Lake Winnipesaukee via Main Trail(edit)

So, this Veterans Day 2022, Kelly and I backpacked to Mount Major. The temps started out in the 50’s and climbed into the mid 60’s. Rain was on the way as TS Nicole was moving towards the north, so we know we had about 7 hours before the moisture came in. We did a total of 5.4 rocky, hilly miles and if you look at the map we went the loop way, which included us making 2 mountain tops, Mt. Straightback and Mt. Major. We decided on taking the roundabout way and left on Mt. Major Trail. It started out very rocky and more proof as to why NH is called the Granite State. After about ¼ mile of rocks we leveled out for a bit and then got onto the Brook Trail. Following a nice Brook we started our climb upwards. Nothing is easy in these rocky climbs and the leaves on the ground made the hike deceiving. We had run into no one until we got to the Brook Trail/North StraightBack Link trail. Then we started straight uphill on the Link trail till we Dave Robert Quarry Trail (Which does not show up on the map. Instead of coming down the Quarry Spur trail we decided to continue on the Dave Roberts Trail to connect with the StraightBack Link to get us to StraightBack Mountain. After summiting the mountain we decided to stop and have some lunch and take a break. The temps were in the 60’s and good warming breeze helped to let relax and enjoy our rest time. The we got back on trail and took the StraightBack Major link to get to Mt. Major. It was beautiful up there and we admired all the views. There were a few people up there and we could the weather turning as rain was coming in. After a good 15-20 minute break, it was time to head down. We decided on the Boulder Loop Trail. Well that turned in an easy start but then started to hit some pretty big boulders. Not many pics as most of the time our minds were on the slippery covered boulders with leaves and it took us a good 45 minutes to go ¾ of a mile through these boulders. A lot of butt sliding and making sure we had 3 points of contact. I do not think this is as difficult when there are minimal leaves on the trail, but of course that was not the case in late fall and it was a step by step process. We finally made it through and overall we had a good 5hrs, 38 minute backpacking trip, that provided obstacles and many good views. It started to rain as we got back to the vehicle and were feeling really good, but tired. Thank you all for reading and enjoy the pics.