Double Bow
New member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2005
- Messages
- 1,172
- Reaction score
- 219
There's a lot of trip reports involving the Twins up here currently so I wasn't going to post this but, I took some really good pics that I'd like to share so, I'll try to keep my narrative brief. Besides, the pics tell the story best.
Following a good night's sleep after doing Adams for Shamie's 48th (and Madison) the day before, we packed up and headed into the Pemi on the Zealand Trail. We wondered if we'd be able to get a place to stay at Guyot Shelter or if we'd have to try to cram into the overflow. It was a gorgeous day and the sunlight gleemed on the ponds, reminding me of summer.
We stopped briefly at the hut to scarf down a piece of chocolate cake and look at the falls. Once we got to Zeacliff, we were treated to a view that I never tire of. Perhaps that's why this was my third time there this year. As we made our way along the ridge, Shamie commented about how she'd never seen it so clear here and how great the views were both on open ridge and through the trees.
We had a snack at the summit before continuing on to the much more enjoyable Guyot. Then, hearing people on our heels, I told Shamie that I'd go on ahead and see if there was any room at Guyot and that I would meet her at the spur junction. I sped off and found that while all the tent platforms were full, the shelter was empty so, I threw down my sleeping bag and pad to reserve two spots and then ran back up to tell Shamie we had a home for the night. We set our stuff up and then I put together a lumbar pack I'd brought along and I headed out to Bondcliff.
The views going out there were breathtaking. This was only my second time going over Bond and Bondcliff so I was really taken aback by the sheer beauty. I was met with isolation most of the way. On Bond, I passed a small group and on Bondcliff, my company consisted of only one other person, an artist who was silently sketching. Everything was quiet and still. I felt like I was in a cathedral and that it would be blasphemy to utter a word. Quietly, I ate a bar, soaked in the view and headed back on my way.
When I reached Bond, I met up with Shamie and we hurried along, making it to West Bond just in time to see the sun setting behind Franconia Ridge. It had been completely clouded in when I had been there before and now, I was getting one of the most amazing views I've ever had. What a perfect sight to see as I finished my second round of the 48 and my 75th 4K of the year. I could have asked for no better.
The next day, Shamie headed back out to Zealand Road and I, being a glutton for good views, went out to the Twins. I saw only a trailworker from Guyot to South Twin where I had a bar and enjoyed the views in solitude. Then I continued on to North Twin seeing a couple more people there who were also enjoying the view. As I headed down to Haystack Road, I passed a few more people but, for the most part, it was a hike of beautiful solitude. It was an amazing end to an amazing weekend.
Here are the pics.
Following a good night's sleep after doing Adams for Shamie's 48th (and Madison) the day before, we packed up and headed into the Pemi on the Zealand Trail. We wondered if we'd be able to get a place to stay at Guyot Shelter or if we'd have to try to cram into the overflow. It was a gorgeous day and the sunlight gleemed on the ponds, reminding me of summer.
We stopped briefly at the hut to scarf down a piece of chocolate cake and look at the falls. Once we got to Zeacliff, we were treated to a view that I never tire of. Perhaps that's why this was my third time there this year. As we made our way along the ridge, Shamie commented about how she'd never seen it so clear here and how great the views were both on open ridge and through the trees.
We had a snack at the summit before continuing on to the much more enjoyable Guyot. Then, hearing people on our heels, I told Shamie that I'd go on ahead and see if there was any room at Guyot and that I would meet her at the spur junction. I sped off and found that while all the tent platforms were full, the shelter was empty so, I threw down my sleeping bag and pad to reserve two spots and then ran back up to tell Shamie we had a home for the night. We set our stuff up and then I put together a lumbar pack I'd brought along and I headed out to Bondcliff.
The views going out there were breathtaking. This was only my second time going over Bond and Bondcliff so I was really taken aback by the sheer beauty. I was met with isolation most of the way. On Bond, I passed a small group and on Bondcliff, my company consisted of only one other person, an artist who was silently sketching. Everything was quiet and still. I felt like I was in a cathedral and that it would be blasphemy to utter a word. Quietly, I ate a bar, soaked in the view and headed back on my way.
When I reached Bond, I met up with Shamie and we hurried along, making it to West Bond just in time to see the sun setting behind Franconia Ridge. It had been completely clouded in when I had been there before and now, I was getting one of the most amazing views I've ever had. What a perfect sight to see as I finished my second round of the 48 and my 75th 4K of the year. I could have asked for no better.
The next day, Shamie headed back out to Zealand Road and I, being a glutton for good views, went out to the Twins. I saw only a trailworker from Guyot to South Twin where I had a bar and enjoyed the views in solitude. Then I continued on to North Twin seeing a couple more people there who were also enjoying the view. As I headed down to Haystack Road, I passed a few more people but, for the most part, it was a hike of beautiful solitude. It was an amazing end to an amazing weekend.
Here are the pics.
