Eric Lambert hosted a celebration of the first 1/3 of his life and as part of the festivities, we planned to backpack the Pemi Loop and Presidential Traverse (more on that later). After a 2-hour drive in the RAD van, we arrived at the Lincoln Woods trailhead off the Kancamagus Hwy . Agenda was to make it to Liberty Springs campground. Weather was looking good, checked the gear, and headed out.
Initially the hiking the East Branch of Pemigewasset River was along an old railbed so the grade was very gradual. Eric said the trail builders in New Hampshire don’t use switchbacks, but instead cut the trail straight up the hill. We quickly learned about that as we turned onto the Osseo Trail toward Mt. Flume. Compared to Southern California, there are lots of trees…and they are not dead.
Like any good trip, there was some minor first aid and a brief stop for the ol’ vomitosis (something to do with 4 Ubers for 3 people).
We reached a downlook just as a series of ladders took us up several hundred feet in elevation. Didn’t know that this would be the only time it would be clear enough to see the views during this part of the trip.
We continued along wanting to get to Liberty Springs campground before dark and set up camp.
We got to Liberty Springs campground and wondered if the weather forecast was accurate. It was calling for 100% chance of rain and wind. About 6AM the next morning the rain started.
Decision was made to abandon the Pemi Loop. Jeff and I went back the way we headed in to get the RAD van and pick up everyone else. The rest of the group took Liberty Spring trail down to the visitor center.
After rounding everyone up, the consensus was to find an airbnb to wait out the storm before heading to the Presidential Range later in the week. Superhost Tim was able to find suitable accommodations and we still got in some cool day hikes and bagged a few 4000 footers.