Notes from the Chair...... 1

A Look Back: The Rise of Clubs in the White Mountains...... 1

Hiking Close to Home in a Time of Social Distancing...... 2

Local Hikes in the Seacoast Region...... 5 Notes from the Chair “Keep them interested,” they said...... 6

Backcountry Alternate BY RICK SILVERBERG Water Sources...... 7 CHAIR AMCNH CHAPTER As we all are aware, we have been living Take the Time to Check through unusual times. Many of the normal What’s In Your Pack...... 8 activities of the AMC and our Chapter have been postponed or even cancelled. Rather than explor- Where In the Whites?...... 9 ing the White Mountains and other wilderness areas, we have been urged to stay close to home. To Hike or Not to Hike?...... 10 AMC and the Randolph Mountain Club have decided to keep their high country huts closed

AMC Reopening Preview...... 11 during the 2020 hiking season. As you will read, for the first time in Chapter history we will be

The Sun Will Come Up...... 11 holding a virtual annual meeting in October. But, it isn’t all bad. As described in two New Hampshire Chapter articles in this issue of Mountain Passages, NOTES FROM THE CHAIR, TO PAGE 3 Annual Meeting...... 12 October 24, 2020 A Look Back: The Rise of Hiking OUR MISSION The Appalachian Mountain Club is Clubs in the White Mountains the nation’s oldest outdoor recreation began in the White Mountains in the 1870s. and conservation organization, and BY: BOB MCLAUGHLIN promotes the protection, enjoyment, By this time, artists had visited and painted the and understanding of the moun- Next year, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary White Mountains. Most notably, starting in the tains, forests, waters and trails of the of the creation of the New Hampshire Chapter 1820s, Thomas Cole, an established artist of the Appalachian region. AMC has more of the Appalachian Mountain Club. At the time Hudson River School, repeatedly travelled to the than 100,000 members, 16,000 vol- of the creation of our Chapter, the AMC was 45 White Mountains and returned to his studio in unteers, 450 full-time and seasonal years-old. This is the first in a series of articles to New York City to create paintings that featured staff. The New Hampshire Chapter is mark the centenary of our Chapter and traces the sweeping romantic vistas of the Whites. Cole was the second largest of the 12 Chapters development of the first hiking clubs, including followed by other artists and writers who contin- within the Club. the AMC. ued to enhance the romantic cachet of the wilder- As was described in the November-December ness in the Whites. These paintings and literary VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 2019 edition of Mountain Passages, logging works enticed some of the first tourists to visit the SUMMER 2020 A LOOK BACK, TO PAGE 4 disappoint. In our travels this of elevation gain. Some lead to Hiking Close to Home in a spring, we have seen no less viewpoints, where on the many Time of Social Distancing than 12 different beaver dams clear days of the shutdown, we all within 10 miles of home. had great views of the snow- near the state capital in Con- Some of the dams were huge: covered Whites. We were able BY RICK SILVERBERG cord, and in the last two-and- One was 120-feet long, and to identify Washington, Moosi- AMC NH CHAPTER CHAIR half months, we've averaged 30 another seven-feet tall. While lauke and the Franconia Ridge: What is an avid hiker to do miles a week usually in chunks most were smaller – about 80 miles or more to the north. when retirement and the onset of seven or eight miles at a time two-feet tall and 20-feet wide These woods are also the of a pandemic with stay-at- on conservation lands, pieces – they all created ponds which habitat for many local mam- home orders converge? The NH of town forest, state forests and supported populations of fish, mals. We have seen fox, coyote, governor and AMC say stay at properties owned and managed amphibians and reptiles. by land trusts. We also found three heron What you find has always rookeries, all within 10 been there but overlooked and miles of the state capital. bypassed in our daily drives These beaver ponds were when we never stopped to no- only little dots on the tice. Thousands and thousands or were not shown at all of acres of old farmland – once but were waiting to be pasture for cows and sheep, discovered. crisscrossed with stone walls and Some of our hikes old woods roads, and dotted were casual walks on old Signs of past occupation are wide- with cellar holes – have now woods roads which allowed spread like this cellar hole. While they are not The Flume, grown up with dense woodland. us to refocus on the little Photo by: Rick Silverberg. your local fast running streams On close exploration we things underfoot and the remains of past inhabitants, deer, beaver, weasel, bear and are worth a stop. Photo by: found streams running into such as cellar holes, old flower moose signs (mostly their scat) Rick Silverberg. ponds created by beaver. Beaver are nature’s engineers and never beds, stone walls and patches and of course many squirrels home, but make an excep- of open pasture in the dense and chipmunks. tion for outdoor exercise woodlands. Others are moder- These close-to-home hikes provided it is close to ate hikes with lots of ups and were also interesting for what we home and can be done downs, little clefts and rocky did not see: people! On with social distancing. trails, which in the course of a The answer is to find 7-mile hike, give you 1,700-feet HIKING CLOSE TO HOME, new places close to home TO PAGE 5 to explore on foot. Who would have ever MOUNTAIN PASSAGES thought so many fascinat- Volume 46, No. 3 Summer 2020 ing places to hike would One of the Beaver Dams we discov- Mountain Passages is published four times Please note: Member address updates be so easy to find and so ered near Concord. Photo by: Rick a year by the New Hampshire Chapter of cannot be handled by AMC-NH officers, close to home! We live Silverberg. the Appalachian Mountain Club. committee chairs, or the newsletter editor. Submissions. Members may submit Mountain Passages Online. If you’re articles or photos (hi-res jpegs) to newslet- receiving Mountain Passages through the [email protected]. Articles may be edited at mail, please consider signing up to get the Advertise Here to Reach Almost 15,000 the discretion of the editor to meet space electronic version instead. Environmentally Active Outdoor Enthusiasts and style requirements. Publication is on You’ll get added resources not available a space-available basis. While Mountain to print subscribers: direct links to emails, Passages does not pay for submissions; forms and online information, color photos, ISSUE DEADLINE AD SIZE PRICE (per issue) a byline or photo credit is given. Contact online registration forms. 1/8 page 3.5”w x 2.5”h $100 Mountain Passages for reprint permission. Spring March 15 To sign up, go to www.outdoors.org/mem- 1/4 page 3.5”w x 5”h $160 Advertising. The AMC NH Chapter Summer May 15 bercenter and set your AMC-NH Chapter 1/2 page 7.5”w x 5”h $250 members enjoy the outdoors year-round newsletter preference to online. by hiking, paddling, skiing, , Fall August 15 20% Discount for advertising in six and biking and more. © 2020 by New Hampshire Chapter, Winter November 15 consecutive issues, with prepayment For information and the Ad Rate Sheet, Appalachian Mountain Club. send an email to [email protected]. For questions, or to submit ad: [email protected] We reserve the right to refuse any submis- Editors: Robert S. McLaughlin Please send ads as color PDF or jpeg high-resolution files, at correct sion, photo or advertising that is not & Brett Billings size. Ads will appear in color in the on-line and print versions. consistent with the mission of the AMC. [email protected] Address Changes. Address changes or We reserve the right to refuse ads that are not related to the mission of AMC. We other changes to your membership must Graphic Design: Jessica Clifford, do not provide proofs and accept no liability for errors beyond the cost of the ad. be made through AMC Member Services Graphic Designer, Artist & at 10 City Square. Boston, MA 02129; 800- Photographer. 372-1758; outdoors.org/membercenter [email protected]

