Mt. Passaconaway
2012 Jan 28
Fred Knight

With no takers for hiking companions and a forecast for a very windy Presidential Ridge, I abandoned the planned Mt Jefferson ascent and selected Mt Passaconaway (4043') for a solo hike. The drive up went well, so I made the sunrise on the Kancamagus Hwy, with some good views (see pics). Oh yes, I stopped for gas at Goodies in Lincoln, NH and mingled briefly with the locals who were gathered for ruminations. My moccasins elicited a few comments, but I indicated my prowess by reeling off my types of traction devices. They indicated a concern for my safety and said they'd watch for my return.

Overall, the hike was a challenge, well over book time, very gradual at the start and steep at the top. After 3.6 miles, the elevation is only 2400', so the climb is after that. I was bushed at the end, just as the new moon was setting. Great view from the peak toward the east and northeast, including Lake Ossipee, and before that to the south with Squam Lake and Lake Winnepausaukee. Nobody else on the trail until one other guy met me at the summit, he and his dog. On the way home, I stopped at Goodies again and reported to the clerk my safe return and that she should, please, convey it to the assemblage on Sunday morning. She said she would.

Some expectations that came true

• Pieces of duct tape saved the balls of my feet---no blisters---solution for the future.
• New Scarpas are broken in but require heavy socks to fit well. I think that they will be winners; the warmth is great and no toe crunch or hint of wetness. They fit microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes.
• Had everything I needed; maybe a little short of water.
• Book time was indeed too optimistic given the snow conditions, but total time might have been better.

Some unexpected items

• Wonderful plowed parking lot at the trailhead, due to the adjacent cross-country ski track. Met two skiers near the end, and I wish I could have joined them.
• Wore snowshoes from the start, crampons for final ascent, and microspikes on the last two legs
• No wind anywhere, in contrast to the 95 mph gusts expected for Mt Washington
• No early morning cold; wore just two shirts throughout
• Double socks better than one thick pair; changed near Square Ledge Trail Junction
• Two pack problems. The leather patches for the straps that hold the snowshoes for carrying broke. I'll make a modification at home.

Summary: 10 miles, 8.25 hours, 2800' elevation gain.

Expectations: Mt. Whiteface is the other peak in this area (Sandwich Range), which is more easily approached from the south.

--Fred (aka tarpman)

Sunrise Views from Kancamagus Hwy
Click once to get full field; click again to get higher resolution and pan across image.
View from Walden Trail, South Toward Squam Lake and Lake Winnepausaukee

						Fred's Home		5 images

Unbroken Trail Oliverian Brook Trail leads from the trailhead on Kancamagus Hwy to Passaconaway Cut-Off	First junction Trail remains gradual here but disappears into woods and rises fast for 1200' after the second junction with the Square Ledge Trail.	The accoutered feet Just enough fresh snow to use snow shoes to avoid sinking deeper
My tracks Higher up the crust grew more rigid	Near the Passacaonaway cutt-off junction, I found what appreared to be moose tracks---probably fresh.	Fix needed due to leather rip from snowshoes