March 7, 2009
Didn't I just hike the Bonds? Yes, two weeks ago. I was so concerned about getting the Bonds for my 48 in 1 winter season, that I planned two hikes in case one of them fell through. This is an A.M.C. hike. Because more than 10 people signed up, we split into two groups to meet the requirements for the wilderness area. Ed Hawkins and I led the first group of nine while Becca Munroe and Guy Jubinville led the second group of eight. Our group of 9 headed out a little before Becca and Guy's group to give a little space between the groups. Also in our group were Denise Penn, Nancy Dambois, Bill Marcotte, Steve Moore, Doug Hunt, Alex Nedzel, and Kwi-Hui. We hit the trail about 6:00 a.m.
Alex nears the bridge by Franconia Brook.
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Our biggest concern today was the wind. The wind was currently 70 mph on Washington. Although it wouldn't be that high here, it can be very windy across the ridge. If it was too windy, we would be turning back. But it would be 9 miles in before we knew.
Steve reaches treeline.
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We bundled up expecting the worst. There were indeed some fairly strong gusts, but we would make it. We headed up and tagged Bondcliff. The Bonds have seldom disappointed me. It was another day with great views!
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Our group nears the summit.
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Ed on the summit.
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Nancy on the summit.
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While we waited for the 2nd group to catch up and seeing the rocks were bare, I decided to take my first summit nap of the year and laid down for about 10 minutes. Although we reached Bondcliff, now we had to see how windy it would be across the ridge. Sometimes it's worse there. We safely got across the ridge. Looking back to Bondcliff.
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As we headed up to Mount Bond we lost the trail. It's easy to do here in the winter. We followed a set of tracks that led us on a bushwhack to the summit. It was fun to hear the comments of everyone from the two teams as they reached the summit.
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"Was that the Waterman route?" joked Guy. He was referring to Guy Waterman who hiked all the White Mountain 4s starting from all four points on the compass.
Here I am on the summit of Mount Bond.
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Time to head over to West Bond
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As we reached the spur trail to West Bond, the trail was not broken. As we took a break, I put my snowshoe extensions on. I stood up to lead the way, but Bill was already ahead of me breaking trail. I caught him as the trail started to head up. He had been breaking trail for a while, so I took over. Up I went to the top of West Bond.
South Twin from West Bond
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Franconia Ridge
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Kwi-Hui reaching the summit of West Bond
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Catherine and her dad, Ron, on the summit of West Bond with Bondcliff in the background
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Catherine took my picture.
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Next we made our way over to Guyot. The Presidential Range had just broken free from the clouds.
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Now onto Zealand. This was an important peak for Bill so I let him pass me so that he could get to the summit first. Here's Bill on Zealand.
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This completed the winter 48 for Bill. It also had significance for Steve Moore. It was his 400th Grid peak. We also met Mountain Drew here who had come over from South Twin. This finished his March Grid. Congrats to all of you in reaching some important milestones!!
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Steve, Kwi-Hui, Nancy, and Denise on Zeacliff
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Down we headed to the hut, then the Zealand Trail, and finally the road walk out. Each of us walked out at our own pace. I reached my car about 8:15 p.m. Another successful Bonds/Zealand Traverse.
Grid Update:
Although I have climbed Mount Washington more times, the Bonds and Zealand are now my leading grid peaks having climbed them each in eight different months. Bagging four peaks today, March which was my worst month has now climbed out of the basement leaving that distinction now with the month of August.
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