2 NOTES FROM THE CHAIR, the following areas: 100th Anniversary Committee for over 40 years and made sure FROM PAGE 1 • Chapter Treasurer; Finally, while we have to give us the freedom to do • Chapter Webmaster; a few volunteers, we are still what we do, to run large train- explorations close to home have • Cochair Online Presence; looking for individuals to join ing sessions and to host family revealed treasures that we had • Cochair Programs; and a planning committee that will groups and trail-clearing events. overlooked. Another article • Cochair Membership. organize activities to recognize Thanks to the efforts of Tom describes how one family used Programs the 100th anniversary of the and his crew, these events have the time at home to teach their Debbie Marcus, who Chapter. We want to make sure been huge successes year after children basic outdoor skills formerly chaired the Programs that this important milestone year. and greater appreciation of the Committee, is now the Chap- will be a year to remember. Tom always had a story to natural world. ter’s Secretary. Susan Zielin- If you are interested in any tell, and we would listen and When we again venture ski recently agreed to cochair these opportunities, please con- discover the Cardigan his- into the backcountry this sea- Programs, but we still need tact me at rsilverberg54@gmail. tory and hidden secrets in the son, it is particularly important another cochair. The Programs com. stories. Tom took the lodge to to make sure we are properly Committee gets involved with Departures, and Our Thanks a new level of diverse usage with equipped and prepared for the all the other committees and I would also like to recog- major improvements, redeco- new conditions. In this con- supports their activities. Pro- nize and thank two great indi- rating and renovating the high nection, this issue of Mountain grams also schedules interesting viduals who are stepping down cabin. He was responsible for Passages contains an article on speakers and programs at area from their roles supporting the building new raised outhouses reviewing the contents of your libraries and handles the details Chapter. at the crew cabin and the family pack and assuring that you have and hospitality of our Chapter’s First, Jim Kent has decided and group campsites. Tom also the ten essentials and that you Annual Meeting. The Programs he can no longer continue to spearheaded the development of know how to use them. A par- Committee needs your help in serve as Vice Chair and has the Clark Brook campsite. ticular challenge this season will executing the plans. Why not stepped down. Valerio Viti has We will miss Tom! His big be the loss of the hut system as give it a try? agreed to serve as interim Vice smile and his “can do” way of a source of water on the ridge- Membership Chair. Thank you Jim and thinking about everything at the lines. So, to try to address this Membership is also a good Valerio. Jim, you will be missed lodge. On behalf of NH Chap- new challenge, Christina Coz- way to get involved. If you on the Executive Committee. ter, farewell Tom, and we wish zens provides a list of locations want to meet new people and Second, Tom Fisher has de- you a very good retirement. We where water can be found in introduce them to the Chapter cided to retire from his position look forward to meeting you on the high country and discusses and the AMC, this might be a at Cardigan Lodge. The AMC the trails or anywhere else. All alternatives to treat the water so great slot for you. Jamie Gillon NH chapter considers Cardigan the best! that it can be safely consumed. is the Membership Chair but is Lodge our second home. Each On a closing note, sum- Another article from AMC looking for a cochair. year we have over 10 major mer is here and the outdoors describes the current plans for Online Presence events at the lodge usually tak- beckon, but don’t let down your reopening activities and precau- If you are a whiz on Face- ing over the whole lodge. guard. Covid-19 can be a very tions that will be required. book, Instagram, or other social Tom and his crew have serious disease, and it is up to While we are beginning to media platforms, we are looking been good hosts. They have all of us to protect each other. emerge, it is important to realize for help in spreading the word recognized that we have been Enjoy, but stay safe! the threat of Covid-19 is not about our Chapter. We need doing our thing at Cardigan behind us. However, we are someone to keep the Chapter’s trying to learn to deal with the feeds current and interesting. threat and still participate in the If this is your interest, Online activities we all love. An article Presence may be a perfect fit! by Brett Billings in this issue Webmaster dives into these issues and is Our website is one of our worth a read. best tools for reaching our Get Involved membership and new people, One way you can partici- but we need a volunteer to serve pate in these times would be to as webmaster. Our new website become more involved in the is up and running, but requires Chapter activities. We need care and feeding. The various your help! We are just about to activity committees can provide reach our 100th anniversary as some of the food, but we need a Chapter, and what could be a webmaster to make sure it all better than continuing the work looks good. If you are familiar and fun of making the Chapter with WordPress, we need the succeed? help. We are looking for help in

