12-26-04 Giant Mountain via the ridge trail

[Kevin]

Myself, Zac, and Valerie all headed up together. Hit the trail about 8:30 AM. From the first foot to the top snow shoes aren't necessary as the trail is rock solid from the recent rain and hard freeze. We used crampons, which come in handy scaling the numerous icy spots.

Views were good early but the light snow rolled in by noontime. I have some photos I can post later on. Fun was had by all. I believe this is Valerie's first winter peak (my 6th, unsure how many Zac has done, maybe 4??). By time we made summit we were socked in the clouds/snow. Temps were in the low teens at the trailhead and single numbers on top. Not much wind. We encountered some severe heavy snow heading home (after dinner at the Black Bear in Pottersville).

Back to the car after meeting member GlenL and his friend heading down from doing RRP and Giant. We had ideas of doing RRP, but we were just too tired by time we made the top. Winter hiking takes a lot out of me, and I think we all agreed it feels like it takes twice the effort as summer hiking. I can go a while without stopping when ascending in any other season but winter, but I crawl during the colder months. The weight of the extra gear is definitely a factor.

[lumberzac]

Had a great time. This was my 4th time to climb Giant and first time to climb it in the winter. Although this was my 7th winter summit, it was the first time I needed to use crampons. I must have laced them up right, because they never came off or loosened once the whole trip. I even managed not to shred the bottom of the legs on my snow pants. The new jacket (EMS Wildcat Ridge) I got for Christmas worked out great although had it been a warmer day it would have been too much to wear. I can’t wait to get back on the trail for some more winter summits.

[Kevin]

Although this was my 7th winter summit, it was the first time I needed to use crampons.

Whoops! Sorry to short-change you. I tried counting how many winter summit stories you've told... guess I have a few to hear!

This hike was a wake-up call for the Great Range traverse I'd like to try later this season. It was more work than I remember and I think I may be getting a tad out of shape since climbing #46. Don't know what, if anything, I can do to change that but I think I'm going to try to squeeze a few peaks in when/where I can in the coming month.

[fvrwld]

My first winter peak and my first time on crampons. Yes I did tear up one of my gaitors with the crampons. Had great views at the start which diminished as we neared the summit. Wish I could've seen better...my glasses fog up in the cold of winter and I'm better off without them. Eventhough, it was a great hike. Winter climbing is a challenge that I really enjoy. The mountains seem so peaceful and the sights are even more awe-inspiring in the winter. I can't wait to do more winter climbs. Pics...

[Mavs00]

Great Pics, and glad you all had fun. Got me salivating for my run at Algonquin/Wright on Thursday.

Been training all month for it.

[Skyclimber]

Those pictures were really beautiful. The best way to keep in shape for Winter Hiking is to keep hiking weekly all Winter Long. I noticed skipping a week of climbing made the next climb much harder for me. It will get easier as time passes and the endurance level will get greater as well. I used to carry full winter packs all Autumn long to get in shape for when the Winter Season rolled around. That helped a great deal.

Mav hope you have a great time on Algonquin and Wright and that you have great weather for it. Algonquin is so beautiful in Winter, as well as All of the Peaks.

[redhawk]

I think I may be getting a tad out of shape since climbing #46. Don't know what, if anything, I can do to change that

You can come here and shovel the driveway and yard.
Moving snow around is great exercise!!

While your at it you could shovel the skating rink.. Oh wait, my driveway IS the skating rink!

[Judgeh]

Those pictures were really beautiful. The best way to keep in shape for Winter Hiking is to keep hiking weekly all Winter Long. I noticed skipping a week of climbing made the next climb much harder for me. It will get easier as time passes and the endurance level will get greater as well. I used to carry full winter packs all Autumn long to get in shape for when the Winter Season rolled around. That helped a great deal.

Mav hope you have a great time on Algonquin and Wright and that you have great weather for it. Algonquin is so beautiful in Winter, as well as All of the Peaks.

How's the rehab progressing, Skyclimber? Can we expect to see you on the trail next year?

[Skyclimber]

I'm doing a little better, but they say, "Climbing will never be a part of my life again," only something of my past. But I still stick with the Rehab Center three times a week, for a year now. Do my daily walks. Next month the doctor will try Spinal Injections, let's see how that goes. I whether not go into any more details on this website, don't feel it to be appropriate. Thanks for asking.

But I will always be on those trails in Spirit and Memory !!! You miss my broken trails? I was getting as crazy as Pin Pin !!

I'm just waiting for Hillman and Neil to go to Lake Colden, their suppose to finish my last three Winter Climbs for me, Skylight, Gray and Seward, for Winter Round No. 5. Then I will celebrate. :drink: