Copy/Repost Hike

What a crazy week!!  We had well over two feet of snow in Massachusetts and we are now back to bare earth.  From temps as low as -10 to a high of 60+ degrees, New England kept us guessing.

The weather for Saturday wasn’t supporting a safe hike so I e-mailed Dave and Mark to let them know I’d be rescheduling to Sunday.  They both indicated it was unlikely they’d hike but I was eager for some outdoor time and the weather forecast was pure perfection so I decided to carry on and hike solo.  This was to be my first ever solo winter ascent – kind of a big deal for me especially at 4,802’

I arrived at the trail head a little before 9:30am.  I was a touch later than anticipated because some of the side roads leading to the trail head were still icy from the wicked Friday/Saturday weather.  I quickly finished suiting up and headed up the Glencliff trail.

I LOVED this trail.  This was a delightful 4 mile walk up to a 4,802’ summit.  The temps were still in the single digits when I started.  Since I was solo I was able to entertain a healthy pace that kept me warm, but not perspiring.  I quickly peeled off to my medium weight fleece with light gloves over a wicking layer and shirt – perfect!  I did very short breaks for water, a few photos and greeted and passed a handful of hikers on their way up.  Sadly – my camera failed me again – ordinary batteries do not do well in such cold temps.  No worries – my cell phone was in the pack so I figured I get great photos on the summit with that once there.  I hate shopping (except for hiking gear) but I think I need to got get a weather friendly camera.

I kept a steady and healthy pace.  The trail itself is a moderate and consistent climb.  It steepens in parts, flattens out a bit as we walk parallel to the elevation and steepens for one final ascent to the trail junction.  As I climbed, the winds started to pick up.  The forecast was wind gusts up to 35pmh at the summit.  One hiker who passed me while he was going down indicated it was quite lovely at the top – the winds were strong but not sustained – yay!!  I might actually be able to stand for a bit and take in the views.

Just below the trail junction for the summit and the Carriage Road I suited up with the big gloves, hand warmers, face mask, goggles, heavy hat, puff coat and light shell.  I soon reached the junction and made my way to the top – AMAZING.  It has been a long while since I’ve experienced such blue sky on a winter hike – well deserved.  While I’ve summited Moosilauke before, this was my first time with views – no disappointment here.  Clear as far as the eyes could see.

Sadly – the cell phone wouldn’t stay alive – it seems to be equipped with a safety feature to automatically shut off when it is too cold, grrrrrr.  But as luck would have it – hiker Eddie offered to take my summit photo and e-mail it to me later – of course I said yes!!  I hung on to take a few photos of him.  A few more minutes of gazing and it was time to retreat.  Before doing so I popped my cell phone into my core – I was determined to get summit views of some kind. Off to South Peak I ventured.  Once I got to there – equally nice views and the cell phone camera worked!  I love the photo of my looking back towards the summit of Moosilauke – you can see the trail as a thin white strip dividing the trees.  The summits were generally bare of snow but had huge pockets of ice.  Despite the rain, snow shoes were in order and there was plenty of evidence of post holing for those who ascended with boots.  Snow cover was solid but thin at the base of the mountain.  The higher up I got, the thicker and heavier it was.  Conditions were somewhat icy with a heavy dose of granular snow.

When we hike up…. sighhhhh….  we must hike down.  I started to make my way and kept my cell phone handy to snap some more photos.  It was as stunning day that did not disappoint.  I finished hiking around 2:45pm.  For an 8 mile day I kept a hearty pace but the hike down is always faster than the hike up.  Despite the handful of slick spots – it was a smooth descent.  When I got home, Hiker Eddie had already e-mailed me the photos – what a super sweet guy!!  I should have gotten his number, lol.

Until the next adventure… cheers gents!!

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