3 A LOOK BACK, the details of each of the Club’s Copp Farm which was their club, our Appalachian Moun- FROM PAGE 1 tramps, providing a record of its destination. While the Alpine tain Club, was founded in White Mountains. activities and a reference for the Club group was not the first to Boston. On January 1, 1876, However, it was after the future. hike the northern Presidentials, Professor Edward C. Pickering Civil War that the changes re- In 1864, the Alpine Club they were among the first and it of Harvard College sent writ- ally began. Railroads had been expanded its horizons and was a truly magnificent adven- ten invitations to fifty outdoor laid along the edges and into completed 19 excursions, ture! enthusiasts inviting them to a the interior of the White Moun- and ventured deeper into the While the Alpine Club meeting on January 8. Approxi- tains, and the pressures of urban wilderness. However, 1865 sponsored a few additional mately 30 individuals attended industrial life, and the heat, marked the Club’s highpoint. excursions in 1866, its member- the initial meeting, including a smells and other discomforts In August of 1865 the Club ship was scattering. After 1866, former member of the Alpine of summer in the city, created undertook a 12-day trip to the no more tramps were scheduled, Club of Williamstown, and in a new institution, the summer White Mountains. While the but the seeds of the hiking club a follow-up meeting, the first vacation. beginning of the trip focused had been planted. constitution of the AMC was At first the accommoda- on visits to well-traveled sights, In 1873, the second hik- adopted. tions were rustic, but entrepre- such as Franconia Notch, Silver ing club, the White Mountain The organizing meeting of neurs in the White Mountains Cascade, Glen Ellis Falls and the AMC was held on February responded quickly and created Diana’s Bath, the end of the trip 9, 1876, and momentous deci- the first luxury hotels. Tourists was the adventure. They started sions were adopted. Member- arrived in droves, and the fame by summiting Mt. Washington ship was open to both men and of the White Mountains spread. via Tuckerman’s Ravine, and women and five departments of But, some visitors wanted after spending a night on the special interest were established: more than the games, dances summit, they headed north • Natural History; and other amusements that the along the Presidentials climb- • Topography; resorts offered. They wanted ing Clay, Jefferson, Adams and • Art; to explore the wilderness. The Madison. They then descended An early AMC "tramping" • Exploration; and guided walks through the woods Osgood Ridge and with only party in Crawford Notch • Improvements. to visit the famous sights such their to guide them, in 1906. Each department had its as the Old Man, Echo Lake and headed straight downhill own “Councilor,” and the de- the Basin were not enough. through the woods. Needless to Club of Portland, was founded partments reflected the various The idea of the first hiking say, the going was rough. by a group of six hikers from interests of the members of the clubs was born. We can only get a small Portland, ME, reportedly while new club from the scientific to In April 1863, a group taste of the experience when we exploring the unmapped slopes the humanistic. In its first year, of outdoor enthusiasts met in bushwhack through untracked of Mt. Carrigain. The six hikers Williamstown, MA, and created woodland. No matter how included a biology professor the first hiking club: The Alpine deep the woods, we have good from Bowdoin College, two art- Club of Williamstown. Since , maybe a GPS and know ists, two industrialists and a mu- the members of the Alpine Club there are blazed trails not that seum trustee. Their focus was lived in western Massachusetts, far away. But, we still can gain narrow but intense. The White most of their outings were in some appreciation of the diffi- Mountain Club focused on the Berkshires. They made their culties of making a way through exploration and mapping of Mt. first tramp on May 2, and by tangled underbrush, fallen trees Carrigain and the Mahoosuc the time 1863 came to a close, and uneven treacherous leaf Range but carried barometers By the 1910, the AMC Hut they had made a total of 19 covered surfaces. and recorded the height of sum- system had started. This is excursions. They did not refer The Alpine Club group mits and developed meticulous a photo of hikers in front of to their outings as “hiking” – faced it all and eventually drawings of ridgelines, profiles Carter Notch Hut. it was known as “tramping” overcame. They left Madison of surrounding mountains and instead. at about 3:30 and were still other features. the AMC also began publica- The membership of the Al- descending at nightfall. Their Although the White tion of Appalachia, which pine Club of Williamstown was only light source was , Mountain Club only lasted un- continues to be published to notable as well. The member- and they were limited. They til 1884, its members gathered this day. ship of the club was drawn from continued downhill in the dark valuable scientific and topo- Through Appalachia, the the Williams College commu- guided by their and logical information about their AMC established a regular nity and nine of the 12 original the sound of Madison Brook. corner of the White Mountains. communication and record members were women. Perhaps Eventually, they heard barking They developed the concept of reports and articles which, reflecting the makeup of its dogs, and blowing their bugle that a hiking club could be among other things, focused on membership, the Alpine Club’s (yes, they carried a bugle!), dedicated to scientific investiga- the White Mountains. “Chronicler,” Professor Albert they were further guided by the tion. An extensive library of Hopkins, meticulously recorded answering bugle call from the In 1876, the third hiking A LOOK BACK, TO PAGE 5 4 A LOOK BACK, building initiative that lasted through the 1920s, numerous ment of the trail network in the FROM PAGE 4 over 20 years and resulted other clubs were formed that White Mountains. maps, books, photographs, in some of the most iconic continue to this day, including sketches and other records was trails in the Whites. He is the Randolph Mountain Club established, which is the basis of commemorated by Edmands created in 1910, the Waterville the AMC Archive Department Col and Edmands Path. As Valley Athletic and Improve- which still operates today. the plaque in Edmands Col ment Association in 1888, the While each of the original memorializes, Edmands was Squam Lakes Association in departments of the AMC had “the first to build continuous 1904, the Dartmouth Outing an important role to play, two graded paths . . . always ris- Club in 1909 and the Chocorua in particular affected the White ing but never steeply.” Mountain Club in 1908. In Mountains as we now know • Topography—created the California, the Sierra Club was them: first maps of the White founded in 1898, and in New • Improvements—addressed Mountains and ultimately York, the Adirondack Mountain trail creation and ultimately led to the publication of the Club (ADK) was formed in the development of the first edition of the White 1922. However, with the pos- hut system. As early as the Mountain Guide in 1907. sible exception of the ADK and 1880s, the original Coun- As history has shown, the the Sierra Club, none of these cilor for Improvements, AMC was the first hiking club other clubs have risen to the William G. Nowell, and J. to have the resources and inter- prominence of the AMC. Rayner Edmands began the est to survive and prosper in the In future issues of Moun- The front cover of the First long-term project of creating long term. tain Passages, we AMC Guide to the White However, the AMC is will continue exploring the the trail system we enjoy to- Mountains. We are now on the not the last word. Other history of the White Mountains day. Edmands in particular 30th Edition, but this was the dedicated himself to a trail- hiking clubs continued to be including the development of formed. In New Hampshire, our Chapter and the develop- first in 1907. AMC Archives

