This was an AMC NH Chapter young member event (20s/30s). The hike up to Carter Notch Hut began at 0800 Saturday morning on 10/14. It was a cool, crisp fall day. Some clouds, but with how wet it has been all summer i will take weekends like this. The group of 12 of us made it up 19 mile brook trail in about 2 hours. This trail was less wet than i have seen it in the past but given that it runs along the river it has always been some degree of wet. Slippy coming down with the wet leaves, but no traction needed yet.
Once at the hut the group of us went our separate ways. My group of 4 including myself decided to go up to Carter Dome, over Mt Hight, & then tag South Carter. The return route would skip hight on an out & back to the hut (we got back an hour-ish before dark). At 4800 feet (dome) it didnt appear anything had frozen over yet, with windchill the temps were just above freezing. Carter Dome was socked in & as a result the surrounding trees were dripping with condensation (not frozen). In the shoulder seasons it is easy to catch a chill in such conditions. Unlike last week, i ended up adding another layer (base layer, shirt, fleece, light puff jacket). My choice of socks also now is a degree thicker.
Due to the lack of rain the conditions were excellent, though the clouds made things a bit soggy up high. The 12 of us stayed overnight at the hut in self-service state & made a pot-luck dinner. A 32 degree bag was more than comfortable in the bunk house.
The hike out the next morning was brisk to start but still dry & uneventful.
