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I've been anticipating this trip for weeks, even months. This was my first time hiking in true winter, let alone trying to tackle a few peaks at the same time. My brother-in-law picked me up at 6:30 Friday morning and we were off to the Loj where we'd be staying in a lean-to. As we drove up the Northway I kept wondering when we'd start to see snow. I know it's been a weird winter up there, but thought for sure I'd see some cover along the Northway. When I didn't I was convinced that once we were off the highway and into Keene Valley and Keene that there'd still be some snow. Well, I was wrong, no cover even at the Loj. A bit disappointed, we headed up Mt. Jo and tested out our snowshoes on a little bit of ice and snow that could be found on the trail. It was extremely windy on Friday, especially at the top of Mt. Jo. We found some snow and ran around like little kids and practiced our butt-sliding techniques on the way down so we'd be ready for Saturday.
After not a whole lot of sleep Friday night, the day had finally arrived. The alarm rang at 5. Breakfast and some final preparations were made and we were on the trail at 6:30. I had been envisioning this day for weeks. Did I want a a crisp, clear, and cold day where these mountains make you believe they are gentle giants enjoying their last few weeks of hibernation? Or, did I want a day so cloudy and ominous that these mountains spring to life with a biting wind and blowing snow, where they remind you just how powerful this place can be? In the end I think I got both.
Fortunately, it was cold enough Friday night that all the mud had frozen on the trail towards Marcy Dam. The trail could have been bare booted or crampons could have been used for a little more confidence in footing. We were anxious to use our snowshoes we put them on, needless to say, they were definitely overkill! We reached the junction for Algonquin and at this point decided to shed some layers. I went from a thermal shirt, long sleeve wicking shirt and my goretex shell to just long sleeve wicking shirt. I felt I was best able to control my body temp with that single layer. Temps were right around 30. With the elevation change came ice and more snow. My MSR Denali Ascents performed wonderfully and definitely live up to the reputation they have earned. My b-i-l had just purchased some Tubbs Discoveries. I was a bit apprehensive when he called to ask if they'd work for our hike. But with sale price of $50, I told him to go for it. They worked surprisingly well. Although some would probably feel more comfortable in crampons I felt totatlly comfortable with my MSR's. We reached the turnoff for Wright and added some layers. The temperature was definitely colder and the wind was howling pretty good. We grabbed some water and left our packs behind. As we headed up the views were amazing. It was cloudy, but the clouds were high enough that we could see just about everything around us. I couldn't believe I was doing this! We reached the base of the bare rock summit and this is where things got tricky, at least for my b-i-l. This is where you could tell the difference in snowshoe capabilities. The rocks were completely exposed with just a little bit frosty looking ice on them. He struggled for a while and then decided it wasn't a good idea for him to continue. He turned around and I trudged forward, soaking it all in. I reached the top and was alone in my own little heaven! I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the time, it was only 9:00, and I had already made it up one peak. The wind and clouds were whipping all around me, and I could see my next destination, Algonquin. I headed back and met up with b-i-l just below the base of the summit. We had a howling good time butt sliding back to our packs. It definitely made up for his disappointment in not making it to the top. We snacked and refueled ourselves for what I knew would be an interesting trip up Alqonquin.
At 10:00 we began our trudge upwards. We had seen no evidence of other hikers until this point. Fresh crampon tracks were headed up Algonquin. We took what I felt like were too many breaks. We moved slowly but were determined. I was glad to see that the Alqonquin summit rocks were pretty much completely covered in snow and some sections much thicker ice than what Wright had. I helped my b-i-l in certain sections and chose the routes that looked like would work best for him. Before I knew it we were there. Only an hour had passed, it was only 11:00! This was my second time up Algonquin. It brought back great memories of my 20 month old daughter exploring the top of this high peak. The winter views were amazing. This was my b-i-l first high peak. I pointed out the peaks I knew to him. Lot's of pictures and lunch behind a boulder. This was when we saw the hiker who had headed up Algonquin. It looked like he had headed over to Iroquois and was on his way back down. I scoped out the view over toward Boundary and Iroquois as I knew this is where I wanted to head next.
