| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Lonesome Lake Hut, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lonesome Lake Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, January 1, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
plenty at noon on both sides of the visitor's center. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
the tiny brook crossing at about 0.2 mi on the trail was open and not bridged |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
quite a few enjoying their First Hike in 2024 |
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 | Bugs: |
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|
 | Lost and Found: |
saw a grey small size glove laying on snow in parking lot; left it there. |
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|
 | Comments: |
I'm posting to flag that unlike the report on 12/31/23 from an aborted N. Kinsman hike saying that the Lonesome Lake Tr. did not need any traction - spikes were extremely helpful and I think, required as of New Year's Day. Three-quarters of hikers or more wore spikes and while there was only an inch or two of snow atop a stable crust, the added traction made it far more manageable. Thank you to the departing couple carrying their spikes for the heads up so we donned them at the start.
Once at the frozen lake, following others' lead, we walked straight across to the hut through about 2-3 inches of snow and a very solid ice base; the winds were more of an issue on the lake than the solidity of the footpath. The hut was hopping but it accommodates so many that having a table or two of lingering dice-players was fine. I really enjoyed seeing the tiny toddler-size boots left out from a wee future 4K-club member who was there enjoying the hut.
Although clouds rolled in after we reached the hut and obscured the previous partial view of Franconia Ridge, the icing-caked trees were a wonder and a delight on their own. It was a fine First Day hike of 2024 and for me, first time back on the trails since Thanksgiving.
A month of 3x-weekly PT on the right hip/impinged nerve appears to have worked, yay! No matter what the weather or season, it's fabulous to feel the mountain's embrace, and follow the outline of new paths beyond that await in the coming year, even if it's only with your eyes. |
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 | Name: |
TwinMom+1 |
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 | E-Mail: |
mk@mkmarinac.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-01-02 |
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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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