Framerman
Member
About two months ago I went on my last 4K hike. I had a little trouble with that one, tweaked my knee some, and never made it to the summit. Bruised ego mostly. The weather (for me) has not been the greatest to venture out. Plus I have been pretty busy with work to get out.
I finally did though. I have been working my way back into shape to do a hike just like the one I did today. It started off pretty chilly (about 0°) at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. I headed out about 8:30, figuring on about a 6½ hour hike. On my return I noticed the car that pulled in about the same time I did. I saw a VFTT sticker on the side window. I apologize for not coming over and saying hi. I was in the "gotta climb" zone heading out today. I wish I knew.
The first summit was Avalon. All of the suggestions said to head UP the Avalon trail, and I can see why. It's pretty steep. Though I really didn't see the need to avoid it coming down, I heeded the advice anyway. I took the little spur to the summit and was rewarded with some great views, which I knew I was going to have all day. Crystal clear skies.
I butt slid down part way on the spur trail and headed toward the summit of Field. I was following another hiker's footsteps from the intersection heading over to Willey. He was headed to Tom first where I broke off to Avalon. I met him on the way to Willey. He had just absolutely smoked the trail. Made good time. I was trying to match his steps, but he had one heck of a stride.
I did another butt slide down a chute and caught my ski pole in between two small trees and snapped it right in half. Better the pole than me I suppose.
I made Willey in good time, went to the viewpoint and was rewarded with some great views down the notch area, as well as the presidentials.
I backtracked to Mount Field, passed through it and headed towards Tom. By the time I got to the junction to head up, I had already put in 7 miles and close to 4000 feet in elevation gain. Tom had one section that was steep, but not bad. Once again, had some great views at the summit.
Grabbed some peanut M&M's, some water and headed to the truck. Finished out at 10.5 miles.
Trails all day were well packed down. A few people out and about today, which wasn't surprising. Near perfect hiking day in the White Mountains. Near the summits, there was some minor drifting. I wore micro spikes all the way. I saw one guy wish snowshoes and another with crampons.
Guessing about an inch or two of fluffy snow up top. When I went by the Zealand trail, I noticed no one had yet gone that way since the fresh snowfall. Still, it is pretty well packed as we all know most of the trails are just in awesome condition. I post holed about 3 times, I apologize.
Let me know if those pictures don't load. I'm linking them from my Facebook post.
I finally did though. I have been working my way back into shape to do a hike just like the one I did today. It started off pretty chilly (about 0°) at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. I headed out about 8:30, figuring on about a 6½ hour hike. On my return I noticed the car that pulled in about the same time I did. I saw a VFTT sticker on the side window. I apologize for not coming over and saying hi. I was in the "gotta climb" zone heading out today. I wish I knew.
The first summit was Avalon. All of the suggestions said to head UP the Avalon trail, and I can see why. It's pretty steep. Though I really didn't see the need to avoid it coming down, I heeded the advice anyway. I took the little spur to the summit and was rewarded with some great views, which I knew I was going to have all day. Crystal clear skies.
I butt slid down part way on the spur trail and headed toward the summit of Field. I was following another hiker's footsteps from the intersection heading over to Willey. He was headed to Tom first where I broke off to Avalon. I met him on the way to Willey. He had just absolutely smoked the trail. Made good time. I was trying to match his steps, but he had one heck of a stride.
I did another butt slide down a chute and caught my ski pole in between two small trees and snapped it right in half. Better the pole than me I suppose.
I made Willey in good time, went to the viewpoint and was rewarded with some great views down the notch area, as well as the presidentials.
I backtracked to Mount Field, passed through it and headed towards Tom. By the time I got to the junction to head up, I had already put in 7 miles and close to 4000 feet in elevation gain. Tom had one section that was steep, but not bad. Once again, had some great views at the summit.
Grabbed some peanut M&M's, some water and headed to the truck. Finished out at 10.5 miles.
Trails all day were well packed down. A few people out and about today, which wasn't surprising. Near perfect hiking day in the White Mountains. Near the summits, there was some minor drifting. I wore micro spikes all the way. I saw one guy wish snowshoes and another with crampons.
Guessing about an inch or two of fluffy snow up top. When I went by the Zealand trail, I noticed no one had yet gone that way since the fresh snowfall. Still, it is pretty well packed as we all know most of the trails are just in awesome condition. I post holed about 3 times, I apologize.
Let me know if those pictures don't load. I'm linking them from my Facebook post.
