Sunday June 26, 2005

Owl's Head

With another hot day forecasted we joined Sherpa John ad he completed the NH48 for the 2nd time. This time it took him slightly less that 5 months.

This is the route we took today. As you can see we went much further on the Wilderness trail was planned. This turned a 18 mile hike into 23 miles.

Directions to the trailhead: From Lincoln head East on the Kanc until you arrive at the Lincoln Woods parking lot on tleft in @ 5 miles.

Time to summit: @7 hours

A closer look at the Lincoln Brook trail adn Slide trail. I accidently shut the GPS off near the summit so the track shows as a straight line, but in reality ot meanders a bit after you reach the top of the slide on a well marked trail.

Time to summit: @7 hours

The profile of our hike.

A 3-D view of our hike to the summit.

Here we are at the start of the hike.

The view north from the bridge.

The Wilerness trail follows an old railroad bed and is very straight - a depressing 3 miles on the return trip.

Geri watching Sherpa John apply bug spray while trying to walk.

You are on the wrong side of the river if you are looking for the campsite!.

Teh first of many river crossings - this one via bridge just past the the Franconia Falls trail.

John and his plastic moose "48".

Your not in Kansas John!.

Hmmm - we should have realized that we should not being seeing this sign. But we were lost in conversation and kept on going.

An old covered bridge for the railroad.

The view from the other end.

This is the Suspension bridge that the Wilderness Trail follows to the East side of the river.

Geri on her way across - just as John shouts that we have gone to far.

We turned around after realizing we had hiked 2.5 miles past the turnoff :< After adding 5 extra miles to our planned 18 miles hike we reach the Lincoln Brook trail.

John pulls out his map again - just to be sure.

While John checked the map, Geri pulled out some treats.

Our first real crossing - Teva's and water shoes made it easy. The water was cold but refreshing.

Once on the other side we relax, enjoying the sun, river, and butterflys.

Sherpa John taking the plunge.

Missing Sarah.

Geri has a friend!

Close up of her friend.

Finally we reach the start of the Owl's Head Slide trail.

With our 5 mile additon the timing worked out such that we met Dr. Dasypodidae from VFTT at the bottom of the SLide trail.

John had taken an AMC trail maintenance skills session on Sat. Here he puts it to use as he rebuilds the carin at the bottom of the slide trail.

A view of the GPS at the summit - notice the position and altitude.

This shows the number of satallites and varience.

John celebrating #48 for the 2nd time.

Tom relaxing on the summit.

Geri doing the same as we rest for the 9+ mile return trip.

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