Cardigan & Firescrew

Today the boys and I tackled Cardigan and Firescrew. We went up the West Ridge Trail to the summit, and then continued over the summit on Mowglis Trail to Firescrew. Typical wet areas on West Ridge Trail which seem to be the norm. The descent off Cardigan on Mowglis Trail was really steep, much steeper than I had anticipated and we got a bit turned around on the way down. I had read about a rogue blaze that seemingly takes you in the wrong direction. Even knowing that, I still mistakenly followed it. We realized there were no more cairns or blazes quickly enough and found our way safely down and into the col between Cardigan and Firescrew, which starts in woods and then opens up with 360 degree views and is just stunning. The half mile or so between the 2 summits is some of my favorite trail I've hiked to date. Mostly rock slab the entire way, it's impossible to not keep stopping and look around. The summit of Firescrew is almost better than the summit of Cardigan since it is so much quieter with almost the same views just from a slightly lower elevation.. of course the cone of Cardigan blocks what is beyond, but looking over it seems so much further than half a mile and is a very cool perspective of the fire tower and summit. After enjoying the views from Firescrew, we retraced our steps back over to Cardigan and the steep climb back up to the summit and back down West Ridge Trail. What a great hike!

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Heading between Cardigan and Firescrew

Looking back at Cardigan from Firescrew

Firescrew summit

Looking back over to Firescrew from Cardigan

Mt Moosilauke

It's July 4th and we are up at Loon Mountain setting up for the Loon Mountain Race tomorrow with acidotic RACING. I decided to take Aidan up his first 4K. He did so good! We parked on Ravine Road, and as you can imagine being July 4th, it was already very crowded. We went up Gorge Brook Trail, which is just a steady climb, on the more moderate side first, getting steeper as you go. A couple of peekaboo views as you get higher. The best part is as you reach tree line, even though it's still a good little climb up following some giant cairns, you can see the finish line ahead! It was overcast today, but that made the surrounding vista pop. It was a bit chilly, so we layered up and headed for the summit. Once there, and had taken some summit pics, we hunkered down in some of the old remnants of the hotel that was up there and had our snack. We met a very nice girl Ashley and her pup and chatted to her for a bit. Heading down, we crossed over the summit towards the South Peak and took the Carriage Road down. It was cool as the trees came back into play as for a while we were still taller than them. I kept looking back to the summit and around, it was magical! The Carriage Road is a much gentler trail, almost seemed too easy for a 4K. We opted to take the Snapper Trail back over to Gorge Brook Trail and back out to the car. Stellar day. 

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