Twins & Galehead - October 20, 2021

Three of us hiked the Twins and Galehead loop. Pam, Larry and Doug completed the hike in some unusual trail conditions. There was wet slushy snow above 4500 feet and it was melting so the whole route was quite wet in many places. This was a 12 mile loop starting at the end of Haystack Rd, ascending to North Twin, 4761 feet, via the North Twin trail, crossing the ridge to South Twin, 4902 feet, via the North Twin Spur. From there, we descended to the Galehead Hut via the Twinway and up to Galehead, 4024 feet, via the Frost trail. We enjoyed the warmer temps and sunshine at the hut. The descent was via the Garfield Ridge and Gale River trails. The views were excellent as the humidity was low.

With this hike completed, Larry finished his third round of the 48 NH 4000 footers, Pam finished her fourth round and Doug finished his fifth round. There was champagne and cake to celebrate these milestones.

Below are Pam and Doug at the summit of South Twin with the Presidential Range in the distance.

And here are the three of us enjoying the celebration.

Washington - October 12, 2021

 On Tuesday October 12, three of us summited Mt. Washington at 6288 feet. Pam and Dick ascended from Pinkham Notch via the Tuckerman Ravine, Boot Spur Link, Boot Spur, Davis Path, Lawn Cutoff and back onto Tuckerman Ravine trails. Doug ascended from Pinkham Notch via Tuckerman Ravine, Huntington Ravine and Nelson Crag trails. The weather was great, and was a record high temp for that day. The skies were clear with no wind and low humidity. The views of the fall foliage in all directions were spectacular. We all descended via the Tuckerman Ravine trail.

It was somewhat surprising and unsettling to meet other hikers still heading up to the summit at 3 in the afternoon and they were still below the Tuckerman Ravine headwall. We all questioned them about their plans but they kept going.

Pictures will be uploaded soon.

Remembering Claude Comier

 Today we gathered to remember the life, love and dedication of Claude Comier.  The Over the Hill Hikers were there to remember many hikes and good times with Claude.  Sandy played a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace, and the family expressed so many heart felt moments.   A beautiful memorial and tribute for such a great man.

Left back row: xxx, Pat Nass, Noel Bodwell, Anne Knight, Frank Siraco, Sandy Price, Clair Smith, Sharon St. Onge, Peter Strople, Ellen Garneau, xxx, Bert Hanson, Rory Cullen (Mary Cullen's son), Leslie Woodsum.

Bottom row: John Buckly, Deb Guyer, Tracy Ripkey

Please forgive me, I could not remember two names.  Please email me if you can help me so I can properly include them.  Thank you.  Tracy

OTHH march in the parade at The Sandwich Fair, 2021

 A sampling of the Over the Hill Hikers marching in the Sandwich Fair.  We might have been a smaller group this year, but we were big on fun!  

The Over the Hill Hikers originated in Sandwich, NH, established in 1979.  Hiking in the parade at the fair has been a long established tradition.  In the 1980's they sang hiking songs that were composed with a light hearted reflection of their hiking season and accomplishments, as well as some spoofs.  They even became known for a hiking stick routine with their hiking poles that we do our best to continue to this day.  

Kinsmans - October 7, 2021 - Tracy finishes the 48!

Eight of us OTHH hiked first up the Mt Kinsman Trail to the north peak, then on to the south peak, where Tracy finished the last of her NH 48 4000 footers! We couldn't have asked for a better early fall day for the hike. The skies were clear, breeze quite light, the air cool and dry, and the views unlimited in all directions - a great spot for lunch. There was cake (two of 'em!), bubbly, and fruit at the tailgate party at the end of the hike. Below, at the south peak, are (seated) Tracy and Cathy, then (standing) Ginger, Pat, Darrell, Doug, Dick, and Pam.

 The Friday Walkers enjoyed the lovely view at the South Peak of Whitten Woods on Oct. 8.

Fred, Joanne, Lea, Ricky, John, Peter

B group hikes Mt. Parker, Sept 30th 2021

The dreary day that started out as drizzle, was just clear enough at the summit to take in some of the foliage views. I think that most of the 8 ladies on the hike would agree that the summit was the best part of this hike, although it is a lovely trial. It was really cold and breezy and the first snowflakes were spittin’……how fun is that?!  :)

 The Turtles hiked Red Hill on Sept. 28.  Although the day was cloudy, those who climbed to the top of the fire tower did have a nice view:

And we all enjoyed the Turtle tradition of eating Cheetos at the top!

Linda, Tracy, Christine, Mary, John, Peter, Ricky, Jorge, Betsy

A group hikes Mt. Cabot, the Bulge and the Horn, Sept 28th, 2021

 We headed up to Cabot doing the loop over to the Bulge and the Horn, a 52 WAV.  Ending with a bit over 11 miles and a total of 3314 feet of elevation gain.  

We had all kinds of weather... rain on the drive up through Pinkham Notch, humidity heading up, cool fog at the summit, breaks of sunshine at the summit of the Horn and more pleasant temps and air for the way down.  The scenery is beautiful with a lot of mud along the trail.  The final rock scramble to the top of the Horn is a group sport with helping hands to pull or push you up.

