What a day! I am writing this the next morning, sore legs from the hiking, sore everything else from all the falling, chafing galore, and a dull stinging sensation on my shoulder. The weather was supposed to be nice, I had no commitments until marching band at 5:30, so I headed up to the Belknaps to explore some of the other peaks on the Belknap Range Hiker list! Today was a big E3 loop (like a figure 8 loop, but no criss crossing) hitting seven peaks on the list, plus two that are not on the list (North Straightback and East Quarry Mountain). I had a slow start, getting out of the house around 5:30am, and made my way up to Lake Winnipesaukee. The Mt. Major parking area is a big lot with 8 freshly urinal-caked porta potties. There were about 5 other cars when I started my hike, and about 12 when I finished. I imagine there is usually more, but the passing showers probably deterred some from hiking. I used the bathroom, suited up, and then fought with my camera for about 10 minutes - I think my sweat crystalized under the shutter button, and it got stuck. Thankfully I was able to un-jam it and get the day started!
The first section on the blue-blazed Mt. Major Trail (also sometimes listed as Main Trail) is a very wide trail, recently maintained. It climbs steadily, without any steep climbs. Some areas are more eroded than others, but overall really nice gentle hiking. The weather altered between cloudy/humid and sunny/warm, but never hot which was very nice. There were a few instances of bear poop lying around, but no bears. I passed a few people coming down the mountain, one who was just as sweaty as me. I sometimes joke about wanting to thank the other sweaty folk for their service of being just as gross as me.
The main trail turns to head up the mountain, and then the yellow-blazed Brook Trail starts on the right. This was more or less a continuation of the blue trail terrain-wise. Initially it is a nice walk in the woods above a brook, and then it turns and begins to steeply climb up to the ridge between Straightback and Major. I did have to dodge flying acorns from the squirrels, but that was the bulk of wildlife. There were many unmarked/abandoned trails in this first area, which makes me wonder where they all lead. At the ridge, the main trail heads toward Mt. Major, and I turned in the other direction to head toward North Straightback. It was clear that I had officially left the most popular area - the wide eroded trail was now a single-track in the woods, which was much appreciated. A cloud rolled over the mountain and I realized that clouds have a smell - an interesting thought.
The summit area of North Straightback had a partial view of either Straightback or Major - a nice spot for a break and to wring out the clothes. Further down is the summit sign, and to my dismay I later learned that N. Straightback doesn't count for the challenge. Oh well. Heading up North Straightback is where I took my first fall of the day. The rock looked dry! My shoes were not. Landed hard on my side, but no main damage was sustained. The Quarry Spur Trail was quite lovely - squishy and mossy, really beautiful woods, but then became a very steep descent into an old clearing that is now growing in. Just before Easy Quarry there was a really nice viewpoint that I took a long break at to watch the dark clouds skirt across Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy my first summit beverage of the day.
After my break, I finished the climb to East Quarry, another peak that doesn't count, and then carefully descended the comically steep trail. It only travels maybe 10-15 horizontal feet, but it is STEEP. I threw my poles down, and apparently a couple heard that thought it could have been a moose (it was not sadly). They then asked me which direction they should take which was interesting. I wanted to ask where their goal was, but I just said it's steep where I came from. The trail from East to West Quarry was relatively gentle through some nice forest, and I officially hit a peak that counted!
The hike down from West Quarry was steep - there is the main trail that descends via ledges and then there was a bypass. I took the bypass after my earlier fall... and I fell... again. This time I landed on the other side of my body, so at least I would not be evened out. It was clear that most people don't hike this stretch between West Quarry and Mt. Rand - it was overgrown and the spiderwebs were abundant. I took a FULL web to the face, which was a big bummer for all involved (sorry, spider). I also heard my favorite animal - the grouse - in this section, and naturally I made a whole scene about it. The climb up Rand was steady, but not ridiculous, and the summit area was really nice and open forest.
There is a view toward Klem and Mack just past the summit of Rand, and just as I was enjoying it a passing shower swept through. Thankfully, it wasn't too heavy for too long and quickly moved along. The descent down Rand was, shockingly, extremely steep, and shockingly, I fell again. I know the moisture was a factor here, but I also think that it might be time for some new shoes. I also took a moment, sitting on my butt on the ground, to reflect upon how impressive it is at the sheer volume of sweat my body produces.
