| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
The Captain, Mt. Carrigain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Sawyer Pond Road, Sawyer River Trail, herd path, bushwhack, Signal Ridge Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 19, 2022 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Signal Ridge Trailhead. The gate to Sawyer River Rd was still open, but probably not for long. 1 other car when I started, a dozen or so on the return. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Easily rock hopped |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Winter is solidly here and the 4-6" of snow definitely made this a more challenging hike. From the trailhead, I continued down Sawyer River Rd and took a right on Livermore Rd (North Fork Sawyer River Trail), this turned into a herd path that was easily followed to ~2500 ft, where the 'whack began. The woods were moderately thick, not terrible, but the full winter pack complicated things, making squeezing through the tighter trees much more difficult and slower. I went straight for the col between Captain and Carrigan. There was one incredibly steep section that required careful footing and adjustments left/right to avoid icy rock slabs. Once in the col there was a reasonably defined herd path that led most of the way to the top, but surprisingly it seemed to stop a couple hundred yards shy of it and it took me some time to find the recognized high point. Unfortunately the canister was either frozen or overtightened.
By this point I was soaked from constantly having snow dumped on me when pushing through the spruce. I changed out gloves, put on a dry shirt and and rain gear and headed to the pond for a quick view, but didn't stay long as I was getting cold. The hike up to Carrigan was through alternating moderately open/thick woods. Similar to the approach, it would have been pretty good in the summer, but the winter pack, snow laden trees and constant slipping (even with spikes) made for a long slog uphill. At the top I was treated to gorgeous views with full sun, bluebird skies and minimal wind, which made up for all of the effort. I had originally planned to tackle Vose Spur, but looking out over the mile of snow laden spruce to get there, I opted for the sane route and headed down Signal Ridge Trail. All-in-all a great hike and a reminder of how much slower/tougher winter bushwhacking is! |
|
 | Name: |
Ben |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2022-11-20 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
