The trail starts off dry. There is no snow down below, although we suspect that with recent precipitation and cold weather, there must be some snow or ice up above. I discover, as we are partway up the trail, that I've stupidly forgotten a bunch of crampons in the back of the CR-V. Therefore we will have to do our best, slipping and sliding along, if the trail above is iced up.
Snow-capped presidentials
Markus and Jenn and Madison
courtesy Markus
Just below Moriah's Summit
The way up is steep, but the footing is good, and soon viewpoints of Gorham and the surrounding peaks emerge. The snow-dusted presidentials look especially good. Also, our weather is finally clearing up and it is looking like a great weather day is in store!
courtesy Markus
courtesy Markus
Mount Moriah summit marker
Relaxing on the Bald Spot
At about 3000 feet, we encounter the ice-hard remnants of the early snows, and lots of iced up trail, too. It becomes apparent that crampons would indeed have been handy, but, not having them along, we carefully pick our way around the worst of it, with some slips and slides here and there. The summit of Mount Moriah is a wonderful little exposed rocky knob just above 4000 feet (it counts as one of the NE 115). The day is now completely clear and the views east into Maine and west to the Presidentials are stunning. It is a bit nippy out, with the temperature below freezing and a slight breeze.
courtesy Markus
Shelburne-Moriah and Maine hill country
courtesy Markus
The Carters and The Presidentials
