I’ve been fortunate this December that I’ve been able to get up in late fall “pre-winter” conditions, as well as currently during real winter. I’ve made 3 trips up to the Whites this month– Madison, Welch-Dickey, and Monroe attempt.
Madison was really fun. Jeremy, Austin, and I went up Valley Way to the hut and then summited from there. Temps were very cold, exacerbated by high wind gusts, and we intended to hit up Adams as well but Sky girl was shivering and getting stressed so we turned around. This was the first time I’ve seen her cold. Either way, good experience and we got some beautiful views for a bit!
A few days after that, I solo decided to head up again to test some camera things. This was my first excursion where I wasn’t specifically looking to get a gnarly hike in, or get above 4000ft. I opted for the Welch-Dickey loop, a mild 4.5 mile loop that rewards the hiker with ledges and beautiful views of the Sandwich range. The drive is also a lot closer than most hikes since this loop is on the south end of the Whites. I had a wonderful day, leisurely hiking up the ledges, getting a little lost off trail (the trail markers were painted on the rocks on the ground which were covered in snow). This hike would be ideal for beginners or taking kids! Big reward for minimal effort.
Most recently, in real winter, Jeremy, Aaron and I took a trip with the intention of summiting Monroe. The skies and clouds had other ideas, and visibility kept us from going past the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. We went up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the hut. We were off trail a bit after going over the beautiful waterfall at the top of the first climb. I would love to try this again on a clear day!
So this concludes my hiking for 2016. I can’t wait to get back out there in January 2017! Winter hiking is a complete joy. Happy New Year to all!
48 peaks 