The couple hikes, lives right here in New Hampshire, and was curious about hiking Mt Washington in the winter. Upon reading Ty Gagne’s books, however, they were prompted to take this on very carefully. After doing some research it became clear they should contact us to investigate booking a guide. For this one-day half-century birthday hike — going up the Ammo and down the Cog way […]
We just got done sharing part one of the adventures experienced by a family visiting from Wisconsin. As you may recall, they had tried their hand at Ice Climbing in the Flume Gorge during that part. We mentioned then that the second part of their journey was to attempt traversing Franconia Ridge. They went up Falling Waters Trail then hiked across the ridge grabbing Lincoln in […]
A returning guest who recently had a mountaineering experience with us wanted more, once again ratcheting up the challenge. This time she wanted to test herself by taking an Ice Climbing intro course. This was led by Redline Guide Glenn Van Neil and he took her to some popular spots in Crawford Notch. As reported, she did great. Here are some photos… Great job, Glenn, and […]
Coming from Wisconsin a group of repeat guests came to us to do two things: Climb some ice and to take on the classic Franconia Ridge loop. In this post we will focus on the ice climbing. On this day, in true form, mother nature made sure it was cold and windy (evident by our guests climbing in belay puffies). Despite the cold, however, the crew […]
A couple of fellows from Canada reached out with intention of climbing some steep snow in the ravines on Mt Washington. They were asking that the guide meet them at the trailhead then, after a successful day of climbing, dropping them off at the Harvard Cabin for the night while the guide headed back down. This plan, as we learned, was going to undergo a metamorphosis. […]
We spend decades living large in the years of our youth but we do age, and as time passes that aging becomes more and more apparent to us. Yet, we yearn for the glory days, hoping for more of the same. To continue, to carry on, to reach for and meet our limits. This can be hard; a challenge to us. It doesn’t get easier, as […]
The plan was to utilize Zealand Hut (open for self service in winter) to help lessen the pain of doing the Bonds. On this trip led by Redline Guide Chase Hall, our oft-returning guest working on his Grid. As a departure from the norm, here are his words to describe the trip. Bond Cliff, Bond, and West Bond with Chase Tuesday for 488/576. Ww went in […]
A skier, an expert in the front country, wanted to get out in the backcountry to play while learning and bolstering her confidence in that realm. Our guest felt she was a novice in those environs and wanted an “entry level” experience. She signed up for our Intro to BC Skiing. Leading the day was Redline Guide Dominic Torro (which was awesome seeing him back out […]
The saying, “the mountain will be there another day,” applies to this trip. Extremely high winds forecast for the alpine regions forced a change of plan. Instead of a long, exposed day on the Presidential Range, Redline Guide Debra McCown — with the approval of our guest — opted for a more sheltered traverse, in part: The Wildcats, Carter Dome, and Mt Hight. We’ll let Debra […]
People choose to hike, climb, and study with us for myriad reasons: For the joy of the sport, for the love of the mountains, to be safe and ready, for the feeling of accomplishment from the effort and, of course, sometimes just because it’s there. And sometimes it’s a test to 1) see if they like it before 2) going hog wild and taking on big […]
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 […]
In our Hike Intro Course we often refer to a scenario involving descending the sketchiness of the notorious Flume Slide Trail. It goes like this: 1) We have a plan to go up Flume Slide Trail to Franconia Ridge Trail, then head over the Liberty and descend Liberty Spring Trail soon after summiting; 2) We tell our students that for some contrived reason that we are […]
