Shelby had never met Jessie before, and they seemed to hit it off fairly quickly. Van and I let them take the lead for the first 1.7 miles until we hit the junction of the Carrigain Notch Trail. The water crossings were no problem at all today. It also looks like someone has thrown a few rocks on the river to aid in stepping across easily.
The first two miles or so are fairly flat and easy going. We were able to keep a good pace, but we were not really going too fast. I think we averaged book time for the first two miles or so. One thing that Shelby and I try to make clear when hiking with others is that we are not out to hike to race up the mountain. We are really out to just enjoy ourselves and get to the top and look at the views and relax.
The picture above is of Jessie, Van, and Shelby up on Signal Ridge which is arguable the best part of the hike. It is the only part of the hike where there are views except the top of course.
From signal ridge, you can also get a good view of Vose Spur (NH 100 Highest) and Mt. Lowell and its slide.
After a few more minutes, we reached the top where we saw a very well constructed Tower used now as a viewing station rather than its previous use as a forest fire watch tower. According to my map from Map Aventures, it shows that Mt. Carrigain's summit and the 50' or more around it is in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, but you do not see the sign saying you are entering the wilderness until you are at the top going down the Desolation trail which we are not going to be taking today.
I did not get a picture of the fire tower, but if you were to climb to the top, apparently you can see 40 of the 48 4000' peaks. I did get a picture of Signal Ridge as I though it was pretty cool to see.
All in all, this was a fun trip with great people and great views. Also, these 4000' peaks were numbers 16 for me, and number 7 for Shelby. I'd hike with Van and Jessie again, anytime as long as they don't mind Shelby and I being so slow. They stopped multiple times today to wait for us. The trip down was fairly uneventful as it usually is, but always necessary.
