The Winter Mountains after the rain, snow and the ice!

Driving through Jefferson I noticed how amazing the clouds were on top of the 

White Mountains in front of me (Presidential Range). The clouds followed the ridge 

and then you can see white snow under the clouds. 

So beautiful. I had to stop for a picture. 

 

 As I drove on route 2 I noticed the sun was setting behind the mountains, so I snapped a picture to share. Such a gorgeous sky!

When I got near the parking place that starts the hike up to Mt. Madison, I noticed three cars in the lot. After the rain, snow and ice we had the past few days, I hope the hikers had just started their hike and were safe someplace up in the mountains.

 I took this last picture half way up Gorham hill. Love the White Mountains. Lived here my whole life and still pull over to take pictures and sometimes just stare....I am so lucky to live here!

Calenders of the White Mountains designed and taken by Ariel Snow

I love hiking! I love the mountains! I love going on an adventure through the White Mountains. As I hike, I enjoy taking pictures at every great spot, view, and lookout in the mountains. In the past few weeks I have worked on a calender for my house and at the same time wanted to make it public for others to put up in their homes to enjoy. My first degree was graphic design and I enjoy taking breathtaking pictures. In this Calender you will see beautiful photos of Mt. Washington, Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, The Lakes of the Clouds and many more.

Come and check out this stunning calender and get one for your home to enjoy! 

Premium Calender $28.95

Standard Calender $17.95

These Calenders came be found on my Author's Spotlight called Adventure Shop:

 Click HERE

HAPPY HIKING! :)

Trail Report: Madison Hut and Mt. Madison

One of my favorite hikes is Mt. Madison. Back in 2005 I did this hike for the first time and then I have done it three more times since. It's a beautiful hike but is not easy. This is more of a moderate hike but the views will be worth the journey up the mountain. When you start this hike, its best to start at the parking on Route 2 near Randolph Hill. During the summer the parking fills up fast so get there early. Some people enjoy taking the Valley Way Trail up to Madison Spring Hut, but I prefer Airline Trail. It's easy at first but the trail gets steeper as you hike up. When you reach the sign that lets you know you have reached the Alpine Zone.

The Alpine Zone Sign

Hiking on the Airline Trail in the Alpine Zone

 Once you are hiking in the Apline Zone, you are above tree level. Here you will follow rock piles until you reach Madison Spring Hut. I love being above tree line for you get to see views all the way around you. Once you are over at Madison Spring Hut, you can go inside for restrooms and for resting. I enjoy a snack or even just have lunch inside at one of the benches. There is also a lake called Star lake down the trail for viewing.

Mt. Washington from Mt. Madison (sometimes you can see the cars driving up_

The marker on Mt. Madison

After a rest, hike up to the top of Mt. Madison, it is rocky, climbing over boulders at times but it will be well worth it! The views are amazing! I love seeing Berlin, Jefferson, Mt. Washington, top of Mt. Wildcat and more all around me. The hike will take about six to seven hours. After hiking back down Mt. Madison and back to the hut, I normally take Valley Way back down to the parking lot. It's not as rocky and hard on your legs. The hike it worth going up and if you want to see views...then this is the hike for you! Mt. Madison is 5366'

Madison Spring Hut

Inside Madison Spring Hut (have benches, bathroom and sleeping rooms)

Happy Hiking:)

Near Mt. Madison

I was driving through Randolph NH, on Route 2. My stepson and I stopped near a large boulder, we wanted to get a picture of Mt. Madison. My stepson wants to hike Mt. Madison this year for the first time. When we stopped we noticed a sign on the boulder and a marking on top. Is there a story to this boulder that someone can tell us about? We found it very interesting...

The Person on this sign is "William Peek"

This was on top of the boulder

My stepson posing on top of the large boulder

The view of Mt.Madison from the boulder

If you know anything about this sign and the story, my stepson and I would love to hear it. Please leave a comment.... We are wondering if it was a lost hiker from the past...I love the stories of the White Mountains and locations near them! :) Happy Hiking!

Five White Mountain Pictures and Views

I enjoy hiking and taking pictures along the way. Here are a few of some pictures that I haven't shared yet, that I took this summer along some of my adventures through the White Mountains. Enjoy these wonderful views and pictures that I snapped:)

 I took this beautiful picture when I hiked the Airline at the beginning

of the summer. I just loved the way the valley was behind these rocks/boulders.

This picture was taken at Mt. Madison. I was looking over and saw the valley below.

I thought it was a nice shot!

 This was taken on top of Mt. Willard  of the Willey Range at Crawford Notch.

