Hiking Baldpate Mountain: A Wild Adventure
Today, I want to take you on a journey through my recent hiking experience on Baldpate Mountain. It was a day filled with challenges, stunning views, and some unexpected encounters. Let's dive in!
The Climb Begins
I started my hike around 9:45 am, eager to tackle the gradual climb that soon transformed into a steep and rocky scramble. Baldpate Mountain didn't disappoint with its West Peak, offering a familiar yet exhilarating ascent. However, it was the East Peak that truly tested my mettle.
A Dystopian Summit
As I approached the East Peak summit, the atmosphere took a turn for the surreal. The wind howled, whipping through the air, while fog rolled in, reducing visibility to near zero. It felt like a scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Climbing up the giant, open rock face, with its slippery sections still wet from the previous night's rain, added an extra layer of challenge and intrigue.
Reaching the summit was equally eerie. The wind howled even louder, and I found myself amidst a desolate landscape of small, stunted trees. It was a truly unique and somewhat unnerving experience.
Descent and Decision-Making
The descent, while easier, still required careful navigation due to the large rock faces and potential slippery surprises. But once I reached the bottom, I knew the hardest part of my day was behind me. The next mile was a breeze, and I made my way to the Fry Notch Lean-to for a well-deserved break.
Here, I met up with my hiking companions, Birdie and Shooter, and we deliberated on our next move. With rain forecast and the desire to be sheltered, we decided to push on to the next shelter, even though it meant a late arrival. It was a strategic decision that set us up for the following days.
Cruising Through the Miles
The next stretch of the trail was surprisingly smooth sailing. We covered 8 miles with relative ease, the easiest we'd experienced since the beginning of New Hampshire, maybe even Vermont. Along the way, I came across a creek that tumbled into a small canyon, providing a picturesque moment.
However, my peaceful hike was interrupted when I startled a large animal hiding in the woods. I only caught a glimpse of a dark figure before it crashed away through the trees. Was it a black bear? I'll never know for sure, but it added an element of mystery and excitement to the day.
Uphill Battle and Soaked Arrival
As I continued my journey, the trail took an uphill turn, leading me to the top of Wyman Mountain. Most of the climb was gradual, but a light rain that started shortly after added a new challenge. I pressed on, optimistic about reaching the shelter before dark, until the last couple of miles threw some obstacles my way.
The trail became overgrown with brush and trees, drenching me with second-hand rain. I was soaked to the bone, and the rocky terrain slowed my progress. But I persevered and finally arrived at the shelter around 8:15 pm, just as the light was fading.
Sheltered Company and Rainy Night
At the shelter, I met two fellow hikers, Knox and Grillz, a SOBO (Southbound) traveler. Soon after, Birdie and Shooter arrived, and we settled in for the night. Despite the cozy quarters, there was a sense of camaraderie and comfort in sharing the shelter with just five of us. As the rain picked up, we hung up our wet gear, knowing it might not dry much in the cool, humid conditions.
A couple of mice scurried about as we prepared for bed, adding a touch of wildlife to our evening. Hopefully, they wouldn't cause any disturbances during the night.
Day 136 Stats
- Miles hiked: 16.3
- Ascent: 5,577'
- Descent: 4,436'
- Location: Grafton Notch to Hall Mountain Lean-to
- DSLC (Days since last camp): 28
- Stove uses: 14
Final Thoughts
Baldpate Mountain certainly lived up to its name, providing a wild and memorable hiking experience. From the dystopian summit to the mysterious animal encounter, it was a day filled with adventure and challenges. Despite the rain and some tough trail conditions, we made good progress and set ourselves up for the days ahead. Hiking is always an adventure, and today was a perfect example of that. Until next time, happy trails!
