Twelve individuals comprised of three groups hiked Bonds-Zealand on this day. Our group, starting out from Lincoln Woods, had seven to begin the journey and then split into two groups beyond the Camp 16 turn. The faster, stronger group of four went on ahead from there gladly breaking trail. The remaining three proceeded at a lesser pace enjoying the semi-packed out trail. A group of five left from the end of Zealand Rd and broke out the trail beyond the Zealand Hut meeting the group of four near Guyot and the group of three right at the West Bond spur.
There was lots of trail breaking for those two teams with the deepest snows of the day appearing to be on the Zealand side of Guyot. Lots of deep, wind drifted snow to contend with. Thanks go out to Wayne, Steve, Per, and Alan from the northbound group and Jeff, Karine, Heather, Joe, and Ryan from the southbound group for the staunch effort in breaking out both sides of the traverse while Bill, Jeb, and I were able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Here are just a handful of pictures that represent our day.
Stepping off the bridge into a universe full of stars.
Bill making his way up the snow covered Hillary Step near the summit of Bondcliff.
Descending Bondcliff.
Ascending Guyot.
The winds picking up a bit.
My sliding lens cover partially froze leading to this neat effect.
Upward.
Temperature of four above with 32 mph winds on Guyot.
Heading into the woods from Guyot, the winds quickly dropped off. Deep snows on Zealand.
Quick trail maintenance. Check the snow load on the tree first before cutting.
A couple of notable items: Bill picks up #'s 571, 572, 573 and 574. Heather and Kali complete the SSW48 on Bondcliff. Everyone had fun!
John
There was lots of trail breaking for those two teams with the deepest snows of the day appearing to be on the Zealand side of Guyot. Lots of deep, wind drifted snow to contend with. Thanks go out to Wayne, Steve, Per, and Alan from the northbound group and Jeff, Karine, Heather, Joe, and Ryan from the southbound group for the staunch effort in breaking out both sides of the traverse while Bill, Jeb, and I were able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Here are just a handful of pictures that represent our day.
Stepping off the bridge into a universe full of stars.
Bill making his way up the snow covered Hillary Step near the summit of Bondcliff.
Descending Bondcliff.
Ascending Guyot.
The winds picking up a bit.
My sliding lens cover partially froze leading to this neat effect.
Upward.
Temperature of four above with 32 mph winds on Guyot.
Heading into the woods from Guyot, the winds quickly dropped off. Deep snows on Zealand.
Quick trail maintenance. Check the snow load on the tree first before cutting.
A couple of notable items: Bill picks up #'s 571, 572, 573 and 574. Heather and Kali complete the SSW48 on Bondcliff. Everyone had fun!
John