The lake here is Lonesome lake and I just loved the view from

this side of the lake. 

This is Mt. Washington. I have to say that every time I go by this mountain, no

matter which side of it I am on, I have to take a picture of it!

This side is when traveling through Crawford Notch:)

Happy Hiking!

The 4000 Footer Club...With PICTURES:)

The 4000 Footer Club

So, on my way through the Franconia Ridge Trail, we meet a guy who is in the

4000 Footer Club. I have heard of this club before and have already started

writing the dates down in my book of the mountains I hike. He had already

done all the 4000 footers! I was so impressed! 

To be part of the 4000 footer club, one needs to hike all 48 peaks in the White

Mountains, 14 peaks in Maine and 5 in Vermont.

This year I hiked many places but I only got to hike 5 of the 4000 footers,

next year I hope to double that number and hike ten. 

Though its hard because I always enjoy my hikes and 

want to do some of my favorite mountains every year. 

I really enjoy hiking hiking Mt. Washington, Mt. Madison, and Mt. Liberty.

I know I have to adventure out and start doing some new mountains

next year, I am very excited about this thought! 

I hiked four of the larger mountains this year, all being over 5000!

Lets check them out!

 Mt. Washington 6288ft

Mt Lafayette 5260ft

Mt. Lincoln 5089ft

Mt. Madison 5367ft

and also..

Mt. Liberty 4459ft

I am hoping next year to hike Mt. Adams and Mt. Monroe 

and add them to my list.

...Plus a few others which I will be looking over during this winter.

Already excited about next late spring.

Happy Hiking:)

This winter I will be snowshoeing, XCountry skiing, and skiing in the
White Mountains so be looking out for some posts on those!
Plus more on hiking here, I sometimes go up Tuckerman Ravine
when there is snow to see the skiers!

Speechless Wednesday...In the Valleys Below

Speechless Wednesday...In the Valleys Below

Some of my favorite Valley shots:

 The valley view from Mt. Liberty

 

 The valley view when hiking up Mt. Washington

 

The valley view from Mt. Madison

Happy Hiking:)

Speechless Wednesday Pics

Speechless Wednesday

I enjoy showing my pics and looking back at my hikes this past summer,

I have so many speechless views, that today,
I want to share a few with everyone.

I love hiking in the White Mountains, when I am high in the mountains,
I feel like I have felt earth and adventured into a new world. 

Here are some pics of the World I found myself loving this summer:

 Sitting back on Mt. Madison, looking over at Mt. Washington

 Looking back at the Path I just walked and seeing this view

I love this PICTURE!

Taking this picture of Franconia Ridge when I got to

the top of Little Haystack

Happy Hiking Everyone:)

Four AMC Huts I would like to stay at in the White Mountains

Four AMC Huts that I would love to stay at 

in the White Mountains

1. The first AMC Hut I would love to stay at next summer would have to be the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Hut. When I hike up to Mt. Washington I enjoy taking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail so that I hike right up to this AMC Hut first. This wonderful AMC Hut is right by the two Lakes of the Clouds and have a beautiful view of the Mount. Washington Valley. I would love to wake up to a lovely sunrise at the Hut. I bet it is so beautiful. The Hut is right near Mt. Monroe and only about a mile from Mt. Washington. In side the Hut is a lovely eating area, rooms with bunk beds, and restrooms. Here is a picture of what the hut looks like and location:

2. Lonesome Lake AMC Hut would be another great place I would love to stay in when I hike next summer. It's right by Lonesome lake and you can see a beautiful mountain view of Cannon Mt. I also love that the bunk beds are in another building where there are separate rooms. The restroom is also in another building away from the sleeping rooms, and the place to grab some food is in another building a little higher up where you can see outside at the view. Then there is a place to eat and relax down by the lake. Last time I can up this Hut was packed, and many were swimming at the lake. Here is a picture of this hut:

3. One AMC Hut that I want to stay at, but never had a chance to see yet, would be Greenleaf Hut. This is right near Mt. Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge. I have only heard such great reviews about this hut and how wonderful it is to stay at in the summer months. I would be able to stay and do the Ridge which I want to do. I want to hike all the five Mountains in one day. It would be a great way to do all five. 

4. The Madison AMC Hut would be the other great hut to stay at in the White Mountains. It's was just remodeled this year and when I up to check it out, it was wonderful inside. The restrooms were clean, the eating area was big and the sleeping area is located on the other side. I love how this hut is right near Mt. Madison and also not far from Mt. Adams. Plus it is near lake Star which is a very nice small lake. 

