Brutal conditions along the ridge up to the summit of Moosilauke today; 60 mph sustained winds and 50 feet of visibility made for a tough going. Barely took the camera out at all today; the wind managed to blow snow up and into my pack, effectively filling it (and my previously comfortable camera) with the stuff. With how well my pack was sealed, I still can’t believe my misfortune on this one.
Lack of visibility and the barren conditions made it very easy to get lost across the 1.8 mile ridge loop, and any exposed skin was immediately subject to frostbite. Ice quickly formed across the pack and gear and left even the zippers on my jacket lightly frozen in place.
Probably not the best outfit to wear into a bank…
Looked like about six of us hit summit today, though conditions were reportedly substantially better in the morning given one hiker who mentioned he peaked without a face mask or goggles (impossible by the time I reached summit).
Whiteout along the ridge to the summit of Moosilauke
Shared the trail with Coco the stray Chocolate Lab on the way down, who was bitterly disappointed when I practically had to pull her out of the driver’s seat of my car to inform her she could not come home with me.
Ice began forming across all our gear
Today’s trip makes for 100 miles of hiking in the White Mountains in the past three months.
7.8 miles / 4hrs 45min
Leave a Reply