Spring Warmup Hike on Welch-Dickey

 The rain held off all day to make this a good start for the "warm" weather hiking season.  However, the cloud cover and the wind made for some rather chilly weather, and some very quick rest-stops.  All in all, Welch-Dickey did not fail to pull off its charms, with spectacular views of the Sandwich Range, Tripyramids, and even over to Moosilauke and Franconia ridge.

 The Welch-Dickey trail is one of the first trails in NH's White Mountains to be clear of snow in spring.  It is also one of those hikes that seem to showcase everything the Whites have to offer:  steep slopes, open ledges, rocky scramble, woodland trails, but all in merciful moderation.  And yet, the spectacular views make this hike, according to the AMC Guide one of the most rewarding for such a modest effort.  The entire loop hike is only five miles.

This time of the  year, however, weather can be quite  unpredictable, anything from a nice warm sunny day, to sleet and/or other winter like conditions.  So come prepared, wear hiking shorts, but bring warm clothes in your pack, just in case.  Also bring water, snacks, and a lunch, as we will eat our lunch out on the "gay" ledges off of Mt. Dickey (see photo below).

This hike is scheduled to coincide with the GO Potluck dinner the next day in Stoneham, MA, so as to make for a full spring GO warmup weekend.