DMOutdoors
New member
Despite consistent winds of 50mph, blowing snow, and a wind chill around -30, I had 120 mile views all day long as I took on the Presidential Traverse, which is something I had been thinking about since the holidays.
The trail conditions couldn't have been better. I carried snowshoes, crampons, and micros, but was fortunate to only need micros the entire way. There were some fields with shin deep snow, but it was never an issue. The snow did get more difficult towards Eisenhower.
I started just before daylight, and reached Mt. Madison as the sun rose above it. Things we're looking good, and I was there in less than 2 hours.
I approached Adams from the Star Lake Trail, something new. The wind picked up, and the blowing snow gave me my first challenge as I climbed Adams.
When I reached Mt. Jefferson, the winds lightened a little, and it became the most beautiful part of the traverse. Jefferson was #40 on my TW list, and it was the Presidential I needed for round 2. A great moment on the day.
My mind was racing and my concentration was locked in as I ascended the big birthday boy for the 8th time and 5th month in a row. I was tested by the insane gusts coming up and over the Great Gulf. This summit was just as special as any other time. I didn't see anyone on the summit until after I had my moment at the top. The wind was fierce at the summit.
As I left Washington and headed onto the Southern Presis, the wind seemed to be worse coming from the west. Here is where it became time to focus and finish this, and it was a battle because the snow was pounding my face and the pellets and cold were getting at me right through my face protection. While I was confident the whole time, the prolonged weather was really testing as I hiked the southern Presis therefore I took less photos.
Of course, this is one of the most difficult hikes one can do in the Northeast, therefore I'm very proud of this accomplishment, and thankful to the Presidents for allowing me to pass safely.
You can go straight to the photos from the day here, and or visit my blog for the full report and a video from my traverse.
After this crazy weekend, I have 11 left for Round two, mostly the Carter Range, Hale, Cannon, etc.
The trail conditions couldn't have been better. I carried snowshoes, crampons, and micros, but was fortunate to only need micros the entire way. There were some fields with shin deep snow, but it was never an issue. The snow did get more difficult towards Eisenhower.
I started just before daylight, and reached Mt. Madison as the sun rose above it. Things we're looking good, and I was there in less than 2 hours.
I approached Adams from the Star Lake Trail, something new. The wind picked up, and the blowing snow gave me my first challenge as I climbed Adams.
When I reached Mt. Jefferson, the winds lightened a little, and it became the most beautiful part of the traverse. Jefferson was #40 on my TW list, and it was the Presidential I needed for round 2. A great moment on the day.
My mind was racing and my concentration was locked in as I ascended the big birthday boy for the 8th time and 5th month in a row. I was tested by the insane gusts coming up and over the Great Gulf. This summit was just as special as any other time. I didn't see anyone on the summit until after I had my moment at the top. The wind was fierce at the summit.
As I left Washington and headed onto the Southern Presis, the wind seemed to be worse coming from the west. Here is where it became time to focus and finish this, and it was a battle because the snow was pounding my face and the pellets and cold were getting at me right through my face protection. While I was confident the whole time, the prolonged weather was really testing as I hiked the southern Presis therefore I took less photos.
Of course, this is one of the most difficult hikes one can do in the Northeast, therefore I'm very proud of this accomplishment, and thankful to the Presidents for allowing me to pass safely.
You can go straight to the photos from the day here, and or visit my blog for the full report and a video from my traverse.
After this crazy weekend, I have 11 left for Round two, mostly the Carter Range, Hale, Cannon, etc.
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I am looking forward to my first Presi traverse possibly this summer.
