AUGUST 6TH HIKE: TIMBER CAMP

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A large and enthusiastic group of hikers headed off to Timber Camp and beyond, guided by two able WVAIA hike leaders, Gary Moak and Dan Newton. On the way, they heard the story of a small sparrow of some kind, whose nest was unexpectedly found, the previous week, next to a water-bar just below the Timber Camp kiosk. At the time, there were four red freckled eggs in the nest. One would like to think that all four flew the nest to young adulthood, but can't help but wonder, why did she build her nest in the ground? We have our research staff looking into this, but if anyone out there knows why, feel free to let us know...





The time of year did not grace us with a plethora of wildflowers or mushrooms; however, we saw several species of clubmoss, the dissembling fern allies that look like moss but aren't; such as, Staghorn Clubmoss, Shining Clubmoss, or Ground Cedar Clubmoss [pictured below]





Other nefarious species [pictured below], were seen, but not identified...

Hikers at the stone bench beyond Timber Camp enjoyed a fabulous view of Painted Cliff [below and right], the sheered-off eastern edge of East Osceola. From the same vantage point, two other cliffs were seen: K1 and K2 on the western side of Mount Kancamagus; and, north through the Mad River Notch, the expansive cliffs on Mount Huntington.

Galehead Hike

A COOL CLOUDY DAY ON GALEHEAD

JULY 3OTH, 2011

Left to right: Gary Moak, Samir & Nadia Kassissieh, and Dan Newton 

Despite the forecast of clearing skies, the mountains remained blanketed in a wet fog-like cloudscape, as if they were holding onto the brief bit of rain they'd received the night before. The rocks were slippery, the conversation lively, and all enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the hut. 

  

JULY 16TH TRAILS DAY FELLS PLENTY OF TIMBER ON THE TIMBER CAMP TRAIL

Overgrowth at the hairpin turn was no match for the tenacious crew. The trail, a delightful strolling amble up the foothills of East Osceola, will be in fine shape for the upcoming WVAIA hike, August 6th. This hike, with two leaders, offers the option, for those who are feeling adventurous, of continuing past the terminus of the trail on a unique extended ramble up a bootleg trail to a great view of four different cliffs, as you sit on a stone bench and watch the breeze filter through the leaves of the paper birch trees...

A MUST hike for anyone who thought they'd been everywhere on the Waterville Valley trail system! To register, email us at wvaiatrails@gmail.com.

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The day's crew: Mike and Claudia Connelly [left]; and, Gary Moak and Brenda Conklin [right]. Photograph by Dan Newton

Next Trails Day: September 24th

Croquet with the WVAIA: Sundays at 3:00PM

The historic association between the WVAIA and local Croquet enthusiasts, which began sometime in the late 1800's, is still hitting it through the wickets in 2011. The WVAIA sponsors the Sunday gatherings and invites all who are interested to come and watch and/or play. The friendly, casual and relaxing Sunday afternoon atmosphere is a perfect way to wind down after a long weekend hike.

Click on the photos to enlarge: 

The discerning crowd looks on as....

Resident expert, Jim Hamlin, shows us how it's done.

Mike Kater lines one up

Russ Carlise, our leader, aiming for two shots

Hike with Shakespeare in the Valley Actors

WVAIA Treasurer, Susan Hammond [left], on the Welch Ledge with the Shakespearean actors, who, naturally, pose very well.

 

A BIG TURNOUT FOR THE JULY FOURTH PICNIC

Good food, good weather, good company...
click on the video below and hear the goodness...

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY on the Welch Mountain Trail

 Volunteers from the WVAIA [ the official Welch/Dickey Cooperator, in partnership with the United States Forest Service] and the Chiltern Mountain Club [trail "adopter"], joined forces to tackle the very difficult task of mucking out the water-bars and drainage ditches along the opening section of the Welch Mountain Trail. The trail, without question our busiest trail responsibility, and therefore, our most vulnerable trail, received the full treatment, as four members from the WVAIA, and four members from the Chiltern Mountain Club,  wielded four grub hoes and two fire rakes, a well as a shovel, some loppers, and two saws, to do the job. In an effort to curb the "walking" of the trail on the traverse below the Welch Ledges, volunteers also did extensive scree work. At the day's end, there were muddy boots and tired bones, as well as the pleasure of renewed friendships and the feeling of a job well done.

Our next trails Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 16. We meet at the Town Square gazebo in Waterville Valley at 8AM. If you want to come along, send us an email at wvaiatrails@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Goodrich Rock

Undaunted by cloudy skies, humidity, rapacious bugs, and the threat of thunderstorms, ten hikers started their Memorial Day weekend at Waterville Valley with a hike to Goodrich Rock.    In addition to having a really cool ladder (yes, everyone climbed the ladder), this hike is of geologic interest because the Davis Boulders and Goodrich Rock, itself, are among the largest glacial erratics in New England.                                                                                                                                                                      

Pictured, from left to right are Brenda Concklin, Cheryl Moak, Roy Loiselle, Matt Adams, Ellen Adams, Marilyn Clarkson, Bill Weeks, Susan Wood, and John Bibas.  Not pictured is hike leader Gary Moak. 

