Ritzhikes

Where: Mts. Welch & Dickey, NH When: 10/11/03 With: Andy, Jane, Brian, Audri, Sidni, Jeff I had responded to Brian's call for hikers at work and his first trip was the famous Welch-Dickey loop. It's well-known as a popular hike for beginners, with a short distance (4.4 miles), moderate climbing and great views, but I've never done it. Other than a hike up Mt. Cardigan long ago I haven't done any day hikes in the White Mountains. If I go up there I go for the weekend, and this trail is only a 1/2 day walk. Still, I've wanted to check it out and this seemed like a good opportunity. I even convinced Jane & Andy to join me. We got an early start Saturday morning and arrived at the trailhead at 9:30, getting one of the last spots in an obviously new parking area. Quite a few other folks landed about the same time and they all packed up and started on the trail while we awaited the arrival of the rest of our group. Brian had arranged to meet Audri and Sidni a...

Where: Three Ponds When: 8/29/01 - 8/30/01 With: Jane, Andy, Ruby I'd long promised (threatened?) Jane that I'd take her backpacking sometime, and that time had come. We had a week vacation and I watched the weather forecasts to find two nice days to spend in the woods. For a destination I selected a spot I'd taken Andy previously, a relatively short, level (more on that later) walk to a nice secluded pond in the southern Whites. Not too far a drive, not too hard a walk. There was even a shelter there, just in case we needed it. I had the supplies all assembled and we packed up the gear the morning of the big day. I had the bulk of the equipment (tent, two sleeping bags, cooking gear, etc.) in my big Lowe Contour pack, Andy's pack had mostly his clothes and some toys & books, and the rest of the stuff went into a never-used sky blue external frame pack I'd bought for Jane years ago. We loaded everything and everyone into the car and left the driveway aroun...