Gorham Lodge Relocation Scouting Hike # 5

Four section members, plus Dave H (GMC Director of Field Programs) gathered at the Bamforth Ridge trail head of the Long Trail at 7:30AM on Saturday, January 12 with the intention of visiting the Boulder Ridge site for the benefit of those who had not seen it, then continuing on to visit the County Line site.

The morning was overcast with the temperature in the mid 20's. The trail was well packed by previous hiking. Just below Duxbury Window Fred felt that he needed to head back to the parking lot. The remaing four made a brief stop at the window for snacks before continuing on to Boulder Ridge. Dave led us into the site via "Eric's Slot". We viewed the site for 10-15 minutes and discussed with Dave various options for layout. The site seemed large enough to accommodate any potential use. An open shelter would be favored at this site due to it being just two miles from the road. Healthy large birch trees growing on the site indicated deep soils that would probably be suitable for waste disposal. Water supply did not appear to be a problem. All of us commented on the great aesthetic appeal of the site. Access to the site is good, as it appears to be roughly equidistant between the LT and Greg Western's "G".

We then moved back onto the LT (following "G") and continued up the LT to County Line. The going got tougher with the trail being covered with drifting snow. At a point about 20 minutes from the first big open ledge with views, Bill felt it unwise for him to continue and opted to continue slowly down the LT and wait for us to catch up. Upon reaching the open ledge, Eric had the same opinion. Dave agreed that, due to the fatigue shared by all, it would not be wise to try to get to County Line.

We headed down, caught up to bill, and at the intersection of the LT and Greg's "A" followed the flagline to "B" & "C" and onto the River Road where Dave had spotted his car about one to two miles from the LT trail head. The trail as we descended was beatiful with mature hardwoods (particularly beech) and hemlock. There did not seem to be any particular difficulty to constructing a trail over this route, except in the last 1/2 mile where we went off of State owned land.

While we were all disappointed at not getting to the County Line site, we all felt very positive about the Boulder Ridge site, and felt it would serve very well.

Since another site visit will be required at some point for permitting, we may have another opportunity to visit County Line. If not, we all felt that going with Boulder Ridge would be an excellent choice.

Effort: Fred headed back down at about 9:00. The others were back at the LT trail head by 3:00.

Effort: 4 people, 9.0 hours each (including travel) and 1 person, 4.5 hours; total: 40.5 hours; not included: GMC staff time.