LenDawg
New member
Chinooktrail, Coldmountain, Yam, Bobandgeri, Lawnsale, and I met up at Lincoln Woods at 0630 to start a winter attempt on Owl’s Head. The weather was cold, but not windy and dry. We made it across the Pemigewasset River and headed up the Wilderness trail, which was a sheet of ice, with patches of dirt to both sides. We decided to stay with bareboots, despite another hiker darting past us with crampons. He was heading to the Bonds, and toward MEB, Hikerbob, and company.
We veered off onto the Black Pond Trail and followed the well marked yellow blazes to the Pond, and a quick break. One of the great things about group hikes that are long is sharing food. We shared cheeses, different types of salted meat, chocolate covered espresso beans (better than gu!!!), and everyone’s favorite: MARKLAVA (Baklava, made by Mark). Pete and I split leading a well tracked out bushwhack from Black Pond to the Lincoln Brook Trail. We made good time on the main trail, across the three river crossings (decent ice bridges in place), to the beginning of the Brutie Bushwhack. Bobandgeri provided helpful insight as both had done this hike recently in their quest of finishing the Winter 48.
The Brutie Bushwhack offered an interesting change of pace versus the popular Slide. First, we were following someone else’s steps. Second, we didn’t need either crampons or snowshoes to do it. Finally, Pete was leading, and doing a fantastic job!
We continued up to what looks like it had been an old logging road, then up along the water line, a few zigs, and a few zags, and then up the final push to the “official” top of Owl’s Head where it appears a sign used to be. Christine, Amy, and Mark lead the final push since this was their first time up the mountain. Congratulations to all of them for their accomplishments. All of us then headed to the “new summit” for good order.
We took a short break at the “official” summit, highlighted by Yam Irish Jigs, my own strip show, and more Marklava, then started the decent down the Brutus Bushwhack. Lead by Chinooktrail, we slid, scooted, and occasionally fell down the mountain (thankfully, the landings were soft). We followed the first bushwhack to the main trail, then to the Black Pond bushwhack, back to the Black Pond Trail and over to the Wilderness Trail. Ironically, we met the same individual who we saw earlier with crampons heading to the Bonds on his way out. We took his lead, put on crampons, and did the last few miles out to Lincoln Woods. We ended the evening with a nice dinner at “The Common Man”.
Between the comfortable weather (occasional snow showers, but little wind), the new experience of the Brutie Bushwhack, the great food, and of course the wonderful company, the hike was a great success. Thanks to all those who came, and a special congratulations to Christine, Amy, and Mark, who made it to the top of Owl’s Head for their first time. WOO HOO!
We veered off onto the Black Pond Trail and followed the well marked yellow blazes to the Pond, and a quick break. One of the great things about group hikes that are long is sharing food. We shared cheeses, different types of salted meat, chocolate covered espresso beans (better than gu!!!), and everyone’s favorite: MARKLAVA (Baklava, made by Mark). Pete and I split leading a well tracked out bushwhack from Black Pond to the Lincoln Brook Trail. We made good time on the main trail, across the three river crossings (decent ice bridges in place), to the beginning of the Brutie Bushwhack. Bobandgeri provided helpful insight as both had done this hike recently in their quest of finishing the Winter 48.
The Brutie Bushwhack offered an interesting change of pace versus the popular Slide. First, we were following someone else’s steps. Second, we didn’t need either crampons or snowshoes to do it. Finally, Pete was leading, and doing a fantastic job!
We continued up to what looks like it had been an old logging road, then up along the water line, a few zigs, and a few zags, and then up the final push to the “official” top of Owl’s Head where it appears a sign used to be. Christine, Amy, and Mark lead the final push since this was their first time up the mountain. Congratulations to all of them for their accomplishments. All of us then headed to the “new summit” for good order.
We took a short break at the “official” summit, highlighted by Yam Irish Jigs, my own strip show, and more Marklava, then started the decent down the Brutus Bushwhack. Lead by Chinooktrail, we slid, scooted, and occasionally fell down the mountain (thankfully, the landings were soft). We followed the first bushwhack to the main trail, then to the Black Pond bushwhack, back to the Black Pond Trail and over to the Wilderness Trail. Ironically, we met the same individual who we saw earlier with crampons heading to the Bonds on his way out. We took his lead, put on crampons, and did the last few miles out to Lincoln Woods. We ended the evening with a nice dinner at “The Common Man”.
Between the comfortable weather (occasional snow showers, but little wind), the new experience of the Brutie Bushwhack, the great food, and of course the wonderful company, the hike was a great success. Thanks to all those who came, and a special congratulations to Christine, Amy, and Mark, who made it to the top of Owl’s Head for their first time. WOO HOO!
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