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Flume Slide trail February 24, 2008 |
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Today's adventure took us to Mt FLume and Mt Liberty via the Mt Flume Slide trail. This trail is very steep and dangerous in the Summer with wet rocks. But this was the way that Darlene wanted to ascend Mt Flume for her 47th Winter peak. Who were we to argue!
Six of us met at the Whitehouse trail head locted at exit 34A on Rte 93. A little before 9 we were geared up and headed out. Geri, Darlene and I have hiked together before. New to our group was Rebecca, Dave, and Steve who were a great fit, both in hiking abilities and personalities. Soon we were at the junction of the Flume Slide trail and were happy to see it was well broken out - at least at the start. We would later learn that this was not the case higher up. with bright sunshine and blue skies overhead we continued on. This trail has several brook crossings all of which were tricky. Snow bridges were falling apart as we crossed he brooks. Luckily, with one minor exception, we all stayed dry. @ 2.3 miles from the junction the trail the trail starts to get steep. Here the well packed trail all but disappeared. It was now more of a moose trail with some minor post holes to follow. The group that had done this last more or less followed the trail, but did use some artistic license. The trail gets very steep as it goes up open slide areas and narrow wooded sections. In the slide areas the sun had turned the top layer of snow soft where footing was rough. In the shade it was easier to dig a toe in with more secure footing. Up we went, with many rest stops as we continued our cardio workout. Talk about a super stair master! Just when we thought we were at our breaking point we crested the slope and found ourselves just below the summit on flat terrian. A quick snack, some warmer layers and were were ready to hit the summit. Just as we were leaving some more hikers who had been behind us appeared. As we approached the summit we were exposed to the wind for the first time. It stung our bare faces as we turned away from it. A few more steps and Darlene was at the summit - number 47! We spent 15 minutes taking photos and enjoying the 360 degree views. From here we could see most of the White Mountains under cloudless skies. One of the hikers behind us was nice enough to take group photos of us - with 3 cameras - thank you sir! Off we went boot skiing down towards Mt Liberty. Soft snow - well pack path - 45 minutes later we were standing on Mt Liberty. More photos, and off we went back to our cars. Back at the cars all we could talk about was food. We made a mad dash down to the Common Man in Ashland were we recounted stories from the day and other adventures. A great way to end a wonderful day of hiking with some very nice folks! |
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and our