Carter Dome Abort! 1/14/11

[grouseking]

For 5 years, I've wanted to get over to the Carters and check out the Notch, and then possibly tackle a mountain. Yesterday was my first opportunity. Sadly, I ended up quite short. The very cold weather, combined with the extremely steep trail and loose unconsolidated snow and what seems to be not good enough snowshoes made it so I had to turn around and hang out at the hut for awhile.

Well, I tried anyways. My mistake was to hike up to Carter Dome from Carter Notch, but that trail is just way too steep. I am def upset that I didn't make it (NOT EVEN CLOSE) to the summit, especially since I could taken the other trail up to Carter Dome, but I wanted to see the notch more than hitting the peak. I bet if I had gone the other way around the loop I would have been successful. Oh well, here some pics.

Nice lenticulars yesterday

A peaceful section of the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail

Up at Carter Notch Lakes, Wildcat above

At the hut, 8 degrees...burr!

On the Carter Moriah trail, making an ill fated attempt at the summit...

Wild looking Wildcat!

Lenticular-riffic

See ya next time, in a warmer time of year...

Lengthening shadows

A section of the trail I particularly liked...

I was hiking with a grouip of friends when I turned around heading up Carter Dome. I ended up staying at the hut, warming up and then heading back to the car around 2pm. I figured we would both be back at the trailhead by 4:30 or 5:00pm. As luck had it, I was back at 4:30, and they were back around 4:40...pretty good timing if you ask me!

Hope you like.

http://grouseking.smugmug.com/New-H...Notch/21036742_6qNKsL#!i=1672587875&k=7hZZ6g3

 

[cooperhill]

A day out is a good day in my book. I know the disappointing feeling though. Thanks for sharing. Love the pic of the lenticular clouds. I definitely recommend the other trail.

 

[grouseking]

A day out is a good day in my book. I know the disappointing feeling though. Thanks for sharing. Love the pic of the lenticular clouds. I definitely recommend the other trail.

The lenticulars were pretty neat yesterday, the best was at the end of the day with sunset, but my camera was nearly frozen, so it was time to pack it in.

Yeah I saw the topo map of the terrain. and figured the other way was easier. But I wanted to see the notch up close and person, and I didn't fancy the thought of picking my way down that steep trail. So I butt slid a part of it instead...haha.

 

[mirabela]

Yeah ... it can be tough going up there. Last time out that way, my daughter and I didn't make our peaks either, but had a leisurely rewarming session by the stove in the hut. It's still a beautiful place.

 

[una_dogger]

Its a tough climb up from the hut in deep powder. At least you got out and there and thanks for sharing your pics!

 

[RoySwkr]

I have seen the route from the notch so icy that people with full crampons were making bypasses in the woods to avoid the worst spots

The route via Zeta Pass has more of a problem with drifting snow, imagine breaking through a drift about as tall as you are and on the way down finding the wind has filled it in again

 

[ow2010]

Great pictures! Looking a lot whiter than a month ago. I think Carter Notch is a destination in and of itself...great hike and beautiful scenery, the peaks are optional from there.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Stash]

Backing off because of too much snow is WAY better than backing off because there's not enough!

 

[Maddy]

Your pics are just beautiful.

 

[1HappyHiker]

I think Carter Notch is a destination in and of itself...great hike and beautiful scenery, the peaks are optional from there.

Phil . . . I completely agree with the comment made by Owen.

Thanks for another terrific report!

 

[griffin]

Backing off because of too much snow is WAY better than backing off because there's not enough!

Also way better then not backing off when you need to and busting something

Thanks for sharing your photos. I was up at Carter this weekend with some friends, and it was bitter effing cold but really gorgeous. All I had on me was the camera on my phone, though, so I really appreciate you sharing your pix.

 

[sierra]

Sometimes "backing off" is the way to go, your outing seems to have been a success regardless, nice photos.

 

[Mike P.]

Great shots, Carter notch may be the most wild & scenic of all the main notches. Just thinking about it, if I was to pick a decent length, non-summit hike that had good views in changable conditions, (yeah, it can be socked in too but not out in the weather like most summits), it's probably Carter Notch.

(apology to Zealand Notch but the road walk & trip to the hut isn't the same as 19 Mile, although both are well traveled)

In good visibility, Lonesone Lake or a Tucks Floor trip would be good but for a good feeling when you tell your friends, "I climbed nothing" Carter Notch is a great destination.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Forester Jake]

Great photos!!

 

[grouseking]

Yeah ... it can be tough going up there. Last time out that way, my daughter and I didn't make our peaks either, but had a leisurely rewarming session by the stove in the hut. It's still a beautiful place.

Carter Notch is beautiful...one of my fav notches, behind only Zealand Notch. I'll be back soon enough to tackle some peaks when the weather is not so rough.

Its a tough climb up from the hut in deep powder. At least you got out and there and thanks for sharing your pics!

Yeah, glad I got out. And you're welcome! CLoudy winter days can sometimes make for tough pic conditions, but thankfully there was snow on the ground.

I have seen the route from the notch so icy that people with full crampons were making bypasses in the woods to avoid the worst spots

The route via Zeta Pass has more of a problem with drifting snow, imagine breaking through a drift about as tall as you are and on the way down finding the wind has filled it in again

Well that sounds like fun! I may wait for summer or fall for those peaks.

Great pictures! Looking a lot whiter than a month ago. I think Carter Notch is a destination in and of itself...great hike and beautiful scenery, the peaks are optional from there.

Thanks for sharing!

Agreed, Carter Notch is a worthy destination, esp since its about a 4 mile hike in the first place. I consider that a fairly lengthy distance for this area, esp in winter.

Backing off because of too much snow is WAY better than backing off because there's not enough!

Agreed!

Your pics are just beautiful.

Thanks Maddy, much appreciated!

Phil . . . I completely agree with the comment made by Owen.

Thanks for another terrific report!

Thanks again John. Glad you enjoy my trip reports so much. I too, love reading your blog.

Also way better then not backing off when you need to and busting something

Thanks for sharing your photos. I was up at Carter this weekend with some friends, and it was bitter effing cold but really gorgeous. All I had on me was the camera on my phone, though, so I really appreciate you sharing your pix.

Yeah no busting body parts for me! Glad you liked the pictures. I didn't think they were that great this time around, but I'm glad to hear some positive feedback.

Sometimes "backing off" is the way to go, your outing seems to have been a success regardless, nice photos.

Indeed! When I stopped having fun, I turned around. It's supposed to be fun, right?

Great shots, Carter notch may be the most wild & scenic of all the main notches. Just thinking about it, if I was to pick a decent length, non-summit hike that had good views in changable conditions, (yeah, it can be socked in too but not out in the weather like most summits), it's probably Carter Notch.

(apology to Zealand Notch but the road walk & trip to the hut isn't the same as 19 Mile, although both are well traveled)

In good visibility, Lonesone Lake or a Tucks Floor trip would be good but for a good feeling when you tell your friends, "I climbed nothing" Carter Notch is a great destination.

Thanks for sharing

Zealand Notch is still my fav notch to visit, though Carter is now a close second. I didn't even get a chance to explore much...I just went into the hut and stayed there for awhile! Next time I'll explore more.

Great photos!!

Thanks!

 

[Jimmy Legs and Little D]

Phil,
Taking everything into account, still a terrific day to be out in the mountains.
Great winter pictures. Glad to see the "white" now.

Donna