rocksnrolls
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 371
- Reaction score
- 47
The morning started gloriously. Clear skies, bright stars and a sweet message from my girlfriend on my cell phone had me ready to start the hike to my 48th NH 4000 footer.
PoisonIvy and I geared up and waited (and waited..) for una_dogger and MichaelJ to arrive at the winter parking for Sawyer River Rd. PI headed off first on her skis while the rest of us put on our snowshoes and followed. We stayed off the road at first, hiking alongside the river for awhile. Eventually we saw that the road wasn't too far up above us so we 'whacked our way up the steep enbankment and were soon at the Signal Ridge TH.
The Signal Ridge Tr is a wonderful hike. The water crossings were nicely frozen over and the way the trail ascends slowly at first made for a good warm-up. PoisonIvy was lagging behind more than usual - she'd had a rough time the day before attempting Mt Jefferson - but the rest of us didn't mind at all waiting for her to catch up. The weather was nearly perfect and I was happy to take my time and soak it all in.
As the trail steepened PoisonIvy told us that her legs were bothering her alot and she wasn't sure she'd be able to make it all the way. She said to not bother waiting for her and that she would turn back if she felt she had to. Thankfully some ibuprofin seemed to help and while the rest of us stopped at one of the amazing viewpoint ledges she soon caught up with us.
While the steepness was never all that major, the few icy spots and the unremitting nature of the climb was quite tiring. When we reached the top of the ridge we found a nice spot with tremendous views to the east and hunkered down for lunch. The wind was barely noticable and we enjoyed playing name that peak during our meal. I had brought along a copy of Scudder's guide to the views on Carrigain and it was great to be able to positively identify what we were seeing.
We then headed out onto the ridge, soon spotting the tower-topped summit that was out goal for the day. We were also soon treated to our first views to the west. The Hancocks really stood out and beyond that the Bonds and Franconia Ridge were a sight to behold.
Dipping back below treeline we were shortly at the base of the summit tower. We stripped off our snowshoes and headed up to the top and were in awe of the views we were rewarded with. MichaelJ surprised me by presenting me with my patch - thanks!! - and we snapped many pictures. With almost no wind and bright, clear skies we were able to spend a good amount of time on top of the tower. I brought out Scudder's guide again and was able to identify every peak on the diagram. Couldn't have asked for better weather up there!
It had taken us about 7 hours to hike the 7 miles to the summit but we were confident we'd make better time on the descent. Sure enough, the hike down was much easier and we all made it down without incident. We managed to double our speed on the return trip and were back to our cars before needing headlamps.
I must say I feel lucky to have had such a great time starting my exploration of the White Mountains. I have made many new friends, mostly thanks to VFTT and ROT group hikes. I have had many wonderful adventures and I look forward to returning to these mountains for many more. My only regret is that more of my friends had been unable to join me on this particular hike. I was very happy to have PoisonIvy, MichaelJ and una_dogger along but was especially sad that Dugan, Jade, Lattinhill, and SilentCal hadn't been there. You guys better be there when I finish my next list!
PoisonIvy and I geared up and waited (and waited..) for una_dogger and MichaelJ to arrive at the winter parking for Sawyer River Rd. PI headed off first on her skis while the rest of us put on our snowshoes and followed. We stayed off the road at first, hiking alongside the river for awhile. Eventually we saw that the road wasn't too far up above us so we 'whacked our way up the steep enbankment and were soon at the Signal Ridge TH.
The Signal Ridge Tr is a wonderful hike. The water crossings were nicely frozen over and the way the trail ascends slowly at first made for a good warm-up. PoisonIvy was lagging behind more than usual - she'd had a rough time the day before attempting Mt Jefferson - but the rest of us didn't mind at all waiting for her to catch up. The weather was nearly perfect and I was happy to take my time and soak it all in.
As the trail steepened PoisonIvy told us that her legs were bothering her alot and she wasn't sure she'd be able to make it all the way. She said to not bother waiting for her and that she would turn back if she felt she had to. Thankfully some ibuprofin seemed to help and while the rest of us stopped at one of the amazing viewpoint ledges she soon caught up with us.
While the steepness was never all that major, the few icy spots and the unremitting nature of the climb was quite tiring. When we reached the top of the ridge we found a nice spot with tremendous views to the east and hunkered down for lunch. The wind was barely noticable and we enjoyed playing name that peak during our meal. I had brought along a copy of Scudder's guide to the views on Carrigain and it was great to be able to positively identify what we were seeing.
We then headed out onto the ridge, soon spotting the tower-topped summit that was out goal for the day. We were also soon treated to our first views to the west. The Hancocks really stood out and beyond that the Bonds and Franconia Ridge were a sight to behold.
Dipping back below treeline we were shortly at the base of the summit tower. We stripped off our snowshoes and headed up to the top and were in awe of the views we were rewarded with. MichaelJ surprised me by presenting me with my patch - thanks!! - and we snapped many pictures. With almost no wind and bright, clear skies we were able to spend a good amount of time on top of the tower. I brought out Scudder's guide again and was able to identify every peak on the diagram. Couldn't have asked for better weather up there!
It had taken us about 7 hours to hike the 7 miles to the summit but we were confident we'd make better time on the descent. Sure enough, the hike down was much easier and we all made it down without incident. We managed to double our speed on the return trip and were back to our cars before needing headlamps.
I must say I feel lucky to have had such a great time starting my exploration of the White Mountains. I have made many new friends, mostly thanks to VFTT and ROT group hikes. I have had many wonderful adventures and I look forward to returning to these mountains for many more. My only regret is that more of my friends had been unable to join me on this particular hike. I was very happy to have PoisonIvy, MichaelJ and una_dogger along but was especially sad that Dugan, Jade, Lattinhill, and SilentCal hadn't been there. You guys better be there when I finish my next list!
Having met you so late in the game, I am glad I was able join you for one peak. So, what is the next list? 
