Sunday May 3, 2015 Mt. Major, Straightback Mtn, Mt. Anna.

With the snow finally gone from our yard we had little will to hike in it, so we decided that the Belknap Range would be our target. We were both looking forward to going where neither of us had ever hiked, and one of Jillian's goals this year is to get the Belknap Range patch for her pack.  We agreed that an early start would be better to avoid the crowds that can pool up on Mt. Major, so we were on the trail just after 8:00 AM. The trails were all in great shape. There were 2 small patches of snow near the trails but both were easily avoidable. There was little in the way of mud as well, which was a welcome surprise. 

This is what Jillian looks like without layers on layers.

First views of Lake Winnipesaukee

Summit of Mt. Major

Summit of Mt. Major complete with prayer flags.

We stopped at the summit of Mt. Major for a quick snack and then we were off. There is a lot of wildlife in the area. We heard woodpeckers and a owl today, we saw what looked like coyote scat twice, and saw a snake - it is nice to see everything waking up with the spring.

Some recent woodpecker activity.

 It was a quick hike over to Straightback Mtn. along easy trails.

Summit of Straightback Mtn.

First wildflowers of the year.

We quickly made it over to Mt. Anna 

Summit of Mt. Anna

On the way back we were running into more people, so we decided to hike quickly back to the car. What a beautiful area this is, it has something to offer anyone who goes there. The views from Mt. Major are fantastic. With such a short hike to get there it is not hard to see why it is so popular, but once you go over the peak the paths see much less activity and you can find solitude. We had a great time and hope to go back next weekend. Not a bad way to spend 4 hours on a Sunday.