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Winter #48 March 5, 2006 |
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Well, this is it. The morning we hope to reach our Winter 48 has finally arrived. As we finished our all-season 48 on Bond Cliff, we also hoped to finish our Winter list on this same peak. We’ll be joined by Amy(Poison Ivy), Christine(Kea), Dave Metskey, Mark (Lawn Sale) and Charles (Young Blood). Thanks to some new snow, we plan to ski the first 5 miles from Lincoln Woods. We have 3 sleds between us and will take turns pulling (ahemmm - well, most of us anyways).
After the wild winds, snow and conditions of yesterday’s hike up Jefferson, we are thrilled to see the skies get bluer as we head to Lincoln Woods. Charles is waiting for our group to arrive and we quickly unpack the cars and try to get the sleds and gear ready. It’s sunny, but still quite cool in the parking lot. We sign in at the ranger station and at 8:10 we’re off. The trail is a bit slick – but we seem to make pretty good time. We’re quickly shedding layers and continue to enjoy the sunshine as the miles start to go by. Again, the differences between yesterday and today or so magnified, we don’t feel like it’s the same month, let alone the same weekend The dip to the bridge by Franconia Falls is pretty interesting. One by one we make the descending curve and sharp turn into the bridge. I’m impressed with Christine, Amy and Charles who accomplish this with sleds in tow. Bob’s capturing it all on film while Amy and Friday (her sled) almost take him out. Charles has so much fun he does the loop twice before hitting the bridge. On the other side, it’s Christine who impresses us all by getting up the short, but very steep embankment with her sled. The road ends, and we keep on the narrower trail. Mark gets his first chance at pulling a sled and we’re sure that he must have been practicing in a previous life. There are a few dips and very small water crossings, one or two downed trees, but overall the trail is in good shape with nice snow. We’re finally at the Bond Cliff trail junction where we stop for snacks, and decide to leave the sleds. We hope to ski a bit longer and will carry our hiking boots. Sadly, we don’t get too far as the trail gets a bit steeper and a bit rocky. Soon we’re into hiking boots, leaving our skis behind. The day is lovely – warming with blue skies, and the trail conditions are ideal. Dave entertains us with a bit of song and there’s no shortage of jokes or ‘helpful’ life suggestions. We’re counting the 4 stream crossings along the trail before we start the climb up Bond Cliff. The trail is a bit steep in spots, but most is fairly gradual. As we start up the approach to Bond Cliff, we come to one very steep and angled section. We’re quite cautious crossing this area, but have no problems. Once around this bend, we decide that snowshoes might be in order. The trees are heavier with more snow. We’re slowly gaining altitude and catching a few views along the way. It’s getting a bit cloudy, but we’re still able to identify peaks off in the distance. We finally leave the switchback for a more direct route to the summit. The woods are so peaceful and magical. In a few minutes we find ourselves steps away from a steep section with large boulders, snow and ice. Short, but very steep. It then opens up into to the final approach to the summit. We put on additional layers planning to be warm and comfortable on the summit as we can see the wind blowing up ahead. We grab a few nibbles and the first group heads up the rocky section. I arrive in time to see Christine working her way around a rock on her knees. Mark is taking photos of the group as they attempt this section, and now it’s my turn. I am literally thinking that when I fall, at least its only about 5 feet into soft snow. Surprisingly, there are no falls and we’re up this section. The views that open up immediately are breathtaking. Amy has arrived a few minutes behind us and is gearing up. She’s insistent that we keep going while she finishes getting ready for her push up this last section. Approx 3:15 / 3:30: The short approach has small alpine scrub trees and the views just keep getting better. Soon we’re on the rocky top of Bond Cliff, with the actual peak just a few hundred feet away. Bob and I catch a quick ‘before peak’ smooch, and walk hand in hand the last steps to the final cairn. After 2 winters, many miles and some great experiences, our Winter 48 summit is here. There’s whooping and hollering and hugs all around. We head over to the ‘cliff’ while Dave, Mark and Charles snap photos. The wind comes and goes, but the summit seems surprisingly pleasant. We’re about to check on Ms. Amy, and lo and behold she has gotten herself up that steep part. The little engine that could! More yells, hugs and photos. Dave entertains us with a ‘skate’ on some ice, Charles attempts his famed head stand (with snow shoes). It’s been more than fabulous, but we must now get ourselves back down the mountain. We fly – it’s a fast trip down the steeper sections, and back on the lower part of Bond Cliff Trail. We’re extremely tired, but make good time. We’re putting on our skis, headlamps and loading up the sleds around 6 / 6:15. The fast pace continues as the Wilderness trail is easy and quick (considering the previous 10 hours)! We manage the few tricky sections and it’s really a pleasant trip, including a bit of moon shadows along the way. I can say that it was easy and pleasant, but must also admit that I got out of pulling the sled on both trips. Considering I was still falling behind those with sleds, it was probably a good thing. It’s now 8:10pm, exactly 12 hours after starting our big adventure, and we are back to the parking lot. What a day. We were so blessed with nice weather, good friends and conditions to make this an even more special day. Dave surprises me with a beautiful pottery bowl that he has made for us – my Bond Cliff Bowl. It’s late and most must think about getting home for work the next day. We say our good bys to Christine and Dave, and Amy. Charles, Mark, Bob and I will hit the Chinese restaurant in Lincoln Center (by the grocery store). The food is great, and I am certain that we could have held our own against the local football team in an eating contest. It’s been an incredible journey, and one that will continue as hiking has become such a wonderful part of our lives. We’ve made so many new friends – on line and in person. Thanks to those of you we’ve been lucky enough to hike with, and those that have been supportive over the months online. Hope to see you on the trails soon. Geri and Bob |
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Directions to the trailhead: From Lincoln head East on the Kanc until you arrive at the Lincoln Woods parking lot on the left in @ 5 miles.
Time to summit: @7 1/2 hours Time to descend: @4 1/4 hours |
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and our