

Ray, Ann, Nonnie, Nancy, Lea, Jane, Robyn, Kathie, Sally

Mt. Moosilauke - June 2, 2026

 A few of us decided to hike Moosilauke on Tuesday as the weather improved over earlier forecasts. We were all very pleased that we did as the weather was great and the views were superb. Although there was some haze, we could easily see Killington, Pico, Ellen, Camel's Hump, and Mansfield in Vermont along with too many to mention in NH. It was a little windy at the summit but otherwise, an absolutely gorgeous day.

Below are Hillary, Mike, Doug, Pam, and Meg. Larry was there, too but nowhere to be seen!

Mt Moosilauke - June 3, 2026

The A group hike of the week, up Moosilauke, was moved from the usual Tuesday to the next day, due to earlier expectations of unsettled weather of Tuesday. As things turned out, the lingering moisture from the weekend's rain moved out totally. A group who couldn't go Wednesday did the hike on Tuesday, while the rest of us went Wednesday, and both days were simply great both days. Our Wednesday group hiked up via the Gorge Brook Trail, had lunch, and descended via the "Carriage Road" trail (hardly a road, although perhaps a small tracked vehicle could make it's way over the rocks). Some of us took a short side hike to the south summit, which has nice views to the west and back up to Moosilauke. Further down Carriage Road, we took Snapper back to Gorge Brook.

Below, at the top, are Barbara, Charlie, Pat, Chris, Dave, and Dick.

 

 The Turtles' first hike of the season, on June 2, was Mt. Katherine.  A beautiful day!

Monty, John, Tracy, Lea, Karen, Ann; Jorge, Mary, Nancy, Anne, Jane

B group, hikes Blueberry Mt. in Benton, May 28, 2026

For a delisted peak, you can still get some beautiful views on the hike, but not at the summit.  We added a couple of miles due to parking at the nearby Glencliff Trailhead, so we were able to get about 5.5 miles AND beat the afternoon rain showers.  

    From Left to right: Chris, Tracy, Denise, Jean, Barbara, John, and Jane

Chris and Jean decided to add Black Mountain and take a look at the kilns.  They managed to stay dry with that hike too, so all in all a banner day!  

  

B. group hikes, Mt. Stinson, May 21st

The B group kicked off its 2026 hiking season with Stinson Mountain, a 52 WAV.  It was a great warm up hike, and would be ideal in winter due to its gentle grade.  It was a bit breezy at the summit, as much as we are all ready for shorts, it is still a bit early for them.  I was glad to have my gortex shell to help break the chill.

back row left to right: Tracy, Cathy, Donna, Ken, Chris, Mel

Sarah, Katherine, Ginger, Robin, Peter