Stinson Mountain 5-5-07
5/5/07
Stinson Mountain 2900'
3.6 Miles Elevation gain 1400'
Kevin, Judy and Emma
We wanted to take it easy today, and as hill climbing goes, it doesn't get much easier. There is basically a road up the first half of the climb, then a trail breaks off to the right. This is a little more difficult, but because of many switchbacks the grade is never steep. On the lower part of the climb there was much evidence of spring along the trail. There were Red Trillium popping up everywhere, though the flowers had yet to open. Also, the Trout Lily and Sessile-leaved Bellwort all had their heads up, though they hadn't flowered yet, either.
Beside the brook the Indian Poke has started to spring up along its banks. The day was warm and the bugs weren't a problem yet. To our south clouds and haze were being pushed east by the high pressure moving in from the west. Above us and to our north and west the skies were deep blue and clear. Visibility in these directions was excellent as there were clear views to Mount Moosilaukee to the north, then, gazing clockwise the Franconia Ridge could be seen and further to the east, still dressed in white, Mount Washington stood above all.
There were bees and flies buzzing around the summit, but no biting insects so we spent over an hour taking in the views and soaking up the sunshine. It is a shame that the fire towers have been removed from so many of these hills as the view from the tower that once stood here must have been magnificent. Moosilaukee, the Kinsmans, Cannon, Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, Flume, Washington and other Presidentials, the Osceolas, Tecumseh, the Tripyramids, Sandwich Dome, Passaconaway, Whiteface, Welch and Dickey, the Ossipees, Cardigan, Sunapee and many others I could not name could all be glimpsed through the breaks in the trees.
If only there was an observation deck just high enough to see over the trees, what a spot this would be. Of course, then it would be crowded and the experience would suffer. Instead we had the summit to ourselves to lay in the sun, listen to the birds and enjoy the beautiful spring day. These short hikes aren't enough to wear Emma out, so we finished up the day closer to home at Kingston State Park. Later we watched as the setting sun behind us lit up the eastern skies over the pond at home. The perfect way to end a day in early May.
Read MoreStinson Mountain 2900'
3.6 Miles Elevation gain 1400'
Kevin, Judy and Emma
We wanted to take it easy today, and as hill climbing goes, it doesn't get much easier. There is basically a road up the first half of the climb, then a trail breaks off to the right. This is a little more difficult, but because of many switchbacks the grade is never steep. On the lower part of the climb there was much evidence of spring along the trail. There were Red Trillium popping up everywhere, though the flowers had yet to open. Also, the Trout Lily and Sessile-leaved Bellwort all had their heads up, though they hadn't flowered yet, either.
Beside the brook the Indian Poke has started to spring up along its banks. The day was warm and the bugs weren't a problem yet. To our south clouds and haze were being pushed east by the high pressure moving in from the west. Above us and to our north and west the skies were deep blue and clear. Visibility in these directions was excellent as there were clear views to Mount Moosilaukee to the north, then, gazing clockwise the Franconia Ridge could be seen and further to the east, still dressed in white, Mount Washington stood above all.
There were bees and flies buzzing around the summit, but no biting insects so we spent over an hour taking in the views and soaking up the sunshine. It is a shame that the fire towers have been removed from so many of these hills as the view from the tower that once stood here must have been magnificent. Moosilaukee, the Kinsmans, Cannon, Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty, Flume, Washington and other Presidentials, the Osceolas, Tecumseh, the Tripyramids, Sandwich Dome, Passaconaway, Whiteface, Welch and Dickey, the Ossipees, Cardigan, Sunapee and many others I could not name could all be glimpsed through the breaks in the trees.
If only there was an observation deck just high enough to see over the trees, what a spot this would be. Of course, then it would be crowded and the experience would suffer. Instead we had the summit to ourselves to lay in the sun, listen to the birds and enjoy the beautiful spring day. These short hikes aren't enough to wear Emma out, so we finished up the day closer to home at Kingston State Park. Later we watched as the setting sun behind us lit up the eastern skies over the pond at home. The perfect way to end a day in early May.
New territory.
