North and South Hancock, August 2, 2012, White Mountain National Forest

North Hancock, from South Hancock

The Kancamagus Motor Lodge, in Lincoln, New Hampshire, proved to be the perfect base of operations for a summer 2012 visit to the Whites in search of a few more peaks for the 4,000 footer list. Affordable rates, walking distance to town, indoor pool, and ping pong provide plenty of options for filling post-hike rest and recovery time.

The only problem... no in-room coffee machines. My brother and I are up before 5 AM and at the trailheads before 6 AM, sometimes even earlier. The lack of a coffee maker make such a production all the more difficult.

The location of the Kancamagus Lodge, on the so-called "Kanc" Highway, meant that we'd tackle peaks in the nearby Pemigewasset Wilderness. We started the weekend off with a 9.8 loop trail up the Hancocks. Despite being the weekend, we did well avoiding other hikers by getting an early start.

The trails were in good shape, with only a few blowdowns, and we made very fast time on the trails. Perfect for allowing for some afternoon rest before hitting the Bond range the next day.

Chalk off two more 4,000 footers... numbers 7 and 8.

Peaks: North and South Hancock
Elevation: 4,420 feet and 4,319 feet (Gain: 2,700)
Distance: 9.8 miles
Route: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail
Conditions: Clouds and Sun, 70 degrees F