poison ivy
Well-known member
I figured I'd post a trip report for my first two winter 4-K's... it was a difficult day weather-wise. I got up at 3:30 a.m. to brave the icy roads to NH and I met Donna at Crawford Depot at 8 a.m. with snow whipping along the parking lot in a stiff breeze. After a short wait, we figured no one else was planning to join us so we headed over to the Kendron Flume trailhead.
After borrowing a pair of goggles from Donna and getting ourselves situated, we headed up the trail at around 8:15. The trail had just a couple inches of fresh snow but was completely bearbootable. Kendron Flume itself was partially frozen and very beautiful in the snowfall. Donna is a much faster hiker than I am, but she was kind enough to wait for me at the stream crossings and icy spots. However, our slower pace allowed Julie to catch up with us so we headed up Willey's steep slopes as a trio. The snowfall had changed over to rain as we made our way up the rotton ladders and steep slope. However, I finally made it up to the summit for my first Winter 4-K peak at around noon with Donna & Julie waiting for me there.
After lagging so far behind and feeling just plain exhausted, I thought about turning around so that Julie and Donna could make both Field and Tom without having to wait for me. However, they both convinced me to keep going to Field, where the descent was much easier and less dangerous. Convinced, I pushed on and was very surprised when I made it to to summit of Field for my 2nd winter peak. I had a grand time butt-sliding down Field as well to get back to the car. During the last half-mile or so, the rain finally stopped and the clouds started to clear a bit... it figures.
My plans may have been too ambitious... or I just was too tired from driving up the same morning for this hike. Considering my difficulties climbing these two, I decided I probably was not up for the Libery & Flume hike. so I decided to head on home instead.
Nevertheless, I had a great time meeting you Donna & Julie!
- Ivy
After borrowing a pair of goggles from Donna and getting ourselves situated, we headed up the trail at around 8:15. The trail had just a couple inches of fresh snow but was completely bearbootable. Kendron Flume itself was partially frozen and very beautiful in the snowfall. Donna is a much faster hiker than I am, but she was kind enough to wait for me at the stream crossings and icy spots. However, our slower pace allowed Julie to catch up with us so we headed up Willey's steep slopes as a trio. The snowfall had changed over to rain as we made our way up the rotton ladders and steep slope. However, I finally made it up to the summit for my first Winter 4-K peak at around noon with Donna & Julie waiting for me there.
After lagging so far behind and feeling just plain exhausted, I thought about turning around so that Julie and Donna could make both Field and Tom without having to wait for me. However, they both convinced me to keep going to Field, where the descent was much easier and less dangerous. Convinced, I pushed on and was very surprised when I made it to to summit of Field for my 2nd winter peak. I had a grand time butt-sliding down Field as well to get back to the car. During the last half-mile or so, the rain finally stopped and the clouds started to clear a bit... it figures.
My plans may have been too ambitious... or I just was too tired from driving up the same morning for this hike. Considering my difficulties climbing these two, I decided I probably was not up for the Libery & Flume hike. so I decided to head on home instead.
Nevertheless, I had a great time meeting you Donna & Julie!
- Ivy