Local Hikes in the Dover – Bellamy Wildlife the trailhead – Tibbetts Field, Management Area. Great 25 Lee Rd., Madbury – on left Seacoast Region hike through fields, wetland side of parking lot. borders, forests and along Newmarket / Durham – Headlands. The trail head Great Bay New England Cot- Great Bay National Estuarine BY: BRIAN WAZLAW is located at the end of Jones tontail Rabbit Restoration Research Reserve. Great hike Ski season ended, and Avenue. Park at the gate and Area. The hike is about 2.8 through the woods. Some the Whites were “kind of” you will find the trail head miles. The trailhead is off Rab- ups and downs. Vernal pools, closed. So, following the about 50 yards beyond the bit Lane, a turn off Backwater beaver dams and views of advice to stay close-to-home, gate. The area offers great Rd. Great Bay. This portion of the I focused my hikes/walks in paths with some ups and Madbury – Powder Ma- Reserve is accessed off Dame Portsmouth where I live. I downs, great views of Saga- jor’s Forest. A fabulous hike Rd., Newmarket. Expect a discovered great walks/hikes more Creek, huge stands of through stands of white pines round trip of about 5 miles. that I did not know existed! white pine and a few large and hemlocks. Great paths It is interesting discov- Here are a few highlights. vernal pools. Total walking and many side paths. Dis- ering the outdoors in your Portsmouth – Sagamore distance is about 1.5 miles. tance 2.8 miles. You can find “backyard.”

HIKING CLOSE TO HOME, FROM PAGE 2 many of our weekday outings So get on the computer we saw no one. On others, we and look for those local gems, saw only a few folks, and we and get out there to explore. recognized the need for social Enjoy what has always been distancing, so we gave each there! other an 8-foot buffer passing off the trail and into woods with a friendly, “Hello, great day for a hike.” Cornish town forest. Photo by: Jessica Clifford. 5 “Keep them interested,” they said

