Lakes Hut Trip
February 21, 2009
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The target today was either Washington or Monroe, with the plan to evaluate
the conditions once we reached the hut since the forecast on Washington was
for high winds and limited visibility.
We had arrived at our trailer Friday night to find a solid foot of fresh
snow. Wenzel and Chris met us at our trailer Saturday morning, and we headed
over to meet Mad River and Trish. As we drove up the Cog Base road we had
numerous snowmobiles keeping up with us on the trail that is next to the
road. With all the snow that was flying from behind them, it was clear we
would be breaking trail at some point.
After getting ready to go we headed out and found that 3 hikers in snowshoes
had broken the trail out - as well as 3 people can with over a foot of snow.
But - unfortunately there were also 2 hikers behind them that were
bare booting, post holing a fair amount which made the trail tough to navigate
at times.
We stopped often to de-layer or enjoy the views of the fresh snow on the
trees. In short order we made it to the Gem Pool where we ran into the 2 bare
booting hikers. The 3 guys on snowshoes had left the trail here, bushwhacking
over to the actual ravine to climb that. From here on, the trail was unbroken
and the deep snow began. Geri led the way as we continued up the steep rise.
A few hundred yards before the trail crosses the river, we ran into a
dead end. The snow was so deep and the trees so laden with it, all signs of
which way the trail went were gone. While one group searched forwards, a
couple of us went back down a few yards and ventured under a tree which it
turned out was where the trail went. From here to the crossing we were in
waist deep snow.
We re-grouped at the crossing and were caught by 4 young French Canadians who
were planning to summit Mt Washington. We encouraged them to pass us and
wished them luck. However we soon caught them as they had lost the trail -
this was there first time hiking the Ammo trail. As we looked for the trail
another couple joined us as well. It was two AMC Winter Care Takers, one from
Zealand hut and the other from Lonesome Lake hut.
Back tracking a bit we found the actual trail once again and were on our way.
Soon we were out of the woods and now hiking up frozen river. Luckily the
wind was at our back, but we did stop to put on more layers and goggles. The
visibility had dropped to about 100 feet and the wind was picking up as we
went higher. We passed the 4 lads again where had stopped to have lunch,
trying to get out of the wind as much as possible. Going over to them we
asked if they knew of the emergency shelter below the hut, which would be a
better place to snack. They seemed very appreciative of the information and
indicated they would be right behind us.
Suddenly a water bottle was loose and rolling down the slope. One of the AMC
caretakers made a quick dash to his right and managed to grab it before it
rolled away. Disaster averted and we continued onward, at a slightly slower
pace now that we were fully exposed to the elements.
We stayed in the middle of the river which forms a funnel from the top - the
plan being to follow it to just before the high point and then shift to the
right where the hut would be. Sure enough we soon saw the building that hosts
the grey water tanks, and a minute later we could make out the outline of the
hut. We veered right and quickly were at the back of the hut where the
entrance to the emergency shelter known as the dungeon is located.
A couple from Canada has spent 2 nights here last weekend when they had
encountered bad weather during their planned Presi Traverse. While nothing
more that a small shelter lined with frost encrusted rocks and 2 small bunks,
it does provide shelter from the wind and elements. We enjoyed a snack here
while we discussed our options. Based on the time, and the unpleasant weather
outside, we decided that we would head back down. The temp was about 10
degrees, but the wind was about 50 - 55, and visibility under 10 feet.
The French Canadians stopped in and let us know they were turning back. Then
the AMC crew headed out, but were replaced by the 3 hikers who had climbed
the ravine. 9 of us made the place very cozy, but the extra bodies added to
the warmth. Soon we geared up and headed out. While waiting for a couple of
our group a few of us went around to the front of they hut where the snow was
drifted all the way to the top of the roof, allowing for an easy walk up
there - too bad it wasn't a sunny day with views.
Off we went, heading right into the wind as we started our return trip. At
this point with the wind and poor visibility there is no indication of where
the trail is or what way it actually goes. Even having just come up this
way,without being able to see any landmarks it is easy to see how one could be come disoriented. We started down once again staying in the middle of the funnel following the path of least resistance. As we went lower and the trees became taller we veered to the left and were on the trail that we can ascended by.
Now the work was over - all the deep snow and steep terrain now made for a great glissade much of the way down. Several stops to remove snow from our pants and were were back at the Cog Base station where we found partly sunny skies and temps in the mid twentys.
We didn't summit a peak today, but enjoyed a fun hike, with some wonderful friends. Wouldn't have changed anything. Since we were down earlier than planned we stopped and bought some munchies and beer, then all returned to our trailer for a post hike snack, stories and planning for our next hike.
Length of Hike: 6:00 hours
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