Bonds traverse

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Rainman

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After an enjoyable evening at Zealand Falls Hut, three of us headed up the Twinway for an adventure in the mountains. The temperature was cold at night, down below 10f, but the Hut was cozy. The temps were climbing quickly and before long we were removing a layer. The view from Zeacliff was wonderful as usual, but quite different with the sun so low. We had been able to bareboot to the hut, and microspikes worked well for the climb to the cliff, but above the lookout the snow softened, and we all switched to snowshoes. The floatation was useful, and the added traction helpful on the couple of steep pitches before Zealand Spur. Onward to Guyot, and its exposed summit. The forecast was for moderate wind, which was present out of the trees, but with the warming temps was not an issue. We took a quick nourishment break before heading out to West Bond. The intersection with the spur trail was very busy, many groups either heading over or back from West Bond. Fantastic views from here as well. Sunny, warm and calm, only the slightest breeze was blowing now. Next stop Mt. Bond. The snow pack on the trail brings your eyes above the trees sooner than in the summer, and it was a magical experience. Quite a crowd on Bond, several groups heading each way, so we moved on to Bondcliff. After reaching the col, the trail was rocky with slight crusty snow, so a switch was made here to microspikes. I have always enjoyed this walk (even once in a wind blown rain) and today did not disapoint. The required photos were recorded, and summit cookies were shared. The winds clearly had died down for the day, making this a very enjoyable trek. The snow heading down the south end of Bondcliff was getting soft in the sun and warm temps so a couple of us switched to 'shoes. The rock scramble was difficult with snow shoes, but we all managed to get down safely. An uneventful walk out to Lincoln Woods on well packed trails. It will be tough to top this one.
 
Hi Rainman. I'm assuming you were with PamW for this hike on Sunday? If so, it was great meeting all of you on Mt. Zealand, and then again on the spur of W Bond (I was the dude with the, well, weird pack with chest pockets). It truly was a beautiful day, so much sun - made leaving the Bondcliff summit hard, for sure!

The walk off of Bondcliff, and out Lincoln Woods, was certainly uneventful - in fact, I did not stop until I reached the darn parking lot!

Hope to run into you on the trails again, soon!

Cheers,
Ankush
 
Hi Rainman ... it was nice to meet you and see Barbara again and to meet PamW. We'll have to get together for a bush wack hike some time this year.

Ray

Sounds like fun. Which peaks do you have left for the 100 highest?
 
Sorry for taking so long to respond, but I had to run out of town. Yes, this was a great hike! Thank you Alan and Barbara for sharing this adventure with me. What a great day! :D

Here are my pictures from the trip:
https://picasaweb.google.com/phwilmot/BondsTraverse3101112#

And my trip report on another site: http://forum.hike-nh.com/viewtopic.php?p=44539#44539

It was great to meet you too Jazzbo!

And always a pleasure Snowplow! It would have been fun to hang out, but you guys were moving too fast for us on this one. Another time I hope
 
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