the kids check for the right way, they learned principles like let the children prepare a fire pit BY: VERONIQUE ROY spot to plant a . While sedimentation, chemical reac- without much guidance. I was In February, with early they started with a patch of tions with water purification in charge of lighting matches signs of spring, I was planning swampy soil, they finally found tabs, how to boil water in the once the set-up was appropriate, trips to the White Mountains a proper spot to set up camp. woods and how to use a water and it worked well. Once the with excitement. Of course, we It took them close to an hour filter. (I use a Katahdyn water fire was going, marshmallows were hearing on the news about to set-up the tent and another filter during hikes.) What was were the pièce de resistance. a virus spreading in China hour to get ready for spending interesting during this challenge - Reading maps and learning and other countries, but at the a night outside. Of course, the was the selection of different how to use a compass. time, it seemed very far from temperature wasn't too cold at water sources. I have a barrel in This one is probably easier us. March started, and before the time, and since the house the backyard to collect rainwa- with older kids – our 7 year- we knew it, schools and busi- is right there, we told them ter, we have a small stream close old was not interested at all in nesses started to shut down and to come back in if they were by, there is a swimming pool the compass, but liked to study we were told that our country feeling cold or having trouble and you can imagine the other the maps to see which summits would be on hold for a while. sleeping. Their father did a spots where water is available were higher than others and few checks during the evening close to home. Funny enough, which trails were the steepest. the dirtiest looking water at first Even if you don’t own maps of was not necessarily the toughest the trails close to home, Google water to treat. In the end, we Map’s satellite view on a com- all drank water from our experi- puter will be good enough for ment. that exercise. - Cleaning up Boardgames Each day, we took a 30-60 When it rains and is cold, minute walk with the kids on despite good intentions to stay trails close to home. We discov- active and play outside, we ered not everyone is following turned to board games to enter- the “leave no trace” principles tain. A few board games with on trails. Therefore, with gloves outdoors themes are available There is so much to explore if only you know where to look. and garbage bags, we did a few on the market. All the ones be- Photo by: Veronique Roy. clean-up days to get rid of dog low are recommended for ages I'm the proud mom of an (frankly, I thought it was more poop, cans and garbage along 10+ but easy enough for our 7 eight-month-old and stepmom to scare them than to check on the trails. Everyone felt good year-old. of a 7 and 10 year-old, which them), and the kids spent their about what we accomplished, - Wingspan by Stonemaier in- were then full-time with us. first night outside of the season. even if the results were definite- volves collecting birds, eggs and Not only would we all have to The next day, they were glad to ly icky. The trails were much food to get the highest score; stay home, but hiking trips and get warm pancakes inside the cleaner and more pleasant. along the way, the player learns activities in the region were house and they spent the next about birds as well. all stopped. No more soccer morning sleeping in their own - Parks by Keymaster consists practices; no more sleepover at beds to recover from the night. of collecting cards from the 49 friends; no more grandparents Needless to say, the baby stayed National Parks following trails coming from time to time. In indoors. in the different seasons. addition to being parents, we Challenges for kids - Trekking by Underdog became teachers, hairdressers, One of the things that re- Games has a similar theme but and full-time cooks. We had ally helped keeping them inter- provides a simpler way to collect to find activities and ways to ested was a bit of competition points and “visit” parks. entertain the kids and ourselves, between the two older siblings. It seems likely social dis- and TV was not going to be the We called it "instant challenge." Learn by doing, that’s the tancing will remain for a while, answer! The instant challenges ranged way! Photo by: Veronique Roy. and there may be limited pos- Luckily, warm weather was from "making your own face- sibilities for summer traveling coming our way, and we started mask" to "designing your own - Setting up a fire or backpacking in 2020. So, we a few activities in our backyard. climbing wall” indoors, and we A popular challenge was will have to be creative! found a few challenges outside. to set up a fire in our backyard. One thing for sure, once A tent, some sleeping bags - The art of treating water Of course, you need to be aware this is over, walks in the woods or a whole lot of blankets are all They had both to find a of laws and regulation in your and teaching kids about their you need to introduce children source of water and treat it so own town and avoid risk of surroundings will remain part to the joys of camping. I let they could drink it. Along the wildfires, but it can be fun to of our family routine. 6 Backcountry Alternate Water Sources Finding Water Outside of the Hut System in the White Mountains can trace back to a beaver pond, Ridge Trail to the Garfield of the lake that is moving and BY: CHRISTINA COZZENS you may want to think about Ridge Campsite 2.5 miles from has minimal algae growth from The AMC high mountain treating and/or filtering twice, the hut, where you can find a stagnancy. If you are uncom- hut system in New Hampshire’s boiling the water, or, better still, very reliable water source just fortable pulling water from White Mountains has been finding another source. off the main trail. here, you can find a ground providing hikers cozy hospital- Taking the extra step in Greenleaf Hut filtered outlet south-southwest ity, fresh food, and clean water your planning process to map Eagle Lake sits adjacent of the lake, running parallel to for years. For many people out a few water source options to Greenleaf hut, and likely the trail towards Cascade Brook. attempting longer hikes, such as for your hike will go a long provides a viable drinking Madison Spring Hut a Presidential Traverse, the huts way and is definitely worth the source. First, check for inlets Madison Spring Hut has have been a staple in refilling few extra minutes. See some and mountain streams feeding a few water sources sprinkled water or enjoying a warm slice options below that we have the lake from the east, running around it, including Star Lake, of banana bread to break up discovered around the huts that off of Lafayette. If they are dry, just southwest of the hut, and high-mile days. However, with could substitute as your water check for a decent, pre-filtered a runoff found shortly down the closing of the huts this year, refill supply this summer. source to the northeast. the Valley Way Trail that leads many adventurers will have Make sure to pack your You can also find a runoff into Snyder Brook. You also to find new sources of these water filter or treatment tablets! on the Greenleaf Trail about have the option of following the luxuries. This may mean dig- Carter Notch Hut one mile down. Once turning Valley Way Trail down about ging out the tent that has been Luckily, there is a small north and traveling for about 0.7 miles to the Valley Way Ten- collecting dust in your closet, lake right next to Carter Notch a quarter of a mile, the runoff tsite, which has a great water taking a crack at some new hut where you can find inlets should be just north of you. source. backcountry recipes, or finding originating from the east off of It runs parallel to the trail for Mizpah Spring Hut fresh sources to top off your Wildcat A mountain and the another quarter of a mile before From Mizpah Spring Hut, water bottles. west off of Carter Dome. If you the river splits northwest and there is a plentiful water sup- Although we have not had search for and are able to find the trail splits southwest. ply at Nauman Tentsite just to rely on them, there are many a small, moss-filtered inlet into If you are planning to southeast of the hut. There is suitable sources of drinking this lake, it could make for a ascend Lafayette and continue also a runoff that leads into the water in the White Mountains. great refill point. along the ridge, you can find Dry River about a half a mile It is important to remember There are also run-offs from water in a trailside spring at southeast of the hut, towards that no matter where you are re- this lake that could be ground Liberty Spring Tentsite about the split of the Dry River Cutoff filling from, filtering or treating filtered, including a significant 3.5 miles south of the Lafayette Trail and the Mount Clinton your water to prevent illness is stream to the north-northwest summit following the Fran- Trail. essential. There are many good running parallel to the Nineteen conia Ridge Trail. You can Zealand Falls Hut filters on the market, and water Mile Brook Trail for nearly four also find water at the Garfield Zealand Falls Hut sits just purification chemicals. If you miles, and another less than one Ridge Campsite about 4 miles west of several ponds. These are hiking in the backcountry mile south-southeast crossing north-northeast of the Lafayette ponds are fed by the falls west you need to carry one or more the Wildcat River Trail. summit following the Garfield of the hut. The mountain water treatment alternatives. Galehead Hut Ridge Trail. brook fed