Friday March 18, 2005

North & Middle Tripyramid

Today we headed to the summit of Mt Trys with 2 other members of VFTT as we start the final weekend of Winter hiking for 2005.

This is the route we took today.

Directions to the trailhead: Rte 93 or Rte 16 to the Kancamagus Highway. The Pine Bend Brook trail is located 1 miles west of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic area. From Lincon it is located shortly after the 2nd scenic overlook built on the left side of the highway. There is no parking lot at the trailhead, but the there is a pullout with parking for several cars.

Time to summit: North Tripyramid 3 hours - Middle Tripyramid 3:40

This is the profile of the hike.

A 3-D view of our hike.

We met at the parking lot at 8:00 AM. This is the sign marking the trailhead - not easy to find in Winter.

We started out on the Pind Bend Brook trail which crosses the book several times.

The trail makes its way though a growth of pine trees before reaching more open woods. With us today was Mike and Nancy from VFTT. Mike is fro New Jersey, while Nancy is from Maine.

AS you can see behind Geri, the trail was well defined, although it wasn't completely packed so snow shoes were required for traction.

A little over 2 miles into the hike the trail started to gain elevation quickly.

As the trail cliimbed a ridge we were treated to great views of Mt Washington.

As well as closer peaks such as Mt Carrigan which we climbed last weekend during a snow storm.

We also enjoyed great scenery closer to us.

After reaching the Scaur Ridge trail we headed towards North Tripyramid as had some good views of the North Slide.

Almost made us wish we had our downhill skis with us.

The trail is very steep as it winds it's way towards the summit. The trees are still covered with heavy snow a week after the last snow storm.

Three hours after starting we reached the summit of the North peak where we enjoyed a quick snack.

The view to the south is of out next destination - Middle peak, with South peak behind it.

Forty minutes later we reached the Middle peak.

After more food (we do love to eat) we start our return trip under warm sunshine.

Back at the North peak Mike offered to take a shot of the two of us.

Another look at the trail which is packed down about 1 foot.

This trail sign is probably 4 or 5 feet above the ground - there is a lot of snow in the mountains.

We enjoyed a slide down a very steep section as we made our way back to the trailhead. Mike was leaving for a long drive back to NJ, while Nancy was headed home.

We were headed to Twin Mountain when we saw this interesting cloud formation. Another fun Winter hike completed. We have two more hikes planned before Winter ends - next up is Mt Moriah on Saturday.

How many people know that there is a ski jump on the eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway???

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