BIGEarl
Well-known member
March 15, 2008: Mt. Washington & Mt. Jefferson
Trails: Jewell Trail, Gulfside Trail, Jefferson Loop Trail, Crawford Path, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Clay Loop Trail (oops)
Hikers: Bob & Geri Hayes, Rebecca Hardy, Kevinmac (Kevin McAllister), LarryD, Onestep (Kurt Cedergren), Jim Westhall, Bob McCue, Pedestrian (John Hartford), Jeff, Mark, BIGEarl plus Casey Smith joined the group at Jefferson (he was on the same planned route)
The day had a difficult start. When I left the house to meet Kevinmac we were getting rain. I was sure it would be snow in the mountains so it didn’t concern me. I headed to the Exit 6 Park & Ride lot and found Kevin already there. We quickly packed his things in the truck and headed north. Somewhere around Concord the rain changed to snow and the driving started to get difficult. By the time we reached the Canterbury Rest Area (usual pit stop) the highway trucks were on the road in force. Back on the road we found our first of several rolling road blocks. The trucks were traveling in groups of three, spread across the highway, applying road treatment (sand & salt), and moving at roughly 25 mph. We managed to get past the first one without losing much time but the next couple really cost us and we were late getting to Marshfield Station. The target meet time was 7:00am with an on-trail target of 7:30am. We actually arrived just after 7:30am and never headed out until 8:00am. It was a busy place. Another large group was also planning to hike Mount Washington but their route was via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and Crawford Path.
After the usual photos we were off. The day was completely overcast, snow showers, cool but not really cold, mild wind, and the Jewell Trail was in great shape. We were able to start off bare booting and causing no damage to the firm trail. Gradually, we all came up to temperature and there were a couple stops to de-layer and generally get comfortable for the initial climb to the Gulfside Trail. The group quickly became organized with Bob & Geri at the front leading the way and I was sharing caboose duties with LarryD and sometimes Bob McCue. The Gray Jays were out in good shape and stopped to visit each time we pulled out food, or looked like we might.
Eventually, we reached the treeline area. As the protection from the trees ended some of the removed layers went back on. We still had a comfortable temperature but we were more exposed to the wind (~10mph). Also, after clearing the tree line the footing became very unpredictable so out came the traction. One went with Stabilicers and the rest installed crampons. With that out of the way we were off for the Gulfside Trail. Bob did a great job short-cutting the junction of the Jewell and Gulfside trails saving a little distance on the way to Jefferson. We headed north on Gulfside. The visibility was constantly changing but never really improving very much. Often we could see only one cairn at a time but I can recall times when we were able to see two. On the way we managed to drift above the trail toward Mt. Clay. When we came upon the Mt. Clay Loop Trail we made a right and started up. It wasn’t long before we realized we were climbing something that didn’t need to be climbed. A quick check of the map and some clear thinking was all we needed to correct the error. We made the u-turn and headed back to Gulfside, and back on course.
From there the hike to the Jefferson Loop Trail was without problems. We passed the various trails junctions along the way and arrived at the south junction of the Gulfside and Jefferson Loop trails. There was a little confusion with this junction and the front of the group continued on the Gulfside Trail. I made a quick check and called them back to head up the Jefferson Loop Trail from this junction. Soon, we were at The Big Cairn, and taking our clothes off. Well, not all of them but it was very warm and everybody de-layered to get comfortable. We dropped our gear, grabbed our cameras (there were at least a dozen cameras on the hike) and headed to the summit for group pictures. Back at The Big Cairn we all settled in for a relaxed lunch break, a little late at 1:40pm.
With lunch out of the way and one more hiker in the group (Casey Smith joined the hike) we were back on the trail headed south toward the Gulfside and Jewell trails junction, with no surprises (except for a small side excursion by Casey and Bob coming off Jefferson). Along the way there was conversation about hiking to Washington or calling it a day and heading back down the Jewell Trail. We all agreed to make the decision when we arrived at the trails junction. Of the group of thirteen, seven wanted to head out and six wanted to continue to Washington. Bob led the first group back to Marshfield Station and I continued with the second group for Washington.
