“Now is the winter of our discontent” Rain is falling outside my window, offering some of the most miserable weather of February in New England. I can hike in snow. I can brush it from my shoulders and kick it from my boots, but rain my friend is another story. Soaked clothing leads to hypothermia and generally miserable outdoor pursuits.
I’ll bide my time planning hiking for the summer on rainy days like this. As in any form of travel, the devil is in the details. Trail selection, water sources, camping and parking all need consideration. I’ll fire up my mapping software and review the calendar, dreaming of warmer days. I’ll examine parking options for safety and security. Will I drop a car and shuttle back to the original destination or hike a loop?
The Bonds in New Hampshire (featured photo) are normally summited in a traverse hike. One of the finest most scenic hikes in the White Mountains, It’s also one of the longer hikes and requires solid attention to constructing a good plan with all the above items considered.
Unlike missed connections in the city, mishaps in the back country can be more than an inconvenience. it’s an ideal day to hunker down and do some research.
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 