Sunday, Oct 29
Start/Finish: Signal Ridge TH
Miles: 9.99
Elevation gain/loss: 3612
I headed out at 4:05pm, setting a blistering pace with the intent to get to the summit before I had to hike by headlamp. The trail was in decent condition, without almost any standing water or mud. I almost made it, having just enough light to take photos from the summit tower of the low hanging clouds.
Then it was back the way I came; though I missed the shortcut over the creek and added a little bit of mileage and gain, I nearly walked right into a Great Snowy Owl perched on the branch of a fallen tree nearby the stream crossing. It opened its wings to the fullest extend, less than 6′ away, and flew off. I jogged the last few miles and was happy to be back at my car and on my way home, with my October NH48 grid done!
