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Hermit of the Lake LbNA #50947 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Brian and Jenn
Plant date:Jul 21, 2009
Location:
City:Gorham
County:Coos
State:New Hampshire
Boxes:1
Found by: Not yet found!
Last found:N/A
Status:r
Last edited:Jul 21, 2009
This box was placed in honor of my sister Brenda’s 40th birthday and 2009 summit climb of Mount Washington. Please read all directions before starting out to be sure that you are prepared for the hike. There is neither an inkpad nor a pen in the box. You will need to bring your own.

Starting at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center in Gorham, New Hampshire, take some time to go in and check weather conditions, the AMC store, and the relief map of the area. You will be following the Tuckerman’s Ravine Trail as far as Hermit Lake Shelter. Be sure to bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.

Follow all signs for the Tuckerman’s Ravine trail, and avoid any side paths along the way. You will soon (.3 miles) cross a bridge over the Cutler River. A little farther up is a side path to view the Crystal Cascade, which is well worth the time and a good excuse for a little break. About 2.4 miles up the trial (about 2 hours and ten minutes) you will arrive at Hermit’s Lake Shelter and the floor of Tuckerman’s Ravine. The cliffs to the right are Lion’s head. Straight ahead you will probably see waterfalls and the trail up the 750-foot headwall of the ravine. To your left is Boot Spur.

Around the back of the shelter is a path leading to the caretaker’s cabin and Hermit Lake. Follow this path down along the water. As the path takes a sharp left you will see a large boulder on your right. Around the opposite side and a bit under this boulder hides the “Hermit of the Lake.” Please anchor him back down so he doesn’t float away in the spring run-off.

Unless you are an experienced climber and have come prepared to summit along very rugged terrain (an additional 2 hours of difficult climbing), do not continue on to the summit of Mount Washington. Mount Washington is notorious for its dangerously erratic weather. Instead, return to the platform of the shelter and just enjoy the majestic views that surround you before beginning your descent to Pinkham Notch.

We hope you enjoy the White Mountains as much as we do!