Adventure with Alex

Michelle had the day off today after working over the weekend so we took advantage of the blue skies following a few low pressure system induced storms that have swept through the area over the last few days to get out for a full family hike. Browsing the map for a 2+ hour hike that neither of us had done before I came up with Little & Big Deer Hill, near the southern end of scenic Evans Notch.

This loop promised some cool views of North and South Baldface, a loop hike Michelle and I did back when we were just dating. As expected Alex was fast asleep when we arrived at the parking lot, the same we used when hiking the Baldfaces years before. We organized our packs and glanced at the kiosk map while waiting for him to wake. With the car off and sounds of nearby hikers it took less than five minutes for him to start blinking, and we loaded him into the backpack. Michelle had not yet carried him and was eager to, so we adjusted the torso size of the back down to fit her and loaded up.

Ready to hit the trail

We left the busy parking lot, with most hikers crossing Route 113 to climb the Baldfaces, and dropped down to parallel the Cold River. This is a beautiful river that I’ve hiked alongside before. As we worked through the areas recently underwater from high waters we caught up on some family chat. Ten minutes into the hike we came to the Cold River crossing, a scenic dam with dry abutments to make the crossing a snap.

A bit nicer than trying to cross the Ellis River a couple weeks ago…

As we entered the woods on the other side of the river the trail steepened. We stopped for some water in a small clearing and right before starting again we heard some hikers up ahead descending. This 3 generation family, the youngest a 2 year old boy, would be the only folks we saw on the trail until returning to the almost roadside Cold River a couple hours later.

As the trail steepened and became more open and ledgey we traded packs. Michelle enjoyed Alex’s humming and coo’ing while on her back, but preferred I carried him when sure-footed-ness may be required. To be fair, Michelle’s “footed-ness” on the dance floor far surpassed my own, but on a wet mountain trail, I had a bit of an edge.

A few minutes later we reached the summit of “Little Deer”.

Just a quick stop here, with eyes on darkening skies to the west

As we dropped down into the col between the two small peaks we talked about the weather forecast. 50% chance of thunderstorms was weighing a bit our minds but with out a rumble in the sky we decided to push on. More pressing than the weather was the mosquitoes which decided to make a pronounced appearance.

The recent rains had allowed quite a good hatch, and our kid friendly bug repellent was doing little to keep them away from us. My pace was quickened less for concern over afternoon storms and more in a vain attempt to outrun these little blood suckers. Despite Michelle and I suffering some nice bites they seemed to leave Alex alone, which we were quite grateful for.

About 25 minutes from leaving Little Deer we reached the treed summit of Big Deer. Eyeing a scenic out look just a few yards to the south we decided we would stop there for snacks and some Alex stretch time. However light rain drops encouraged us to garb a quick photo and start our descent.

A nice view to the southeast, with Deer Meadow Bog below

Motivated by light sun-showers we started cruising down to the Deer Hill Bypass trail. In hindsight the recent memory of getting caught in a storm on Iron Mt had me a bit edgy. I admit, I HATE thunderstorms while hiking. I love watching them from home though…

Another scenic part of the trail during the descent

As the sky lightened any threat of a storm seemed to pass. We agreed that 3* things would make this day perfect.

A swim, a burger, and a beer.

We arrived back at the Cold River Crossing and stopped for a diaper change, some snacks, and a quick swim. Thing #1 accomplished, we returned to the car and drove towards Fryeburg, stopping at the 302 Roadhouse for things #2 and #3. Sitting on the back deck with Alex fast asleep in his carrier we looked over at the Green Hills Preserve and North Moat Mountain as we made plans for a future Moat Range traverse, and tried to determine what could really make this day any better.