Copy/Repost Hike

This would make todays hike a celebration for today heading to Tuckerman Ravine, with Tyler and Jose never having hiked up here before.

At Pinkham Notch, the sights were plentiful as lots of people were coming and going. There were quite a few cars with many guys loaded up with backpacks for an overnight stay at Hermit Lake shelters. It looked to be a busy day on the trails. We began with MicroSpikes right from the beginning. The day was off to a great start as we laughed up Tuckerman Ravine trail.

We carefully went up the icy steps to a ledge across from Crystal Cascade. It was very impressive today with its icy falls. The warmth of the day was being felt as we took off some layers.  

The 7 of us began making our way up the Tuckerman Ravine trail and the footing was good. The ice under the snow was minimal. The snow was not too deep at all and I reminisced about the other times I’ve been up to Tuckerman’s bowl. As we walked the trails, we chatted about life and all that seems a little crazy to us (coming to no conclusions). We talked peaks and trails and family. All of us were enjoying the conditions and the company too. The weather seemed to be warming as we made our way up the trail and we found ourselves taking off even more layers as continued up the trail. We leapfrogged with other groups during breaks.

Once at Ho Jo’s [Hermit Lake Shelter] we took a snack break and marveled with our first good view of Tuckerman’s bowl. We had a group picture taken and began to move up some steep and icy pitches to make our way to Lunch Rocks [base of Tuckerman Ravine]. We saw some skiers and riders go down the Left Chute as we approached. Everyone was having just a spectacular day on the trail. While this section was difficult, we were glad to be reaching the base of Tuckerman Ravine. The blue of the skies brought out the white of the snow and the winds were low compared to my last visit of the bowl. We hung around Lunch Rocks for lunch and hot drinks in our thermos. The view was amazing.

Our original plan was to sled down the Sherburne Ski trail but the reports we read online indicated it would be dangerous so we left them behind. There were a couple pitches on the descent to Hermit Lake shelters where we pretty much sat down and slid down the trail. It was prime Butt Surfing conditions and we got some great speed going down the trail. We laughed and carried on. The walk down always seemed to go by twice as quick in winter because there are no rocks to be concerned about. As we made our way, we passed the time with conversations about our lives and our current hiking goals. I have been thinking for a while now about how I came to be chosen to do this sport (you do not chose this, it choses you), and how I have found myself in such a tight group of gay hikers who are both knowledgeable and experienced on the trails. I count myself as lucky to be in the place where I am at and how many great people I have in my life because of GayOutdoors. Thankfully, the weather is still warm and the sun is still bright (regardless of the storm coming), and spirits are very happy as we find ourselves back at Pinkham Notch. Trail conditions were superb for a hike today.

Five of us went to Red Fox Grille for a late lunch/early dinner in Jackson. They have the best burgers. The place certainly lived up to everyone’s standards.

We were concerned about the forecasted snowstorm for the ride home so we quickly parted ways after eating. Thanks guys for making this such a great trip!

~ Mike Boisvert              

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