Sunday March 6, 2005

East Osceola and Osceola

Today we headed to the summits of East Osceola and Osceola with several other members of VFTT.

This is the route we took today.

Directions to the trailhead: Rte 93 north to exit 32, the Kancamagus Highway. Head East through the town of Lincoln and past the Loon Ski area. Continue past Lincoln Woods until you see the marked parking lot on the right (Greeley Ponds). If you reach the hairpin turn you have passed the parking area.

Time to summit: Mt Osceola 3:30

This is the profile of the hike.

A 3-D view of our hike to the summit.

We met at the parking lot at 8:00 AM. That meant differant things to differant people. To most of us it meant being ready to leave at 8 AM. To some it meant arriving at 8 AM to the parking lot :<

A celebrity in our midst...George getting ready. George and his brother Tom set the original speed record for hiking the NH48 peaks in 7 days back in 1973.

Soon we were on our way - 8 of us and a dog. The hiking party consisted of George, Mark, John, Sarah, Danette, Julie, Geri, Bob, and Dugan. Donna and her friend Don caught us just as we left the second summit. Between some very dark clouds, the sun was trying to come out to brighten the day. It was a warm 32 degrees as we set out.

Time to put on our crampons as we reached the steep section of trail just before crossing the slide. Mark and George with Dugan waiting for everyone to get ready. The trail was fairly well packed, but did have enough loose snow to make snowshoes a good idea up until this point.

We regrouped at the bottom of the slide and enjoyed the views.

One by one we made our way up the slide.

Dugan leading the way for the girls.

Danatte, Geri, and Sarah.

Above the slide the trail levels out shortly with a short trail to an outlook on the right. Danette and Geroge approaching the top.

Sherpa John leading the rest of the group.

Dugan was having a great time today.

Hear comes Geri with Sarah bringing up the rear. At this point there was still no wind so we were all very warm after hiking one of the steep sections of the trail.

Sarah reaching the top.

It was windy at the outlook. here is George telling us a story.

John actually seems to be listening...

A group shot before we finish the hike to the summit of East Osceola.

As we approached the treed summit we found some interesting snow sculptures carved by the wind.

Onward to Mt Osceola! But first we had to tackle a short steep section known as the Chimney. I was the first up it, followed by Mark, George, and John. The snow was unbroken and 4 feet deep!

It was tough to get a foot hold under the deep snow, but Mark managed to get himself successfuly through the Chimney.

It required the use of crampons, poles, and grabbing onto any handholds that were exposed.

Danette, Geri and Sarah took the easier "go round" alternate path.

We made it - the summit of Mt Osceola!

After enjoying some snacks we all switched back to snowshoes for the return trip.

Don't they make a cute couple. Sarah is currently in school at UNH - Durham.

George and Mark enjoying the great views as the snow starts to fall.

Geri get's ready to put her crampons away.

John making the moves on Julie.

Joh - the King - and his rope he had brought in order to help Sarah up the steep parts - it was not needed.

Danette puting everything away - she brought some great cookies to share with the group, as did Sarah.

Did you say cookies??? Dugan made the rounds looking for leftovers.

Group shot as we get ready to leave. We had spent a long 30 minn on the summit. The snow started coming down steady and remained throughout the rest of the hike. The return was much quicker than the ascent as most of us slide on our butts in the steep sections - it was like a bobsled run!

Back to the Chimney. I took the lead and slide down it, pushing the 4 feet of snow at the top down over any exposed rocks.

Here comes John!

John forgot to slow down before going over the large ice section and caught some good air.

Snow was flying everywhere as he landed.

Not to worry - he was stopped by the trees

Not everyone wanted to descend the Chimney in the same fashion - extra points if you can identify this butt. (GEE Thanks - from the editor)

Mark wasn't going to be outdone by John.

Dugan just watched all of us crazies and took the more sensible way down.

Sarah and Geroge also opted for the more sane route.

A familiar face! Fast-hiking Donna (and friend Mike) caught up to us at the bottom of the chimney and shared the home made snacks that she had brought along. Good thing we choose long hikes - have to work off all the food! Dugan looks on encouragingly for any of us to toss a snack his way.

Almost back to the start we saw this odd shaped tree. After the hike we all stopped at the Woodstock Station for dinner and to recount the great fun we had today. This was indeed an incredible hike and alot of fun!

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