I have a small group that is going to do a Traverse, the first good weekend day in March that presents itself. There will be 3-4 of us I'm guessing.
We prefer to do the traverse on a Saturday, but if Sunday's clearly a better day, that's what we'll do. We'll be staying in Gorham NH the night before the hike, so we can be on the trail early. If we hike on a Saturday, we'll motel it in Gorham the night after as well. Preferably a motel with a hot tub! =)
We'll start up Valley Way and head south. Not sure yet if we'll take in Jackson and Webster, or call it a day after Pierce. We'll make the call when we get to Pierce, depending on how we all feel.
I have done two prior Traverses (neither in winter) and in both cases have come in under "book" time. In winter, this winter, I'd be very happy to finish in "book" time, give or take a little. We'll probably confine ourselves to fairly brief stops on most of the summits, with a longer break (30 minutes or less) on Washington.
If it turns out that both our groups go on Saturday 3/13, we would be interested in at least starting out with your group. You might be faster than us, or we might be faster than you. We do not want to hold you back. But having a larger group would be nice. If we are compatible in terms of pace, it would be great to do the whole thing together. We could part ways on Pierce if we are not on the same page re. continuing over Jackson and Webster.
Whatever else happens, we will have our own vehicle spotted at Crawford Notch. We are planning on being self-sufficient w/regard to logistics. We are not asking you for any help, but only for the pleasure of your company, if the dates work out and the stars align themselves favorably. If not, then we wish you a safe and successful Winter Traverse!