The climb to Klem was the most forgiving, not short, but forgiving. The summit area is off a short spur and fully wooded. I had realized here that I lost my coozie, which was a bummer, but hopefully somebody finds it and gives it a new, loving home. The trail between Klem and Mack was very nice and scenic, and nothing was too steep or painful (that I remember). In addition to my three falls, getting rained on, and losing my coozie, I also ran out of water here. I still had a full liter of Nuum left (and a Pumpkin Downeast Hard Cider...), so I would have to make that last. In my relatively insane state, I had the song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" from Veggie Tales stuck in my head, and managed to come up with two parodies: "We are the hikers, who do everything. We wish we stayed at home, and lied around. And if you ask us, to do anything, we'll just tell you, sure, sounds fun!" and "we are the teachers, who don't do anything. Because it is, summer break. And if you ask us, to do anything. We'll just tell you, f-no leave me alone." Glad I'm putting my two music degrees to good work!
The summit of Mack was also uneventful, but the trail down was long and gentle through some nice woods... UNTIL A WASP DECIDED I WAS ITS NEXT VICTIM. This was my first bee sting in years and I was UPSET. I ran down the trail, dropped my poles, army crawled back to them while swinging my arms, and then BOOKED it down the mountain. It hurt so bad, but thankfully no stinger and I'm not allergic. The only thing that grounded me was..... falling again. I realized that it's okay to take a minute to regain my composure. My shoulder stung bad, but there was no visible reaction. The sting lived well with me for the rest of the day, and it's very dull right now, about 20 hours later. It was also during this time that I was starting to cramp up due to dehydration (and I liked to pretend the venom from the sting was turning me into a superhero.
There were a few small water crossings in the col between Mack and Anna (I later realized I could have filtered water here, whoops), and then climbing up Anna was very gentle. Anna's summit was spacious with open skies, but no view. I took a second to assess the damage I've taken so far, and I was somehow still moving along. The biggest issues I was having was the stinging in my shoulder and the dehydration, but I slowed my pace to try to limit the sweating, and I was shockingly successful (and I don't think it was because I was the level of dehydrated where I stopped sweating...).
Anna to Straightback was another long one, but also never too ridiculous. Near the yellow-blazed Marsh Crossing there is a cool marsh that was behind the trees, I thought about trying to get a photo but I didn't want to have to bushwhack and risk more bee stings. Near the summit of Straightback, the world opens up with partial views in most directions, and eventually hits the summit. Only one more to go! I was taking it slow and not feeling my best, but never felt like I was at risk.
Coming down Straightback, I knew I was getting close to the col when I heard voices again - Mt. Major was near! The trail between the col and Mt. Major was really scenic and generally easy. Views started popping up, and suddenly the world opened up to the magnificent view from the summit area. I found two USGS discs, took a bunch of photos, used PeakFinder to identify the Ossipees and the southern 4000-footers in view. There were a couple rain storms in the area which added to the vista. I enjoy a long break, snack, and summit beverage break up here. I didn't want to leave, but I did have to get to marching band so it was time to go!
The orange-blazed Boulder Trail was really beautiful up top and not too steep with good views. Once it dips back into the woods there are a few scrambling sections. I had the honor of passing a group of hikers as they turned the corner to see a steep section, and one shouted out "OH CRAP," which gave me a good laugh. Also in the woods is where the trail gets its name from, some really impressive boulders! The trail meanders around them, so no crazy climbing. There was one wet rock slab about halfway down though... and you guessed it... I took my final fall of the day! This was probably the worst one. My feet slipped out in front of me, poles went flying, my triceps caught me which hurt like hell, and I swear my pack saved me from a concussion. I landed on my back and fully felt all my weight bounce off my pack, with my head whipping back, but never hitting rock. I definitely do have some whiplash today, but I'll take that over a head to the rock.
The bottom of the trail was gentle, and I was ready to be out of the woods. Back at the car, I spent time to aggressively hydrate with some warm gatorade, tried to baby wipe myself clean, and started the long voyage to marching band rehearsal. Overall, it was a really great hike! I was (and am) definitely beat up from the adventure, but I'm proud of myself for getting it done.
