"Melting on Moriah"

April 9, 2005 White Mountains (Mt. Moriah)

Note:  Special thanks to Todd and Laurie for the picture!!!

My trip would start out with several setbacks, but end on a good note.  I originally planned to bag the Wildcats, however the spring thaw had made the stream crossing at the Wildcat Ridge trailhead a little more treacherous than I had liked, so I opted out.  I wasn't too bummed though.  On the drive over, I had thought this trip might be better after all the snow melts, making it easier to bag nearby Carter Dome as well.

So, I opted to bag nearby Mt. Moriah (4049').   The route would take me 10.0 miles and I'd climb 3150', so it was still a good little hike.  I reached the Stony Brook trailhead and noted Mt. Madison was in view, and looked magnificent under the clear, deep blue sky.  I pulled out my camera to take a picture, only to discover I had left the memory card at home.  Damn!  This really bummed me out.  I had begun my hike nonetheless, but had considered turning around because I wouldn't be able to chronicle the hike with pictures.  As I was weighing this option, I ran into a Ranger I saw earlier at the trailhead, coming in the opposite direction.  He stepped aside with a smile, and said with a thick New England accent, "You're the one doing the big hike, you step on ahead through!".  I thanked him and moved ahead.  His words somehow managed to erase any doubts I had about continuing, and I trudged ahead.

The snow pack at the lower elevations was thin and icy.  Bare booting it was the best option for now, but it was still slow going.  I crossed a stream, and the trail began to climb.  The snow became deeper, but looser, thanks to the spring temperatures.  I was post holing more and more, and after about a mile and a half, I decided it was time to strap on the snowshoes. 

The trail continued to rise steadily towards the ridge, where I'd connect with the Carter-Moriah trail that would take me to the summit.  Shortly before this junction, I stopped and ate a tuna wrap.  It was good, but I was still hungry.  I would reward myself with a Powerbar once I reached the top of Moriah. 

I turned left on the Carter-Moriah trail, and ascended the ridge.  Various lookouts afforded outstanding views on either side.  To the west, the Presidential range was in clear view.  I could see the summit of Mt. Washington, and imagined the hoards of skiers I saw at the Pinkham Notch trailhead that morning now reaching the top of Tuckerman's Ravine, and launching into what must be a thrilling ride down.  To the east, I could see Baldface Royce Range, and the lesser mountains beyond that lay in my new home state of Maine.  There were dozens of these viewpoints, and I stopped for several minutes at most of them, enjoying the views but also cursing myself for not having my camera.

After traversing 1.4 miles across the ridge, I reached the summit of Moriah, where I enjoyed absolutely incredible 360-degree views of the land around me.  In addition to the views to the east and west, I could now see north, wondering if the hills on the horizon were in Canada.  And to the south, I could see the Carters, which I had bagged about a month and a half ago.  A couple around my age was also on the summit.  They were very cool people and we spoke for a while, and traded hiking stories.  I explained to them that I was chronicling my backpacking adventures on my website, but had forgotten my camera's memory card.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask if they had a camera and could take my picture on the summit, so I'd have something.  They cheerfully agreed, and I rejoiced.  Yes!   Hopefully, they'll remember my website's address, and I'll have said picture up here at some point.  Todd and Laurie, if you see this, a thousand thanks!

I stayed on the summit with them for close to a half an hour, and then headed back down the way I came.  The descent was fast going, and I only stopped once to filter water for my camelback.  I reached my car around 4pm, noting how much sun was still left in the day.  This was my first hike since Daylight Saving Time had taken place.  On the drive home, I mused about how I could now leave for trips on Fridays after work and reach the Whites with plenty of daylight left again.  Ahhhh, spring.  Gotta love it.