9/15/23
Caps Ridge Trail: 5.0 miles, 2,800' elevation gained
- Sarge spent the end of summer working on his four-season grid, he already finished the winter 4K list in 2021 but since then I haven't focused on the peaks he had left in spring (5), summer (12), and fall (1). Most of the summer ones he had left were not the most exciting peaks and with this being the summer of rain I had no interest in taking him on any water-logged trails. Instead, Sarge spent the summer accompanying me up the rockpile on Dood friendly days and running the Great Glen Trails on hot and humid days.
- One of the mountains on the summer list he had not done yet was Jefferson, so a week before the end of summer on a cool and crisp morning we headed up the Caps Ridge Trail.
- Sarge has done this trail before and with many miles put on his paw pads up and down Lion Head and Tucks this summer I had no worries he would easily hop up and down just like he had a few years back.
- Sarge and I usually get a first light start but on this weekday we got a leisurely start at 9:30AM. Sarge easily made his way up to the pothole rock which is a big boulder with glacial potholes that affords a stunning view of the Ridge of the Caps.
Sarge poses for a picture at Pothole Rock with the Ridge of the Caps rising above him
- From the outlook we quickly made our way to treeline and started up the three Caps. At the first Cap Sarge needed one boost but had no problems with the second and third Cap. Between the Caps we caught up to a few groups of early morning starters, one of which had a Dood too.
Sarge just before tackling the first Cap
- Once above all the Caps we ran into a few more groups before having the last half mile and summit to ourselves.
Sarge living the dream with the Ridge of the Caps below him
Mount Clay, Washington, and Monroe in view as Sarge heads up the summit cone
Sarge on the summit of Mount Jefferson
- After taking a few pics and eating some treats we rock hopped back down the mountain finishing just before 11:30AM and home by 12PM for a yummy Pup Cup for Sarge!
Sarge enjoying the views as we head back down the Caps Ridge Trail
The wind would kick up at times and blow Sarge's Dumbo ears round and round
Another picture at Pothole Rock
Post hike pup cup!
Mount Washington w/Sarge
9/26, 9/28, 10/3, 10/5
Tuckerman Ravine Trail: 8.4 miles (4,250' elevation gained)
- In late September and early Octobers Sarge enjoyed a few mornings and afternoons on the Rockpile when the weather was not too hot for Sarge as we had an early fall heatwave for a few days.
- The trails have become very quiet midweek as we have only seen a handful of hikers on the two hikes when we didn't start at first light. When we start at dawn we see not a soul until passing by Hermit Lake on the way down.
- There is still plenty of water for Sarge to cool off in up until the last half mile so I never have to worry about him not staying cool and he gets plenty of yummy treats on the way up and down.
- Sarge also joined in as I hiked Washington for the 260 time and then some. Hopefully we can get in one or two more Washington summits before the trails get icy.
Sarge passing by Lunch Rocks on his way to the falls
Sarge at the Southside / Crawford Path Junction. Mount Monroe in view
Sarge at the floor of Tuckerman Ravine early in the morning. Moon still visible
Sarge enjoying the clouds clearing off above the headwall
Sarge poses with Boott Spur in view
Sarge at the junction of Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head trails
Sarge makes his way toward first bridge
Above Tuckerman with Lion Haad in view
Happy Dood!
Tuckerman Junction
Cooling off at Lunch Rocks
10/6/23 Mount Tecumseh: 4.6 miles (2,350' elevation gained)
- The only peak Sarge had left to finish his fall 4K's was Mount Tecumseh. One a trip down to RI to visit my parents we enjoyed a quick hike up and down the mountain before the rain came.
- Sarge was full of energy so I had to reel him in until he finally started to slow down to a normal pace as we gained the ridge. IT was a quiet Friday morning on the trail as we saw only one other hiker about halfway up and then nobody until we got back to the parking lot at 8:30AM.
- Colors were still changing down low and just past their peak up high. We were stuck in a cloud so no foliage photos from the summit outlook of the Tripyramids and Osceola's were taking during this quick jaunt.
- Sarge has now completed the 4K list in fall and winter, so we know wait until spring for the pup to continue peak-bagging.
Sarge waiting for me on a leaf blanketed trail
The great stone staircase that Jeremy Clark has constructed over the last dozen years helps keep this heavily used trail from becoming an eroded mess. Incredible craftsmanship!
Sarge goes for "swims" at the highest water crossing
Sign says it all!
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