una_dogger
Well-known member
Stats:
13.5 miles, ~3900 gain.
Group: MichaelJ, Rocket21, Kevin of Kevin,Judy and Emma, DaveSunRa, Terra and Emma the traildoggies.
We met up at the Beaver Brook Trailhead at about 8:45 and geared up for the hike. It was -7 degrees in the parking lot, but there was no wind and it felt warmer.
A small group was ahead of us breaking out about 4-6 inches of fresh powder. We easily followed signs at everyturn marking the way to the Gale River Rd and the summer trailhead. Terra tossed her booties in the first quarter mile, so we stashed them in her backpack; along with the batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies she was carrying; quite possibly making her our most valuable team member today!
We found a stable snowbridge at the first crossing of the Gale River. The trail was broken but not packed down yet, and the section along the left side of the Gale River was a bit tricky.
The second crossing had an incomplete snow bridge but was also easily crossed. During the climb, DaveSunRa took a steady lead; with Jeremy and I in the middle; occaisionally waiting for MichaelJ and Kevin.
The Garflield Ridge Trail AKA the Appalachian Trail was a welcome sign after the tough climb in the unconsolidated snow. We once again regrouped with Michael and Kevin, and then pushed on for the Hut, where we met Dave, ate a quick snack, then dropped packs for the short climb to Galehead.
We met up with a group of four or five, who had broken the trail to the hut, and Jeremy asked if they were ready for reinforcements; to which they happily replied "YES!". We thanked them for their trailbreaking and with Jeremy in the lead; he, Dave and I broke out the trail to Galehead.
Galehead Summit-o-Happiness
Yesterday was one of those picture perfect winter days, with a striking blue sky above pure white trees and mountaintops. It had warmed up to 5 degrees, and there was only the slightest wind blowing. Neverless, we spent no time on Galehead, and headed back --passing first Michael -- we made plans to continue to South Twin, where he'd catch up with us.
A little further down we met with Kevin and Emma. Kevin opted not to continue to S Twin, so I gave him a hug goodbye and we headed off.
After a very quick snack of some chocolate chip cookies at the Hut (thanks, Terra!), we jumped to the crack of Dave's whip and headed for S Twin. Jeremy caught up with Dave and offered to break out the trail. Who could say no to that?
I followed Dave up the steep 1000 foot climb in 0.8 mile. The trail is so much easier when the rocks are under snowpack, but its no walk in the park any time of the year. I kept telling Dave we were almost there. He said I owed him a dollar for everytime I said that and we weren't there. Amazing views of the hut below and Garfeild rising above Galehead.
The softer snow gave way to a harder, thinner crust, and we were into the rime. A few more minutes and we saw the cairn marking the start of the above treeline zone, and clip clapped over the rocky summit in our MSRs. No need for crampons today, although most of us carried them just in case.
Terra watches for the group to arrive on the summit
There was a light north wind blowing on the summit, and it was probably sub zero, but I was surprisingly comfortable and didn't need more than my soft shell with its hood pulled up.
DaveSunRa arrives on S Twin
On the summit, Dave said goodbye, he wanted to get back to his car before nightfall, and being 3pm; he was going to have to hot foot it back. I told Jeremy that I'd reclimb the summit with Michael if we met up with him on descent.
About 2/10 a mile below the summit, we met MichaelJ on the way up; and he let me know that he'd seen Dave and he told him to remind me I owed him $20!!
We all agreed to go up together. Having already been on the summit, I decided to drop my pack for the second climb; and convinced MJ to do so as well. Jeremy kept his pack for any group emergencies, should one arise. After a couple chugs of H20 we were on our way up. My hip flexor was killing me so I would sprint about 25 steps then take a quick breather until I saw MJ and then sprint again.
South Twin at Day's End
The sunset was beginning to form and we spent a few minutes on the summit with MJ, then headed down, sometimes butt sliding. We went up to the Hut for some hot cocoa and some more chocolate chip cookies; and then began our six mile journey back to the car in the setting sun.
On our way down the GaleRiver Trail a gorgeous golden full moon rose out of the trees and illuminated our way back. It was a great day out in the mountains, but we were all beginning to feel it and the final two miles through the valley were monotonous.
Back at the Gale River Trail Head, Jeremy sat on the bench and waited hopefully for the AMC Shuttle. A few snowmobilers passed us on the road, but they didn't offer him a ride. So we continued on, and we re-entered the woods into the cross country ski area for our final 1.4 miles.
We reached the parking lot a whopping ten hours later -- had some more cookies while our cars warmed up and then said our goodbyes.
MJ and I made a few calls around to let folks know we were OK and pass on the trail beta. A winter storm watch was in effect, so we drove home with only one stop at the Ashland Irving for some coffee, where we emerged from the car looking like cripples.
Made it back to Mass before the first flakes fell, and home to Waltham at 10:15 pm; a fifteen hour door to door day of amazing winter hiking, views, and friendship. Special thanks to Jeremy for leading the trail breaking!
Winter NH # 12, 13 for me
Winter NH #24, 25 for MJ (woot!!!)
Winter NH #30 (??)for Kevin (yeehaw!!)
Dave and Jeremy aren't counting!!
Full album can be found here:
http://unadoggerspictures1.shutterfly.com/
about halfway down the page under Recent Adventures
13.5 miles, ~3900 gain.
