Welch-Dickey, August 16, 2008

Instead of Black Mountain due to Sandwich North Road's poor condition with heavy rains of late, the hike will be to Welch-Dickey in Waterville Valley.

This is moderate - not a long hike... 5 miles but lots of ledge and great views.

NEXT HIKE: August 16, Welch-Dickey
MEETING SPOTS: Exit 14 off of Rt. 93, LL Bean/Hannaford side, Concord at 8:45 a.m.
Welch-Dickey Trailhead at 10:00 a.m
TRAILHEAD: From Exit 28 off I-93, take NH Route 49 NE about 5.9 miles, and turn L on Mad River Road. (There is a sign but it may sneak up on you.) After 0.7 mile turn R on Orris Road, and after another 0.6 mile turn R into parking lot. The trail leaves from the upper end of the parking lot.
HIKE LEADER: Sue Murphy

Eight Seacoast Dayhikers gathered in the parking lot of the Welch-Dickey Trailhead. The sun was shining and the skies were beautifully blue. We were all ready to enjoy the day and beat the predicted thunder showers.

The trail started out rather muddy but we stepped gingerly and managed to stay out of the mud except for Quincy (Deb's dog) who literally rolled in it on one occasion. I guess there is something to be said for mud baths.

The hike was great and we all commented on the fact that for a short hike it certainly had its challenges: the steep climb over open ledges and the scrambling up over rock slabs. There were excellent views and we stopped often to enjoy them.

Just as we were ascending Dickey Mountain we heard rolls of thunder in the distance and stepped up our pace as we wanted to be well off the rocky ridge before a storm came through. We made it back to the parking lot in a record three hours... safe and dry.

Jeff led us to the ice cream place at the Common Man in Plymouth where we had our hiking "reward". Even the dogs got a doggy dish of ice cream. A very nice day.

Members may see more photos in our online photo album.