As we gained elevation the wind seemed to slowly increase, and the temperature dropped. The visibility also dropped due to increased fog. All of us were starting to ice up a little. The visibility was very poor but we had no trouble staying on course to the summit. First we passed the north junction with the Mt. Clay Loop Trail, then the Westside Trail. At that point we were in the home stretch for the summit with only one mile to go. Slowly (I was in the lead so it was slowly) we made our way along this final section of the Gulfside Trail. Eventually we reached an area where the trail starts to close in on the Cog tracks. We continued up the final climb and came to the point where the trail crosses the tracks. Almost there! A short walk and we came to the junction with Trinity Heights Connector. We made the left turn and headed for the back door of the Tip Top House. Before long we were on the summit and taking pictures. Quickly we started looking for a sheltered area where we could add some layers and prepare for the hike out.
We left the summit via the Crawford Path planning the final return via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Along the way off the summit the clouds broke and we had a glimpse of Mount Monroe. I commented if anybody needed it for their winter list now might be a good time to get it. When we arrived at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut three decided to head for the summit (Kevin, Kurt, and Casey). It was only .4 miles each way and 300 feet in elevation from the hut – a very cheap Four Thousand Footer at that point. Jim, John, and I headed down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail toward Marshfield Station. It took us a few minutes to de-layer and get organized to hike out and in that time the others had nearly made the climb to the summit of Monroe, we could see them just below the top of the main climb. They would be close behind us on the hike out.
We headed down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Probably the amount of traffic it had from the other group that hiked Washington from Marshfield Station was responsible for the overall trail condition. The trail is firm with a couple inches of loose snow. We enjoyed very easy hiking. All of us stayed with crampons but snowshoes may have been a better, more comfortable choice. It wasn’t long and we were passing Gem Pool. The elevation was gone and all we had was a relatively flat final 2.1 miles to the lot. Roughly half way from Gem Pool we fired up the headlights and enjoyed a quiet final mile out.
Every past hike I have been on in this area was in ideal conditions. The less-than-perfect conditions of this hike were very interesting and a treat to experience.
Great group of hikers and a real fun day!
I've posted some pictures from the day.
BIGEarl's pictures.
Straight to the slideshow.
Trails: Jewell Trail, Gulfside Trail, Jefferson Loop Trail, Crawford Path, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Clay Loop Trail (oops)
Hikers: Bob & Geri Hayes, Rebecca Hardy, Kevinmac (Kevin McAllister), LarryD, Onestep (Kurt Cedergren), Jim Westhall, Bob McCue, Pedestrian (John Hartford), Jeff, Mark, BIGEarl plus Casey Smith joined the group at Jefferson (he was on the same planned route)
The day had a difficult start. When I left the house to meet Kevinmac we were getting rain. I was sure it would be snow in the mountains so it didn’t concern me. I headed to the Exit 6 Park & Ride lot and found Kevin already there. We quickly packed his things in the truck and headed north. Somewhere around Concord the rain changed to snow and the driving started to get difficult. By the time we reached the Canterbury Rest Area (usual pit stop) the highway trucks were on the road in force. Back on the road we found our first of several rolling road blocks. The trucks were traveling in groups of three, spread across the highway, applying road treatment (sand & salt), and moving at roughly 25 mph. We managed to get past the first one without losing much time but the next couple really cost us and we were late getting to Marshfield Station. The target meet time was 7:00am with an on-trail target of 7:30am. We actually arrived just after 7:30am and never headed out until 8:00am. It was a busy place. Another large group was also planning to hike Mount Washington but their route was via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and Crawford Path.
After the usual photos we were off. The day was completely overcast, snow showers, cool but not really cold, mild wind, and the Jewell Trail was in great shape. We were able to start off bare booting and causing no damage to the firm trail. Gradually, we all came up to temperature and there were a couple stops to de-layer and generally get comfortable for the initial climb to the Gulfside Trail. The group quickly became organized with Bob & Geri at the front leading the way and I was sharing caboose duties with LarryD and sometimes Bob McCue. The Gray Jays were out in good shape and stopped to visit each time we pulled out food, or looked like we might.
