Saturday, April 21, 2018

North and South Kinsman. April 18, 2018

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Lonesome Lake Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail.
5 miles one way with around 3400 feet of elevation gain.


When we got to the trailhead, we were happy to find that it was getting lighter by the minute.  The sky was a sureal blue-gray; it was a great environment in which to start the day.


The campground by the trailhead


The trailhead sign (it was getting lighter!)


The trail soon after we started up; it was packed out, so we just had on microspikes.


The intersection with Hi-Cannon Trail



These next few pictures are of the beautiful Lonesome Lake; it was completely iced (and snowed) over.




The lake from a different angle


Rabbit tracks!  There were a lot of them on the trail.



After the hut, we put on our snowshoes, as there were about 2-3 inches of snow on the trail.  The amount of snow increased to 6-7 inches up top.


Some (trying to be artistic) photographs of snow/ice on trees





Here is the Kinsman Ridge Trail sign buried in snow; we almost didn't see it!  From here we headed up to North Kinsman.


This is at the same intersection as the picture above.  This sign was mostly spared from the snow!


Heading up North Kinsman...


We're there!  The sky was clouded over, but we were happy to be at the top anyway.  After a short break, we headed to South Kinsman.  Between the two peaks, there were many blowdowns and the trail was sometimes hard to find.


South Kinsman!  It was colder than North Kinsman, but the beautiful snow-covered rocks were worth it!



Alex taking pictures...


We headed back down, stopping sometimes for water and food breaks.  Before we knew it, we were back at the car!  Time flies when you're having fun!


This hike was fun (and tiring), and filled with ice and Chex Mix.  The mere quantity of snow was astounding for mid-April.  While winter transforms the Whites into a white wonderland, I'm ready for spring and warmth!  Besides this, it was a wonderful trek and a nice break from our studies.