Hiking the Whites: Kilkenny Traverse 10/11/14

Dates - October 11 - 13, 2014

Peaks - Mt. Cabot, North Weeks, South Weeks, Mt. Waumbek (44/48 and 56/100 NEHH)

Trails - Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Starr King Trail

Companions - Ted and Sonsie

Took me forever to getting around to write a blog about this hike, so many of the details have now left me. I do recall that we got up there early on Saturday, dropped our car at the Starr King Trailhead, met up with a pre-ordered cab to drive us north to the South Pond trailhead. Probably hit the trail around noon, with the intent of thru hiking the full Kilkenny Ridge Trail over 3 days and 2 nights, taking advantage of the 3-day weekend. Spent the first night a ways off trail in between the Bulge and Horn, on our hammocks. Saw a few guys night-hike by with headlamps at some point, on their way to Cabot Cabin. Don't recall any significant issues during the first day of hiking.

Next day started off with some oatmeal then hitting the trail to some unfortunate uphill as a wake-me-up. Up The Bulge and then over up Cabot (#43). When we made it to the cabin, the door was locked from the inside, some empties were visible, and the tenants were still sleeping. Must have been a good night. We pushed on down into Bunnell Notch to see the trail toward the fish hatchery on the left (when we last attempted to hike Cabot we made it to this point from the hatchery, but then turned back due to inclement weather), and to see the trail now shut down by the prick landowner. Unfortunately, no water to be found in the notch that far up, and we were running a bit low, having last filled up near Unknown Pound, save a little gathered from a drip off a rock ledge near our night 1 campsite. Pushed on to Willard Notch, at which point we found a stream with some much needed water. Pounded at least a quart and a half each then topped them all off and pushed onward. I cannot tell you how welcome the speed/ease of the Camelbak UV purifier was at this point. Pushed on past North, Middle and South Weeks and then eventually turned off trail in the saddle in between South Weeks and Waumbek. Coincidentally (or maybe because the location was flat/appealing), came upon some moose bones I had seen in a recent blog. No significant issues during the second day of hiking either. I definitely noticed the moss on the stones and more blowdowns, as had been mentioned by all others who have hiked this section of the ridge trail.

Day three started off with some more oatmeal and a leisurely stroll up to Waumbek, where we saw one of the grey birds others have mentioned as being aggressive, but luckily we had no food to be taken from our hands. Trekked on down the mountain and found our car waiting for us.

Overall, a great trip, and my first multi-night backcountry hike in too long. Just a smidgen past peak color, but great all the same. Weather was perfect the whole time. Here are some pics from it.