Dedicating my blog post today to two amazing creatures I saw yesterday .
First a caterpillar
I got the spruce grouse to come in close by playing a recording of a “female alarm” call. I’ve got an app on my phone with bird songs!
I wonder if anyone knows what kind of caterpillar that was – it was about 3 inches long. ?luna moth? That tail is crazy!!
Constantly impressed by mother nature,
Junco
Although southern Maine doesn’t get much publicity, these mountains are very challenging!
Lots of the really steep parts have wooden ladders or rebar steps or railings.
Today was intermittently rainy.
Caught some nice photos when the sun came out
Bunchberry surrounded by…
Moose turds…reminds me of a joke about moose turd pie..
Is this a lobster mushroom?
The magestic yellow birch. I’m getting to love this tree!!
Blue and red
A few insects
Just cute…
A few more…
Nice bolete
Just waiting for Maine to flatten out,
Junco
Rained a bit last night, so had to pack up my tent wet and head out. The highlight of today’s adventure was the climb up Bald Pate – a rocky mountain top with great views.
It was foggy on the way up
Cleared up a bit on top
Rained again lightly in the afternoon but then cleared toward evening.
Saw some nice things
Recognize this mushroom?
How about now?
It’s a chanterelle.
You may remember the shelter graffiti advice
You don’t want to get this desperate
Had a gorgeous camp site on Surplus Pond tonight.
Jojo brought me some trader joes peanut butter that was really thin. I got so hungry yesterday that I was drinking it out of the jar – instant energy
A few more
Plenty of food in my food bag,
Junco
My friend Norbert Horneff always reminded me (in German) that what didn’t kill me made me stronger. I think my White Mountain workouts (which did not kill me) have improved my speed and strength. We did the grueling Mahoosic Notch early today. Huge boulders, no clear path, and rock tunnels so small that you had to take you pack off to get through. It was slow going, but Conductor and I escaped unscathed.
Then we climbed the endless and steep Mahoosic Arm – now THAT made me stronger.
Got some great views at Speck Lake and atop Mount Speck.
Rain predicted tonight and tomorrow. Hope they are mistaken…
Junco
Crossed the border into Maine yesterday afternoon
Southern Maine has many challenging features. This morning, I’ll be experiencing the Mahoosic Notch (an ill defined trail consisting of huge boulders) then the Mahoosic Arm – a very steep, long climb.
Maine has a lot of alpine bogs and wooden structures to protect the big plants
Lots of ladders, too!
Still having nice weather with great views.
Enjoying my early experience in Maine.
J
Last day in New Hampshire today. The trails here have been very steep with long climbs and descents. The granite boulders and steps have required my full attention. The weather has been quite nice and the views (especially above the tree line) have been stunning.
Found my old friend Santiago at the hostel last night. He’s been on the trail since Jan 1, 2016.
The mushrooms keep coming up, and provide some great camera opportunities.
Also saw a few critters
And a few more
Movin’ onJunco
I can’t lie to you. The White Mountains took a toll on me. I rolled into Gorham, NH yesterday tired, sore, and weighing 128 pounds. I’ve been resting, eating, and being thankful for the great weather I had.
I’ve eaten an obscene amount of food – including some great bolete mushrooms we harvested (and some blueberries).
Staying at this beautiful hostel
Reunited with my friend , the conductor, who I have not seen in 3 months
Saw some beautiful things on the way in to Gorham
Stumps serving as substrate for young trees
Mica deposits in many of the local granite
A few treats in the hostel
I summitted quite a few of these. The White Mountains have thrilled and humbled me.
Enjoying the rest – looking forward to Maine.
Junco
Heading northeast from the Presidential range, I reconnected with an old friend, Conductor, who I had not seen in several months.
We climbed Wildcat Ridge and looked back at (from left to right) Mounts Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison, which I had climbed with Jojo the day before:
Many nice views from the fudged including Wildcat ski resort gondola and Carter Notch AMC Hut
The hut far below
And a few mushrooms
Fortunately, another fine weather day.
Planning to visit Gorham, NH today
J
Met up with Johanna Sage Salay yesterday evening and hiked to Lake of the Clouds hut.
I’ve known Johanna since she was born (in Chinle, AZ). She is in med school now in Portland ME. She drove out to do some hiking in the Presidential Range.
This morning we set out on an epic loop hike from Pinkham Notch to the top of Mount Washington
Next stop, Wildcat Ridge!
J
Within the White Mountains of New Hampshire is a series of peaks known as the Presidential Range. I entered that area today and visited mounts Webster (not a president), Eisenhower, Clinton, and Munroe.
It’s a cloudy day but the views were wonderful
Visited the Lake of the Clouds Hut
Saw some nice things along the way
On to the rest of the Presidentials!
Junco
kevin hikes 