Mt Crawford & Stairs
July 4, 2009
|
Amy suggested that we hike to Mt Stairs today which is just off the Davis Path. Wenzel, Chris, Amy, Geri and I met Dave a little before 9 and were soon headed across the bridge to the start of the Davis Path. The sun was shining with blue skies as we started out.
With all the recent rain the trail was muddy as we expected and the water levels high. There is one stream crossing that we needed to cross. While most of us choose to rock hop, Wenzel opted to shimmy herself across a tree just downstream from us.
The trail maintains a steady grade that gets your blood flowing quickly. There are a few switchbacks along the way, where on one of them during a rest, Chirs pointed out a baby bunny a few feet from us. First time we have seen one in the Whites.
After making our way through the switchbacks we came to the first of several rock slabs with great views into Crawford Notch. After a few photos and a snack, we continued on to the spur trail to the summit of Mt Crawford. As we reached the summit, we could see dark rain clouds approaching which caught us as we made our way back down to the Davis Path. Most of us pulled on rain jackets, but Chris opted to make use of his umbrella.
More rock slabs, more rain and we were at the junction of the spur trail to the Resolution Shelter. Here Dave suggested that we hike DOWN to check it out. Even though we have been here several times this is our first visit to the shelter.
Climbing back up to the trail we stop for a snack and continue on to the spur for Mt Stairs.The end of the trail is on a cliff with nice views and a tent site located few feet away. More food, more dark clouds, more rain as we start our descent back to our cars.
As we reach the river crossing the rain stops and the sun returns. A few minutes later we are back to the car and headed back to Twin Mountain for a cookout to celebrate the 4th complete with fireworks across the river.
Length of Hike: 7:00 hours
Check out our Hiking page
and our
Home Page