Down Alqonquin we now headed. We quickly reached the snow covered sign pointing down to Lake Colden. I knew the trail was not marked and could see no evidence of other hikers heading that way. My b-i-l had no interest in tackling another peak. I reluctantly headed down the trail to Lake Colden. I took a quick look over my shoulder and all of the sudden saw one lone hiker headed towards Boundary. I quickly turned my direction telling my b-i-l that I was going for it and he was just going to have to wait. He said he didn't mind as the sun was quickly warming up and the winds had disappaited below the summit. I hurriedly made a bee line toward the lone hiker. There was only evidence of one pair of MSR snowshoes and the lone hikers crapmons headed towards these two peaks. Half way up Boundary I realized I should have left my pack with my b-i-l. Oh well, too late now. But uh-oh, I started to experience some minor cramping just above my knees. I pushed on and left my pack on top of Boundary after a few sips of Gatorade. I hustled on toward Iroquois eventually catching up to the lone hiker. We summited at the same time and I said, "I hope you didn't mind me tagging along." He just laughed and said no, going about his business. I snapped a few pictures and then was about to do a self portrait when he offered to take my picture. He snapped a picture, and then I saw the legend standing right there in front of me! It was Pin-Pin and his master Alec. (sorry,don't know the correct spelling!) I took his picture and we chatted a bit about his accomplishments and I told him that these were my first high peaks. A warm congratulations from him and I then had to head back to my b-i-l. I was on a natural high! Iroquois and Boundary were by far my favorites of the day. It was like a huge snow field with just the tops of trees sticking out and no rocks to be seen. I bounded down the side of Iroquois taking a dive and the just rolling five or six times down the mountain. I felt like a kid playing in the snow. Three mountains before most people had eaten lunch and I was still full of energy! I grabbed my pack on Boundary and headed straight for my b-i-l who I could see in the distance. I relayed my story to him and we headed off down the trail to Lake Colden.
The butt-sliding that ensued could only be described as world class! Deep soft snow, perfect conditions! Easy on the rear and fast. The Olympic commitee should definitely look into this for the next winter Olympics, or at least the X-games! We made quick work of that trail and were looking forward to Avalanche Lake. The skies were now bright blue and the sun was warming things up fast. We shed our high altitude layers and soaked in the sun. We arrived at Avalanche Lake and took more pictures of the stunning winter scenery. The lake is not so frozen anymore, which was a bit of a disappointment. I was looking forward to a trek right down the middle. Instead we hugged the shore line in soft, slushy snow and ice. We we got to the first Matilda and the ranger who was skiing the lake told us we'd be wise to use the hiking trail as she had broke through in a few spots. We took the trail from the first Matilda to the second and then hugged the shore line again. From here on we saw quite a few people enjoying these last days of winter. Cross country skiiers, a few hikers, two ice climbers and a couple with two dogs lounging on the northern end of the lake where the ice was still pretty stable. The trails were in great condition I thought, with still some pretty deep snow that continued on to Marcy Dam. Snow depth was evidenced by the post holes of some people going down 3 to 4 feet. After Marcy Dam mud season had definitely arrived! We arrived back at the Loj at 4. The day was capped off with two 18 oz. steaks, rice and chili made over the fire. After that we closed out our weekend with some great bluegrass, folk music at the HPIC with a local father/daughter band, Wildwood.
I had no idea what to expect going into this weekend. I had a goal, but didn't know if I could turn wishful thinking into reality. In the end I totally impressed myself. I hiked 16 miles and 3 peaks in 9.5 hours! I thought I'd be returning in the dark, maybe not even being able to complete a loop or knock off all three peaks. I now have a total of only 5 peaks, 3 of which can go towards a winter round!
To all of you who read this whole thing....WOW, you're die-hards! Hope you didn't mind my rambling.
After not a whole lot of sleep Friday night, the day had finally arrived. The alarm rang at 5. Breakfast and some final preparations were made and we were on the trail at 6:30. I had been envisioning this day for weeks. Did I want a a crisp, clear, and cold day where these mountains make you believe they are gentle giants enjoying their last few weeks of hibernation? Or, did I want a day so cloudy and ominous that these mountains spring to life with a biting wind and blowing snow, where they remind you just how powerful this place can be? In the end I think I got both.
Fortunately, it was cold enough Friday night that all the mud had frozen on the trail towards Marcy Dam. The trail could have been bare booted or crampons could have been used for a little more confidence in footing. We were anxious to use our snowshoes we put them on, needless to say, they were definitely overkill! We reached the junction for Algonquin and at this point decided to shed some layers. I went from a thermal shirt, long sleeve wicking shirt and my goretex shell to just long sleeve wicking shirt. I felt I was best able to control my body temp with that single layer. Temps were right around 30. With the elevation change came ice and more snow. My MSR Denali Ascents performed wonderfully and definitely live up to the reputation they have earned. My b-i-l had just purchased some Tubbs Discoveries. I was a bit apprehensive when he called to ask if they'd work for our hike. But with sale price of $50, I told him to go for it. They worked surprisingly well. Although some would probably feel more comfortable in crampons I felt totatlly comfortable with my MSR's. We reached the turnoff for Wright and added some layers. The temperature was definitely colder and the wind was howling pretty good. We grabbed some water and left our packs behind. As we headed up the views were amazing. It was cloudy, but the clouds were high enough that we could see just about everything around us. I couldn't believe I was doing this! We reached the base of the bare rock summit and this is where things got tricky, at least for my b-i-l. This is where you could tell the difference in snowshoe capabilities. The rocks were completely exposed with just a little bit frosty looking ice on them. He struggled for a while and then decided it wasn't a good idea for him to continue. He turned around and I trudged forward, soaking it all in. I reached the top and was alone in my own little heaven! I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the time, it was only 9:00, and I had already made it up one peak. The wind and clouds were whipping all around me, and I could see my next destination, Algonquin. I headed back and met up with b-i-l just below the base of the summit. We had a howling good time butt sliding back to our packs. It definitely made up for his disappointment in not making it to the top. We snacked and refueled ourselves for what I knew would be an interesting trip up Alqonquin.