falls are a great source Drinking untreated water There are several runoff Lakes of the Clouds Hut to refill your water bottles. Be can lead to illness which can points originating around Gale- The Lakes of the Clouds mindful where you choose to definitely ruin your hike or your head mountain. However, it are mere steps from this hut, pull from; rushing water can next week or much longer! Be is important to remember that making finding water pretty not only be dangerous, but may prepared and be careful! some of these sources could be easy. However, try to collect also contribute a lot of extra We also suggest you care- dry in the summer months, es- your water from an inlet into sediment which can be straight- fully choose your water source. pecially with a lack of rain and the lake, running off of the up annoying to drink and Generally, running water is safer in higher elevations. You can summit cone of Mount Wash- which can clog your filter. than stagnant water, but don’t find the runoff trailing into the ington, if possible. Even though the huts are assume you can drink water north branch of the Gale River Other options include closed this season, it doesn’t from any backcountry source just over half a mile west from multiple runoff areas heading have to put a damper on your if it is untreated. It is worth the hut, running parallel to the north from the hut on the Am- adventures! Make sure to bring your time to evaluate the source Gale River Trail for over four monoosuc Ravine Trail, and a enough food, and a way to fil- of the water. For example, if miles. Another runoff into the runoff shortly southeast of the ter/treat water, and you will be you’ve found a mountain stream Twin Brook can be found south hut on the Dry River Trail. scaling summits and recording that is pre-filtered by soil and of the hut, running parallel to Lonesome Lake Hut miles with nothing holding moss, it is more trustworthy the Twin Brook Trail. This hut also sits right you back! once it is filtered. However, if Another option is to next to a lake that you can Happy trails! you have found runoff that you continue west on the Garfield refill from. Try to find an area 7 Take the Time to Check What’s In Your Pack emergency exit routes in case of prevent hypothermia if you get pack. Also, a Swiss army knife BY: BOB MCLAUGHLIN need. cold on the trail, are injured or or multi tool can be a life saver. The coming of summer for 2. HYDRATION (Water and ever have to spend an unexpect- Over the years, I have used duct most of us means looking for- a way to purify it): Insufficient ed night in the woods. You can tape to repair a hiking boot ward to days on the trails. This water can lead to fatigue and also use fires to signal for help when the sole separated when year is not different, but the muscle cramping or worse. The if you get lost or are injured. I I was on Franconia Ridge, and circumstances are. The sources water requirements of individu- always carry a butane lighter. It twist ties to repair a broken of help that were there last year als vary, but as a rule of thumb, is light and works dry or wet. pack strap. In addition, a may not be available in 2020. plan on consuming at least a li- 5. LIGHT (Flashlight length of nylon cord can be a The High Country Huts are ter of water for every two hours headlamp): Every hiker should life saver. Also, do not forget closed, and backcountry rescue on the trail. Carry at least two have a flashlight or headlamp to an extra boot lace or two, and a may take longer than normal. liters of water with you, and use if they are delayed and have patch kit for your water bladder Therefore, while it is always stop to drink often. Water, to hike out in the dark. Carry if you carry one. important to carry backcountry however, is heavy. Each liter of extra batteries too. Remember 8. INSULATION (Water survival items in your pack, it is water weighs about 2.2 pounds, in colder temperatures batteries proof/wind gear and extra particularly important this year! and the amount of water you will die more quickly. Always clothing): Dressing in layers Whether you are hiking would need for an eight hour carry at least two light sources. allows you to adapt for chang- to a lake or along a brook, or hike would bring the total up to It is much easier to change bat- ing weather and activity levels. summiting a 4,000-Footer, it is a whopping nine pounds if you teries after dark if you are able Remember temperatures are important to carry a pack and drank only a half-liter an hour. to see what you are doing! usually much lower and winds the 10 essentials that you may One solution is to bring along 6. PERSONAL CARE/FIRST stronger on mountain tops and need on the trail. Before you a method for treating water AID (Toilet Kit// ridgelines. As a general rule, set out, spread out what is in in the backcountry, such as a Signaling): You should always in addition to your base layers, your pack, and take the time purification filter or a chemical carry at least a rudimentary first carry or wear at least a hat, a to make sure it is complete additive. If you use a chemical aid kit that includes bandages, fleece layer and a wind proof/ and in good condition. Also, additive, remember that cold tweezers, and a nail clipper. moisture resistant outer layer. make sure you know how to use temperatures reduce the effec- Don’t forget medicines if you Also, consider what you would everything you pack! tiveness of water treatment and will need them. Prepackaged need to stay warm if you ever A good approach to review- that longer treatment times will first-aid kits are available, but have to spend an unplanned ing your is to group be required. Filters do not have you should consider their size night in the woods. Avoid cot- the items using the 10 essentials this limitation but can clog. and weight when choosing ton, but be aware that list. While you want to limit 3. NUTRITION (Extra food): one for a daypack. While not synthetics, which have the weight of what your carry, Hiking is not the time to try strictly part of a packing list, clearly superior insulating you need to be sure to have to reduce your caloric intake. you should consider taking a properties especially when wet, what you will need. Remember, Always pack sufficient food to first-aid class to learn how to can present burn hazards if they you are responsible for having fuel your body on the hike. At respond to injuries on the trail. ever catch on fire or get hot what you need to be able to the same time, you should avoid In addition, your pack enough to melt. complete your planned hike and eating too much at one time. should always have a toilet kit 9. SUN & INSECT PR to be able to manage if things When on a day-long hike, I consisting of a pocket pack of TECTION (Sunscreen, go wrong. Don’t cut corners! usually plan on an early lunch tissues, maybe toilet wipes, and sunglasses, lip balm, and bug The 10 Essentials that you and then a late lunch with one or more zip-lock bags to repellent): A hat and sun- should always have are: snacks along the way. Fruit pack out used paper and pack- screen and lip balm can help to 1.  (Map juices are a valuable and easily aging. It is also advisable to prevent sunburn. Sunglasses and compass/GPS): In recent assimilated energy source that include a whistle and possibly a protect your eyes from glare and years, more and more hikers also aid in hydration. Finally, metal mirror for signaling and sun damage. Mosquito, black are relying on a dedicated GPS you should consider bringing calling for help. fly, and tick repellents can help unit or the GPS functions in extra food in case you get lost, 7. REPAIR KIT: You should control these nuisances. When our cell phones. However, as suffer an injury or simply have always carry a simple repair the flies or mosquitos get really powerful as they are, these units a longer day than originally kit to address malfunctioning bad, head nets are the ultimate have limitations. A map and planned. Extra food will help gear. Duct tape and twist ties defense although they clearly compass can help you identify keep up energy and improve are essential, and a needle and have their disadvantages. Small not only where you are but your attitude. dental floss can be invaluable in pump spray bottles of insect will give you a wider field of 4. FIRE (Lighter/matches making repairs. In addition to repellent are available and sun- view to determine how far you fire starter): While you may rolls, duct tape is sold in a flat screen can be transferred to a have to go and where you can never need them, the warmth of pack about the size of a playing WHAT’S IN YOUR PACK, find campsites, water and any a fire and a hot drink can help card which is much easier to TO PAGE 9 8 Range and includes the sum- mits of the northern Presi- dentials from Washington to Madison. Last month’s Where photo is reprinted here. If anything, identifying In the the mountain in this month’s Whites? Last issue's Where in the Whites? Photo was taken from Mt Hight in photo should be easier. But, the Carter/Moriah Range and is of the northern Presidentials. Photo the challenge may be to by: Bob McLaughin. determine where the photo was taken from. Take a guess In the Spring Edition of taken and what mountains photo was too easy, we were and submit your answers to Mountain Passages we intro- were in the photo. We prom- surprised that we did not [email protected]. duced a new photo identifica- ised to print the names of the receive a single correct guess. We look forward to see- tion contest, Where in the first 10 respondents with the For the record, the photo was ing your submissions. Whites?. We asked readers correct answer. taken from the summit of Mt. to guess where the photo was While we thought the Hight in the Carter-Moriah

