LRiz
New member
Initially I had my heart set on climbing the Tripyramids. However, upon noting the fabulous weather conditions predicted for Saturday, I decided against my original plan. After communicating back and forth a few times with Andy, we both agreed that a trip up to the Southern Presidentials would make an excellent morning hike. He was insistent on meeting at 7:30am, which would give us adequate time to spot cars and make last-minute preparations. Grudgingly, I obliged...
Driving up through Twin Mountain - the vivid whiteness of the Northern Presis standing out brilliantly against a grey backdrop of sky - I knew it was going to be fantastic day. If we were able to bag all three peaks, I'd end up achieving my goal of climbing 20 4ks in March 2009. Additionally, the temperatures were warm enough for me to rock a single layer + tights, which I found most exciting.
The Crawford Path was solidly packed all the way up to Pierce, enabling us to make good time up to the ridge. Microspikes proved to be more than sufficient. Upon reaching treeline, I was thrilled to see that the lighting was just wonderful... which meant that I - gasp - could possibly snap a few decent pictures for once?!
Although the summit of Pierce was lovely, we decided not to linger. Heading up the ridge, our next target - Eisenhower - stood boldly ahead of us, Monroe and Washington, too, peeking up behind its domed summit. To our right, the patterns and contrast in the sky were both striking and lovely.
Andy soon became tired with my incessant picture-taking. I informed him that people lacking in photographic talent need to continually take pictures in order to come up with a few decent shots. Up to Eisenhower we climbed...
...and reaching the summit, we had the top of the mountain entirely to ourselves.
After taking a quick break, we proceeded towards Monroe. Although the trail had become increasingly icy, we were still able to make do with microspikes (and the occasional rock-hop). Reaching the col, we encountered - of all things - the most incredible little igloo. I decided to venture inside and explore.
Onwards, we climbed, surrounded in all directions by utterly striking views.
I became increasingly excited about the fact that I was so close to realizing my 20-peak goal. Much joyous shouting ensued, coupled with a few frightening bursts of hyperness on my part. Definitely worthy of a thumbs-up from Andy...
Continued below...
Driving up through Twin Mountain - the vivid whiteness of the Northern Presis standing out brilliantly against a grey backdrop of sky - I knew it was going to be fantastic day. If we were able to bag all three peaks, I'd end up achieving my goal of climbing 20 4ks in March 2009. Additionally, the temperatures were warm enough for me to rock a single layer + tights, which I found most exciting.
The Crawford Path was solidly packed all the way up to Pierce, enabling us to make good time up to the ridge. Microspikes proved to be more than sufficient. Upon reaching treeline, I was thrilled to see that the lighting was just wonderful... which meant that I - gasp - could possibly snap a few decent pictures for once?!
Although the summit of Pierce was lovely, we decided not to linger. Heading up the ridge, our next target - Eisenhower - stood boldly ahead of us, Monroe and Washington, too, peeking up behind its domed summit. To our right, the patterns and contrast in the sky were both striking and lovely.
Andy soon became tired with my incessant picture-taking. I informed him that people lacking in photographic talent need to continually take pictures in order to come up with a few decent shots. Up to Eisenhower we climbed...
...and reaching the summit, we had the top of the mountain entirely to ourselves.
After taking a quick break, we proceeded towards Monroe. Although the trail had become increasingly icy, we were still able to make do with microspikes (and the occasional rock-hop). Reaching the col, we encountered - of all things - the most incredible little igloo. I decided to venture inside and explore.
Onwards, we climbed, surrounded in all directions by utterly striking views.
I became increasingly excited about the fact that I was so close to realizing my 20-peak goal. Much joyous shouting ensued, coupled with a few frightening bursts of hyperness on my part. Definitely worthy of a thumbs-up from Andy...
Continued below...
