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February 28, 2009 Hike #2
After completing my winters 4s this morning, now my heart was set on finishing my winter 4s in one season, an accomplishment that has been reached by far fewer people. How many have completed this feat? We will never truly now since some have chosen not to send in their registration form, but if I finish today, I will be #28. Of course that number may change if earlier finishers do indeed end up sending in their forms.
At least eight people had planned to join Ed and I, but as I mentioned in this morning's entry I had to bump the hike up a day. Two in the afternoon is an odd time to start a hike, so I didn't expect to see anybody. Lynn was going to join me for the finish with a ride up the Tram, but she had commitments for today. I did get to meet Van (Darcy's husband) and their daughter Jessie in the parking lot though. They had just climbed Cannon. Great! That meant it was broken out. Seeing that we really weren't expecting anyone, we decided to head out a little early. We left about 1:45. This was an easy peak to end on. I was so eager to get to the top, I didn't bother with any pictures on the way. A few minutes before 3:00, Ed and I reached the 4100' summit where he took my picture.
Woo-hoo 48 in 1 winter!
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Ed on the summit.
Ed wanted to hike some of the Presies today, but gave up a great weather day to be with me on my finish. Thanks Ed.
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It was a bit breezy, but with blue skies, I had to climb the tower.
Looking south to the Kinsmans
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Looking east to Franconia Ridge. Jeremy was over there trying to complete his hike in time to join us but wasn't able to. Thanks Jeremy!
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Ed and I began our descent.
We followed the ski slope for about a third of a mile before going back into the woods.
Here's the view north.
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Ed and I got back to our vehicles just after 4:00.
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Summary of My 48 in 1 Winter Season
My 48 in 1 winter season is complete. It's been so much fun. And 42 of the 48 peaks fit into my requirements for the Grid. It took me 59 days to complete this goal. Nearly a full 50 days longer than the records set by Tim Seaver and Cath Goodwin, but an accomplishment I'm proud of none the less. Many of you that are reading this journal also joined me for one, a few, or many of my hikes. See how many of these highlights you can remember.
- Windiest moment - the last 100 feet before the summit of Isolation
- Scariest moment - charging moose on the Zealand Trail
- 2nd Scariest moment - stepping through some slush into a stream after just one mile on the first day. It was -10°. One foot was in the water almost up to my knee. Fortunately my gear kept out the water. I only had one small wet spot on my sock.
- Funniest moment - the snowshoe tapdancing contest on the south peak of Moosilauke
- Most enjoyable descent - the free for all bushwhack about halfway down from North Tripyramid
- Most enjoyable ascent - heading up North Kinsman. I often have trouble sleeping, but I was well rested that day and sailed to the top.
- Biggest mental challenge - being patient and waiting for an opportunity for the Bonds. My thoughts were that until I bagged the Bonds, I really didn't have anything.
- Toughest day - Mount Moriah. The hike by itself wasn't too tough, but I started off tired and dragged all day. I was just plan worn out from hiking the Wildcats and Carters the day before.
- Toughest ascent - breaking trail up to Carter Dome from the 19 Mile Brook Trail.
- Easiest day - solo hike of Mount Cabot
- Snowiest day - Hiking the Twins and Galehead
- Nicest weather - hmmm? I'd have to go with the sunny hike to Lincoln, Lafayette, and Garfield
- Coldest day - There were many days well below zero, but I remember reading -18° at one point while in the parking lot before hiking Jackson, Eisenhower, and Pierce with Alex.
- Calmest moment - not what you would expect but it was the summit of Mount Washington. It's extremely rare but there was absolutely no wind when I was there.
- Day with the most solitude - Mount Cabot - hiked alone and didn't see a single hiker.
- Steepest Climb - up East Oseola. One of the only times this winter when I needed my crampons.
- Best Day - This is a tough one but I'd have to go with Mount Moosilauke with Cath, Jonatha, Tim, and my dog, Madison. It was my last major peak, a beautiful day, no wind, lots of fresh snow, great company, and the end was now in sight.
- Funniest quote - This is another tough one. I'd have to go with the day we hiked the Wildcats and Carters. Mountain Drew looked up at Middle Carter, the 5th and final peak of the day and said, "I suppose you want me to climb that one too."
- Funniest sound - hearing Larisa woo-hoo when she reached a summit. I heard this on 18 out of the 48 peaks.
- Greatest Moment - finishing on the summit of Cannon
Thanks to so many who helped with this adventure. I just can't name everyone because I know that I will leave someone out. I would like to give a special thanks to three people: 1) my wife, Lynn, who has been a hiker's widow for the last two months and who has "crewed" me from the warmth of our home by getting details done that allowed me the time necessary to hike, 2) Cath Goodwin, one of the co-inventors of this "game", for her participation and organization of so many of these hikes, and 3) Ed Hawkins for helping to organize my finish on Hale and Cannon. There are a flood of others I would like to thank but I'll give just one big THANKS to all who helped.
Now the question is, will I attempt it again? I was so convinced that this was a one time deal for me. The other night with two peaks to go, I was talking with Lynn and telling her how much fun I was having.
"You want to do this again next year, don't you?" she said.
It's way to early to make that commitment yet, but I will say this, now I'm thinking about it.
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