What is this Mountain and where was the photographer when it was taken? Photo by: Bob McLaughin.

WHAT’S IN YOUR PACK, always have everything you will FROM PAGE 8 need in the backcountry. How- 10 Essentials smaller bottles to save room and ever, carrying something from weight in a pack. each category on the list will 1. Navigation 7. Repair Kit 10. EMERGENCY help prevent problems and allow 2. Hydration 8. Insulation SHELTER (Tarp, bivy sack you to help yourself or others in 3. Nutrition 9. Sun & Insect Protection or emergency blanket): Small need. 4. Fire 10. Emergency Shelter prepackaged Mylar emergency Each hike and each group is 5. Light blankets and “sleeping bags” different. You should check the 6. Personal Care/First Aid are available that can fit in any trail conditions and the weather pack. In cooler weather, for before you start out. Your plans back if conditions (or your con- longer hikes, it may make sense should include contingencies dition) deteriorate, or if you are to carry a light weight sleeping for bad weather, injury or ill- running out of time. bag. With rope, an emergency ness, or slower than anticipated If you are prepared, you will blanket can be rigged into a travel time. Make sure someone enjoy your hike more fully and shelter. knows exactly where you are be better able to respond to any Carrying the 10 Essentials going, and when you plan to emergencies that may arise. will not guarantee that you will return. Never hesitate to turn Happy and safe trails! 9 To Hike or Not to Hike?

Doubter rely on backcountry. We can’t that’ll mean something dif- BY: BRETT BILLINGS This all seems like just a rely on the High Mountain ferent for each of us, but we’ll Four friends from different little too much precaution. Huts, because they’re closed be doing our part to actively households recently joined a We’ll be outside after all. through 2020. So yeah, it’ll make choices with the health of video call to decide whether or Social Advocate mean we’ll have to stretch our- everyone – not just ourselves – not they should go out for their I have to say that I think selves a little, but it’ll be so good in mind. What do you think? annual backpacking weekend in we’re moving in the right to get outside. Cautious Optimist the White Mountains. While direction, but I’m still really Armchair Scientist I think I’m agreeing here, this scenario is entirely fiction, concerned with our impact on I think there are some ad- and I like where it’s going. We perhaps it resembles conversa- others. Sure, we can take care ditional rules and whatnot, so could agree on the day of the tions you’ve had recently with to keep each other safe, but we we’ll need to look those up to weekend to each go out, and we your outdoor friends. What also need to look out for the be sure we’re all good. can check in at the end of the follows is a short excerpt from other people on the trail. I Doubter day to see what we did to get these fictitious hikers’ call… don’t think it’s too much…I Not going to lie, I’d really outdoors. Cautious Optimist think it’s just what we need to prefer a night at a shelter. It’ll Doubter I think we’ll be okay. We do this year to keep track of be good to be outside, and I’d I think I’m getting out- can take precautions to make anything that might or could go really prefer to use the outhous- voted here, but I’m game. this weekend work. wrong. es they have. Armchair Scientist Doubter Doubter Social Advocate Maybe this will work out I guess we could hammock Most of those people, I’ll So I have to say – and really well. It’s worth a shot no camp. We’d keep apart from bet, won’t be following any I’ve been giving this a lot of matter what… each other, so it’ll be fine. guidelines that are in place thought… You know me… I Armchair Scientist Social Advocate don’t think we should do this. Yeah but I don’t have a Well, I think there’s a big Some of us will be traveling hammock, so I’ll have to still be perception that just because quite a ways to meet up at in a tent. you’re outdoors means you can’t the trailhead. We’ll have to Doubter get as sick. We know that’s not stop along the way, and that’ll That should be fine. I don’t true. increase our exposure. We’re think it matters whether we’re Armchair Scientist guaranteed to meet others in a hammock or not, just as I’ll just build on that, along the trail, and we can’t long as we all sleep in separate because there’s still so much we control their behavior. I’m just areas. don’t know. Like, how much really unconvinced that we’ll be Cautious Optimist virus makes you sick? Or, how protecting our own health and We’ll have to hike six feet does immunity work with this the health of the others we’ll apart from each other though. virus? Can children spread it? undoubtedly meet out there. We can make that work. Cautious Optimist Doubter I’m pretty sure children are But I think that if there’s Doubter safer from covid19. going to be people out there, we Is it really that big of a Armchair Scientist might as well be out there too? deal? I’m sure it’ll be fine. Not really. There are some Armchair Scientist Armchair Scientist complications with respira- I think we might have a If we don’t keep space tory disease that can develop little bit of the Tragedy of the between us, we could also a use for some children. It’s a small Commons conundrum here. neck gaiter, like a Buff, or even number, but it just goes to show The White Mountains are just a handkerchief, as a face how much we don’t know about already loved to death without a covering. We could hike closer this thing. pandemic…I don’t know if we Have you and your out- that way. Doubter need to risk it because a back- door friends had similar conver- Cautious Optimist Maybe we’re getting a packing weekend is what we’ve sations? If you want to keep the You’re on to something little off track from planning always done… conversation going, email the there. That’ll be important in this hike. I think we can get Social Advocate Mountain Passage editors and the steeper sections of the hike, together and still do this. I agree. I’ll propose this… share your experiences navi- when we’ll likely have to be Cautious Optimist I think we each try to find a gating access to the outdoors closer together. I think if we’re going to do hike that’s a short drive away during the covid19 pandemic: this two-night trip, we should from where we live. Sure, [email protected].

