Gridding out November

It’s been a while since we did an overambitious hike, so I suppose it was overdue.  Me and my big ideas!

Sunrise to Sunset; the Final 52

First, let me start by pointing out that this is not me putting my foot in my mouth after last week.  I may have had another pre-dawn start, but I actually woke up a bit later than when we were headed to Chocorua.  Of course, that’s the benefit of having the Belknaps basically in your backyard. 

Hummingbird and I typically plan a sunrise hike around this time each year, strategically just before the clocks turn back, thereby allowing the latest start possible.  I was at the end of my 52 Hike Challenge, and wanted something at least relatively "epic" for my finish hikes.  We decided on a pair of outings, starting with sunrise and ending with sunset, to round out what was to be my final 52. 

Full Moon Troll Hunting

Date night!  Or… date day/weekend?
It’s been a while since we’ve gotten out for more than a few hours of activities.  Hawk & I did have theatre tickets for an evening show on Saturday, but nothing else solidly planned for our time together.  However, on this go around, we managed to fill the weekend just about to the brim!

My first suggested addition to the schedule was troll hunting…

The Best Sunset Hike on Pine

On the drive over, glancing up at the suddenly hazy sky, I wasn't sure if we'd get much for a pretty sunset.  But as I passed the viewpoint along Alton Mt. Rd. I was reminded that the sight of the lake and mountains would be worth the hike either way.

Sunset on Pine Mt.

Don’t tell Hawk… but I hiked in cotton.  *gasp!*  That’s right, I climbed a mountain in jeans.  And I lived. 🤣

double climb up Pine

Hummingbird has been wanting to get in a sunrise hike, so shortly after the clocks changed seemed like the best time to go, since it'd be the latest rise now until autumn.  Bonus that this was also a St Patrick's Day hike.  Because why not?  (We are Irish, after all.)  And yes, of course we wore green! 

Pine Mt. sunset

Somebody had fun on Pine. Believe it or not, I didn't do this.

If you're wondering what happened to hike 8, no I didn't skip it…  

Shannon Mt. (west side)

Word of the day: Waffle Sauce.
Because I couldn’t remember “maple syrup.” 😂🤣

These are the conversations that happen while hiking. LOL

Hike 1: sunset property walk

What does a professional groomer do when she finishes work early and her own dog needs a bath, but there's blue sky outside, and just enough daylight left for a little hike?

Pine Mt. sunset yoga class

FINALLY got to go to this group yoga hike, which kept either getting rained out or conflicting with my schedule. So glad I got to do this one! (And not just because it added a few checkmarks to my hiking lists. LOL) The conditions were very good, and the sunset tonight was beautiful. What a great way to close out a nice weekend.  

 

The prettiest/most colorful parts of the sunset were actually during our yoga routine, when I didn't have my camera handy!

#47: 9/26, Pine sunset yoga class, 1.5 mi, 42 min/~1:30 hr, 282 ft.