Welch-Dickey Hike

 Fourteen GO'sers (huh?) turned up to tackle Welch-Dickey, quite eager to get their hiking legs back in shape, and were all treated to an amazingly spectacular day.  There wasn't a single cloud in the sky, and the views from the exposed ledges were absolutely awesome.  Hiking legs were more in shape than previously thought, for in spite of lingering at the ledges, and a leisurely pace, we were all back down to the parking lot an hour ahead of schedule.  Special mention goes to Len, who is recovering from a broken ankle, and managed to keep up with the group quite well, in spite of obvious discomfort.  So what does one do when one gets back down an hour ahead of schedule?  We all headed to the Mad River Tavern, which suddenly turned "gay" for a couple of hours, as the group took over for a welcomed beer & pub food.  We couldn't have asked for more:  a great group, great weather, and a great watering hole.

 The Welch-Dickey Hike is a 5 mile loop hike.  This trail is a great spring warmup hike.  It is among the first trails of the Whites to be clear of snow in spring.  It is also a hike that offers practically every feature you'll encounter hiking in the White Mountains...in miniature.  The AMC's Guide to the White Mountains refers to this hike as the most rewarding of hikes for a most modest effort.  Most of this hike is on open exposed ledges, and this is April, so come prepared for a range of weather.  If it is sunny and dry, it is likely to be a very comfortable and wonderful day, and shorts/t-shirts will probably be just fine.  However, if it's overcast, and windy, it can get quite chilly up there, so bring a good jacket, and layers to cover up if it does get cold.

Rain will cancel.  Threat of rain will not, so do come prepared.  We should be down by 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., and dinner at the local Mad River Tavern is always a possibility.