By LAC Guide Meg Clews

A group of 4 strong women completed the southern half of the Grafton Notch Loop Trail the weekend of October 19th & 20th, summiting Old Speck (4,170 ft) and Sunday River White Cap (3,337 ft) along the way. The trail was icy at times, and at others, covered in slick wet leaves which made for some challenging hiking, but everyone did an awesome job navigating the trail! We camped out in tents and warm sleeping bags at a peaceful tent site, covered in a carpet of yellow leaves. We enjoyed a hot dinner and a hot breakfast, cooked over our camp stoves. For some on the trip, it was their first overnight backpacking trip! The views were spectacular –  at some points we were able to see over to the snow-covered White Mountains.