Mount Bond

Trail: Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“This was a last minute pivot to get these on a good weather day for G2. The trails were nice and dry and the rocks were grippy which helped me make good time all the way to Bondcliff. I saw a handful of happy hikers making their way from overnights at Guyot. The slog back up Bond was very sloggy as the sun was out and it was HOT. Once I made it back to that summit I cooled off and was able to cruise on back to Guyot. It was nice to meet Chris and Jeff in person - thank you for stopping to introduce yourselves. :) I met a few NOBOS on my journey back to the hut. The rain started while I was on the Twinway headed back and was a pretty strong downpour. I didn't even bother with a rain jacket because it felt so nice to get cooled off. The rain turned the trail into a stream with a lot of standing water and wet rocks. The descent down the hut was slower due to the pouring rain. Once I got to the hut the rain had pretty much stopped and much of Zealand trail looked dry. Maybe the rain was just over me? That would be about right. So glad to have gotten these done on a mostly lovely weather day. It was well worth the 1:30am wakeup. I forgot how much I really do love starting super early for a nice long day.”

Trail: North Twin Trail, Fire Warden's Trail, Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Lincoln Woods Trail, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, North Twin Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“This extension of the conventional Pemi Loop was a hike I had planned for some time as a buildup to an endurance race, and the Lincoln Woods closure did not interfere with the route. Starting from the North Twin trailhead, this starts with Hale via the Fire Warden's Trail, makes a quick detour to Zealand Falls Hut, then heads up the Twinway to the Zeacliff outlook, Zealand, and the Bonds. The Bondcliff Trail marks the entry point to the standard Pemi Loop, which is then followed to the Osseo Trail (Lincoln Woods Trail is closed immediately south of this intersection), and across Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge. This is a formidable amount of climbing in the second half of the hike, and the South Twin ascent after 37.6 miles was the coup de grace. Trail conditions were excellent for the endeavor, with largely dry rocks, even on some of the typically wet sections of the Garfield Ridge Trail. The Bondcliff Trail had its typical muddy sections, but most of these could be avoided. The wettest segment of trail might have been the narrow corridor of the North Twin Spur. Most of the trails were unusually quiet for the Sunday of 4th of July weekend, but the Lincoln Woods closure and my civil twilight start had a lot to do with that. I encountered a number of friendly hikers between Zealand Falls Hut and Mt. Bond, and almost no one until miles later between Mt. Flume and Mt. Liberty. Though I was there around mid to late-afternoon, the number of hikers between Little Haystack and Mt. Lafayette was moderate rather than excessive. There were a few trail runners, all headed in the opposite direction, undoubtedly with similarly creative itineraries. Views were spectacular, and lower temperature and humidity made this endeavor much more pleasant than it would have been a few days earlier. Overall hike statistics: 44.0 miles, 14,050' gain, 18:20 elapsed time. Full details on Unnecessary Climb!”

Trail: Pemi East Side Trail, bushwhack, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twin Brook Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.”