Eventually, we reached the treeline area. As the protection from the trees ended some of the removed layers went back on. We still had a comfortable temperature but we were more exposed to the wind (~10mph). Also, after clearing the tree line the footing became very unpredictable so out came the traction. One went with Stabilicers and the rest installed crampons. With that out of the way we were off for the Gulfside Trail. Bob did a great job short-cutting the junction of the Jewell and Gulfside trails saving a little distance on the way to Jefferson. We headed north on Gulfside. The visibility was constantly changing but never really improving very much. Often we could see only one cairn at a time but I can recall times when we were able to see two. On the way we managed to drift above the trail toward Mt. Clay. When we came upon the Mt. Clay Loop Trail we made a right and started up. It wasn’t long before we realized we were climbing something that didn’t need to be climbed. A quick check of the map and some clear thinking was all we needed to correct the error. We made the u-turn and headed back to Gulfside, and back on course.
From there the hike to the Jefferson Loop Trail was without problems. We passed the various trails junctions along the way and arrived at the south junction of the Gulfside and Jefferson Loop trails. There was a little confusion with this junction and the front of the group continued on the Gulfside Trail. I made a quick check and called them back to head up the Jefferson Loop Trail from this junction. Soon, we were at The Big Cairn, and taking our clothes off. Well, not all of them but it was very warm and everybody de-layered to get comfortable. We dropped our gear, grabbed our cameras (there were at least a dozen cameras on the hike) and headed to the summit for group pictures. Back at The Big Cairn we all settled in for a relaxed lunch break, a little late at 1:40pm.
With lunch out of the way and one more hiker in the group (Casey Smith joined the hike) we were back on the trail headed south toward the Gulfside and Jewell trails junction, with no surprises (except for a small side excursion by Casey and Bob coming off Jefferson). Along the way there was conversation about hiking to Washington or calling it a day and heading back down the Jewell Trail. We all agreed to make the decision when we arrived at the trails junction. Of the group of thirteen, seven wanted to head out and six wanted to continue to Washington. Bob led the first group back to Marshfield Station and I continued with the second group for Washington.
As we gained elevation the wind seemed to slowly increase, and the temperature dropped. The visibility also dropped due to increased fog. All of us were starting to ice up a little. The visibility was very poor but we had no trouble staying on course to the summit. First we passed the north junction with the Mt. Clay Loop Trail, then the Westside Trail. At that point we were in the home stretch for the summit with only one mile to go. Slowly (I was in the lead so it was slowly) we made our way along this final section of the Gulfside Trail. Eventually we reached an area where the trail starts to close in on the Cog tracks. We continued up the final climb and came to the point where the trail crosses the tracks. Almost there! A short walk and we came to the junction with Trinity Heights Connector. We made the left turn and headed for the back door of the Tip Top House. Before long we were on the summit and taking pictures. Quickly we started looking for a sheltered area where we could add some layers and prepare for the hike out.
We left the summit via the Crawford Path planning the final return via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Along the way off the summit the clouds broke and we had a glimpse of Mount Monroe. I commented if anybody needed it for their winter list now might be a good time to get it. When we arrived at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut three decided to head for the summit (Kevin, Kurt, and Casey). It was only .4 miles each way and 300 feet in elevation from the hut – a very cheap Four Thousand Footer at that point. Jim, John, and I headed down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail toward Marshfield Station. It took us a few minutes to de-layer and get organized to hike out and in that time the others had nearly made the climb to the summit of Monroe, we could see them just below the top of the main climb. They would be close behind us on the hike out.
We headed down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Probably the amount of traffic it had from the other group that hiked Washington from Marshfield Station was responsible for the overall trail condition. The trail is firm with a couple inches of loose snow. We enjoyed very easy hiking. All of us stayed with crampons but snowshoes may have been a better, more comfortable choice. It wasn’t long and we were passing Gem Pool. The elevation was gone and all we had was a relatively flat final 2.1 miles to the lot. Roughly half way from Gem Pool we fired up the headlights and enjoyed a quiet final mile out.
Every past hike I have been on in this area was in ideal conditions. The less-than-perfect conditions of this hike were very interesting and a treat to experience.
Great group of hikers and a real fun day!
I've posted some pictures from the day.
BIGEarl's pictures.
Straight to the slideshow.
