Memorial Day Hike- Osceola

So it's Memorial Day, and I was scheduled to hike with my friend Scott. And what does he do? He cancels out on me. So what do I do? I go solo and then blog about him and what he missed out on. That's what friends are for, right?

Today was FINALLY a decent day for this holiday weekend. No rain. No snow. Just lots of sun. Oh-- and a bit of snow at the higher elevation along with wind and colder temps.

See that empty spot?- that's where Scott would have parked...

Lots of hikers and cars at the Osceola parking lot off Tripoli Road. That's "Triple- Eye" for you non-natives. I think this is the only place in the entire world that does not pronounce it "Triple- eee"-- it's just a "local thing." I cross country skied this road just 6 weeks ago...

This is a great hike. The trail is very gradual, there is water along the way and some nice views. Oh- and did I mention SNOW?!?!

Unbelievable. It snowed just the other night. Apparently we didn't get the memo that summer is almost here. Conditions were fine-- no ice, and this snow was manageable with just boots. Many people were doing this trail with sneakers... (flatlanders :)

Here's the problem. This is a shot of Waterville Valley Ski Area. Do you see the slopes? What do you NOT see? If you said, "Snow" you would be correct. I find it ironic that on the SKI trails, there is no snow, and on the HIKING trails, there IS snow. 

So the hike was great. 5 hours with lots of stops, clothing adjustments due to temperature and wind changes. Great views at the top:

A day spent on the trails is better than just about anything else. Unless of course you share it with a friend. If you don't, then you blog about him. :) Next time, Scott!