Group: MichaelJ, Rocket21, Kevin of Kevin,Judy and Emma, DaveSunRa, Terra and Emma the traildoggies.
We met up at the Beaver Brook Trailhead at about 8:45 and geared up for the hike. It was -7 degrees in the parking lot, but there was no wind and it felt warmer.
A small group was ahead of us breaking out about 4-6 inches of fresh powder. We easily followed signs at everyturn marking the way to the Gale River Rd and the summer trailhead. Terra tossed her booties in the first quarter mile, so we stashed them in her backpack; along with the batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies she was carrying; quite possibly making her our most valuable team member today!
We found a stable snowbridge at the first crossing of the Gale River. The trail was broken but not packed down yet, and the section along the left side of the Gale River was a bit tricky.
The second crossing had an incomplete snow bridge but was also easily crossed. During the climb, DaveSunRa took a steady lead; with Jeremy and I in the middle; occaisionally waiting for MichaelJ and Kevin.
The Garflield Ridge Trail AKA the Appalachian Trail was a welcome sign after the tough climb in the unconsolidated snow. We once again regrouped with Michael and Kevin, and then pushed on for the Hut, where we met Dave, ate a quick snack, then dropped packs for the short climb to Galehead.
We met up with a group of four or five, who had broken the trail to the hut, and Jeremy asked if they were ready for reinforcements; to which they happily replied "YES!". We thanked them for their trailbreaking and with Jeremy in the lead; he, Dave and I broke out the trail to Galehead.
Galehead Summit-o-Happiness
Yesterday was one of those picture perfect winter days, with a striking blue sky above pure white trees and mountaintops. It had warmed up to 5 degrees, and there was only the slightest wind blowing. Neverless, we spent no time on Galehead, and headed back --passing first Michael -- we made plans to continue to South Twin, where he'd catch up with us.
A little further down we met with Kevin and Emma. Kevin opted not to continue to S Twin, so I gave him a hug goodbye and we headed off.
After a very quick snack of some chocolate chip cookies at the Hut (thanks, Terra!), we jumped to the crack of Dave's whip
and headed for S Twin. Jeremy caught up with Dave and offered to break out the trail. Who could say no to that? I followed Dave up the steep 1000 foot climb in 0.8 mile. The trail is so much easier when the rocks are under snowpack, but its no walk in the park any time of the year. I kept telling Dave we were almost there. He said I owed him a dollar for everytime I said that and we weren't there.
Amazing views of the hut below and Garfeild rising above Galehead.The softer snow gave way to a harder, thinner crust, and we were into the rime. A few more minutes and we saw the cairn marking the start of the above treeline zone, and clip clapped over the rocky summit in our MSRs. No need for crampons today, although most of us carried them just in case.
Terra watches for the group to arrive on the summit
There was a light north wind blowing on the summit, and it was probably sub zero, but I was surprisingly comfortable and didn't need more than my soft shell with its hood pulled up.
DaveSunRa arrives on S Twin
On the summit, Dave said goodbye, he wanted to get back to his car before nightfall, and being 3pm; he was going to have to hot foot it back. I told Jeremy that I'd reclimb the summit with Michael if we met up with him on descent.
About 2/10 a mile below the summit, we met MichaelJ on the way up; and he let me know that he'd seen Dave and he told him to remind me I owed him $20!!
We all agreed to go up together. Having already been on the summit, I decided to drop my pack for the second climb; and convinced MJ to do so as well. Jeremy kept his pack for any group emergencies, should one arise. After a couple chugs of H20 we were on our way up. My hip flexor was killing me so I would sprint about 25 steps then take a quick breather until I saw MJ and then sprint again.
South Twin at Day's End
The sunset was beginning to form and we spent a few minutes on the summit with MJ, then headed down, sometimes butt sliding. We went up to the Hut for some hot cocoa and some more chocolate chip cookies; and then began our six mile journey back to the car in the setting sun.
On our way down the GaleRiver Trail a gorgeous golden full moon rose out of the trees and illuminated our way back. It was a great day out in the mountains, but we were all beginning to feel it and the final two miles through the valley were monotonous.
Back at the Gale River Trail Head, Jeremy sat on the bench and waited hopefully for the AMC Shuttle.
A few snowmobilers passed us on the road, but they didn't offer him a ride. So we continued on, and we re-entered the woods into the cross country ski area for our final 1.4 miles. We reached the parking lot a whopping ten hours later -- had some more cookies while our cars warmed up and then said our goodbyes.
MJ and I made a few calls around to let folks know we were OK and pass on the trail beta. A winter storm watch was in effect, so we drove home with only one stop at the Ashland Irving for some coffee, where we emerged from the car looking like cripples.
Made it back to Mass before the first flakes fell, and home to Waltham at 10:15 pm; a fifteen hour door to door day of amazing winter hiking, views, and friendship. Special thanks to Jeremy for leading the trail breaking!
Winter NH # 12, 13 for me
Winter NH #24, 25 for MJ (woot!!!)
Winter NH #30 (??)for Kevin (yeehaw!!)
Dave and Jeremy aren't counting!!
Full album can be found here:
http://unadoggerspictures1.shutterfly.com/
about halfway down the page under Recent Adventures
Last edited:
