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July 14, 2016
Hi Folks,
It’s been a brutally hot week up here in the Valley, with the only saving grace being the somewhat cool nights. I’m not sure we are in an official “heat wave”, but it sure feels that way to me. I’ve been out on the bike a couple of daze in the afternoon and it was almost too hot to deal with. I grew up in Florida and Georgia and I think I’m acclimated to the heat, at least until we get a string of days like this. [wry grin]
Sorry I didn’t get a report out last week, but between work, climbing and 3 band gigs over the weekend things just piled up all over me. On the good side, I’m busy and I shouldn’t complain - right? Honestly I like being busy, so it’s all good IMO. I got out climbing on Mt Forist in Berlin with the Perez’s and Brad White last week. I really do like it up there as it has lots of moderate grade climbs and the rock is really quite nice. BITD the rock was known for having a black slimy coating from the paper mill smoke, but that’s pretty much all gone. I really enjoy climbing there & it’s worth the drive. My friend Matt Bowman has put together a nice little pamphlet guide to the area that you can pick up at his restaurant in Gorham, the White Mountain Cafe & bookstore. I always stop in for coffee and a chocolate chip cookie before climbing anyway. [grin]
Joe Perez on Mt Forist.jpg
I heard a rumor a couple of weeks ago that some trees had been cut down on the Barber Wall Ledge, right below Nutcracker, but I was skeptical. I kept thinking I was going to get over and do Upper refuse and check it out, but that never happened, so I decided to walk over there today. needless to say I was a bit disappointed that in fact it was true. These weren’t old trees and certainly aren’t going to open up the area in any real way, so I’m not sure what the reason was for it. Sure Nutcracker is often damp, but that is seepage in the crack from the ledge above and I don’t think you can do anything about it. The other downside is that it will likely contribute to the general erosion that’s taking place up there. All in all, not a good thing…
Nutcracker_1.jpg
Nutcracker_2.jpg
Nutcracker_3.jpg
CANNON CLIFF, SOME OBSERVATIONS:
I’ve climbed at Cannon off & on for 25 years. I’ve always been careful, and even a bit afraid when I’ve been there. Not the least because you have to walk up through the talus field to get to the climbing. Erik Thatcher has written a great article/blog posting about the cliff called It’s Alive. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED…
https://erikthatcherclimbs.com/2016/07/10/its-alive/
I received the following from Chris Martin - NH Audubon biologist.
Temporary access restrictions are posted at the following five New Hampshire cliff sites in 2016:
Eaglet Spire (and adjacent walls), Franconia, NH
Holts Ledge, Lyme, NH
Painted Walls, Albany, NH
Rumney Rocks (Summit Cliff and nearby), Rumney, NH
Woodchuck Ledge (right/north end only), Albany, NH
Peregrines are present at a number of additional cliffs where no closures have been posted because recreational use is minimal. Climbers are advised to alter plans, and report the incident, if you encounter aggressive falcons during a climb.
All areas will be open effective August 1.
NOTE: There are birds on Whitehorse in the center forested section above Echo Roof, but there are currently no restrictions on Cathedral or Whitehorse this year.
Not that it’s great, but I’ve lowered the rating to a 3 at last. The black flies are mostly gone, tho the mosquitoes can be pretty bad. But then that’s northern New England, so what can you expect right?
Those of us who like out-back riding enjoy what is called the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits trails on the East side. These aren’t in the current trail map, but if you ask at the local bike shops you will get directed appropriately. FWIW there is logging going on up near the top of the hillside near Redneck Rocks and a part of the upper trail has been obliterated. I’m sure it will be cleared before long, but it’s worth being aware.
I’ve been riding the Marshall land at lunch time just to get out and I can get in a good pump in just over 1 hour. There are many new signs, plus the older esoteric signs, and some other funny stuff like this:
Intersection on the Marshall trails
Up on one of the Mount Washington Valley's finest crags and want to know what that climb you're looking at is? Or maybe you're on your way up from Boston and want to check out the Ice Report for your upcoming weekend plans. Or more likely, you're at work just want to daydream about your next adventure. Well if you have a smart phone handy, you can get to NEClimbs from anywhere you have cell service. While it doesn't offer every single feature of the site and it's not an "app", in mobile form, it does do a whole lot and is very useful. Here is the live link to the mobile version of NEClimbs:
http://www.neclimbs.com/mobile
Check it out and if you have issues on your specific phone, please feel free to let me know.
Join us and LIKE us on Facebook. I'll try and post interesting pix every Thursday and the latest Ice Report in the season, tho certainly not the whole Report. Here's where you can check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/NEClimbs/
Remember - climb hard, ride the steep stuff, stay safe and above all BE NICE,
Al Hospers
The White Mountain Report
North Conway, New Hampshire
| I've tried many sports, but climbing is the best. The beauty of this sport is that no matter how good you get, you can always find a way to challenge yourself. |
| Randy Leavitt |
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