We’ll be meeting at May Pond on Friday, August 1st at 3 pm. Paddling will begin by 3:30 pm and should last about two hours. The paddle will be followed by a potluck picnic. Paper plates and plastic utensils will be provided. Bring a dish to share, your own seating and either a picnic blanket or a small folding camp table. We will use the "Pack it in/pack it out leave no trace model".
In case of bad weather, a cancellation/postponing notice will be made here but you may also contact Ava at lafferty1949@gmail.com for updates and questions.
It is predicted to be the first dry weekend in four months! Let's take advantage of it and celebrate!
I will lead this hike.....but I am a SLOTH - a sauntering lady! Do not expect to summit at a fast speed, slow and easy is the way I hike. If another GMC leader is willing to lead a second (and faster group), let me know. We will meet at the trail head parking lot on Wheeler Pond Road and leave promptly at 9:00. The aim will be to eat at the Eagle Rock and then return to the parking lot midafternoon. The temperature looks like it will be warm, so bring plenty of fluids and enjoy the day in the beautiful mountains of the Northeast Kingdom!
Let me know if you plan to join me by email (s.j.p.winsor@gmail.com).
Do you like to carry things up mountains for a good cause? \
Join NorthWoods, VT FPR, and GMC NEK Section volunteers to carry materials up to the summit of Bald Mountain for a roof replacement project on the fire warden's cabin. Meet on Monday, August 11, at 9 am at the Mad Brook Trailhead. Please carpool if possible. Bring a hiking backpack - there are objects large and small, of varying sizes and weights, all efforts help the cause! Bring everything you need for a mountain hike: solid footwear, water, layers, snacks, and lunch. Volunteers may travel at their own pace, but anticipated return to the trailhead is 1 pm.
For those new to the Mad Brook Trail up Bald Mountain, it is approximately 4.5 miles round trip, and includes 1,495 feet of climbing. The first half is a forest road, the final mile can be slippery, located on bedrock.
RSVPs appreciated but not required: maria@northwoodscenter.org. All welcome - spread the word!
The trail closure on Monadnock Mountain remains in effect. There's still a "NO TRESPASSING" sign on the gate at the gravel pit, although it is easily overlooked when the gate is open. The continued presence of an old trailhead parking sign at this location only adds to the confusion over its status, but a person working at the gravel pit confirmed to me that this trail is still closed.
As some of you may be aware, there is an alternative route that avoids the gravel pit, but I wouldn't recommend using it at this time. It follows a private right of way that encroaches on a nearby dwelling. While this property isn't posted, its owner has expressed no interest in encouraging public access to their land. Please respect this choice and find another mountain to hike for now. Thank you!