The winds on Mt Washington can best even the toughest hikers and climbers. Experience can help a little, knowing there be some reprieves, such as those found in the “shadow of the cone,” as some say. Strength and toughness can help, too. But Mt Washington will always win when it unleashes its worst weather. Humans can only take so much and that mountain reminds us often that it has so much more to give. Today was no different as the team led by Redline Guide Erik Samia found out atop Lion Head. Like other groups seen on the mountain today, they threw in the towel and let them mountain win another victory. That said, they did have fun and the experience on day two of our program is indelible. What follows is a short summary from Erik along with few photos from both days.
This being our guest’s first winter experience, he did awesome! He was a quick learner with a positive attitude and although the weather and wind was brutal today, he keep going. No parties summited due to wind today so Lion Head was a high as anyone got, including our guest. The past two days from learning mountaineering skills and applying them the next day on Mount Washington was an amazing start for our guest’s winter hiking career. We hope to see him back in the White Mountains soon! —Erik
