Alpine Team Building

We love seeing a group whose members are able to accept their differences, look past them, and embrace and support each other. Like a team! That’s what we witnessed on this recent hike led by Redline Guide Debra McCown. One member of the team on this corporate outing wasn’t at the same physical level as the other two he accompanied. So the two who could get it done accepted this and a better plan for the day was presented. Instead of Southern Presidential Traverse, the trio opted to set their sights on the Lakes of the Clouds Hut only, then to head back the way they came. In this circumstance the two who could might have teased and taunted — and they did a little in a fun and supportive way — but instead of a whole lot of negative finger-pointing and a lack of empathy, they were there for their co-worker and as the team they accomplished what they could. Perhaps it wasn’t what they had originally set their sights on, but they acted together and behaved admirably. We like these guys and salute them for this. What follows are additional observations and photos.

A group of three, co-workers, came looking for a fun winter hike in the White Mountains, first floating the idea of a traverse of a Southern Presidential traverse or ascent of Mt Washington but then scaling back their plan when one group member found those options too ambitious. Instead, the group took advantage of the perfect snow conditions and shockingly good weather to trek to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, where they enjoyed the views of Mt Washington and Mt Monroe and took classic photos on the roof of the building, which is accessed by walking up drifted snow.
 
We headed up on the new section of Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, which bypasses the washed-out riverbank route by switchbacking up and over some steeper, wooded terrain on the way to Gem Pool. The new route, while adding elevation gain, also adds some awesome views through the trees on the approach!
 
It was clear from early in the day that this group’s top priority was not a particular objective, but completing something that all of them, as a team, could do. The purpose, they said, was team-building — and they held true to that. One group member even helped his coworker by carrying his backpack up the last stretch, making it easier to accomplish the goal as a group. There was the expected level of fun and mockery, plus stories to take home and another ambitious goal: to get their epic pics on the homepage of the company website. —Debra

Great job, Debra, and to our guests, above all else, exemplary team work. You guys rock!