Matt's Hikes: Flags on the 48 2015 - West Bond

Every year, hikers sign up to carry American flags to each of New Hampshire's 4000-Footers and fly the flag on the Saturday closest to 9-11 in remembrance of the attacks on that day. This event, known as Flags on the 48, is an event I've participated in with a group from the Hike-NH hiking forum for 4 years now. In prior years we've manned North Twin, Flume, and Lafayette. For 2015, we drew West Bond, which is a terrific peak with great views, but it meant a long, 16.5-mile day in addition to being on the summit for 2.5 hours to fly the flag. As the weather has not been great for the previous 3 years we have done this event, we were hoping very hard that we would finally have nice weather.

Going into the hike, the weather forecast was looking good, with just enough wind to fly the flag, a decent bit of sun, and mild temperatures. Meeting early at the trailhead for the Zealand Trail, we set off for our out-and-back hike out to West Bond. The first 2.5 miles are flat and fairly good footing-wise, and so we made good time up to the base of the climb to Zealand Falls and the Zealand Falls Hut.

Tons of spiderwebs were glistening in the early-morning sun.

Zeacliff from the Zealand Trail beaver ponds

This tree was glistening with dew in the morning.

Zealand Falls

Marlie poses at Zealand Falls

After a quick break, we dug into the main climb of the day: getting up to Zeacliff above the hut. While fairly steep, this stretch has decent footing overall, and eventually our band of 7 reached the spur to the outlook at Zeacliff. This spot is not to be missed on a decent (or especially on a terrific day like we had at the moment), as it offers a tremendous view into Zealand Notch and the Eastern side of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We took a nice break here before heading off to Zealand Mountain.

Dueling cameras at the Zeacliff overlook - Mt. Carrigain dominates the horizon in the center.

Mt. Bond from Zeacliff

Pano from Zeacliff

Carrigain and Carrigain Notch

The Osceola Range behind the Hancocks

Whitewall Mountain from Zeacliff

Welcome to Mt. Zealand. Here is your view of a sign.

Though no one in our group "needed" it, we all took the quick trip on the spur over to the unexciting summit of Zealand Mountain, before continuing on to Guyot. Crossing Guyot, we picked up the Bondcliff Trail, which we took as far as the West Bond Spur, reaching the summit of West Bond around 11:30, a perfect amount of time to get the flag up by noon.

Bond (L) and West Bond (R) from Guyot.

West Bond awaits.

Flagpole brigade

Slides on the side of South Twin

The lumpy Owl's Head, with Franconia Ridge in the background.

Lincoln and Lafayette - Franconia Ridge

Off to West Bond we go (on the right)

Spruce grouse in the woods en-route to West Bond

Once the flag was up, we all spread out and enjoyed the views, as the weather was perfect for lounging for a long time on a mountain top this day. The Bondcliff flag was up and visible by eye by the time we had reached the summit, and with the help of camera zoom lenses, we were able to eventually spot flags on most of the peaks ringing the Pemi. The flag atop Bond was a little delayed in rising, but it too was up and naturally was easily seen as we were less than 1 mile away. Many people stopped by, including the Guyot Campsite caretaker. We also enjoyed the company of Whitney and Chris, as they stopped by for a while and brought us some baked goods to munch on, yum!

Bondcliff and their flag flying nicely (and early)

South Twin. The flag is just left of center.

Mt. Garfield. The flag was flying, though it isn't really visible via my camera.

Mt. Lafayette, with the flag on the summit and a glider overhead.

Mt. Lincoln. You cna just barely make out the flag on the summit.

Mt. Liberty.

The Presidentials in the distance.

Team Hike-NH, 2015.

Bond and Bondcliff

The tower atop Mt. Carrigain. The flag is strapped to the left side of the tower.

Mt. Bond. Can you find the flag? ;)

Bondcliff again.

Guyot from West Bond

Once 2:00 was reached, we took down the flag, disassembled the pole (leave no trace!), and retraced our steps back out to the cars. The day concluded with a group meal at Black Mountain Burger in Lincoln before we all headed home (it was due to rain fairly heavily overnight and through much of Sunday, so no one was staying up to hike the next day). This is a terrific event, and every year we get tons of thank yous from everyone who sees the flags flying. But really, it is the least we can do, to fly a flag in remembrance. Our group will be back at it again next year. For more information about the memorial event, visit the Flags on the 48 website.