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 […]
In New Hampshire, in the White Mountain National Forest, on Mt Washington there exists a trail called Lion Head, of which there are two routes. One, the default option, is known by most as Lion Head Trail or by the more informed, the Lion Head Summer Route. So-named for the fact that there is a corresponding Winter Route. In years’ past the Summer Route had a […]
When seeking out an exceptional experience in the mountains, bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s other factors that make it special. One such factor might be the time of day. Such is the case for two people going on a sunrise summit hike on a 52 With a View gem, Mt Willard with Redline Guide Mike Maciel. That said, we will give the stage to Mike […]
He was requested — as he often is — so Redline Guide Mike Maciel led our oft-returning quest on an almost-winter hike with Mt Garfield as the objective. As usual this mountain was in the working list of 48 peaks being chipped away at by this guest. What follows is a guide summary along with some photos of the day. Walking in a Winter-Ish Wonderland Our […]
A returning guest, the “Gridder” Redline Guide Chase Hall accompanies a lot, had us on board for an Owls Head hike. He needed it for December. Unfortunately the river statuses didn’t sign off on this tour and threw high water at the pair, ultimately blocking access to the mountain. We knew this could happen, but it was decided to try. Water levels started off indicating accessibility […]
Cold is a frosty mountain wind, a silent and lonesome vigil atop a dark, rocky, ice-covered lump in the landscape. It’s not a preferable situation. Add other people, though, coupled with an almost full moon on a clear night, and top it off with some Swiss Miss hot chocolate with marshmallows and now you’re talking. Next thing you know, warmed by a hike and a steaming […]
As we’ve done in the warmer months, we offered the Hiking Buddies Non-Profit Group a special Hiking Intro Course — with this one being in winter (even though technically we haven’t entered that season yet). As has been the case other times we’ve done this, the class went off without a hitch, everyone enjoyed themselves, and more importantly, a lot was learned. This full day class […]
Looking at the photos posted below you’d be hard pressed to convince anyone these are fall scenes, but they are. Winter has seemingly landed in the mountains, but looks can be deceiving. The guest on this hike was an oft-returning Gridder — working on doing the 48 every month — and as usual in this case, Redline Guide Chase Hall took the lead. The objective on […]
Two couples from New York City reached out. One had some winter experience, and all were self-professed “slow hikers” who sometimes needed encouragement on exposed vertical segments — like many of us. They planned to be in the North Woodstock area and wanted to bag at least one 4000-footer in that general area each day over a two-day period. After discussing a few options — with […]
A returning guest came to us looking for a companion for her 48 4000-footers finish. On the job for this hike was Redline Guide Eric Hansen. Being that the access road on the south side was closed for the Osceolas, they took on this project from the north (the Kanc). For the details, check out this post from Eric along with some of the photos of […]
Hikers have to start somewhere when taking on the 4000-footers of New Hampshire in winter-conditions and Mt Tecumseh is a good choice. And doing it with a guide is better still. So many harsh lessons await hikers taking on such a hike. But with a guide, myriad lessons are learned the easy way. On the job for this particular hike was Redline Guide Hayley LaPoint and […]
Taking time off is a double edged sword, so to speak. Sure, the rest up is nice, it helps us heal, but too long a rest can make starting back up a rough proposition. No different than taking a break on trail. We cool off a bit, we rest up a bit, but if we take too long a break we end up have to start […]