Here is a picture of this Hut:

These huts are prefect for families, couples, groups and individuals. You will need to call for reservations in order to stay at these huts. The number to call is 800-262-4455. Enjoy your stay:)

Some Beautiful Views!

Here is a view of the valley near Mt. Madison! I love this view!

Here is a view of Mt. Madison take back in 2006! I love this rocky mountain!

The valley next to Wildcat Peak A back in the day! So lovely!

The view of one of the caps on Mt. Jefferson..what a wonderful day it was!

A Great view of the Crawford Notch valley...when the picture

was larger you could see the Mt. Washington Hotel!

And more views to come! Happy Hiking!!!:)

Top 5 Great Hikes in the White Mountains

After hiking around the White Mountains and having some of my friends how me some of their amazing hikes here. I have come up with some great hikes. These hikes are for those that can stand a long time on their feet and be ready for a grand adventure!

Number 5 Mt. Chocorua
This hike starts on the east side of the Kancamagus Highway. The Trail to start on is the Champney Falls Trail which is 3.6 miles up which you will pass the Champney Falls. You continue near the three sisters still on the Champney Falls Trail until you get to the top of Mt. Chocorua. The mountain is 3475' above sea level. I have heard the view is amazing!

Number 4 Mt. Jackson
This hike starts on Rt 305 in the Crawford Notch near Soca Lake. This is also where the AMC Highland Center is as well. The Trail is called Webster-Jackson Trail because it leads to both mountains. about 1.4 miles up it turns to two trails, one being Jackson Branch. Follow that trail 1.2 miles until you reach the top pf Mt. Jackson. This mountain is 4052' above sea level. Beautiful views, can see Mt. Washington and the Mt. Washington hotel too!

Number 3 Mt. Liberty
This is such a lovely hike. It's in Franconia Notch and you start hiking near the Flumes. You pretty much stay on the same trial much of the way up called Liberty Springs Trail. There is a tenting site and a stop where you can get fresh water on the way up. Then at the top you will connect with Franconia Ridge Trail for .3 miles and then you will see the views! Amazing! I could see all the way around standing in one spot! This mountain is 4328' above sea level.

Number 2 Mt. Madison
If you are looking for a rocky climb, then this is the mountain for you! It starts on Rt2. There is a place to park, always full of cars. Everyone loves hiking here! There are many trails to pick from to climb up or down. Most pick between Air Line and Valley Way. Both will lead you to the AMC Madison Spring Hut from there you hike on the Osgood Trail until you reach the top. It's very windy but lovely views. On the way back down there is a lovely lake near by to see called Star lake. Mt. Madison is 5366' above sea level.

Number 1 Mt. Washington
This has to be my favorite mountain to hike. I can't wait to hike back up it again this year. There are so many ways to get to the top of this mountain. I enjoy taking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail for it leads to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. This hut is very nice instead and you get to see the Lake of the Clouds! Then follow up to Crawford Path that leads to the top! Mt. Washington is 6288' above sea level.

Always make sure the weather is good for hiking before you start you hike. Weather changes very quickly when you are up high and without tree coverage. Drink lots of water for you on your adventures and stay safe!
 Happy Hiking!:)

New AMC Madison Spring Hut!

This week's hike journey up to Mt. Madison had us head also to the New AMC Madison Spring Hut. This hut is located between Mt. Madison and shoulder to Mt. Adams. It is also close to Star Lake. The Hut is amazing now. I loved the look of the inside of Hut and how they set it up. Here are a few pics

The top pic is the Hut and the next pic is inside of the hut. I love the wood and the sleeping area is where the guy in blue is sitting, there is a doorway. the Bathrooms are to my left and they were nice. I loved the kitchen and they have a place to sit outside as well. I am so glad they have a new hut. I already can't wait to visit up Mt. Madison again. Speaking of Mt. Madison, here is a picture of a view from the top this year....

 There is my friend posing in front of Mt. Washington. The red arrow is pointing to the Auto Road that cars drive up to get to the top of Mt. Washington. The Green arrow is pointing to the Station at the top of Mt. Washington and the black arrow is pointing to a group of nails that lets you now that you are no top of Mt. Madison! :)

First encounter with a Moose on the Trail!

So, I have hiked many times, but yesterday was my first EVER encounter with a moose! We were heading up Air Line Trail near Mt. Madison when my friend stopped in front of me. I looked around her and saw this medium size moose on the trail. I couldn't believe it!!! It was amazing! It looked at us and turned into the woods off the trail. I stayed my distance but wanted to get a picture of it. This is what I got first...

