MEB
New member
Friday morning Rachel, Dalraida and I set out to hike Franconia Ridge and we could not have had any better a day to do this hike! The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. I thought it was a bit cool but Tom thought it was a perfect day for wearing shorts!
We headed out around 8:30 or so up the Falling Waters Trail which was still snow covered but solid enough to walk on top of. This was the first time up this trail for my sister and I but as we later learned Tom had been up this way many times….If I remember correctly he said he did this hike once a week in the summer time!
There were several water crossings along the way all which were easily crossed. Below one of the waterfalls we put on crampons and ice stabilicers for extra traction…Rachel and I wore ours until we reached the ridge. Reaching the side path for Shining Rock Rachel and I dropped our packs to go and take a look while Tom stayed and took a break. Very impressive….it’s hard to imagine that people actually ski this!?
Just before 11:30 we reached the ridge and we were greeted by a few other hikers enjoying the summit. We took a break here and then continued on…..we were planning on meeting Dr. Wu on Lafayette around 1:00 or so. In case you are wondering, he decided not to attempt his marathon hike! There is nothing like being up on a ridge on such a great day….we took our time as none of us were in any sort of rush.
Upon reaching the summit of Lincoln we met up with Wu who had been waiting for us for about an hour. Again we took another long break here and then headed on towards Lafayette where we took yet another long break. After many stories and lots of laughs we decided it was time to start heading down. We had all brought our snowshoes along thinking that the snow would be pretty soft by the afternoon but surprisingly we did not need them at all!
Overall it was another wonderful day to be out and with great company! Here are some pictures from our trip.
-MEB
We headed out around 8:30 or so up the Falling Waters Trail which was still snow covered but solid enough to walk on top of. This was the first time up this trail for my sister and I but as we later learned Tom had been up this way many times….If I remember correctly he said he did this hike once a week in the summer time!
There were several water crossings along the way all which were easily crossed. Below one of the waterfalls we put on crampons and ice stabilicers for extra traction…Rachel and I wore ours until we reached the ridge. Reaching the side path for Shining Rock Rachel and I dropped our packs to go and take a look while Tom stayed and took a break. Very impressive….it’s hard to imagine that people actually ski this!?
Just before 11:30 we reached the ridge and we were greeted by a few other hikers enjoying the summit. We took a break here and then continued on…..we were planning on meeting Dr. Wu on Lafayette around 1:00 or so. In case you are wondering, he decided not to attempt his marathon hike! There is nothing like being up on a ridge on such a great day….we took our time as none of us were in any sort of rush.
Upon reaching the summit of Lincoln we met up with Wu who had been waiting for us for about an hour. Again we took another long break here and then headed on towards Lafayette where we took yet another long break. After many stories and lots of laughs we decided it was time to start heading down. We had all brought our snowshoes along thinking that the snow would be pretty soft by the afternoon but surprisingly we did not need them at all!
Overall it was another wonderful day to be out and with great company! Here are some pictures from our trip.
-MEB
