grouseking
Well-known member
I finally hiked a winter 4K on a classic day!!
It was clear, windy, and quite cold. Forecasted winds of 100 mph+ on Mt Washington made me nervous, but not enough to not attempt Moosiluake on Monday with my friend Justin. With a little luck, we would get up there in a semi lull and be able to stand proud.
Like I said, it was a cold morning...the temp was 4 degrees at the trailhead. The winds were howling out of the NW, and the walk along Ravine Lodge rd was loud-trees were moaning and creaking. There were a couple twigs and small branches down, and one widow maker about half way to the lodge. Steer clear of that one, you can't miss it!
Still a little cloud cover up there, but clear skies beckoned.
So off we went up the gorge brook trail. This is my first winter ascent of this trail, and it was like a sidewalk (albeit an occasionally vertical one). There were no rocks, and the snow was firmly packed down, so even a 280+ guy like me didn't fall through. Still, I carried the snowshoes to use them, and after one posthole around 3800 feet, I strapped them on for the remainder of the climb. Most people could easily get away without the shoes right now.
When we got closer to treeline, I knew we were in for a special afternoon, cold and windy weather be damned. The sky was impossibly blue, and the contrast with the white snow and rime is absolutely breathtaking, and somewhat blinding.
Views of the big peaks showing up now
summit ahead!
Full on gear essential
Proof
The temp at the summit was zero degrees, with a steady 30 mph wind. So we really couldn't linger long. My toes are always on the verge of frostbite, even at home, so stopping for more than 5 or 10 min would have meant a trip to the amputation office.
Part of the 100 mile view on the way back...the lakes region looked 10 miles away
Back into the trees
How about we end with Franconia Ridge up to Washington?
So this is what it is really like to hike a winter 4k!? I've seen hundreds of trip reports that have awe inspiring pictures of snow, rime, and views. At least 95 percent of my winter hikes (including the low elevation stuff) are dominated by clouds. It is almost depressing. But yesterday was so uplifting. If it wasn't so darn cold, I'd probably hike more often.
The descent went quite quickly. The trail was so packed down, I could almost run back to the trailhead. We took a regrouping break at the "last sure water" and then made quick time back to the lodge, and then back along the road. We were completely out of the woods, and into the car before 5pm, with light to spare! Dinner consisted of broasted chicken and and huge slice of maple cream pie from P and H truck stop. I highly recommend that place, its cheap and the food is great.
Hope you liked! I know I did.
http://grouseking.smugmug.com/New-H...18-13/28083075_WHNKV2#!i=2372599891&k=XG4sJb7
