The Wapack - Hike #2 - Section 2

Saturday April 27

Amazingly, Brian had a free Saturday, so he was anxious to continue what we had started the week before.   I ran some morning errands, and my day freed up, too.  After last week's hike, I ordered a Wapack Trail Guide, so we would have something better than a hand-drawn map for this week's excursion.  Alex, Cassandra, and Dominic were also looking forward to getting outside.  Dominic loves outside.

We parked cars on Old Rindge Road across the street from Windblown XC ski area (where we ended last week).  There were a lot of cars there when we arrived, so we expected the trail to be busy.  However, instead of starting our trek there, we drove north to the old Temple Mountain ski area of NH 101.  Like last year, I had to put my OCD tendencies aside and hike the opposite direction from last week.  I figured that since I really didn't start this adventure at the actual trail beginning anyway, I could be flexible for all these segments.

My camera battery died before we even got started, so I thank Alex for allowing me to use some of his photos.  The resolution is 16 mega-pixels, so if you zoom in you'll get lots of detail.

At the starting point, we are gearing up.  Dominic is in the new super-cool, high-tech backpack on the ground next to Brian.  This was the last hike with the Subaru.. Farewell, faithful friend!

Out initial climb was on this rocky road up Temple Mountain, a former downhill ski area that operated until 2001.  See http://www.nelsap.org/nh/templemtn.html for more information.

This concrete block is what remains of a ski lift standard half-way up the mountain.  The Wapack Trail marker is prominently displayed on the side.

This picture was just too cute.  Dominic is really enjoying the ride and scenery.  He sang little songs  most of the way.

Brian just had to climb to the top of this rock face to catch the view from the top.

This cairn had a very distinctive shape.

There were lots of interesting cairns littering some of the flat areas.

We were treated to fabulous views of Mt Monadnock.  It really sits out there all by itself.  

In this case, what goes down, must go back up again. 

We arrive at the Sharon Ledges, three quarters of a mile long providing a succession of  outstanding views.  We took an enjoyable 15 minute break here and let the baby out to stretch his legs.

"Mmmm, Mommy.  These sticks are delicious."

Cassandra loves the water, so a little mountain stream was a great spot  for a photo.

We hiked right through Dominic's nap time.  The walk ultimately tuckered him out.

This was really cool.  Another lost ski area: Flat Mountain (http://www.nelsap.org/nh/kidder.html).  However, this rope tow is still in use.  Brian talked to the owner who uses a jeep at the top of the hill to drive the rope.  He even has his own small grooming machine and opens for people to ski when the weather permits.  Not today, though.  Bummer.

We finished about 5 minutes after this last photo.  This hike took 3:40 and was 7.1 miles long.  As it turns out, there were quite a few hikers on this trail.  We even saw Aaron and Troop 26, Ashby hiking.  The scoutmaster recognized Alex from his Camp Wanocksett days.  Small world.

I am very impressed with this trail.  Mile-for-mile, the views are incredible for the amount of effort required.

The Wapack - Hike #1 - Section 1B

Augh, Spring!  Mud season - yuk.  Since ski season's over (boo-hoo), I have to do something to get outside.  And I would rather it not be yard work.  So with no pressing engagements, I decided to extend last year's hiking adventure with the shorter (albeit hillier) Wapack Trail.  The Wapack picks up near the northern terminus of the Midstate at Rt 119 in Ashburnham (see last year's Hike 1A).

Today, however, in order to save a little time, Brian and I started hiking at West Binney Hill Road.  FYI, this is a dirt road, and in pretty bad shape from the tough winter.  Lots of little potholes and a little rough on my 10yr-232K Outback.  Be that as it may, we left a car across the street from Windblown XC Ski Area, shuttled to our starting point and started hiking at 12:32pm.

 

Brian and I are ready to start at the mini-lot across the street from the ski area.

The scenery on this section of the trail was quite varied.

No blue sky but grand vistas and comfortable temperatures.

Brian is up at the shoulder (false summit) of Mt. New Ipswich.  On this section of trail we had to travel over 4 small mountains.  Nonetheless, they were still uphill.

A fine view of Mt. Mt. Monadnock in the distance.

At one of the summits, there was this relatively new dedication plaque.

We arrive at the boundary of Windblown XC ski area.  The trail travels the perimeter to avoid damaging the winter trails.

Late April, but still some snow left on this trail.

An XC trail sign and the Wapack sign share this tree.

The tree across the brook creates a natural reservoir and waterfall.

Our hiking time was 2:42, so Brian could make his next commitment.  We estimate the mileage to be about 5.8 miles, but the amount of elevation is unknown.  Let's just say that four small mountains definitely counts for something.