Many thanks to JT for leading this amazing hike up Red Hill in Sandwich, NH.  We started up the trail shortly after 9 am.  Although the temperature was freezing when we started the hike, the sun was warm and the temperature rose steadily.  By 10 am, most of the hikers had shed many layers.  One (very insightful) hiker even wore shorts, much to the envy of this hiker who had fleece-lined pants.  The trail was peaceful and a few of us enjoyed a challenging little climb up an icy pass, while others took a bypass.  The snow was well-packed on the trail, though some post-holing happened occasionally.  The day was full of friendly chatter about a wide range of topics.  Our view included a wide view of a frozen Squam Lake, which was peppered with popup tents and bob-houses for their 45th annual ice fishing derby.  We arrived at Red Hill's fire tower around 11:30 am.  It is one of a handful of manned fire towers in the WMNF, and one of 16 active fire towers in NH.  We enjoyed glorious views, an entertaining lunch, and even an impromptu snowball fight (which was less entertaining for some).  :)   As we hiked down, the snow became more slush-like with the 50-degree temperatures of the day.  After, all six of us went to Gusto's Cafe.   It was a wonderful day in the Whites--thank you so much, JT!

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