Yep! It's a moose, the back side..it wouldn't look at me, sadly! It was pretty close though! I have seen moose many times living up here but not a few yards away on foot like this. But then I noticed something moving near the moose. Then the moose moved up into the woods. We started walking up the trail and saw the moose again near the trail. I bet she thought we were following her. Then I noticed she had a baby moose near her. It was lighter brown. I got a pretty good picture of the baby staring right at me through the trees.

See the baby moose on the right. The dark figure near it is the mother again. She was just munching away on some leaves when I took this shot! I am telling you, you never know what you are going to run into when you are hiking! It's such an adventure!!!:)

Inspiration...Magic...on top of a mountain

Of all my hikes, I have to say that Mt. Madison was my favorite mountain to hike...and it would have to be because of the views but how I felt when I was on top. It was as if I was floating, I was in another world...no longer on earth. I hope to hike this beautiful mountain again this year and have that feeling again. Here is a pic of me, just about floating on this great mountain! It was like Magic! This is a mountain like no other!

I just can look at this picture all day long and remember the feeling that came over me on top of this mountain! I think I could have touched the sky and drifted away....I miss you Mt. Madison! I'll be back soon.... PROMISE!:)

More Pics of Mt. Madison

I loved hiking this mountain the most. the views were amazing all over. Here are some more pics that I found of when I hiked the mountain a few years ago!

Here is a pic of my friend and I on Top of Mt. Madison. The mountain behind us is Mt. Washington. It was very windy on top of Mt. Madison but the views where lovely.

Here I am on the Air Line, heading up the AMC Madison Hut. Behind me is the Gulfside Trail. I haven't taken it yet, but it leads to Mt. Adams.

Here is another pic of me with the Gulfside Trail behind me that leads to Mt. Adams, though you can see more of Mt. Adams in the pic!
Hope you like the pics. More to come soon!! Always fun in the White Mountains of NH!

A hike up Mt. Madison

A great hike up Mt. Madison. Now I have hiked this mountain more then once, but the first time was my favorite! I went with a friend, we started the hike around noon and told her it was a two hour hike. I knew I was wrong but I didn't think it would turn into six and half hours! There are a few trails that can get your to the top. We decided to hike Air Line which was a gradual start but got steeper as we got closer to the half way point! About three quarters of the way up, you come out of the trees and on cliffs. You walk a long a path in the middle of cliffs where there are some beautiful views! I would climb this mountain on a clear day for sure! When you walk the path a ways, you come across a cabin where you can stay the night of you would like called AMC Madison Spring Hut. We stopped for a rest there and then started the tough part of the hike. The last few miles in lost rocks. Huge rocks to climb over to get to the top and following small rock piles. We were so tired! Our legs were all muscle after that hike! When we got to the top pf Mt. Madison the view was amazing! You would see in all directions, Mt Washington, Mt. Wildcat, Jefferson, Gorham and even Berlin! It was so awesome to see all that! We ate sandwiches and relaxed. It was a little windy. After we were done taking pictures and viewing, we started down a different trail, which was the Watson Path, but then we got lost. We landed up on Pine Line, heading back to the hut. We had huge rocks to climb over and we followed some rock piles. We were nervous about being stuck up there when it seemed to be getting later by the minute. Soon we made it to the hut and took a quicker trail down called Valley way. It was an easy trail and we could be quick on our feet! We were so happy when we reached the bottom and it wasn't dark yet! I think it was about six thirty, but it was a great hike! Lovely views! Nature at it's finest!

These were the rock piles we followed on the way up and around Mt. Madison. Climbing over these rocks is worth the view!! You will have such a great work out too!

The Presidentail Range

There are some amazing mountains to hike in the Presidential Range.  There are four beautiful mountains named after presidents, them being, Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Washington. I have hiked three of the four. I have never had the opportunity to hike Mount Adams yet. I hope to do that mountain in the near future. Mt. Madison is 5366 ft, Mt. Adams is 5410ft, Mt. Jefferson is 5716 ft and Mt. Washington is 6288ft. Mt Washington had the highest wind velocity ever recorded at any surface weather station (231 mph).
The Average for wind velocity is about 44 mph! I had hiked Mt. Washington once when it was about 45 mph when I got to the top! I'll have to share that story sometime! That was an awesome hike! The Presidential Range is beautiful to hike in the summer and early fall for the nice weather and then for the changing colors of fall! I will be hiking Mt. Washington again this summer! Can't wait!