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Post by davidnh on May 21, 2009 17:17:56 GMT -5
would hiking from Deception campground to Apple brook in onedaday be a bit too much? I would hope to get to Applebrook by 4pm ish. (Caution: This is not from personal experience but eyeballed figures from maps, databook and the rough overlays I did on Google Earth, they might be off, and so I might be very wrong). It looks to be approximately 20 miles from Deception Camp to Applebrook with approx 1500 ft gain in elevation up Owlshead. Sunrise seems to be around 5 am which would mean a 2mi/per hour average (including all breaks) for the day in order to arrive at the B&B by 4pm. Depending on how fit you are, it seems doable. However, Id also imagine that it depends on your haul before then. If you are moving from the southern terminus to Mt Deception campground in 2 days - the 20 mile day 3 might be asking a lot. Applebrook to Mt Cabot shelter is approx 15 miles and there seems to be some decent elevation changes along the way- but again, seems doable theoretically. But again, it would depend on your fitness and how much you pushed it the days prior. I probably couldn't do it if it was day 4 with the previous 20 mi day 3. The maps and guidebook do single out Kilkenny as a possible dry stretch. But the maps (and databook) show a few water areas- From the databook: - (Mile 44.4) Mt Starr King Trail (trailhead) - Water - (Mile 46.3) Water- spring on left The databook then doesnt have any mention of water until Mt Cabot Lodge. Maps: There seems to be a few potential water sources between The summit of Starr King and Mt Cabot. - water source between Middle Weeks and Mt Weeks - water source in Willard Notch - off the CT junction with York Pond Trail - water source in Bunnell Notch- off the CT- junction with Bunnell Notch Trail Hope this helps- but others with real experience might be able to provide more trustworthy information:) I'm revising my itinerary- will probably bypass the Presidentials and begin instead at 302/ Cherry Mt Road then take those 2 days saved and use them as rest days along the way. Paull, if you look at the part of the website referred to as trail mileages days 1-6, it is indicated 15 miles from Zealand Campground all the way to Jefferson Village at rt 2. David
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Post by percy peaks on May 25, 2009 18:55:03 GMT -5
WATER IN THE KILKENNY
The biggest problem in the Killkenny is finding the spring on the south flank of Mt. Weeks (between Middle and Mt. Weeks) dry. If it has been a dry spring or summer, this spring does dry up completely.
You must obtain water (northbound) at the spring below Start King. It's an absolute must. If you find the Mt. Weeks spring waterless, you must cross over the summit and down into the notch on the other side to find a reliable source of water.
Also, it can be tough to get reliable water near the summit of Mt. Cabot. Above the old fire tower cabin a quarter mile there is a sign that points to a spring. But that spring is located well down the mountain on a bushwhack path that is not marked. If the red flagging is down, it can be tough to locate.
So, on the way up to Cabot cabin, be sure to tank up and have at least a quart with you when you arrive at the cabin. You'll need it.
percy peaks
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paull
New Member
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Post by paull on May 26, 2009 7:59:14 GMT -5
Paull, if you look at the part of the website referred to as trail mileages days 1-6, it is indicated 15 miles from Zealand Campground all the way to Jefferson Village at rt 2. David Hmm, you are right. However, the databook has the Jct. to Mt Deception Campground at mile 24.0 and Applebrook B&B at mile 43.4. If you rough the distance on the maps, it seems the distance is much closer to the Databook than that expected by the 'Approximate Distance' pages.
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Post by ridgerunner on May 26, 2009 8:58:53 GMT -5
Also, look for the new trail which bypasses Ben Young Hill and the Rt 145 road walk. The trail was opened yesterday with new signage and blazing.
After Weir's Tree Farm, go straight on the snowmobile trail at the junction for Ferguson's Field. (you can still turn here for Rudy's Cabins). The trail comes out at Deadwater Loop. At this junction, you can go right (moose and bear sightings are possible) and go to Cedar Stream Rd. Turn left and walk a hundred feet or so and get back on the old CT (Lake Francis Trail). You can also go left and come out to Cedar Stream Road. Turn right and you will be again on the old CT trail.
Any questions, please feel free to ask.
