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Mt Carrigain - page 4 of 4

After a final steep pitch, we arrived at the small summit clearing, which was dominated by the steel framed observation tower. This tower replaced the former enclosed firetower in the seventies, which I think was being used too often as a shelter by backpackers. We arrived at the summit in better time than I had expected, especially considering that I was a bit out of shape.

We climbed the wooden steps of the tower to take in the views, which were magnificent in all directions. The sky was a deep blue and the weather was near perfect, especially considering that it was raining back home in Massachusetts. 

To the northeast, I could clearly see Mt Washington and the Presidentials. To the west loomed the entire Franconia Ridge from Mt Lafayette to Mt Flume. In front of that, almost blending in to the background was Owl's Head, followed by the Bonds ridge tapering off into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Closer by, I could pick out North and South Hancock and their long undulating connecting ridge.

To the north were Mt Hale, Zeacliff, and Zealand Notch. The view of Mt Carrigain from Zealand Falls Hut through Zealand Notch is unforgettable, but Zealand Notch is nearly lost in the mountain vastness from the top of Mt Carrigain.

We set in a corner at the top of the tower, enjoying the warm sun, lunch, and the views for longer than I had planned. Gray jays lazily landed on the platform looking for handouts. Not long before we were ready to leave, a couple from Maine arrived at the summit. They were also peakbaggers, and hoped to finish this summer. We collaborated for a while, trying to identify all of the peaks and features that surrounded us. 

Except for one fall in which I sustained a small cut on my hand, the hike down went well. We saw a couple of other hikers, but mostly the woods and trail were quiet and soothing.

Trail sign at the summit. We arrived at the summit in better time than I had expected, especially considering that I was a bit out of shape.

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Me on the summit tower. In back of me and to my left are the Webster Cliffs in Crawford Notch, and Mt Washington and the Presidentials.

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Muffin on the summit tower. The sky was a deep blue and the weather was near perfect, especially considering that it was raining back home in Massachusetts.

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Looking west from the summit tower. In the distance is Franconia Ridge with Mt Lafayette dominating the view. Just in front of that and almost blending in to the background is Owl's Head, followed by the Bonds ridge tapering down from the right.

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Looking north from the summit tower. I think the larger peak to the left is Mt Hale. In front of it is Zeacliff, and to its right, Zealand Notch and Whitehall Mountain.

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Signal Ridge from the observation tower. The trail snakes its way over the ridge and drops out of sight to the Sawyer River valley below.

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Map

  Carrigain page: 

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