Today we joined several others for a hike of one of the NH bush whacks on the NEHH list - Vose Spur. A couple of weeks earlier we got a chance to hike with Sabrina who is nearing the finish of her goal of hiking the hundred highest peaks in New England. We expressed an interest to join her on this peak and a plan was formed.
Most of us met at the Highland Center for a hearty breakfast before heading down to Sawyer River Road where the trailhead is located. By 8:45 (Julie, aka Timmus) had joined us as we were a group of 9 - Bob & Geri, Micheal, Sabrina, Terra (aka - fun dog), Jeremy (aka Rocket21), Ray, (aka Jazzbo), Julie, and a friend that I use to work with - Mark.
While getting ready Sabrina entertained us by showing off her battle wounds from a previous weekend of bush whacking and the latest style in hiking boots. A quick application of bug spray and off we went, setting a quick pace, slowing only slightly at the river crossings.
Our first stop came where the trail to Carrigan breaks off to the left. Time for some photos, stories, and a snack. Once again on the move we soon came to what is known as the "c" cutoff. Not much further we came to the 4 foot high rock that is the landmark used to locate a herd path to start the bush whack to the summit. Here we paused while Sabrina and Terra climbed on the rock, soon being joined by Julie - perhaps they were going to play "King of the Hill" ?
Just around the corner from the rock we found a clear herd path leaving in the direction of Vose Spur. Off we go following the herd path which led into a rocky drainage. We followed the drainage for a while before making our way to the top of a small ridge that runs towards the summit. Sabrina and Terra were making much faster progress that the rest of the group, so once in a while we made her stop so the rest of us mere mortals could catch our breath. In one such stop we saw trees moving behind us before a fellow VFTTer popped out of the woods. Vhan joined us for the rest of the hike to the summit.
Not longer after Vahn joined us we came to the well defined herd path which took us to the bottom of the rock slide that is called the Talus Field. There is a carin and the bottom and another at the top left corner marking where the herd path enters/leaves the large field of rocks. Step carefully as they are very loose!
Here we stopped for a lunch break, enjoying the bright sunshine and wonderful views. Jerremy pointed out several peaks in the Ossippee and Sandwich Range. You could see Mt Tremont, Attitash ski area and Mt. Bear, Signal Ridge, Mt Carrigan and much more.
After some snacks and photos we were off the find the summit. From the top of the Talus Field the route is very steep - in one area going straight up over a rocky cliff, but it is easy to follow. Just before the summit we ran into another hiker who was just starting his descent. With a full pack, he had come from Mt Carrigan with plans to summit Mt Lowell and Anderson before calling it a day.
A few more feet and we were at the summit clearly marked with a canister. For all but 3 of us, this was the first visit to Vose Spur adding to the NEHH list whether they were actively working on it or not. But for Sabrina this was number 97, and for Vahn, number 96.
Our return trip was uneventful, making quick time. Back at the parking lot we enjoyed a cold drink before heading our seperate ways, looking forward to another hike together in the near future.
Length of Hike: 6:30 hours
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