Ridgerunner
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Post by MtnGoat2 on May 27, 2009 10:08:19 GMT -5
Okay - Here's the run-down on the Ben Young Hill by-pass...from South to NorthWhen you get to Weir's Tree Farm, you'll be staying on the original trail until you get to the junction near Ferguson's Field (see map below)... At this junction, if you're planning on staying at Rudy's Campground, then take a left - pass around a gate, then enter a field - going straight across to another gate...onto Ferguson Road then left onto Clarksville Pond Road and Rudy's is on your right about 1 mile or less.... From Rudy's, retrace back to the junction below the field again but continue on snowmobile trail 21 all the way to the Deadwater Loop Rd. (approximately 1.5 miles). Once you get out to the Deadwater Loop - you'll see a sign.... If you go right, you'll be walking about 7 miles out to Cedar Stream Rd (at a triangle junction-bear left). Then watch for the 'CT North' sign at the Bog Branch cut-off with a kiosk down over the hill. If you take a left, it's approx. 2 miles to Cedar Stream Rd. where you'll take a right and follow the lake to the Bog Branch cut-off and the original trail. Water sources are more plentiful on the second option and the distance is about the same. MtnGoat had the pleasure of running across these two while on the trail...
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paull
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Post by paull on Jun 23, 2009 13:01:29 GMT -5
T-minus 7 days and counting... food is all packed and beginning to be shipped off. All equipment is accounted for and some changes have been made where necessary...
(on a side note: I had an 'interesting' hike to NH 2 fridays ago- ended up being a 15 mile loop with 35 lbs on my back that I hadnt planned on- ascending Tripyramid by both south slide and then north slide.. the whole debacle meant 13 hrs on trail. I was stubborn and didnt want to camp then night even though I had planned on it (Dont ask). Did I mention that I had driven 4 hrs that morning to start at 7am? or that I then drove the 4.5 hrs back.. so it ended up being about a 24 hr adventure. I couldnt walk much the next day.)
Anyhow, it almost derailed me from this trip, but the blisters (and my pride) have healed.
Oh and the black flies did a job on my legs.
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Post by pedxing on Jun 24, 2009 12:19:08 GMT -5
Have a great hike Paul - I look forward to seeing your trip report.
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Post by David on Jun 24, 2009 12:24:17 GMT -5
My Cohos Trail adventure starts this coming Sunday (6/28). Yahoo! I have all my food, and am in process of packing.
Trying very hard to blow all the clouds to the south! Is two weeks of sunshine so much to ask for?
DavidNH
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paull
New Member
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Post by paull on Jun 24, 2009 19:09:15 GMT -5
My Cohos Trail adventure starts this coming Sunday (6/28). Yahoo! I have all my food, and am in process of packing. Trying very hard to blow all the clouds to the south! Is two weeks of sunshine so much to ask for? DavidNH Odds are - we will meet on the trail. Looking forward to it.
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Post by pedxing on Jul 22, 2009 11:17:25 GMT -5
I'm heading to the border tomorrow morning. I'm not thrilled with the weather forecast, but there have been worse stretches over the last 6 weeks.
Thanks to everyone here and everyone involved in the CT and especially Mtn Magic for helping with the planning and logistics and - of course - maintaining and developing the trail itself!
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Post by MtnMagic on Jul 22, 2009 19:07:46 GMT -5
Dear readers, I paid PedXing plenty to say that! You are most welcome. Just to let the readers know about camping at Mt Deception c.g. Hot showers, great potable water, and even a laundry with good driers! Also under a mile from here on Old Cherry Mtn Rd are 13 Free USFS camping sites. To save a few $$. Well then Ped, it's off to the border we shall go. The journey starts tomorrow. Run like a deer. Fly like an eagle. Happy trails my friend!
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Post by MtnMagic on Jul 29, 2009 19:26:46 GMT -5
Met Phil, a sobo, hiking the Nash Stream Rd on Monday. Greeted pedXing, another sobo exploring NH's great unknown. We had dinner together at Headwaters Gate later that day.
