July 26, 2014: Mt. Isolation (#47)

This final leg of my quest for 48 has been full of longer hikes.  Every peak has required a hike of at least 10 miles.  My pen-ultimate hike took me to one of the most challenging mountains and a personal nemesis of mine.

On two past occasions I have attempted the summit of Mt. Isolation but turned back prematurely.  The first attempt we approached from Glen Boulder and decided to turn around once we reached Slide Peak (this wasn't a bad day since it allowed us to wander along Boott Spur and enjoy a day above treeline).  The second attempt was in the dead of winter when we were forced to turn back at the final water crossing on the Rocky Branch Trail (this was a bit more disappointing since the entire hike had been in the trees).

After dinner, we drove the short distance back into Pinkham Notch to the Rocky Branch Trailhead.  On the way we saw a large moose cross the road - the first moose I have ever seen in five years of visiting the White Mountains.

I was on the trail just after 5pm and figured if I kept a strong pace, I had a chance of arriving just after sunset.  The plan was to camp at Rocky Branch Shelter #2 but really I was hoping to find a spot much closer to the summit.

The trail was somewhat familiar since I had hiked most of it before, though in winter.  There were many people descending from the peak and I soon arrived at the large water crossing near the shelter.  Beyond this point I picked up my pace as I continued to race the sun.

It was a magnanimous moment to arrive at the final water crossing on the Rocky Branch Trail - the same water crossing that had stopped us on our last attempt.  While hopping across the last stretch of the water crossing I slipped and fell.  This was the only time I fell on this hike but I suppose it was an appropriate spot.  I got up quickly and continued my trek - nothing could stop me now.  Isolation could not elude me for a third time!

When we had turned back at this crossing last winter, I had thought we were extremely close to the summit.  As I continued past this crossing today, I realized that the peak was much further than I had initially assumed.  The trail became much more rugged and continued far enough to make me wonder if I had missed my trail junction.

I arrived at the Isolation Trail junction and still had nearly a mile remaining.  The light was fading quickly.  My determination was higher than ever and I jogged whenever possible toward the summit of Isolation.  I was truly impressed by how remote the mountain was.

Finally I reached the scramble to the top and made my way to the open summit.

I basked in victory in glorious Isolation.

The sun was just disappearing.  I had hiked the 7.5 miles to the top in just about 2.5 hours. 

I took in the view while catching my breath.  Isolation has a very unique view.  The mountain lies south of Mt. Washington summit along the Montalban Ridge.  At 4,003 feet above sea level, it is the second-shortest of all the four-thousand footers, but the view does not fail to impress (in stark contrast, Mt. Tecumseh has a far more constricted view but an identical elevation - in fact, Tecumseh would have no view at all if a small clearing had not been created at the summit).

From Isolation, an impressive view to the north stretches from Crawford Notch, along each peak of the Southern Presidential Ridge to the summit of Mt. Washington, into the seldom seen Oakes Gulf, and up to the lofty heights of Boott Spur and Slide Peak.  The Wildcat Ridge is just visible to the east.  To the west, the bulk of the White Mountain Forest is visible all the way to the Franconia Notch area.  Of particular interest to me is the view of Mt. Carrigain, my only remaining four-thousand footer.

Eisenhower, Monroe, Washington (hiding in his own cloud), and Boot Spur

A new perspective on Eisenhower.  Mizpah Spring Hut was visible between Eisenhower and Pierce

Mt. Jackson in foreground center, Willey, Field, & Tom beyond, Twin Range further beyond, and Franconia Ridge furthest beyond.

The summit was a brisk 45 degrees with blowing wind.  Once the sunset colors had faded, I found a sheltered area to camp for the night.  I slept very well having covered about 18 miles that day.

I awoke early and packed up camp before sunrise.  I waited just below the summit in hopes of seeing a nice sunrise.  I was careful not to stay too long as there was rain in the forecast.

Isolation summit as I departed at 5am

During my time on the summit, Mt. Washington sat inside his own cloud the entire time.  Within five minutes of departing the summit, I noticed through breaks in the trees that the summit had emerged from the fog.

The sunrise became a bright pink as I retraced my steps down toward Pinkham Notch.  The hike out was difficult and exhausting.  Popping out of the trees at the trailhead was a welcome achievement.

After 25 miles and 3 peaks it was time to head home.  A great time in the mountains...looking forward to returning this fall.

And then there was one...   

July 26, 2014: Middle & South Carter (#45, 46)

July was a month full of travel and luckily some of that travel brought me back to Greater Boston and a weekend in the White Mountains.

Saturday morning we found ourselves, for the third time, at the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead in Pinkham Notch.  The weather was great and the roads and towns around the White Mountains were surprisingly clear.  We spotted a car at the Nineteen Mile Brook and drove a short distance up the road to the northern Imp Trailhead.  We must have missed the morning crowd because we had the trail nearly to ourselves.

We climbed with a moderate incline for just over two miles before arriving at the rocky ledge known as the Imp Face.  From this vantage point Mt. Washington and the Northern Presidentials stretch before you, a massive massif directly across Pinkham Notch from where you stand.  Jefferson, Adams, and Madison all appear as giant pyramids with sharp flanks and pointed peaks.  The auto road can be seen snaking up Chandler Ridge, glistening now and then with cars racing to the top.  The view today is hazy but the weather is cool...perhaps smoke from wildfires.

Adams shadowing Madison.  Osgood Ridge in foreground.

We lounged on the ledge for 20 minutes or so before continuing our trek to the ridgeline.  A heroic and unrelenting climb takes us to the junction with the Carter-Moriah Trail.  Now we must cross the ridge - a ridge studded with wooded knobs.  The frequent plunging and rising of the trail have led to the term "PUDs" (or "Pointless Ups and Downs") to be used to describe the traverse.

When we arrive at the summit of Middle Carter, there is much discussion on whether we have reached the top or just another PUD.  The summit area is fairly broad and level and the other hikers we encounter seem to be just as unsure as we are.

We eat lunch on the "summit", enjoy the nearby vista into the White Mountains of Maine, and continue across the ridge.

Mt. Hight and Carter Dome.  Hard to believe it has been 10 months since we climbed these.

There are frequent views to the Presidential Range as we cross the ridge, but the haze keeps me from snapping more pictures.  The day was better enjoyed in person.

A view to the eastern White Mountains, in the state of Maine

A small climb leads us to another moment of uncertainty as we arrive at the wooded summit of South Carter.

Beyond South Carter, we descend to Zeta Pass and onward toward Nineteen Mile Brook.  The hike out was uneventful but enjoyable.  After chatting with several groups on the way out, we arrive at the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead and head into Gorham for dinner.  Another great day on the trails in New England.