Lowe's Bald Spot 2/25/09

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

We started the 5th hike of our winter vacation to Lowe's Bald Spot at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center on the Old Jackson Road. The last time we did this hike was back in 1999 and was always one of our favorites.
We reached the junction at the Blanchard Loop Ski Trail at 11:34 am.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS1.jpg

The junction at George's Gorge Trail was reached at 12:20 pm.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS2.jpg

Up to this point the trail was nicely packed; but, when we reached the next junction suddenly the smooth path was replaced with the tracks of a lone skier.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS3.jpg

In a way this made it a little more difficult to maneuver because the snowshoes tended to seek the path of least resistence and wanted to twist into the ski track. :(

When we made it to the autoroad at 1:10 pm. a snow coach drove by with the passengers waving at us. A short 150 yards up the auto road we saw the AT sign indicating only another .2 miles to go.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS4.jpg

This part of the trail wa untouched and and had deep drifts. :eek:

In about another 100 yds. the base of the final climb to LBS was reached.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS5.jpg

We reached the summit at 2 pm. a distance of 2.2 miles. We took off our snowshoes and admired the views.

Mount Adams (l); Mount Madison (r)


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS6.jpg

Carters


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS7.jpg

Wildcat Ski area


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS8.jpg

Looking towards Gorham


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS10.jpg

Now it's time to lay down and relax.


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS9.jpg

We headed back at 2:45pm and reached the Pinkham Notch Center at 4 pm.; 4.4 mile (RT). :)


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jimmylegsandlittled/Lowes%20Bald%20Spot/LBS11.jpg

[Brad]

I will have to check this out on a map. It looks like a great spot.

[CHRIS]

What a beautiful day to hike. Looks like you guys were enjoying it. Looking at the pictures makes me want to go so bad. Thanks for sharing.

[Stets]

Nice Winter Hike.

I love that spot.

The last time we visited Lowe's Bald Spot was an early September trip to Madison Hut. It was a great place to rest before the long journey up the Madison Gulf Trail to The Parapet.

It looks even more beautiful in Winter.

[smithtim]

Really nice pics and thanks for taking the time to post them

Now I really can't wait until my spring break and to get on the plane heading up there for my trip next week

Tim