A few pictures:

This past Saturday I completed my longest winter hike to date: a 30 mile traverse (of sorts) across the northern boundary of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Throughout the course of the journey, our party of three stood atop the summits of 8 4,000 foot peaks:

• Hale
• Zealand
• West Bond
• Bond
• Bondcliff
• South Twin
• North Twin
• Galehead

To be perfectly honest, I’m struggling to put the experience accurately into words. This was hands-down the most challenging hike that I’ve ever undertaken. While heading towards South Twin, I suddenly hit a low point which nearly stopped me in my tracks – an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that both confused and distressed me. I had to reach deep inside myself to find the strength to keep going.

Why did this happen? Did I fuel myself improperly, or have I just not been training hard enough? Perhaps I was just having a bad day?

These are some questions I’ll have to think about as I continue to work towards improving myself as a hiker.

On a brighter note, I very much encourage you to read this more optimistic rendition of our 30 mile adventure, compiled by my good friend Tim Seaver.

A few pictures from the day:

…full album here.

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, there’s something about the Whites that just resonates with me. Even in the pouring rain, or whilst breaking through foot upon foot of fresh snow, I feel inexplicably drawn to these peaks. Some say that I’ll tire of them eventually, and perhaps I will. Yet at this point in my life, I honestly cannot imagine ever losing interest in a place I hold so dearly.

This past weekend only served to reinforce that notion. Bluebird skies, endless views, and fantastic snow conditions made for what may very well have been two of the best days we’ve had this winter. On Saturday I traversed Zealand and the Bonds. At 23.2 miles in distance, it marked the longest continuous hike that I’ve done since my injury back in August 2009. Waking on Sunday, I was feeling terribly sluggish. Nevertheless, I still managed to muster up the energy to take a quick hike up Jackson the day after… and am I glad that I did…

There are a handful of mountains – one of which happens to be Jackson – that I am not particularly fond of. Hiking them in each month (to go against my previous chain of thought) becomes something of a chore. However, the beauty of the Grid is that you’re given the opportunity to experience New Hampshire’s highest peaks in a huge variety of conditions – good and bad. And in some instances, this can serve to foster appreciation for peaks and trails that you may once have held in disdain.

Breaking above treeline on Sunday, I finally realized why so many people love that little mountain on the eastern side of Crawford Notch. The summit cone was a blanket of white, each of the tiny krummholz encased by snow. The sky was so deeply blue at times that it appeared almost unreal, altered beyond the boundaries of nature. It was a day to be savored, and no longer will I hold that mountain in such low regard!

A few pictures from the weekend:

…full album here.

Carrot cake on Carrigain. The phrase has a pleasant ring to it, does it not? Perhaps a carrot cake x 48 is in order, as I’m now three peaks into the list (7 if you count post-hike indulgences).

Osceolas.
Carrigain.
Moriah.
Black tights (as the January thaw was in full force).
Carrot cake.

Throw in some absolutely phenomenal – and wholly unexpected – views, a welcome encounter with a new friend, and some good old trail breaking… who could ask for a more perfect few days of hiking!

…full album here.

How far can I go?
How fast?
How many 4,000 foot peaks can I squeeze into the timeframe?

While I do think it’s healthy to set goals, I’ve noticed that my current peakbagging aspirations have started to (ever so slightly) detract from my enjoyment of the mountains. Consequently, last weekend I decided to take things easy for once. A leisurely 11:30am start time on the Hancocks, followed by a stellar visit to Whiteface/Passaconaway and the Sandwich Range Wilderness, made for a spectacular two days of hiking.

North and South Hancock

Distance: 9.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,650 feet
Trails Used: Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop

Whiteface, Passaconaway, and Square Ledge

Distance: ~12 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,100 feet
Trails Used: Blueberry Ledge, Rollins, Dicey Mill, Walden, Square Ledge, Old Mast Road