April 19, 2008
There have been major changes in the weather since my last hike ten days ago. Lots and lots of melting. Four of us met at the Cog Base Station: Ed Hawkins, Tom Davis, Jeff Cutter, and myself. As we were leaving (8:20), Mountain Drew, MEB, and Rachel showed up. They were doing a traverse of 'George' thru Pierce. They would join us for the first leg of the trip as we headed up the Jewell Trail
Jeff and Tom crossing the only bridge of the day
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There was still a couple of feet of snow in the woods, but once we broke through treeline we were surprised to see most of the snow gone. I guess it's a good time for a break.
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We are starting to get up there.
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Once we reached Gulfside Trail (The Appalachian Trail) our two groups parted, but we picked up Jim Towle who got here early and already bagged 'George'.
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Ed cutting across a slippery snow field.
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On to Mount Jefferson
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Tom reached the 5712' summit of Jefferson first. Here's a view of Mount Adams.
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I got my Ed Hawkins handshake at the top. That's 31 out of the 48.
Here's a 360° view from the top of 'Jeff'.
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Ed was planning an early day so that he would have time to get to the AMC awards ceremony that night.
Jeff returned with Ed while Tom and I went after Washington. It's a long way away.
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Time to get going
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Tom on Monticello Lawn
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We're getting a little closer.
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I love this view of the northern Presidentials.
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There was no cog blowing black smoke today.
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The Sherman Adams Summit Building Visitors Center (not open yet)
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Tom took my picture at the 6288' summit. I held up all my 'digits' signifying my 10th climb of Washington.
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Looking east
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The Tip-top House (the oldest structure on Washington)
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Tom was planning on hiking the next day, so he headed back. I continued solo on to Monroe.
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Walking from Washington down to the Lakes of the Clouds is one of my favorite sections of the Appalachian Trail.
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Here's one of the 'lakes' (ponds really) waiting to break free.
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I dropped my pack at the hut. The front entrance was completely snowed in. I walked up onto the roof like I did at Madison Hut one year ago. I left my pack, grabbed my crampons, and headed to Monroe.
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Here's a view back to Lakes of the Clouds Hut.
You can see how I was easily able to walk up onto the roof.
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There was a fifty foot section that was a little too slippery. I played it safe and put my crampons on.
Here's a view of Washington from the 5372' summit of Monroe.
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And here's a 360° video clip.
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Those aren't hikers, but skiers in the picture below.
Skiing in April and May is quite popular on Mount Washington.
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Once back at the hut, I grabbed my pack and began the steep descent down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Once I reached treeline I put my snowshoes back on. I reached the parking lot about 5:50 just as Drew, MEB, and Rachel returned from their traverse.
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