As plans were being discussed for hikes for this special weekend in NH, I suggested a hike for those new to winter hiking or with limited experience, so all could have an option. Six others were interested in joining my husband and me for a hike to Pierce. Some had experience, others had little to none. I got in touch with each, answered questions and made suggestions so that all would be prepared and all could have a good hike. A few did some shopping 
.
As Friday arrived two had to cancel. My husband and I left Friday afternoon as the rain and wet snow was winding down. After dinner in Conway we went to check out the ‘wildlife’ in Barnes Field. We weren’t disappointed. Many interesting ‘creatures’ were roaming the area. We added our load of wood to the pile, poured some wine and enjoyed the campfire with many who were now conversing face to face rather than through a keyboard. Fun indeed.
Before heading off to our bed (in a warm motel) we met two who were to join us the next day. Puck was all excited. Coldfeet, having returned from the Cabot hike with HikerBob, et al, was now hesitant. He’d had a long, hard day. I hoped we would see him in the morning.
Getting ready to leave for the trailhead on Sat. morning I met some other hikers. Ken (?) said he’d arrived late and didn’t make it to Barnes Field Friday night. I hope he did eventually.
Arriving at the Clinton lot, McRat and vegematic also showed up on time and we prepared for the day. In the meantime a man with a sled and two canine companions was passing by. He turned out to be Sardog1. I hope he made it over to Barnes Field also. No sign of Puck or Coldfeet. Getting cold we were about to start out when they pulled in (my fault apparently as I said it was about a half hour ride and it was longer). They geared up and we set off for a hike of many firsts.
It was the first time three had ever worn crampons. We started out without putting them on to get a feel of the trail. It was icy under fresh powder and you got to feel the difference that crampons make once we all stopped to get them on and adjusted right. A pointer on not stepping in water with them if possible, and all adapted well to the grip under foot.
We leapfrogged with an AMC group all the way up the Crawford Path as we took breaks. Working with layers was discussed along with other tips of winter hiking. The winter scene around us had us excited as we approached the summit. Some descending said the wind wasn’t bad but it was biting cold. (Two older gentlemen also shared this info with us –Mohamed and friend?). The plan was to stop before coming out of the trees to dress for the summit and have a bit to eat.
When all were ready we set off for the summit. I always love that point when you break out of the trees and on a clear day the eyes bulge to take it all in. Seeing that in the eyes of others is pure joy. A few pictures were taken at the junction and then the final walk to the summit.
The first 4k for McRat (and in winter ‘ta boot’), the first winter 4k for Puck, and what would have been Coldfeet’s first 4k turned out to be his second in as many days!! And in spite of the warnings there was no wind and the summit was quite comfortable, enjoyed with lots of smiles, congratulations and, of course, pictures.
We agreed to make it a loop and headed over to Mizpah Hut, identifying peaks all around us and soaking in the winter wonderland. At the hut the sun was so nice it felt as if we were having a picnic while sharing snacks and stories. The day was excellent as was the company. My thanks to Richard, Puck, Coldfeet, vegematic, and McRat. We all headed over to Barnes Field but since some of us were driving home after a bit we picked up some KFC and shared a warm meal and some more introductions. I hope all had as good a weekend!
(This morning I awoke and had to shake myself out of this dream that people where all over the place wearing these t-shirts that read “VFTT”)
.As Friday arrived two had to cancel. My husband and I left Friday afternoon as the rain and wet snow was winding down. After dinner in Conway we went to check out the ‘wildlife’ in Barnes Field. We weren’t disappointed. Many interesting ‘creatures’ were roaming the area. We added our load of wood to the pile, poured some wine and enjoyed the campfire with many who were now conversing face to face rather than through a keyboard. Fun indeed.
Before heading off to our bed (in a warm motel) we met two who were to join us the next day. Puck was all excited. Coldfeet, having returned from the Cabot hike with HikerBob, et al, was now hesitant. He’d had a long, hard day. I hoped we would see him in the morning.
Getting ready to leave for the trailhead on Sat. morning I met some other hikers. Ken (?) said he’d arrived late and didn’t make it to Barnes Field Friday night. I hope he did eventually.
Arriving at the Clinton lot, McRat and vegematic also showed up on time and we prepared for the day. In the meantime a man with a sled and two canine companions was passing by. He turned out to be Sardog1. I hope he made it over to Barnes Field also. No sign of Puck or Coldfeet. Getting cold we were about to start out when they pulled in (my fault apparently as I said it was about a half hour ride and it was longer). They geared up and we set off for a hike of many firsts.
It was the first time three had ever worn crampons. We started out without putting them on to get a feel of the trail. It was icy under fresh powder and you got to feel the difference that crampons make once we all stopped to get them on and adjusted right. A pointer on not stepping in water with them if possible, and all adapted well to the grip under foot.
We leapfrogged with an AMC group all the way up the Crawford Path as we took breaks. Working with layers was discussed along with other tips of winter hiking. The winter scene around us had us excited as we approached the summit. Some descending said the wind wasn’t bad but it was biting cold. (Two older gentlemen also shared this info with us –Mohamed and friend?). The plan was to stop before coming out of the trees to dress for the summit and have a bit to eat.
When all were ready we set off for the summit. I always love that point when you break out of the trees and on a clear day the eyes bulge to take it all in. Seeing that in the eyes of others is pure joy. A few pictures were taken at the junction and then the final walk to the summit.
The first 4k for McRat (and in winter ‘ta boot’), the first winter 4k for Puck, and what would have been Coldfeet’s first 4k turned out to be his second in as many days!! And in spite of the warnings there was no wind and the summit was quite comfortable, enjoyed with lots of smiles, congratulations and, of course, pictures.
We agreed to make it a loop and headed over to Mizpah Hut, identifying peaks all around us and soaking in the winter wonderland. At the hut the sun was so nice it felt as if we were having a picnic while sharing snacks and stories. The day was excellent as was the company. My thanks to Richard, Puck, Coldfeet, vegematic, and McRat. We all headed over to Barnes Field but since some of us were driving home after a bit we picked up some KFC and shared a warm meal and some more introductions. I hope all had as good a weekend!
(This morning I awoke and had to shake myself out of this dream that people where all over the place wearing these t-shirts that read “VFTT”)
![Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419Y-ycyVUL._SL500_.jpg)
![Grand Teton Day Hikes and National Park Map [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DB0jvRnbL._SL500_.jpg)
![Yellowstone National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kGuJ72qjL._SL500_.jpg)
