Bagging the Bonds
I saw the weather forecast and the string of of "mostly sunny" days about to hit the Whites _ almost unheard of in these parts _ so I ditched work for a few days to notch off some peaks.
It had been several years since I'd attempted the Bonds, a series of three remote mountains strung together on a ridgeline in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The last time, I went over North and South Twin and stayed at Guyot campsite, which is tucked away along the same ridgeline as the Bonds. But I ended up confronting the threat of t'storms the next morning, so rather than risk being on the Bonds in the midst of that type of weather, I hightailed it down the Twinway trail, bagged Mt. Zealand and spent a wonderful day under tree cover.
It was a hike that for all its shortcomings _ missing out on bagging three peaks on the list of New Hampshire 4,000 footers _ had remained one of my favorites over the years.
So much so, that I decided to hike in the way I'd come out last time: Zealand Trail to Twinway to Bondcliff. The weather couldn't have been better; I was truly blessed.
One thing that amazed me was the perception that had grown in my mind over the years that nearly the entire hike along those trails was flat. Far from it but it was a nice memory while it lasted!
I forgot about the roots and twisting, winding trail in until you reach some nice bridgework over marshes. I forgot about some of the ledges and rocks over steep terrain.
I forgot about the mud. I forgot about one section where it's so steep and rocky that a ladder is needed to traverse it. It's not scary at all _ but it sure isn't flat!
I bypassed a view off the Zeacliff rocks, promising myself I'd return to the spot on my way back down. The views were endless; some hikers estimated about 100 miles. It sure seemed like it. It's a rarity to get that kind of clear weather in the Whites. Even when it's sunny, there's usually plenty of haze and pollution to obscure the views. But not on this day.
By the time I hit the top of Mt. Guyot (an unofficial 4,000 footer at 4,580 feet), I was getting fatigued _ but the endless views were inspiring! It was late afternoon and the sun was casting long shadows, making the scenery that much more mystical and magical.
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