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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Starr King (attempt), Mt. Waumbek (attempt), NH
Trails
Trails: Starr King Road, Starr King Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, January 4, 2014
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Lot off Route 2 is well plowed. Lot by trailhead is not. High-clearance vehicles might be able to park at trailhead lot (there was a truck there when we left). Others will need to use the lot off Route 2. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes:  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Trail was well packed up the point where I had to bail (about a mile and a half up).  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes:  
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Found what looked like a house key. I wedged it between the signs at the trailhead. 
 
Comments
Comments: I'm writing this to prove a point to my kids - there is never any shame in turning back, even if it is simple 'ole Waumbek and the trail is nicely packed out in front of you.

The temps were cold this morning, but all three of us are experienced and well-prepared for the typical winter 4K fare. We were comfortably warm within the first couple tenths of a mile...but then I began to feel weak. I was well-hydrated, well-fed, and warm, but my pace dropped to a crawl and we couldn't figure out why. We were all warm and had plenty of food and liquids (and emergency layers), but I just felt...weak. Took me an hour to go a mile on a well-packed trail, which is not like me at all. I told the girls I didn't know what was up with me and that we should probably turn around. They were great - chipper and helpful, though a bit disappointed (sunny skies promised a stellar view from Starr King).

On the way down, my left leg suddenly switched into Agony mode and my head simultaneously exploded (massive headache). Had to sit and rest for a bit before I could continue the descent. The girls were well-bundled and fine, and I noticed they both started peppering me with riddles (checking me for hypothermia). Hypothermia was not the issue, something's up with my leg (and head?). Made it down eventually. Saw a bunch of people on the way up and vaguely remember telling someone about the great views from Starr King. Am now home and resting. Doc appointment on Tuesday. Kids enjoyed sledding down the mountain. Our entire aborted trip took as long as it usually takes us to make the summit and back.

So there, Alex and Sage - I am not ashamed to say I had to turn back on a peak. Even if it was an easy 4K on a well-packed trail on a sunny day. It's never wrong to turn back, for whatever reason, on any peak whatsoever. That's how you live to hike another day. :)  
Name
Name: TrishAlexSage 
E-Mail
E-Mail: patriciaellisherr@hotmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2014-01-04 
Link
Link: https:// 
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