Blackstone Valley Outfitters

November Newsletter - October Journal

I take you out of Blackstone Valley and up to New Hampshire; a group from Blackstone Valley Outfitters took a hiking excursion to Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH. Leaving the store in the dark hours of the morning, the sun started to rise as we entered New Hampshire; revealing a clear blue sky with some color still left for this fall day. After about an hour and a half of driving, the mountain came into view and we knew a special hike awaited us. Visible above the brown and red tree line stood Mount Monadnock gleaming white with new fallen snow.

Checking in at the ranger station, I was told that the summit had 50 mile visibility with temperatures at 20 degrees and a wind chill of about zero. As I was heading out, a woman came in from the mountain and told the rangers that she hiked though several drifts of snow that where two feet or deeper, also the open areas had a lot of ice built up on the rocks. Letting everyone know about the conditions of the summit, the group headed northwest along the White Dot Trail. Hiking though a hardwood forest of white birch and oak for about a half mile, we turn due north onto the Cascade Link Trail. Almost immediately the name for the trail was revealed. We crossed and followed a brook cascading downward with several small waterfalls. Shortly the dark forest gave way to snow patches and short evergreens. After about an hour and a half of hiking we were treated with vistas to the east, deeper snow and ice.

After a steep climb, the group arrived at the Pumpelly Trail. Heading southwest along the ridge, the views to the north and west were spectacular. With the clear skies, Mount Washington could be seen covered in snow. All around us was snow and ice as we looked down below to the final glimpse of autumn in the valley. Once on the ridgeline heading to the summit the wind picked up and the zero degree wind chill could be felt. On the exposed trail the snow was little more than a dusting but the ice covered rock made for slow travel. Every step had to be evaluated to make sure you didn’t take a fall. By our noon time break the summit of Mount Monadnock was about a half mile away. With the bad footing and high winds the group decided the summit would be there another day. We turned off the Pumpelly Trail and headed down the Red Dot Trail.

The Red Dot Trail was marked by cairns and ran due south for about a tenth of a mile before turning east. At the turn the group bushwhacked across the exposed ledge and connected with the White Dot Trail for a faster descent. For the first time that day we met up with people from the parking lot. They had taken the faster route up the mountain but because of the ice and large groups most had not made it above tree line. On our careful descent I was surprised at the number of people still coming up the trail and how ill prepared they were. Several of the hikers were dressed for a fall stroll in the city with little more than sneakers and a wind breaker on. Descending into the taller forest once more the trail leveled out and I passed a couple of guys climbing up. One of them made the comment; “Oh, another group coming down but they’ve got hiking boots on. I wonder if the trail is ok to hike with sneakers.” I just shuck my head at him and headed to the parking lot. For some great pictures see our website at www.bvori.com

Outdoor Tip of the Week:

It’s starting to get a little colder here in the northeast and to avoid uncomfortable chill or sweating conditions, dress with expert layering.

Everyone knows that layering is good for you but did you know that the insulation and outerwear that keeps you comfortable on that above tree line ascent will also keep you alive? Here are the three sets of clothing you need for proper layering, all should be breathable.

A base layer to wick moisture off your body.
At last one insulating middle layer that can also work as an outer layer.
A windproof and or waterproof outer shell.

Layering is about anticipating the weather. You should act before you get sweaty or a cold wind cools your body down. Think of your body as a lit flame that is at 98.6 degrees and follow this advice to keep your flame from flaring up or going out.

Start Out Cool:

The right layers for starting your trek from the parking lot can feel like a oven after 10 minutes of travel. Start you trip dressed for exertion and you won’t need to stop too soon and shed a later.

Make the Call:

If you’re hiking in a group and feel the need to adjust your layers, don’t wait for a group rest break . Chances are others in your group also need to adjust their layers and will welcome the opportunity to change.

Plan Ahead:

Complete your layering changes in advance and you will avoid those the shiver/sweat transitions. Put on your shell before heading into an exposed area or pack your fleece away before a steep climb.

Think in the Zones:

Sweat-soaked clothing in freezing conditions can drop your body temperature from enjoyably cool to a deadly chilled. Avoid overheating by checking key sweat zones. The neck and armpits are good indicators. As you warm up remove outside layers with out delay. Remember you can regulate big temp changes with small clothing adjustments; removing a hat or pair of gloves can make all the difference.

Product Information of the Week:

Sierra Designs Hurricane Parka:

This Light weight, packable parka offers full protection from the elements; the Hurricane Parka is one of Sierra Designs Legendary pieces. Reliable two-layer Hurricane fabric breaths while your working, but blocks the elements no matter the weather. The parka is fully featured with adjustable hood, and extremity vents. The Hurricane handles backpacking, alpine climbing or that winter tailgate party at a Pat’s Game. Also included is a stuff sack for storage while not needed. Available in Men and Woman Sizes.

Hurricane Fabric:

2-Layer, Taped Seams Waterproof/Breathable Protection

Constructed with a 2-layer Nylon taffeta face fabric with DWR and Dry PU Coating

8,000mm Waterproofing, 2000g/m2/24hr Breathability

For more information about the Hurricane Parka or other products we carry check out our website at www.bvori.com

BVO Calendar:

November 22 – Turkey Day
We will be closed on Thanksgiving. We wish you a great Holiday and will reopen on Friday at 9:00am to help with your outdoor holiday needs.

December 9 - Guided Blue Hills Hike
Meeting at the store, we will car pool to the Blue Hills Reservation in Canton, Mass. This 10 mile hike will traverse the reservation from east to west along the Skyline Trail. The trail offers great views from the top of several hills of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Time: 8:00 am to about 4:00pm
Cost: $10.00

December 15- Guided Blue Hills Hike with Troop 12 Berkeley Ashton
Meeting at the store, we will car pool to the Blue Hills Reservation in Canton, Mass. This 10 mile hike will traverse the reservation from east to west along the Skyline Trail. The trail offers great views from the top of several hills of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Time: 8:00 am to about 4:00pm
December 25 – Christmas
We will be closed on Christmas. We wish you a great Holiday and will reopen on Wednesday at 9:00am to help with spend those gift certificates..

Live the Experience
Don & Mark
Blackstone Valley Outfitters
2 Mendon Road
Cumberland, RI
www.bvori.com

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