Monday, April 20, 2009

Mt.Chocorua, Brook Trail (pt.1)

Mt.Chocorua in N.H. has many trails to the summit. This trip up we decided to do a loop trail. (click on any picture to enlarge) Now the story goes that a man named Jim Liberty reconstructed an old woods road into a trail for tourists to reach Chocorua's summit. And affixed a toll for all who wanted to use "his" trail. Hence the name "Liberty" trail, one of the most popular trails used today. The locals, not wanting to pay the toll, bushwhacked their own trail up the brook and steep ledges..... well you all know where this story is going.... yep, up the Brook trail we went. Small patches of snow at lower elevations, but sure signs of spring. We saw tons of sprouting acorns, soon to be oak trees,if the snow would just melt. I chased chipmunks all the way up the brook to the ledges, so much fun!(see 1st video) Long steep climb up to the open ledges, but WAY worth the trip up. Stunning view all around and down on Chocorua Lake. The summit is WICKED steep, the last 100 feet did Mom in, Dad summited for pictures and a video.(see 2ond video) Mom and I sat on the ledge and waited for his photo op. Then we all descended down to the Jim Liberty memorial cabin, chained to the rock to weather the winter storms. Cooked lunch outside the cabin, then set off downhill,down the Liberty trail. There was alot more snow in the trail on that side of the mountain. So although the trail was much easier the snow made it slow going. And as we slogged down the mountain I got to meet a really cool dog named Oscar. He was out hiking with his "people" friends. Two very nice guys from Maine. Steep up, GIANT rock scramble,steep down....another day in the life of Moxie the adventure dog, LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!

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