The hikers will share their thoughts and travels on the boards when they complete their journey. Much to see, much to discover, much to share, on the Cohos Trail. It's all about fellowship. Ain't life grand!
Stay tuned folks.
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Post by pedxing on Aug 4, 2009 12:44:26 GMT -5
I finished the Cohos yesterday morning. I almost came out the night before - but a storm was brewing and didn't have my own transport off the trail so I spent a last night at Resolution shelter. I was glad I did because I was greeted by a glorious day and Mt. Crawford provided fantastic views and my first ripe wild blueberries of the trip.
I had planned to keep hiking after the Cohos, working my way over to Vermont where I would meet my wife. The constant wetness of the trail, however, took a toll on my feet - so I decided to head home after finishing the Cohos and take a few days off the trail before deciding what to do next. A very kind Canadian couple picked me up hitch hiking from Davis path and drove me to the bus station in North Conway.
I received wonderful hospitality from Magic (who surprised me with a great trail side meal!) and from the Castines at Mountain Bungalow.
Right now, I am trying to get a lot of work done - so I can spend some more time backpacking next week. I'll have more to say before August is done - not sure when though. I've been craving beef, salad and fruit since getting off the trail.
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Post by MtnMagic on Aug 5, 2009 8:00:15 GMT -5
Hey there pedxing, great to hear from you! So glad you completed your wonderful journey safely and in style, my friend. Took your advise, as well as Sobo Phil's, about the Lake Francis Trail needing some serious weed whacking. It certainly did!
Yesterday MtnGoat2 & ridgerunner actually brought & used a lawn mower + a whacker on the northern section of the trail, heading south. I headed north w/a whacker. Our connection is about a mere 1/2 miles short in a nice, open section of this trail.
About 3:30, when MtnGoat2 met up w/me on the trail, I hiked a short distance north to the 6 mile view, and took some much needed, great Lake Francis drinking water. MtnGoat2 took over the whacker, while I returned to my car, drove around this beautifully huge lake, and hiked in 'til I met them on the trail. I thoroughly enjoyed walking on a mowed trail and know the coming hikers will relish this astounding section. In fact all sections of the Cohos Trail are astounding, such a delight, and shear pleasure to walk on!
Mid-morning yesterday, as I stopped for the countless time digging the high grasses wrapped tightly around the cords of the weed whacker, I thought I heard voices in the distance. Placing the machine down, I walked ahead. In the distance I spotted two sobo (trail talk for southbound hikers, also nobo) hikers approaching. We exchanged greetings, it was 'gobble' and wife 'slippery rock', who drove from Ohio to hike the CT. They said they started at the border Sunday. Excellent fellowship ensued until it was time to part. We each continued our different goals ...and dreams.
It was past 7 PM, after stopping for some to go super great subs at Young's Store at Happy Corners, MtnGoat2 & ridgerunner, ghostdog and I spent quality time at their lovely place on the shoulder of Mount Prospect. Also this is the location of the Northern Headquarters of The Cohos Trail Association It boasts superb views right beside the newly opened section of the Cohos Trail. Their Mountain Bungalow, at the end of Danforth Road in Pittsburg, is the perfect place for weary travelers that offers one, or a whole family, 3 real beds, and a large air mattress, a full kitchen, plus a ton of amenities in your own private setting, with hundreds of beautiful flowers everywhere and those awesome, spectacular views of the mountains. All this for no set cost, the price a mere donation. This is a must stop.
Another day in the life and one wondrous day to play in the mountains. Just 2 hikers on the trail, another day of maintenance, in solitude, in wonder, and in complete fellowship. And another tremendous day to discover the great unknown!
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Post by flatlander on Aug 5, 2009 9:34:44 GMT -5
Thanks for the work around Lake Francis!
I'll start north from Sportsman's Lodge on Saturday. Almost ready to go!
I'll be taking my time, with plenty of side trips & dayhikes from various bases on the way. I'm budgeting some time to help with trail work up there, and Mtn Goat has assured me there will be one thing or another that needs doing. I'll be at the border for the SF event on the 18th, so I might see some of you there.
Sounds like traffic on the trail is picking up after the rainy start to our summer. I'm looking forward to a good balance of solitude & company.
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