| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Long Mountain - West Peak, Long Moutnain - Middle Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Summer Club Road, Lamphere Trail, logging roads, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, February 3, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at the Christine Lake parking lot up Summer Club Road, just me and the ice fishermen today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues on any crossing, trail or otherwise. Well except for me getting a little *too* close in Long Mountain Pond and breaking through haha. Thank GOODNESS for newer waterproof boots |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
What trail!?! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
I saw some snowfleas, one day I'll met the human kind |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A winter wonderland today! Some days you break, some days you take. A huge thanks to Erik H. for his efforts earlier in the week, I expanded upon his track out to Middle today. I needed both for NHHH so it was perfect. Summer Club Road is down to basically dirt again from sled traffic, I was the second set of snowshoes, behind Erik, on Lamphere. I had really good float in the morning, but the sun made its first appearance in over a week, while absolutely glorious, did slightly soften this in the hardwood sections. I was sinking about two inches on the way out. Snowshoes from Lamphere and then back to the car. There is no way without illicit substances will you post hole your way 6.5 miles to Middle. The track is exceptional hardwood walking from logging road to the upper logging road. Again, moose where hanging out in the log yard. I highly suggest more than a bear bell, maybe a cowbell, as to not have a skidmark surprise for either you or the moose.
I followed Erik's westerly route down a logging road again to avoid them, this area is post holed to heck by selfish moose who wont wear snowshoes, then the track becomes a little wonky through the woods, then it absolutely chooses violence as it menacingly ascends to the ridge crest of West, through scrappy stuff. I was still able to move well but I did my best Miley Cyrus impression and I came in like wreckinggg balllll through there. ABSOLUTELY no complaints that I had a tracked out bushwhack, this was the worst part of the day, and its over quicker than my last date.
I also could not find a recognized high point but I feel like I stood on it with due diligence. Set a general north easterly track and then angling east north of the pond, and south east to Middle. Exceptional woods where had from West to Middle, with the exception of the ingress and egress of the area near the pond. I was able to find some moose paths, good enough for them, good enough for me. The woods between the peaks are breathtakingly beautiful right now, a monochrome sea of white - until you look up - and it was those deep cobalt blues only winter offers.
I again did not find the recognized high point (if it is) but I walked over something on another track. I felt there was higher ground further up so I wandered until I felt I could find no higher a spot. There is about 3-4 feet of snow on the ridge, as I found a spruce trap that was up to my nipples.
No issues on the way out, aside from me dipping my foot in the Lake to double check if it was cold or not. If you need the longs, go now! It's awesome out there! |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-03 |
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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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