10 AMC Reopening Preview AMC volunteers, members, expected to wear face coverings, Relaunch In These new requirements donors, and staff have respond- practice social distancing, and Person Opportunities mean that we may not be able ed to COVID 19 prioritizing follow appropriate health and Volunteers and staff have to do all of the activities we health, safety, and our mission. safety practices. Those who pre- defined how we will restart normally do. Some activities We’ve made tough decisions fer not to follow these practices in person volunteer activi- simply cannot allow appropri- about closing lodging, cancel- should not attend AMC events. ties. Volunteers receive regular ate social distancing and are ling programs, and reducing New requirements may updates through the Volunteer inappropriate for wearing face staff. As we head into summer, mean that AMC cannot offer Newsletter and/or from their coverings. AMC is committed we look forward to reopen- some activities this summer or staff liaisons. We will resume to upholding best practices for ing the parts of AMC that can even this year. It may mean in person volunteer activities in the safety of volunteers and par- implement appropriate safety that some volunteers sit the two phases. ticipants and we look ahead to measures. This preview is based season out. While people make • Phase One – Trail work and the day when these precautions on what we know today. The the decisions that work for other stewardship activities: will not be necessary. information can change. Keep them, we will look ahead to the Volunteers who adopt trails, Some of our long-standing up with your AMC emails or day when we can expand our maintain structures, etc. as traditions will not go ahead this visit the COVID 19 Update on offerings again. individuals or in groups <4 summer and maybe even into AMC’s website www.outdoors. Continued Online Opportu- must: the fall. Like the huts, many org. nities – By converting so many - Complete required volunteer led camps and cabins Volunteer Led Programs – programs, trainings, and social training; and will remain closed. Some Ad- Safety First events to online offerings, we - Adopt safety protocols. venture Travel and other events In order to relaunch volun- learned that we can reach new • Phase Two – volunteer Lead- may be cancelled. We hope that teer led programs, participants people! This is particularly ers groups of <10, provided whatever changes in your AMC, and volunteers must commit to true for people who are safer at - Leaders have required that you will find your local cancelling their participation if home. Throughout the summer training and safety AMC community through your they are exposed to, test positive and fall, we will continue to practices; and chapter. Reach out! Offer to tell for, or experience the symptoms offer online programs. Follow - Participants must regis- your stories about your favorite of COVID 19 within 14 days the chapter Facebook page and ter for events and sign part of AMC. Be well. of their event. Anyone taking AMC’s Facebook Page and an electronic waiver part in AMC activities will be review the complete listing.

The Sun Will Come Up

ness, communication skills, and BY: KATHIE UPTON preparedness for situations oc- On Memorial Meeting, Moun- curring around cliffs. Anchors, taineering held its first activity belay skills, and rope manage- of the Covid-19 era. It was a ment were introduced.” low key event time working While we had to take additional with new climbers on skills in precautions, we made it work Newbury Cut. As Kathie de- and it was a fun day, and the scribed it, “We didn't climb, we view of the sunrise from Tenney The Sun Will Come Up! Mt Tenney Sunrise. just practiced outdoor aware- Mountain was spectacular! Photo by: Kathie Upton. AMC NH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chapter Chair...... [email protected] ...... [email protected] Web Committee...... [email protected] Rick Silverberg Kathy Upton, Tom Sintros & Amanda Knight Paul Berry & Stephanie Howes Vice Chair...... [email protected] Newsletter...... [email protected] Young Members...... [email protected] Valerio Viti Robert S. McLaughlin & Brett Billings, Editors Jamie Cullinane & Chelsea Tweed Treasurer...... [email protected] Jessica Clifford, Design & Layout Past Chapter Chair...... [email protected] Kerry Landry Paddling...... [email protected] Frank Miller Secretary...... [email protected] Roscoe Diamond & Robin Diamond Regional Dir. NH/ME...... [email protected] Debbie Marcus Programs...... [email protected] John Mullens Biking...... [email protected] Susan Zielinski AMC NH Chapter...... website: www.amcnh.org Hiel Lindquist & Felice Janelle Skiing...... [email protected] Conservation & [email protected] Paul Pinkham, Valerio Viti & Thor Smith Address changes and membership renewals: Paul Hopkins Trails...... [email protected] AMC Member Services Excursions...... [email protected] Richie Holstein & Bill Foster 10 City Square, Boston MA 02129 Larry Yetter & Dan Heon Communications...... [email protected] 617-523-0636 or Membership...... [email protected] Christina Cozzens & Jen Kimball www.outdoors.org/membercenter Jamie Gillon

11 Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Manchester NH Permit No. 417 Appalachian Mountain Club NH Chapter PO Box 1348 Lincoln, NH 03251

‘Mountain Passages’ is only the beginning… From hiking to biking, AMC’s New Hampshire chapter has it all. Visit our website at amc-nh.org and read more about us and our many year-round events.

New Hampshire Chapter Annual Meeting October 24, 2020 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

the outdoors and ensure our safety during the BY DEBBIE MARCUS Coronavirus pandemic. The agenda will include a For the first time in 99 years the New short business meeting to formally recognize and Hampshire Chapter of AMC will hold its Annual elect the Officers and Executive Committee mem- Meeting as a large-scale “virtual event” via Zoom bers. Then we will recognize 25-year and 50-year technology on October 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Members in a unique and memorable way! Yes, we would rather be at the Grappone Center Our Keynote Speaker, author Ty Gagne in Concord enjoying a fine buffet dinner and is someone well acquainted with the chal- the fellowship of our NH Chapter members and lenges associated with managing uncertainty and guests. However, this year our concern for the unpredictability in the White Mountains. Ty is Covid-19 virus made holding a large indoor social the Chief Executive Officer of the NH Public event an undertaking with too high a risk for all. Risk Management Exchange, and the author of We hope we can gather together again in person Where You’ll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last to celebrate NH Chapter’s 100th Anniversary on Climb of Kate Matrosova and the widely read essay October 23, 2021. Footprints in the Snow. He will also discuss his From the comfort of your home, please plan forthcoming book, due out this Fall, which tells to join us on October 24th. Zoom meeting details the story of another large scale search and rescue will be available in September. Here’s a preview: mission in our beloved White Mountains. Chapter Chair Rick Silverberg will review this Expect a creative way for the Chapter to challenging year and how AMC and the NH award “Door Prizes” to Zoom attendees! Chapter has acted to promote our enjoyment of Ty Gagne