Single day Presidential traverse

[Hiker Seth]

So I finally had time and weather to check off a winter version of one of the White mountains of NH crown jewel hikes. In it's easiest form it is about 19 miles and 8700 feet of elevation gain. 12 miles are above treeline. After a car spot with my partner we started at 0545. Unfortunately my partner had a major bonk at about the 4 mile mark. He opted to turn around and was kind enough to take my car back to the finish spot. He is a stand up guy who I owe a big favor too.

From Mount Madison looking south to Washington


Mount Adams from Mount Jefferson


Creeping closer to the high point. It always looks like it's "right there" yet takes forever to get too.


Eyeing the finishing ridge. It's gonna be a while


Rime ice on the summit observatory.


Clay, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison. The bulk of the vert.


Last peak, Mount Pierce. I was able to knock the whole thing out in under 12 hours. Now my face is on fire because I forgot sunscreen. I may take a few days off.

 

[John Morrow]

Sweet! Did you even need flotation for any of it or is it so windpacked and frozen? In the 1980s I remember the footwear of choice were double plastic boots up there in the winter. Are you wearing something lighter? Is Crawford Notch still a self serve winter bunkhouse with a caretaker?

 

[Hiker Seth]

Sweet! Did you even need flotation for any of it or is it so windpacked and frozen? In the 1980s I remember the footwear of choice were double plastic boots up there in the winter. Are you wearing something lighter? Is Crawford Notch still a self serve winter bunkhouse with a caretaker?

No float needed. It was wind packed and solid. No need for double boots. Most any well insulated boot would work well for current conditions. Crawford Notch is now a huge AMC center with lodging, cafeteria, and common area.

 

[OldBill]

Great job! That's a brutal hike even without the snow and ice. Looks like you had absolutely perfect weather. Unusual for Mt. Washington. I'll be happy if I can do it in 2 days under summer/fall conditions!

 

[Nodust]

That's an incredible hike.

Did you take spikes?

Thanks for sharing

 

[Hiker Seth]

That's an incredible hike.

Did you take spikes?

Thanks for sharing

Thanks, yes spikes pretty much all day. That's about to change with warming weather.