May 25, 2009
Today I'm hiking the northern Presidentials with Larisa Dannis and her friend Mardi. We started our hike on the Castle Trail a little before 8:30. This was a new trail for both Mardi and me.
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The trail started off easy enough but like many trails in the Whites gradually became more difficult until we were in an all out steep climb up the mountain
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Mardi after a steep section of trail.
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"You haven't taken many pictures," Larisa noted.
"Wait until we are above treeline," I said.
Entering the Alpine Zone
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Larisa on the Castle Trail
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Eric on the Castle Trail
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Looking into the ravine
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Looking across to the Pliny Range (Starr King, Waumbek, the Weeks)
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Larisa, the Scrambler.
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Looking back
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Just .5 to Jefferson
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Mardi and Larisa on the summit of Jefferson with Washington in the background.
For a video clip of the windy summit click here.
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Next up, Mount Adams
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Larisa crossing a snowfield
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Mardi after the snowfield
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Looking back to Jefferson
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Nearing Thunderstorm Junction
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Washington from the summit of Adams
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Hunkering down to get out of the wind.
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Next up, Mount Adams
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Heading down to Madison Hut
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Once at the hut we took a break, had a snack, ditched our packs, and headed up to Mount Madison.
Looking north from Madison
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Mardi and Larisa on Madison with Washington to the left and Adams to the right.
The wind was still howling. For a video clip click here.
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We headed back to the hut where we took our last break. We descended via the Air Line Trail, another new trail for me. This kept us above treeline (and in the wind) a little while longer.
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But what a fun trail. Much more interesting than Valley Way.
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Kings Ravine
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Leaving treeline
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Hours of battling the steady wind were behind us, but lots of rocks were before us as we made our way down. After running a 50k yesterday and walking on rocks for hours, my feet were killing me. We took Valley Way for the last mile finishing about 5:30. Despite the wind, it was an awesome day to be above treeline. Thanks for letting me tag along Larisa! It was nice to meet you Mardi!
If you want to see Larisa's awesome pictures from the day click here.
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