Hike Fail, but there is always Bolivia

So I bailed on my trip. I started getting a little sick on Thursday and got really sick in my tent on Friday night. I figured doing 45-50 mile sin 2 days was not going to be a good thing for me, especially feeling as bad as I did.  

Wak is doing awesome. She has been sending emails and pictures and we spoke on FaceTime last night. She is doing awesome.  I think she likes the fact that there is fruit growing EVERYWHERE.  This will be an Earth Day she will never forget.  

I hope those of you that got to hike, did so. Looks like winter is going to make one last stand this week and put some snow on the tops.

Market in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Coconut tree

Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail

The Map of The Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail

The weather is playing a role as is conditioning.  I feel like I could handle doing The Whites but the weather is not supposed to be the greatest so I am going out to hike the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail with Guthook (http://guthook.blogspot.com/). We are going to do back to back 20+ days so it should be pretty awesome. Im ready to get out and hike, and just be in the woods. This trail looks incredible and I can't wait til Friday.

Welch Dickey Loop 4-15-12

What a great day for a hike. We arrived at the Trailhead at 9:15am. There were a few cars in the lot. The temps were very unseasonable. When we arrived Id say it was about 60-65 degrees. We headed up the Welch Mtn side of the loop first. There was no ice and the trail was very dry. The only ice we saw was on top of Dickey Mtn but we had to search for it.  The views were awesome. The view of Moosilauke showed snow on the very top and Franconia had snow on it, probably just Lincoln and Lafayette.  Over all, a great day for a hike. When we got back to the lot, it was overflowing with cars.

The map of the loop at the trailhead

The sign as we head up

Wakapak hikin

The Ledges

CHEEEESE

The squeeze going up Welch

The view of Mt. Moosilauke from Welch Mtn
Video's BELOW

Mt Moosilauke with snow just at the top

ChacoTaco

Sandwich Dome

Dickey Mtn with a view of Welch Mtn

Heading down

Heading down the trail. Views all the way to the woods

Welch Mtn in the back

Breakin!

Gear Prep

I broke out the tents today and seam sealed the Tarptent. I didn't have to really do anything to the Hubba Hubba. The seam seal video that Henry Shires puts up is awesome.

Henry Shires Seam Sealing Video

I am thinking I will probably need to get some Snowshoes because there may be some snow around Washington.  We will see how the weather pans out

Mt Washington OBS Forecast

I have about 10 days so I figure Ill start getting ready for the upcoming season. SO I have some pictures below.

My Tent, my stove options and my Pack full

The MSR Titan Kettle with Zelph Windscree

The Starlyte. I got this in 2007. I made a fold up pot stand out of Bike spokes and dryer tubing.  It has gotten better with time as the dryer tubing has melted to the spokes. There is still a nice separation so it can be folded at the corners.

The Cat Can Stove (Fancee Feast) on the left and the Starylyte on the right.  Still unsure which one Ill take on the LT. Starlyte is going with me next week.

Next is my tent, all seam sealed up

Henry Shires Double Rainbow. Will be with me on the Long Trail. For now Im rolling with a Hubba Hubba. 

Crampons strapped on, insulated boots, GTX Gaiters as well.  May be strapping snow shoes in as well.  

Developing my stitching skills

So Im getting set. I have to watch the weather. 

White Mountain Jewels!

The AT intersection of The Bondcliff Trail

West Bond looking over at Bondcliffs

When we hiked through The Whites in 2008, we had some amazing days over some of the most beautiful spots. It was also, very crowded being around the end of summer.  There were side trails that we swore we would come back to. Well one of them lies in the Whites and it was so good, we did it twice!.  When you go over The Twins and come out at Guyot, take a little side blaze and go check out one of the coolest trails and campsites.  You come out in the treelike zone at Guyot as well and get full views.  Jump on the Bondcliff Trail and tackle this side hike for maximum views in the heart of The Whites.  Guyot Campsite is just off of the AT. It a hike downhill into a sweet little set up of Tent Platforms and a shelter with a porch. Its $8, has a nice privy and the caretaker is always awesome. Here if you have an early arrival from Galehead, you can set your stuff up and eat and go witness perhaps the most pristine spots in The Whites.  The BondCliff Trail goes up a steep .8 to the spur trail for West Bond. You come out on top and have a really amazing sunset perch overlooking all of the ridges and Presi's.  There is also the top of Mt Bond just a bit further than West Bond side trail along the BondCliff Trail.  Its a fun side trip. The Twins are also impressive from West Bond.

Kearsarge

Wak and some friends of ours Team SNM went hiking yesterday at Mt Kearsarge. They got some views of Mt Washington and they turned out to be some really great shots. Enjoy!
Link to Photos HERE