Flags on the NH 48: South Twin Mountain

We had a great turn out for our memorial hike up South Twin via the North Twin and North Twin spur trails. Some of us stayed at my house the night before [Jeffrey, Brian Rick, Jon and Mike] in Waterville Valley, NH while the remainder met us at the trailhead.

After 15 minutes waiting for the other two guys [unfortunately we were not aware that Alexis was going to meet us at the posted carpooling location so we did not stop there, sorry Alexis] we left.  We skipped two out of the three river crossings by using the herd path. The third crossing had easy footing. All of us took turns carrying our extention pole up and down the mountain. As we climbed up higher we met up with the North Twin group who all belonged to my gym in Meredith! Stephen, a member of our group, was with them. He had a tough time finding the trailhead which delayed him. [Stephen liked the North Twin group better than us and decided to hang out with them the rest of the day including hanging out with them on their summit and descending with them...he never said goodbye to us]

A special thanks to Jeffrey for his endless comic relief. We first stopped on the summit of North Twin for the peak baggers in our group. We arrived to the summit in the clouds in time to assemble and raise Old Glory in appreciation of our fallen heroes from 9/11. 

The summit remained in the clouds throughout the day so we were unable to see the flags from the other peaks. We then had lunch, naps and greeted over 30 other people including a couple of thru-hikers.  

At 2pm we lowered the flag and headed down the North Twin trail. 

We arrived at the trailhead safe and sound and enjoyed some cold beverages. We all went back to my house for some beer and a cookout.   

A special thanks to all of you who participated in this memorial hike up South Twin. What a great event to share with such special people. Please keep in touch - and hope to see you all next year!

First off: This isn't a standard hiking trip. For one, it involves a two hour stay at the summit. Please read the description before signing up.

The Flags on the 48 has been an annual event since 2002. On September 15, 2001 six hikers organized to fly the flag from Mt. Liberty as an immediate reaction to the losses in the 9/11 attacks.

Since then, on the Saturday closest to September 11th, hikers spread out to all 48 official 4,000+ foot peaks in New Hampshire and fly the flag for two hours. There is no political agenda to this event. There are hikers involved in this who were firmly against US attacks on Afghanistan, not to mention the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and there are hikers involved who think the US should be doing more to escalate war efforts, including attacking Iran and Syria.

I encourage everyone to participate, it's a great event. Beside signing up here we ask that you also sign up for our trip at  http://www.flagsonthe48.org/peaklist.php. Jon and I have signed up as peak coordinator for South Twin and will be hiking via the North Twin and N. Twin Spur trails. The hike is a 10.3 miles round-trip, the elevation gain is 3,400 feet and the hike up should take 5 hours to ascend.

Who should come:

Any fit, prepared hiker ready for a rugged and 5.6 mile ascent (10.3 miles roundtrip)  and motivated to participate in the Flags on the 48 event.

Why:

Beyond getting panoramic views from this high and open peak, you'll be bagging a 4K peak (we can also bag North Twin summit on the return if there is interest). See the Flags on the 48 website for more answers to this one. Some of the reasons I continue to do this are posted there: http://forums.flagsonthe48.org/viewforum.php?f=12

Distance: 10.3 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet

Book Time: 9 hours round trip (not including the two hours we spend on the summit)

Description: This is a challenging hike. We will start with the North Twin Trail which offers pleasant sounds as we follow and cross the Little River several times. Near the summit of North Twin we will hook up with N. Twin Spur Trail to the summit of South Twin. We will descend the way we came up. We will share carrying the poles, ropes and flag up to the summit. Wear something patriotic, bring incense to burn or a candle! 

Directions: We will carpool from Exit 28 from I-93. Meetup at the Post Office off the exit ramp at 6:45am or the trailhead at 7:30am.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Friday and/or Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $25 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning but you are on your own breakfast. Contact me to RSVP since space is limited.

After the Hike: Whether you stay at my house or not, we'll have an outdoor BBQ at my house.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand