July 25, 2004

Whiteface-East & West Sleeper-South Trypiramid

Sunday's goal was East Sleeper which is one of the peaks on the NEHH list. Geri had really enjoyed the hike up Whiteface a couple of years ago, so wanted to take this route. We added West Sleeper, as well as South Trypiramid which Julie needed for her Y-alpine list. Whiteface has a cliff face on one side and numerouse ledges that require some scrambling to scale. The overall hike was @ 15 miles round trip.

This is the profile of the hike from our GPS.

We were joined for the hike by Dannette, Julie, and Dugan. (the hairy one)

This is a shot of the lower section of the Blueberry Ledge trail. We assume it is named for the many blueberry bushes and ledges on the trail.

Dugan taking a rest on the trail. ALthough we found a lot of water and puddles on the upper section of the trails, he relied on the cool ground to cool off at the lower elevations.

Dugan wondering how he is going to get up the first of many scrambles. He needed a little coaxing in some spots, but usually found a way to ascend on his own.

Some areas of the ledgs had steep ledges such as this one.

Geri coaxing Dugan with a treat :> Although he needed a lift at a few spots where we all had to pull our selves up, Dungan did a great job. Amzaing how dogs adapt as needed.

A view of Mt Chocura taken from the ledges near the top of Mt Whiteface.

The face of Mt Whiteface.

Memorial on the summit of Mt Whiteface.

View from the simmit - it was a cloudy day with very little wind.

Other than this group who passed us just before the summit, we only saw 4 other hikers all day.

Dannette and Dugan relaxing on the summit of Mt Whiteface.

Julie getting ready to head out for the next peak on the agenda - East Sleeper.

Geri checking the map one last time.

We made it! Here we are at the summit of East Sleeper.

This was our 67th summit on the list of the New England Hundred Highest, and number 89 for Julie. Next we headed over to West Sleeper which was number 74 for us on the Y-alpine list, and number 88 for Julie.

Dugan taking a rest on West Sleeper.

The summit of West Sleeper is in the trees, as is East Sleeper. We stopped here to enjoy our lunch.

Next we headed over to South Trypiramid. This is a shot looking down the slide that we ascended.

The view from teh Slide is breathtaking. The two peaks in the center are Welch and Dickey which are over by Waterville Valley.

Geri and Julie descending.

All that was left was to retrace our steps back to the car - 7 1/2 miles away :> We crossed many small streams, stopping here to fill our water bottles before the final push back up Whiteface and then the trail back to the car.

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