The foliage was noticeably more progressed from the notch north; beautiful colors coming along.

Lincoln, Lafayette - September 21, 2021

 Ginger, Tracy, and Dick hiked up the Falling Waters trail (aptly named) to the top of Little Haystack. Below are  Ginger and Tracy at one of several scenic waterfalls along the way.

We passed Sandy high up on the mountain, also doing the loop with friends. A short way below the top, Doug and Pam having started later, passed us. Below are the group atop Little Haystack, with Mt Lincoln behind us, further up the Franconia Ridge.

The weather was perfect for this hike - totally clear, with spectacular views in all directions. The trail is above tree line for over two miles. Below is the view eastward from atop Lafayette, looking over the Pemigewasset Wilderness, not seen from any roadway. Seen in the foreground is the long hump of Owls Head,  over 1,000 feet lower and which we did last week. Beyond that and a bit to the left are the Bonds, and further out and back a bit toward the right is Carrigain.

 The Turtles hiked Bayle Mountain on Sept. 21.  What a spectacular day!  The view from the open summit is amazing.  The ledges and rocks can be treacherous when wet, so we were very fortunate that it had not rained recently.

Lea, Deb, Betsy, Ricky, John, Mary, Tracy, Jorge, Cheryl

Photographer:  Andy

B group hike Mt. Hayes, Sept 16, 2021

 Doug B. led the B group up Mt. Hayes out of Gorham, NH.  An interesting start crossing over the river.  We took a detour to the pond, then worked our way to the summit using the Mahoosuc trail.  Once at the scenic overlook, we took in the views but made our way to the actual summit just a bit further.  

We then decided to make the trek over to the Centennial trail junction and that was worth the trip.  We met a thru hiker family, heading north to Maine.  They were carrying all the usual gear, but in addition had a one and two year old with them as well.  I couldn't help but have a million questions like diapers, and temper tantrums, but they were making good time and I had lunch on my mind.  All in all it was another great day on the mountain.

Doug, Lacey, John, Brad, Katherine Tracy

Cheryl, Patsy and Barbara

 The Turtles hiked Mt. Roberts on Sept. 14 -- an absolutely gorgeous day to enjoy the amazing views.  Half of the group headed straight back down from the top, and the other half took a longer route down (High Ridge Trail to Faraway Trail to Cold Spring Trail), treating ourselves to a well-deserved ice cream after a hike of 8.7 miles.

Lea, John, Ricky, Mary, Peter, Tracy, Deb. Jorge

Photographer:  Andy

Garfield - September 14, 2021

Leanne and Karen set out at 8AM to summit Mount Garfield 4500’. We had a beautiful crystal- clear day, and with no bugs, it was a bonus. We ate lunch at the top and took in the spectacular views. We were down by 2:30 to enjoy the rest of this beautiful Tuesday!!!

And it doesn’t get any better than this as you can see from the photos. Dry trail for the most part.

Owls Head - September 13, 2021

Tracy and Dick were awaiting a nice early fall day, with cool temperatures and dry air, for the long 16-mile Owls Head hike. Doug and Pam were along also, although they had done the hike earlier in the summer. Pictured below are all four of us on the steep, rocky slide up the side of Owls Head, then Pam, Tracy, and Doug at the wooded summit. For Tracy, it was peak #46!

Eisenhower - September 7, 2021

 Five of us took the Edmands Path up to Mt Eisenhower, in the southern Presidentials. While sunny elsewhere, the higher peaks were in the clouds. But as the morning went on, the cloud ceiling lifted somewhat and breaks developed. At the summit, we were in and out of the clouds, with those sudden and stunning views of adjacent peaks. One had to be quick with the pics, or the view was lost. Up out of the trees, the wind was quite a breeze, with temperature somewhere around 50, and we were bundled up. Below are Steve, Dick, Marie, Pat, and Ellen at the summit cairn. A moment before the picture there was a view, but...

 The Turtles at the end of the Big Pines trail in Tamworth, after climbing to the fire tower at the top of Great Hill.

John, Lea, Tracy, Andy, Deb, Mary, Joanne, Jorge

Photographer:  Ricky

B group hikes Chocorua and Middle Sister, Sep 7, 2021

 Following a good bit of rain, and a lot of humidity, we had a lovely day for hiking.  We took the Champney Falls trail up, stopping to enjoy the beautiful falls between 1.4 and 1.7 miles.  The trail was plenty wet and muddy, but otherwise in good condition.

We hit the summit to Chocorua just under 3 hours and sat briefly to enjoy the views and a lunch at the top.  On the way down we took the cut off trail over to Middle Sister to check out the structure and opposing views.  The complete hike took us about 6 hours.  The bear sighting at the end of the day was a nice treat.

Doug, Claire, Tracy and Anne at the summit of Chocorua

Doug heading up to Middle Sister, the opposing view of Chocorua

Middle Sister

Cute little bear sighting on the way down.