Carin Sitting...

The weather cleared on Thursday September 16th and we headed towards Mt. Washingto Here, Big Ooh sits on a carin ... Enjoying our first real views of the Presidentials.

Note that we're eye level with the clouds. 




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No Joke ...

Having taken my Wilderness Emergency Medical Training in the White Mountains I was well aware of the weather systems that make this area so dangerous. 

As we climbed Mt. Madison the weather turned extreem.  Unfortunately due to winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, freezing rain, snow and temps in the 30s I chose not to stop to take pictures.

Big Ooh took a few shots and one brief video (which really demonstrates the wind's speed) but I don't have the ability to upload via wifi from his camera.  What I can tell you is that it was very tough going due to the low visability, cold weather and high winds.  We all made it safely over the summit and down the other side but none of us want to re-experience that day again. 

Since the AMC closed the hut on the other side of Mt. Madison we were forced to climb Mt. Adams and decend down to a Randolf Mountain Club Hut (God Bless the RMC!) which provided us shelter from the weather.

It was quite an experience and one we placed ourselves in by choice.  We knew the weather was slated to turn but with Mt. Washington scheduled for the next day we decided to do Madison in the weather since Washington is even higher.  Plus, September 16th was forecast for a mild morning with clear skies.  We wanted to hit Washington in that window and we did.

Rolling on,
Yahtzee

Weather rolling in...

SEPTEMBER 15TH CONTINUED ...

As we climbed higher the clouds began to appear on the horizon.  Soon we were surrounded and our lovely views were again obstructed by a white sea of mist and fog.

Rolling on...


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Finally a day without rain - sort of...

On September 15th Big Ooh, Koopa and I headed out from Pinkhan Notch and up the AT towards Mt. Madison.  Well... I say "AT" but the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) doesn't like the ATC so they've made a marked decision to leave the words "AT" off of as many signs as possible.  To reach Mt. Madison we had to follow several different trails - which comprise the AT - but were named differently.  At one point we tried to determine if a hand printed sign, nailed to a post was the official trail or not. Plus, the lovely two inch by six inch white blaze - that marks the trail so well - is largely absent within the AMC's jurrisdiction.  Nice AMC, thanks! 

On the upside the day started out beautifully in the valley and made for nice hiking.  The weather was about to change but we were aware of its approach and were prepared ... or so we thought.

Rolling on,
Yahtzee






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The Presidentials (September 13, 2010)...

New Hampshire is certainly beautiful ... I know, luckily I've been here before.

So far all I've been able to see are white clouds as they completely envelop the mountains and block the views. Of course with clouds comes rain ... so I've been seeing (and trudging through) lots of mud too.

This photo isn't an isolated section of trail ... it IS the trail with the exception of the completely open rock faces (which don't mix well with muddy boots - slick!).

So far I've summited several mountains, including Mt. Moriah, North, Middle and South Carter Mountain, Carter Dome and Wildcat Mountain.

Next up ... The Big Momma's - Mt. Madison and Mt. Washington.

Rollin On,
Yahtzee
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The Hardest Mile of the Trail...

The Mahoosuc Notch is known as the most difficult mile of the trail. Since I'd already experienced some pretty tough sections I couldn't imagine what we'd face once we descended the Mahoosuc Arm into the Notch. This one mile section takes, on average, three hours to traverse ... and that's exactly the length of time it took us. Yeesh.... This was hard! Hope you enjoy the photos.

Rollin On,
Yahtzee

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Speck Pond...

This is the highest body of water in Maine. Koopa, Big Ooh and I spent the night at the Speck Pond Tentsites, which are run by the AMC, and charge a fee to stay there. Hummmm... I'll refrain from comment on that subject (for now).

Rollin On,
Yahtzee

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Mahoosuc Notch ...

Managing a smile during a brief break in the Mahoosuc Notch ...

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Mahoosuc Notch ...

Flattering? Ughhh....no, but necessary. Here I am climbing through the Mahoosuc Notch.


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Mahoosuc Notch ...

Pack off ... Big Ooh stoops to fit through the hole that is the "trail."


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