LenDawg
New member
Our group began promptly at 0700 Central Time (my bad) 
up the Gale River Trail. The path was covered with blow-downs, but fairly dry. Chinooktrail, the “Bopsy Twins” (MEB and Little Sister), Jessbee, Drewski, Tony, Tomahawk, Hockeycrew, and I started at a strong pace for the first mile or so until we reached the first river crossing. Unfortunately, Hockeycrew was having technical problems with her new boots so she headed back. The two river crossings on the way up were pretty “hairy”. However, the team did very well at exchanging poles, coaching each other on which steps were good, and retrieving poles that fell in the water (you’re welcome). Seriously, this was a good example of people ensuring that safety is first and foremost.
We didn’t see any snow until the upper third of the push up toward the Galehead Hut. We paused at the hut for a photo shoot and the first of many “bundle ups”. Tomahawk, Tony and I bolted up Galehead where Tony got his first touchdown… hopefully the first of 48. Congratulations buddy. Meanwhile, Professor Drewski was teaching the ladies about various wilderness topics at the Hut. He is currently on tour, and might be coming to a trailhead near you .
The crew gathered itself together for the 0.8 Death March up S. Twin on the Twinway trail. Little Sister took the lead and jetted for the top so that she could accomplish her new goal of changing at the top of all 48 mountains. There was a good amount of snow on this stretch, but all packed down. I think it would be best for one of the more experienced winter hikers to give snow weather conditions. Instead, I’ll comment on the first wildlife we saw: Four Pringle Ducks came down and posed for the camera. I thought they were hibernating this time of year. There was no visibility on the peak. The wind was moving at about 20 mph.
Following my sixth time of taking off my fleece (I felt like Mr. Rogers), we headed toward N. Twin on the North Twin Spur. This time, we saw real wildlife as MEB, Chinooktrail, and I watched a salamander (I think?) walking in a dry spot amongst the snow. That was awesome. Still, I thought they were cold blooded and am wondering how one could survive in the open.
The group reached the N. Twin lookout and decided to stretch out for a bit. There was a bit more visibility at the peak than at S. Twin. However, the sun just would not break the high clouds. As we started down, we ran into Hockeycrew who chose to hike up N. Twin in running shoes.
The group headed down the North Twin Trail, passing by the start of the unofficial trail to Mt. Hale, and down to the first river crossing. Again, the team did well with safely navigating across the first crossing. Some of us opted to bushwack through to avoid the next two crossings while Tom and Tony decided to do the trail. We finished up at around 3:30 (this time eastern time), just as two other hikers, hwsnbn and his friend, caught up with us for the last sixty feet of the hike. Maybe next time.
Overall, it was great to be out with such fun people. I want to thank each of you for your contributions to a great hike. This is a special group of people.
up the Gale River Trail. The path was covered with blow-downs, but fairly dry. Chinooktrail, the “Bopsy Twins” (MEB and Little Sister), Jessbee, Drewski, Tony, Tomahawk, Hockeycrew, and I started at a strong pace for the first mile or so until we reached the first river crossing. Unfortunately, Hockeycrew was having technical problems with her new boots so she headed back. The two river crossings on the way up were pretty “hairy”. However, the team did very well at exchanging poles, coaching each other on which steps were good, and retrieving poles that fell in the water (you’re welcome). Seriously, this was a good example of people ensuring that safety is first and foremost.We didn’t see any snow until the upper third of the push up toward the Galehead Hut. We paused at the hut for a photo shoot and the first of many “bundle ups”. Tomahawk, Tony and I bolted up Galehead where Tony got his first touchdown… hopefully the first of 48. Congratulations buddy. Meanwhile, Professor Drewski was teaching the ladies about various wilderness topics at the Hut. He is currently on tour, and might be coming to a trailhead near you
.The crew gathered itself together for the 0.8 Death March up S. Twin on the Twinway trail. Little Sister took the lead and jetted for the top so that she could accomplish her new goal of changing at the top of all 48 mountains. There was a good amount of snow on this stretch, but all packed down. I think it would be best for one of the more experienced winter hikers to give snow weather conditions. Instead, I’ll comment on the first wildlife we saw: Four Pringle Ducks came down and posed for the camera. I thought they were hibernating this time of year. There was no visibility on the peak. The wind was moving at about 20 mph.
Following my sixth time of taking off my fleece (I felt like Mr. Rogers), we headed toward N. Twin on the North Twin Spur. This time, we saw real wildlife as MEB, Chinooktrail, and I watched a salamander (I think?) walking in a dry spot amongst the snow. That was awesome. Still, I thought they were cold blooded and am wondering how one could survive in the open.
The group reached the N. Twin lookout and decided to stretch out for a bit. There was a bit more visibility at the peak than at S. Twin. However, the sun just would not break the high clouds. As we started down, we ran into Hockeycrew who chose to hike up N. Twin in running shoes.
The group headed down the North Twin Trail, passing by the start of the unofficial trail to Mt. Hale, and down to the first river crossing. Again, the team did well with safely navigating across the first crossing. Some of us opted to bushwack through to avoid the next two crossings while Tom and Tony decided to do the trail. We finished up at around 3:30 (this time eastern time), just as two other hikers, hwsnbn and his friend, caught up with us for the last sixty feet of the hike. Maybe next time.
Overall, it was great to be out with such fun people. I want to thank each of you for your contributions to a great hike. This is a special group of people.
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