Mt. Osceola Hike

Tim, Eric, Chris & Don, and Carlos hiked to the top of Mt. Osceola on a fine overcast day, for great views of Waterville Valley and surrounding peaks.  By pure serendipity, Chris and Don had run into Tim and Carlos at the trailhead, as they had originally signed up for a Boston Bears hike of Mt. Osceola.  Since the Bears did not show up, Chris and Don decided to join the GO event, and a great group of five GO members was spontaneously formed on the spot.  If GO were to offer medals for outstanding achievement, Don would surely get one, as he hiked the entire 6.2 miles, up & down, barefooted.  Chris followed wearing Vibram Five Fingers, which frankly is pretty close to hiking barefooted.  The rest of us wore sturdy boots protecting our delicate feet.

It was a great day for a hike, with no rain (there had been a 30% chance of it), and as Eric pointed out, the clouds offered protection on the summit from what would otherwise had been a merciless sun.  After the hike we all went over to Campton's Sunset Grill, where we had dinner, beer, and great conversation wondering how different life would have been if humans had tails.  You know, as in having your tail wag incessantly when you run into a good looking guy, to your everlasting chagrin.  OK, I'm getting silly here, so suffice it to say that a great time was had by all.

 For a four thousand footer, this is a relatively moderate hike.  The round trip will be 6.4 miles with a 2,000 foot ascent.  The trail itself is moderately graded, with a steady upward slant.  The summit offers great views of the Waterville Valley area.  There is a chance of thunderstorms for this Sunday hike, so come prepared for inclement weather.  If indeed the weather does not cooperate, safety is of primary importance, and we may skip the summit, since its open ledges may be dangerous if lighting strikes.