Starting with Mt Tecumseh

Having never winter hiked, our most recent guest decided to hire a guide so as to learn the ropes while being safer in the process. He knew there were things he needed to learn. With us to took our Hiking Intro Course (with winter focus at this time of year). Prior to the hike he purchased some of the gear he needed so was just about set. There were items he bought, however, that need to be changed out: a ski jacket as one example. In any case, he had a great trip with a successful class partially conducted on the way to the Mt Tecumseh trailhead. His guide was Redline Guide Michael Scire who taught him a lot and made a generally fine impression. Our guest made a detailed report on 4000-Footers of NH Facebook group so we asked if we could re-print it here. He was okay with this idea so, without further ado, here’s our guest’s summary:

I had never done a Winter hike before today. But I have to say hiking up the Tecumseh was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have done in a long time. I came to this not knowing anything. However, I learned so much not just from the posts in this (Facebook) group but also from talking to a couple people who were very gracious to respond to my texts. My guide Michael Scire from Redline Guiding was amazing and patient with me. I had to take many water and food breaks which turned it into a close to 5 hr hike. Special thanks to the pink water bottle and the honey waffles that kept me going. Just documenting my takeaways:
 

1. My water bottle was too large and I had to keep it in the backpack. I need a more agile hydration system. I drank about 1.2 liters and most of it going uphill. But I also actually drank a lot of water last night. So, maybe that’s why I didn’t need it too much.
2. The honey waffles were the best choice I made in terms of food. Provided the right amount of kick each time I was gassed and didn’t upset my sensitive stomach.
3. Getting a guide was also a very wise choice. Thanks to the people who recommended Redline Guiding to me. [We thank you, too.]
4. I was overdressed and packed too much. I probably should have done this hike with just a base layer and a hard shell. My gloves also got a bit wet from sweating which probably would have not been great anywhere else except Tecumseh in gentle weather.
5. If you go up Tecumseh and see big prints, those were not Big Foot’s. They were my 30 inches snowshoes. I probably need to get ones that are 25 inches or lower. When the packed trail got narrow, I had to keep one foot on and one foot off trail because my snowshoes were too wide. In terms of positives, there is no way I could have done this without them. The heel lifts were a life saver when going up the incline and also for not postholing on the way down.

I think that’s pretty much it. Tecumseh is not known for the views. So, unfortunately you just get to see my face along the way which is also not known for its views. What’s the saying again, ‘Live free or die’? My knees are alive and I feel alive. Thanks to the source of this vision because I wouldn’t have attempted it otherwise. But it was exhilarating and I am coming back. Until next time, see ya soon New Hampshire. —SR, Ronkonkoma, NY

 

Great job, team. To our guest, thank you for choosing to learn and adventure with Redline Guiding!