It didn't rain, and the trail was totally dry, thanks to the great work done by the WVAIA trail crew earlier in the month.  Despite the overcast, the valley view from the top of Goodrich Rock (2250') was spectacular.

SPRING SKI & SHOE ADVENTURE

Join us for APRIL BACKCOUNTRY SNOWSHOEING AND SKIING

Saturday, April 9 on The Scaur Ridge Trail

and the North Slide

Whether you are a skier or a snowshoer, or both, this is an extraordinary day. One can ski or shoe up Livermore Road and Livermore Trail, which, after two hours, arrives at the Scaur Ridge trailhead. Another hour, hiking on a sun baked logging road, with a spectacular view of the North Slide, and the trail merges with the Pine Bend Brook trail, where one can see a magnificent view of Mount Washington. From there, skiers continue on the Mount Tripyramid trail, and snowshoers, after a leisurely lunch, can descend via the route of ascent; and, if they want, stop and watch the skiers, who eventually can be seen through the naked branches of the trees skiing down the North Slide. Skiers can be telemarkers skinning up the whole way, or snowshoers with alpine gear. The North Slide is very steep, a bit steeper than True Grit and Bobby's Run at Waterville Valley, but not as severe as Tuckerman Ravine. Due to the fact that the group will split, sufficient numbers in both parties will be necessary to ensure everyone's safety. Weather conditions will be even more of a factor than normal for the skiing portion of the day. If you are interested, or have any questions, email us at wvaiatrails@gmail.com.

1. We meet at the Town Square gazebo at 8AM
2. No charge for members, or guests [who might entertain the idea of becoming a member.]
3. Bring lunch and snacks and plenty of water. This is an all-day adventure.

SPRING SKIING ADVENTURES

Gema Gema

on the Kancamagus Brook Ski Trail

April 2, 2011

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Gathering for a short break at the junction where the Kancamaus Brook ski trail diverges right off the Greeley Ponds Trail, a few skiers unpack their skins in preparation for the sustained ascent, others are peeling off a layer of clothing, despite the occasional snow shower, and one says a short prayer, looking skyward to the ski gods, then it's time to get going.

"Gema, gema," Lisa says, with a happy face. "Let's go!"

Despite some blow-downs early on, we make good progress. The brook is barely visible among the snow-laden trees. Although the way is ensconced in white, the trail is distinct, maintained as a cross-country ski trail by the US Forest Service, and marked by blue diamonds.
The thick wet snow that fell the night before makes the ascending easier than usual. After the switchback, the trail gets steeper and we gain elevation quickly, stopping for a rest and a peek through the trees at Painted Cliff on East Osceola. 

Painted Cliff

And soon, having reached the saddle between Flume Peak and North Mount Tripyramid, the daunting North Slide looms above the trees, beneath the unsettled skies.

The North Slide

After lunch at the junction with the Livermore Trail, we begin the descent, successfully negotiating a perilous brook crossing not far from the lunch spot, and then we're moving smoothly and sliding as we're kicking and gliding through the balsam fir trees that line the trail, as we pass near the site of the old Flume Brook logging camp, and then downhill, we don't stop, until we reach the civilized groomed slopes of Livermore Road, where we stop for a photograph, and then continue toward home.

TRAMPING RECORD

A GRAND FINALE

ON THE FLETCHER CASCADE

19 March 2011
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Happy trampers at the Drake Brook
parking lot under blue sky

The fearless leader with an unusual growth
of snowshoes on his back

A peek at Noon just after 1:00PM

New member, Bill Weeks,
prepares to do the limbo across Bowlder Brook

The cascade, bubbled with ice, looms above Marilyn

That's Nadia, Brenda, Jim, Suzie,
Marilyn and Bill on the trail

Blowdowns hinder the approach
at the base of the cascade

Bill negotiates the steeps
in the trees climbing around the ice fall

The view from Fletcher Cascade

Views from March 19 Fletcher Cascade Hike

Mt. Osceola

Mt. Tecumseh

Mt. Tecumseh and Mt. Oseola

MOUNT MORGAN HIKE

On February 19, 2011, a group of seven WVAIA hikers climbed Mt. Morgan on a beautiful, winter day.  The group led by Gary Moak, and included Cheryl Moak, Brenda Conklin, Marilyn Clarkson, Gig Babson, Bill Weeks, and Richard Klepper.  The summit was reached without difficulty.  The view of Squam Lake was breathtaking, as was the frigid breeze, which made lunch on the summit short, but sweet.

RANDOM WINTER PHOTO GALLERY #1

A break along the Flat Rocks Overpass Feb.12

Green Mtn Logging Road Jan. 8 [Noon Peak in background]

The WVAIA raffle and Annual Meeting Feb. 5