Announcement: Winter Gathering 7.5: 1/13-16, Barnes Field, New Hampshire

[ajtiv]

Well I would help break trail if needed for Washington.
Other options I am pondering are Madison and Adams
I was also looking at maps and can anyone tell me what trail is best in winter for Madison?
Is it crazy to think of taking Daniel Webster to Madison cross over to Adams and loop around to Madison Gulf to Great Gulf and back to DW trail head?

Is this too long a hike, not enough daylight, trails closed in winter etc.
I have never been up in the Whites so on a map it looks like 11-13 miles not a bad distance but 4500' of elevation is pretty close to my limit
So weather is the determining factor along with trail conditions?
I need to be educated

Al

 

[Frodo]

"I was also looking at maps and can anyone tell me what trail is best in winter for Madison?"

The Valley Way from Appalachia is the easiest route. Almost always well packed, and it is also the shortest.

Is it crazy to think of taking Daniel Webster to Madison cross over to Adams and loop around to Madison Gulf to Great Gulf and back to DW trail head?

Yes. Unless you have a serious "trail breaking" fetish, and have no problem possibly riding an avalanche down Madison Gulf

IMO, the best winter route to do both Madison and Adams is up Lowe's path to Adams, take the Gulfside to the Mad Hut, up and down Madison, then head down via the Valley Way. Unless there is a snow storm in the proceeding few days, all of these trails will be well broken.

 

[Mark_151]

On Pot Luck Saturday Night --

This'll be my first Gathering, and it's been quite a while since I've done car camping. I know this suggestion might be a little unsavory to some, I know it is to me. As I don't know Gathering custom, please feel free to shoot me down --

I just procured a Coleman generator to run my sump pump in the event of a power outage in the foot of the extreme weather in the path of mighty Mt. Wachusett. So, I was thinking that for the pot luck, the generator and a microwave ( as long as we're going decadent) might help out with preparation of some of the dishes in the cold. I myself am planning to bring a first course ham and swiss cheesecake that wants to be served at room temperature, not as a block of ice. I definitly don't want to listen to this thing for more than the time necessary to reheat stuff. What say you, is this of any use, or are we prepared to harness the power of the bonfire?

Mark

 

[Warren]

I so doubt that anyone would mind, in fact that would give me the perfect way to defrost the bagels (last year they stayed rock solid the entire weekend). With talk of the DVD viewing and all it would be useful.

 

[SherpaKroto]

Mark_151: that saves me the trouble of going to Maine to get mine. You'll not find an easeir going group of like minded individuals around, so bring what you like. If it bothers anyone, they'll let you know.

Creature comforts? The more the better

 

[Mark_151]

Ok, the generator's coming. Someone will need to bring a microwave, though.

Mark

 

[LittleBear]

Teejay is bringing a coffee pot - now he won't have to bring 4 miles of extension cord to plug it in

 

[spencer]

Is someone going to have a laptop and projector? I have a short slideshow of a trip to BSP last winter that I'd like to show if we have the equipment...

spencer

 

[coldfeet]

I'll bring a microwave to help out..As of now I should arrive late Thurs night leaving from Long Island.

 

[Puck]

So, roaring fire, buffet dinner, open bar, heated tent, full generator power, microwave and movies? I may have to rough it and stay at the HC or really go Spartan at JDL.

I do, however, have a certain new NESN DVD that might be fun to share fireside.

So how is all this working??? Do we bring stuff... a cassarol, some stew or condiments, for the buffet, wood for the fire, a bottle for the bar or do we simply ante up? What should I bring. I don't want to come empty handed and one ketchup packet will not suffice.

I agree a Red sox ALCS highlights video would be perfect

Also, is it ok to bring my 13 year old son?

 

[SherpaKroto]

All races, creeds, species, etc. are welcome. Even teenagers

Most bring an entry, dessert, chips, or some such. Sean (shizzmac) will be grilling burgers and dogs for a small fee (amount not set, but it's just to cover costs). As for alcohol, most bring what they drink, but we will also be having hot spiced (skiked or not) and hot spiced wine.

HARDWOOD IS ALWAYS GOOD ...and appreciated! (softwood eats clothes)

 

[Puck]

All races, creeds, species, etc. are welcome. Even teenagers

Most bring an entry, dessert, chips, or some such. Sean (shizzmac) will be grilling burgers and dogs for a small fee (amount not set, but it's just to cover costs). As for alcohol, most bring what they drink, but we will also be having hot spiced (skiked or not) and hot spiced wine.

HARDWOOD IS ALWAYS GOOD ...and appreciated! (softwood eats clothes)

Thanks Serpa

So for the food...is there a way to heat things up, or is that what the hardwood fire is for? I can bring some split maple...

 

[SherpaKroto]

Heating things up: bring your regular car camping stuff. Coleman stoves, turkey fryers, etc. It's tougher in the winter, but we make do.

 

[teejay]

Sherpa, what am I going to do

with all this extension cord?

Just kidding. I will bring the big coffee pot, coffee, sugar, cream and another generator, if necessary. We'll have all the comforts.

teejay

 

[Mark_151]

For anyone wanting to run sensitive equiptment like an LCD projector off a generator, please make sure you bring a line conditioner (surge protector). You don't want to plug directly into the generator.

 

[Nonlegit]

this is going to be so much fun...you guys know how to party...

 

[peak_bgr]

I think this is going to be the biggest get together yet. I'm excited to meet all these new faces, and of course see all my old friends I only get to see a couple times a year.

Now that the coffee pot is set, I'll bring the Bailey's and some Irish Whiskey for a nice hot coffee. A Chocolate Triffle for dessert, and some stuffed green olives (jalapeno & garlic) to go with all the other great dishes.

I have a extra propane tank, should I bring it? Will we need it?

 

[shizzmac]

I can't wait!! Im bringing the grills. What a surprise. Looking forward to seeing everone!

 

[daxs]

Its seems like this will be an awesome gathering. I can't wait. Peak_bgr and bushwacker - I'll be bringing the peanut butter cookies. Maybe as part of a cookie sampler.....

 

[TJH]

This is my first post, and I have to say that I love this site. The two winter hikes that I had planned for the winter have already fallen through. My wife gave me the ok to check out this winter gathering as she doesn't like me hiking alone, esp. in the winter. I just have a couple of questions if someone would take the time to answer them.

I plan on leaving to head up there either early Friday or Saturday morning. I would possibly like to hook up with a group doing one of the presidentials. What time in the morning would an average group hiking a higher peak in whites step off? I just would need a rough estimate so that I would know when to leave my house. I live in SE Mass. so I would be looking at about a 3 1/2 hour drive to get to Barnes field, and this is saying the weather is good.

I do have no problem leaving around 03:00 am to get there before 7:00 to be able to make the hike, I just would like to know when an average group would start hiking. I would imagine it would be early given the short days and everything. I have winter hiked before but I have always camped up high and have never gone above tree-line, which I have always wanted to do. Also, is it a situation where one could just show up to Barne's field in the morning, be received warmly, and easily hook up with a group going off on an excursion?

Last question. I have what I would consider a decent supply of winter gear, but the only thing I don't have are snowshoes. Other than it snowing a substantial amount just prior to this gathering, are they really necessary? The few winter hikes I have been on, I have never used them. One time it snowed about six inches the night before and we were the first ones on the mountain. It was only the Welch-Dickey loop, but I led the way the whole time and just barebooted with the pac boots I wear, then threw on strap crampons when I began to slip a bit. I would also consider myself a strong hiker if that makes a difference. Any responses from the veterans are greatly appreciated. Thanks, TJH