| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Mexico, Paugus Ledges, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Big Rock Cave Trail, Old Paugus Trail, Lawrence Trail, Cabin Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, May 9, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Nice lot across from the trail head. Thanks to the neighbors for allowing access to trails. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Never saw so many little brooks in all my life! Most easy step overs. A few that were on private property had bridges,even the little ones. The one crossing that we found challenging could have used a bridge, but it's in the Sandwich Wilderness, so THAT ain't happening! This was Whitin Brook, a beautiful brook. Once again, I'm going to clarify that our height (lack of it and the short legs that go with that) was the cause, not the brook itself. Today's water level should not be a problem for most. We ended up wading barefoot in a shallow area. It took less than half a minute, so it wasn't too painfully cold. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Lots and lots of blowdowns on the Paugus Trail. However, the crew is to be commended on all the work they've done cleaning up the massive destruction brought about by hurricanes. Since it's a wilderness area, no power tools (chainsaws) could be used for any of this! I wish that I could retire, so that I could help out with this. GOOD WORK, all of you!
In a few places the new evergreens are starting to crowd the trail. Some blazes are faded, but I forget what the policy is on touching them up in wilderness areas. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Did not see anyone, canine or human, today. PLEASE! Watch your dog, there are many ledges with steep drop offs. And bring enough water for the two of you. |
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 | Bugs: |
Those white flakes blowing in the wind only to melt on Prema's jacket surely were not bugs! Cool day with strong winds kept bugs away. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
A belt near Whitin Brook. Sunglasses (non-prescription) near the ledges. We left them at the trail head sign. |
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 | Comments: |
When I saw the weather for today, I asked for the day off. Nice, after being stuck with all that rain for nearly 2 weeks. Wanted to see flowers and views; a recent trail report had photos of yellow violets and and red trillium along these trails. We saw a painted trillium as well. It was colder than I would have liked, but this was a blessing as it kept the black flies away. Great variety on this hike - easy woodland walks, steep climbs, and everything in between. The cave was fun, but some idiots had tagged it. Fortunately, this is fading away.
Underestimate the Sandwich area, and Ferncroft in particular, at your own peril! This looked easy on paper, but it took forever and here I am falling asleep as I write this report! |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-05-10 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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