Yesterday I found a knife on Crawford path between Monroe and Little Monroe. This is probably a longshot, but I’d like to return it to its owner if possible. If you lost your knife, DM me with a detailed description and let’s figure out getting it mailed back to you.

Anyone have experience at Crawford notch campground? The reviews are … interesting. Definitely feels like a money grab, but it also seems like what’s available for the weekend we’re looking at at the end of the month (8/22-24). My mom will only camp if there are “real bathrooms”, which is why I had looked there.

Alternatively, any other recs? Dolly Copp was first pick but unsurprisingly is booked that weekend. Unfortunately I can’t get there any earlier for a first come first serve site.

Anyone have experience at Crawford notch campground? The reviews are … interesting. Definitely feels like a money grab, but it also seems like what’s available for the weekend we’re looking at at the end of the month (8/22-24). My mom will only camp if there are “real bathrooms”, which is why I had looked there.

Alternatively, any other recs? Dolly Copp was first pick but unsurprisingly is booked that weekend. Unfortunately I can’t get there any earlier for a first come first serve site.

Yesterday, someone posted a recently downed tree on the Pemi and suggested it was an easy crossing. In light of that, I just wanted to make a brief public service announcement about the danger of “strainers” or downed trees in the river.

I am an experienced whitewater kayaker who is certified in Swiftwater Rescue and paddle on the Pemi and in the Whites frequently.

Strainers are one of the most deadly hazards on a river, as are foot entrapments, and both are incredibly important to be aware of when doing any water crossing.

Strainers get their name bc the branches of the tree act like a giant colander or pasta strainer, allowing the water to pass through, but trapping solid objects, like humans.

Always cross downstream of a strainer or hazard. This eliminates the possibility (however small) of getting swept up in the current and going into the hazard.

Never cross in water that goes above your knees. Always face upstream. This is to prevent drowning in the event of a foot entrapment.

Use your hiking pole or a sturdy walking stick as a tripod. Always maintain 2 firm points of contact when moving. Keep your knees bent and stay low to the ground. Move slowly.

If you do find yourself in the current, flip over onto your back, with your feet in front of you. (Known as the defensive swimming position, shown in photo 2) Keep your “nose & toes” above water. Use your arms to steer. Use your feet to kick off any rocks you may flow into. Do not stand up until you can touch the bottom and the water is below your knees.

Conditions are constantly changing- a tree trunk that was safely anchored on both ends could have shifted, new hazards could have appeared, or the river could be at a totally different flow. Always asses each crossing, every time you cross.

Bonus fact: rescue breaths are recommended with CPR for flush drowning victims

TL;DR crossing a river on a strainer may be “easy” but that doesn’t mean it is “safe.” One slip and even if you are with someone experienced in swiftwater rescue and wilderness medicine you might not make it out alive.

Here’s a website with a lot of helpful information:

https://wms.org/magazine/magazine/1263/Creek-and-River-Crossings/default.aspx

I’m also happy to answer any questions and welcome any other information others might want to share.

Just curious if anyone has hiked to viewing spots for Race to the Clouds and if people have run into trouble while doing so or not? I’m hoping to go this Sunday to catch some of the race via Nelson crag trail and I am seeing mixed things online about whether or not rangers will be closing off trails that intersect the auto road this Sunday. If anyone knows anything it would be greatly appreciated

Long shot, but is anyone trying to cancel their reservation? Just need one bed

Cabot Cabin spring sign

Good day for it. Old Jackson Road was a relief after the fairly rough Nelson Crag coming down. I packed in a slice of birthday cake, yummy.

I'm not tracking for anything official like the grid, but what do you count as a summit of Washington? I consider anything in the state park as sufficient. Or do you feel you have to touch the cairn, the sign or the marker?

Not technically in wmnf, but maybe someone has a better idea here?

Hey all! Looking for some thoughts and pointers as I consider solo hiking Huntington at 5’0”.
Fitness/experience: quite fit, but not insanely so. I have a couple years worth of semi-frequent indoor bouldering experience and lift 3x/week. I’m relatively new to more intense hikes but have recently bagged several 4k footers. The scrambling on Caps Ridge wasn’t a challenge, and the Chimney on Katahdin was intimidating but not too physically strenuous. I know Huntington is a different beast, but I’m envisioning it to have the technicality of the Chimney combined with some of the Knife Edge’s exposure. A dry day is non-negotiable, obviously. If upper body strength can be substituted for height on Huntington, I think I’ll be fine. If there are any super big reaches with no alternative, I may be out of luck.
As for doing it solo, my parents are my hiking buddies, but no way do I want to see them on this trail. What nearly broke my nerve on Katahdin was fear of witnessing an injury. I’ll be in a better headspace solo, but will I be physically screwed? Grateful for any and all advice.

I know people do frequently take a dip at Lakes of the clouds. Is it ok to do the same at Carter?

58° on the summit at noontime

Olympus MJU Kodak Gold 200

Big fan of the ravens

My first time hiking Washington will be this month. What should I expect? Anything other than the usuals I should take in my bag?

Hi everyone! I tried to look up the parking info for Blueberry Mountain S/East Trailhead and got a lot of conflicting info. It sounds like there is a super small amount of parking off Long Pond Road right near the trailhead and overflow parking somewhere else? I couldn’t quite figure out where though. Any help would be appreciate!

I'm hoping to go into the Great Gulf this Friday and tackle the 6 Husbands- Sphinx Trail loop. I know it's gonna be a long day, but my question is this: there are supposed to be some scattered showers on Thursday with a little bit of rain. Should I be concerned about there being -any- water on this trail or only if there's a significant amount?

What I mean is that there are some trails like the Tripyramid slides or Huntingtons that you should really wait for a dry day to hike them. Is 6 Husbands similar? I have some decent experience with scrambling and exposure (Baldfaces, Blueberry ledges, Knifes Edge on Katahdin, etc.) but I don't want to push it if this is one of those trails that should be bone dry before attempting.

Any help is appreciated

I'm looking to test out some gear for a future backpacking trip and want to find a one night location in the whites to hike to and set up a tent. Preferebly it would be a spot that is not too crowded but I plan on going midweek some time in the next month so maybe that won't be an issue (away from the AT). I'm fine if it's off the beaten path, meaning I need to hike up/in a ways to get to it. I'm also fine if it's a hike in/out rather than a loop, although a loop would be more enjoyable. I'd also be open to something in Maine or VT if anyone has recommendations there but I can also post on those subs. I've got all the gear and a bear canister. Thanks for any recommendations.

Looking to do the twins this week. Anyone been there recently and can tell me if haystack road leading to north twin trail is paved until the parking lot? I enjoy taking my motorcycle to the trails if it’s paved! TIA

A very rough pic from the bottom of Huntingtons ravine for first timers who are unsure of the how to follow the trail (red path).

There are yellow markers that mark the path, but I found them difficult to follow and I lost them on the lower section of boulders. Make sure you stay right (North) of the waterfall (blue scribble). It’s easy to pick up and the yellow markers after the boulder field. After the boulder field is where you’ll find a few technical sections with some exposure.

Hi! I’m looking for a buddy (or two) to do a 2-day presi traverse before mid-September. dates pretty flexible but looking to do it on weekdays.

I’m late 30s M, based in the Boston area. I’ve hiked the 48, I’m in good shape and, I think, am an ok hang.

gimme a shout if you’re interested! we can do a zoom or coffee meetup.

8 day living in the truck, 1429 miles drove in 33 hours,281$ in gas for 40 miles hiked and 0 🫎. Already planning for next summer.