HEDGEHOG EAST LEDGES: 7/14/14

On a warm, sunny and fairly humid morning, I took a walk to a favorite spot, with a bit of blowdown removal along the way on the UNH Trail. I had heard from customers that there was a treetop down across part of the trail. It was a large yellow birch limb.

It took just a few cuts to take care of it.

Then I proceeded up to the East Ledges, with their impressive view of Mt. Passaconaway and its eastern spurs.

View across the broad Oliverian Brook valley to Paugus Pass.

Profile of the cliffs with Mt. Chocorua beyond.

The East Ledges are home to one of the larger populations of Silverling (Paronychia argyrocoma) in New Hampshire. According to a Forest Service report, these rare plants, which grow on ledges, talus, and gravel river barrens, have been found at only 36 sites in New England. Hikers should take great care not to inadvertently trample them.

My favorite spot is the second, more westerly expanse of the East Ledges. A great place to relax in the sun for a spell.

The Sleepers and South Tripyramid.

Looking up to the summit of Hedgehog.

I removed a couple more blowdowns on the way down.

You're welcome, Keith :-)