After having a rocky school year, I decided to plan something really nice for myself on the first day of summer vacation. I was torn between a trip to NYC or a nice hike. Readers, I am sure you are not surprised I went with the hike! After doing some research and also seeking suggestions, went with Mt. Osceola and East Osceola for the day. Both 4,000 footers in NH but only a mile apart via trail. I have already hiked Mt. Washington (as part of my quest to climb as many state high points as possible) and Mt. Moosilauke. I could not have asked for nicer weather-low 70s, a few clouds, low humidity, and no insects! I did see a deer, several squirrels, and an adorable brown mink. I found my way to Tripoli road in Thornton, NH having had camped there a few years ago.
 |
| View of Waterville Valley |
The climb was gradual though very rocky, luckily most of it was dry. Very few people on it but the ones I met were all nice and interesting. One couple mentioned they are turning 60 so have decided to try to finish all 48 4,000 footers before they turn 70. Another gentleman I met up with was with a small white dog and he said his dog is finishing his 199th 4,000 foot mountain today! (I didn't get to ask if some are duplicates). As is usual, I was asked by one older woman if I was alone, I was honest and said yes, she seemed concern but that's pretty common. I actually feel much safer hiking in the woods than driving on the highway.
 |
| iPhone selfie on top of Mt. Osceola June 20, 2014 |
 |
| The Chimney |
In just under 2 hours I reached the peak of Mt. Osceola, views were tremendous and I had the peak to myself :) Then a couple arrived from the NE direction and I confirmed with them that they were on the trail that headed over to East Osceola. I decided since it was only a mile I should add it on. To be honest, that mile was the toughest mile of trail on the entire trip today. Very steep and rocky. One portion contains the "chimney" a narrow climb that is about 80 degrees of elevation. I used my hands to lower myself down and was thankful for the strategies I picked up on the few times I did rock climbing.
After about 45 minutes I made it to the summit of East Osceola, marked with a Cairn. I added a memorial rock to this in memory of my second Mom, Bevery Butland. This peak was also quiet and I took my lunch break a little ways down the trail on a large stone overlook shown in the picture below with my boots. After a short exploration of East Osceola I returned back the way I came. I wasn't excited about doing the Chimney again but knew I could do it. The top of Mt. Osceola had more visitors when I returned and I ran into several groups of hikers with dogs and one woman with two very little girls. The descent to the car wasn't bad at all, my knees were feeling it but the pain was nothing compared the pain I felt on Mt. Moosilauke. Hopeful my knees are in good shape for Mt. Katahdin in a few weeks!
 |
| View from Mt. Osceola looking NE, East Osceola is to the far right |
 |
| View of Mt. Osceola from the trail on East Osceola |
