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Feb 10, 2006 |
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We took today off from work to enjoy a clear day with low wind to hike a pair of mountains in the Sandwich Range - Whiteface and Pasconaway. Our loop had us ascending Whiteface via the Blueberry Ledge trail, then traverse to Pasconaway via the Rollins trail to the Dicey Mills trail where we would hike to the summit and then take this trail back to our cars. The loop is 11.9 miles in length.
Joining us for the hike was Magic, Gaiagirl, TJH, and Ghostdog. We met at the Ferncroft parking lot at 7:30. After much discussion (whining) about the condition of Rte 113, we headed out, first on the long driveway, then crossing a bridge onto the Blueberry Ledge trail. The trail maintains a gentle grade to begin passing through woods and open slabs where you will find blueberrys in the Summer. The trail was mostly pack snow, but we did find some bare spots in southern facing rocky areas. Continueing up the trail we arrived at the ledges that this mountainis famous for. Ghostdog scotted up them with no issues - making use of her built in crampons. The rest of us had no problems with the first set of ledges, but encountered glare ice at a second set. Magic scampered his way up with help to create a foot hold via a set of hands. From there we helped each other up either providing a foot hold or a hand hold. Gaiafirl decided she wanted to try her crampons out, and climbed unassisted up the ice. We soon arrived at the first of two views, one facing Pasconaway and the other facing south just below the summit. We enjoyed the views and cloudless sky while having a snack. Soon we moved onto the Rollins trail towards Pasconaway. This trail was alos well broken out - and covered with snow soft enough for good footing. Nearing the junction with the Dicey Mills trail we ran into a gentleman coming towards us. He asked if we had seen his hiking buddy whom he had seperated from. After learning that he had not come this way he headed back towards Pasonasay. After another break we reached the trail junction and once again met the misplaced hiker. He had not found his friend so was returning to his car. The Trail to the summit from her was slippery in spots, but we found it easy to navigate around. As we neared the summit we heard the other hiker calling out for the misplaced hiker :> This guy had the map and had climbed their plan to the summit of Pasconaway. After we let him know his buddy had returned to the car we continued on to the summit which is at the end of a short spur trail. After yet more snacks we headed down to our cars, still enjoying fabulous weather. To compare how Whiteface looks during the summer you can view a previous trip report from July 2004 at: http://rbhayes.net/sleeper.html
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Directions to the trailhead: From exit 24 on Rte 93, follow Rte 113 East to Rte 113A. Turn left on Ferncroft Rd at Wonalancet Village. |
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and our