Franconia Ridge Loop Hike

The Franconia Ridge loop is a nine-mile loop that traverses Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack. It is one of the best and most popular hike New England has to offer in the middle of the White Mountains. The loop is the second highest range of peaks in New Hampshire. The Franconia Ridge hike stays well above the tree line for more than a mile and a half. The White Mountains is known for dangerous winds and unpredictable weather so make sure to check the forecast. Our goal was to hike it during the Fall peak foliage, We really didn’t have the luxury to avoid the bad weather since we drove from Maryland. We were able to see glimpses when the fog clears up, but I definitely don’t recommend hiking this loop in fog or in the rain.

We took a break on at Greenleaf hut, before ascending to the summit of Mount Lafayette. The trail from Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln to Little Haystack is exposed and is the most beautiful part of the hike. Unfortunately, we were to see the 360 views because of the fog. There are some dangerous spots on the route and the elevation dips up and down between the three summits. After descending from Little Haystack, we hiked along the Falling Waters trail next to the river and waterfalls on the way back down to the parking lot. Overall, we enjoyed the hike, but it would’ve been perfect if it was a sunny day.

Mary’s Rock at Shenandoah Valley National Park

I wanted to do a solo hike this weekend, so I decided to go to Mary’s Rock. It is the eighth highest mountain peak (3,514-foot/1,071 m) in Shenandoah National Park. The peak is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance of the park and north of the taller Pinnacle. I haven’t been to Shenandoah Valley National Park in a while, so decided to do the shorter Meadow Spring trail to the Appalachian trail (AT) on my hike to the summit. I usually do the longer hike from Buck Hollow around 9 miles, but didn’t want to spend the whole day at the park.

Anyways, I also wanted to test a new pair of boots before taking it to New Hampshire. I haven’t worn a pair of hiking boots in 5 years, because I don’t like the weight and the bulk. I love wearing trail running shoes, but I found these hybrid HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Hi WP intriguing enough to buy.

Overall, these shoes are amazing!! I usually have to worry about my step using trail running shoes. The Hoka Ultra Hi WP handled the water, mud, provided very good support and its very comfortable. Its like a hybrid between a trail running and hiking shoes! I guess I have to see how comfortable they are on a longer trail.

Iceland Trip Highlights

The Laugavegur is a trekking route in South-West Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes on its 55 km (34 mi) path. The route is typically completed over 2–4 days with potential stops at the mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur and Þórsmörk. An ultramarathon is held on the route each July. It is possible to combine the trek with the Fimmvörðuháls route which goes over the pass from Þórsmörk to Skógar for an additional one or two days or an additional 25 km (16 mi). Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and Skógar are all reachable by bus during the summer.

Laugavegur Trail (Thorsmork)

Day 4: I wasn’t able to sleep, because of the wind so I’m extremely tired. The weather was nice, but there was wind storm around the area. Fortunately, its our last day of backpacking, so I’m glad that its almost over. We plan on hitting the ring road and the golden circle after backpacking the laugavegur trail.