At 10:00 we began our trudge upwards. We had seen no evidence of other hikers until this point. Fresh crampon tracks were headed up Algonquin. We took what I felt like were too many breaks. We moved slowly but were determined. I was glad to see that the Alqonquin summit rocks were pretty much completely covered in snow and some sections much thicker ice than what Wright had. I helped my b-i-l in certain sections and chose the routes that looked like would work best for him. Before I knew it we were there. Only an hour had passed, it was only 11:00! This was my second time up Algonquin. It brought back great memories of my 20 month old daughter exploring the top of this high peak. The winter views were amazing. This was my b-i-l first high peak. I pointed out the peaks I knew to him. Lot's of pictures and lunch behind a boulder. This was when we saw the hiker who had headed up Algonquin. It looked like he had headed over to Iroquois and was on his way back down. I scoped out the view over toward Boundary and Iroquois as I knew this is where I wanted to head next.
Down Alqonquin we now headed. We quickly reached the snow covered sign pointing down to Lake Colden. I knew the trail was not marked and could see no evidence of other hikers heading that way. My b-i-l had no interest in tackling another peak. I reluctantly headed down the trail to Lake Colden. I took a quick look over my shoulder and all of the sudden saw one lone hiker headed towards Boundary. I quickly turned my direction telling my b-i-l that I was going for it and he was just going to have to wait. He said he didn't mind as the sun was quickly warming up and the winds had disappaited below the summit. I hurriedly made a bee line toward the lone hiker. There was only evidence of one pair of MSR snowshoes and the lone hikers crapmons headed towards these two peaks. Half way up Boundary I realized I should have left my pack with my b-i-l. Oh well, too late now. But uh-oh, I started to experience some minor cramping just above my knees. I pushed on and left my pack on top of Boundary after a few sips of Gatorade. I hustled on toward Iroquois eventually catching up to the lone hiker. We summited at the same time and I said, "I hope you didn't mind me tagging along." He just laughed and said no, going about his business. I snapped a few pictures and then was about to do a self portrait when he offered to take my picture. He snapped a picture, and then I saw the legend standing right there in front of me! It was Pin-Pin and his master Alec. (sorry,don't know the correct spelling!) I took his picture and we chatted a bit about his accomplishments and I told him that these were my first high peaks. A warm congratulations from him and I then had to head back to my b-i-l. I was on a natural high! Iroquois and Boundary were by far my favorites of the day. It was like a huge snow field with just the tops of trees sticking out and no rocks to be seen. I bounded down the side of Iroquois taking a dive and the just rolling five or six times down the mountain. I felt like a kid playing in the snow. Three mountains before most people had eaten lunch and I was still full of energy! I grabbed my pack on Boundary and headed straight for my b-i-l who I could see in the distance. I relayed my story to him and we headed off down the trail to Lake Colden.
The butt-sliding that ensued could only be described as world class! Deep soft snow, perfect conditions! Easy on the rear and fast. The Olympic commitee should definitely look into this for the next winter Olympics, or at least the X-games! We made quick work of that trail and were looking forward to Avalanche Lake. The skies were now bright blue and the sun was warming things up fast. We shed our high altitude layers and soaked in the sun. We arrived at Avalanche Lake and took more pictures of the stunning winter scenery. The lake is not so frozen anymore, which was a bit of a disappointment. I was looking forward to a trek right down the middle. Instead we hugged the shore line in soft, slushy snow and ice. We we got to the first Matilda and the ranger who was skiing the lake told us we'd be wise to use the hiking trail as she had broke through in a few spots. We took the trail from the first Matilda to the second and then hugged the shore line again. From here on we saw quite a few people enjoying these last days of winter. Cross country skiiers, a few hikers, two ice climbers and a couple with two dogs lounging on the northern end of the lake where the ice was still pretty stable. The trails were in great condition I thought, with still some pretty deep snow that continued on to Marcy Dam. Snow depth was evidenced by the post holes of some people going down 3 to 4 feet. After Marcy Dam mud season had definitely arrived! We arrived back at the Loj at 4. The day was capped off with two 18 oz. steaks, rice and chili made over the fire. After that we closed out our weekend with some great bluegrass, folk music at the HPIC with a local father/daughter band, Wildwood.
I had no idea what to expect going into this weekend. I had a goal, but didn't know if I could turn wishful thinking into reality. In the end I totally impressed myself. I hiked 16 miles and 3 peaks in 9.5 hours! I thought I'd be returning in the dark, maybe not even being able to complete a loop or knock off all three peaks. I now have a total of only 5 peaks, 3 of which can go towards a winter round!
To all of you who read this whole thing....WOW, you're die-hards! Hope you didn't mind my rambling.
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