Double Bow
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On Sunday, a group of us did the final hike of a series focused on winter hiking skills and proper gear selection. We met at the trail head around 7:00 and started up without needing to use headlamps.
The snow conditions and the amount of traffic Falling Waters had seen didn't warrant using snowshoes so, we just barebooted it. We were very fortunate that there were already ice bridges over the crossings! Shortly after the second crossing and one steep icy section, we came to a spot where there was significant ice. We saw that beyond that, crampons wouldn't be needed so, most of us opted not to bother putting them on. Unfortunately, one girl in our group had a large iceicle break and fall on her pinky which was on a rock.
This caused a blood blister and, eventually, her fingertip turned deep purple. Fortunately, she was able to move it fully so, we knew it wasn't broken. She insisted she'd be fine and we carried on.
A little bit later, some of us "whippersnapers" put on some gas and went a little bit ahead, though we would wait up periodically to make sure we weren't getting too far ahead of the rest of the group (the opportunity to catch our breath was just a bonus). We joined up with the rest of the group for awhile once we reached the spur for Shining Rock. Just before hitting the ridge, we layered up and took in a partial view .
On the ridge we were "treated" to gusting winds and I was very glad to have my goggles and neck gaiter (pulled up). Unfortunately, I got my goggles fogged up and so everything was blurry. Now that I've read the thread about that issue, I know how to address it (thanks!).
We stopped momentarily on Lincoln and pushed on through to Lafayette where we ducked down on the east side of the summit, out of the wind, to take a break. I hadn't been up there in over four years and now with the snow, 8 degree temps, and blowin' wind it seemed almost like it was my first time!
We were in the clouds so we didn't have any views on the ridge but, as we headed down the Old Bridle Path and got below the clouds we could see Greenleaf Hut, Lonesome Lake, plus the summit and snowy slopes of Cannon. It was very exciting to see those sights. I think that in winter you appreciate views so much more since the odds are much less in your favor that you'll have any kind of a view. It just makes them that much more special. Of course, the blanket of snow draped on a sea of evergreen is spectacular too!
Down at Greenleaf, we took another break. While taking a break (ahem) I checked out the Greenleaf Trail. It appears that other than the first 20yrds or so, the only travel that's taken place on that trail since the snow came was that done by a snowshoe hare. That's another reason why I love winter conditions, there are tracks all over the place!
After the break, we continued down. Those of us who weren't wearing crampons or snowshoes had the most fun of all on the descent as we were glissadeing a lot and just goofing in general. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun descending!
Down low, we put on headlamps and in the night sky, spotted Venus. Back down at the cars, we congradulated everyone on a job well done. Afterwards, we went to Woodstock Station for dinner and to celebrate. Sorry you missed the dinner Adam!
Reflecting on the series and the group, we all realized just how much everyone had learned, how much more comfortable everyone felt with winter hiking, and how many new friends we all had that we could share future adventures with.
The snow conditions and the amount of traffic Falling Waters had seen didn't warrant using snowshoes so, we just barebooted it. We were very fortunate that there were already ice bridges over the crossings! Shortly after the second crossing and one steep icy section, we came to a spot where there was significant ice. We saw that beyond that, crampons wouldn't be needed so, most of us opted not to bother putting them on. Unfortunately, one girl in our group had a large iceicle break and fall on her pinky which was on a rock.
This caused a blood blister and, eventually, her fingertip turned deep purple. Fortunately, she was able to move it fully so, we knew it wasn't broken. She insisted she'd be fine and we carried on. A little bit later, some of us "whippersnapers" put on some gas and went a little bit ahead, though we would wait up periodically to make sure we weren't getting too far ahead of the rest of the group (the opportunity to catch our breath was just a bonus
). We joined up with the rest of the group for awhile once we reached the spur for Shining Rock. Just before hitting the ridge, we layered up and took in a partial view .On the ridge we were "treated" to gusting winds and I was very glad to have my goggles and neck gaiter (pulled up). Unfortunately, I got my goggles fogged up and so everything was blurry. Now that I've read the thread about that issue, I know how to address it (thanks!).
We stopped momentarily on Lincoln and pushed on through to Lafayette where we ducked down on the east side of the summit, out of the wind, to take a break. I hadn't been up there in over four years and now with the snow, 8 degree temps, and blowin' wind it seemed almost like it was my first time!
We were in the clouds so we didn't have any views on the ridge but, as we headed down the Old Bridle Path and got below the clouds we could see Greenleaf Hut, Lonesome Lake, plus the summit and snowy slopes of Cannon. It was very exciting to see those sights. I think that in winter you appreciate views so much more since the odds are much less in your favor that you'll have any kind of a view. It just makes them that much more special. Of course, the blanket of snow draped on a sea of evergreen is spectacular too!
Down at Greenleaf, we took another break. While taking a break (ahem) I checked out the Greenleaf Trail. It appears that other than the first 20yrds or so, the only travel that's taken place on that trail since the snow came was that done by a snowshoe hare. That's another reason why I love winter conditions, there are tracks all over the place!
After the break, we continued down. Those of us who weren't wearing crampons or snowshoes had the most fun of all on the descent as we were glissadeing a lot and just goofing in general. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun descending!
Down low, we put on headlamps and in the night sky, spotted Venus. Back down at the cars, we congradulated everyone on a job well done. Afterwards, we went to Woodstock Station for dinner and to celebrate. Sorry you missed the dinner Adam!
Reflecting on the series and the group, we all realized just how much everyone had learned, how much more comfortable everyone felt with winter hiking, and how many new friends we all had that we could share future adventures with.
