Fri - Sat Aug 19/20, 2005

Mt Washington - Huntington Ravine

Today we were to summit Mount Washington via the Huntigton Ravine trail and then spend the night in the Mt Washingtn Weather Ovbservatory. On Sat morning we planned on watching the finish of the Mt Washington Bike Race.

This is the route we took today.

Directions to the trailhead: From the intersection of Rte 16 adn 302 in Glen, NH follow Rte 16 @ 12 miles to the Pinkham Notch AMC Visitors Center.

The profile of our hike.

A 3-D view of our hike.

Our adventure started at the AMC center at Pinkhamn Notch. From left to right - Drewski (aka Andy), Sherpette (aka Sarah), Jim Kent, Sherpa John (aka John), Bob, Geri.

We started up the Tuckerman Ravine trail which is as wide as a fire road, but littered with rocks making the footing a challenge at times.

This rock looked like it was put there just for tired folks like us.

While we rested, this red squirel came to see if we would share any food.

1.3 miles after leaving the AMC center we reached the junction with the Huntington Ravine trail.

.2 miles later we reach the Cutler River which was easy to rock hop to cross. There are several nice pools to cool off in here.

After crossing the river the trail starts to climb, but soon provides a view of Lions Head. With a little imagination you can make out the head of a lion.

Continueing on the trail passes the Raymond Path and the Huntington Ravine Fire Road, until you reach a strait shot where you see your first view of the Ravine.

1.3 miles from the Tuckerman Ravine trail we reached the first aid cache at the foot of the ravine.

10 minutes later we stoped for lunch with this view. The precipice to the left is called the Pinnacle.

The view behind us from our lunch rock.

Here is Geri making her way through the boulder field.

The slide - in the middle of the photo you can see the yellow trail marker. The trail goes to the right, but several of us decided to head straight up the slide.

Just hanging out in the sunshine.

Jim waving at me from below.

These rock climbers provided some entertainment as we made our way past the Pinnacle.

The view of the Ravine from half way up the slide.

We came across many grasshopers on the slide. At first I thought this was a mother carrying a baby, but after some searching on the web, I now believe that they were indeed mating.

We also found many flowers.

of all colors.

Here is Andy at the top of the slide were the trail connects with it. From here the trail traverses large slabs for a while before coming b ack to very large boulders that makes one feel they are rock climbing versus hiking.

As we near the top of the head wall the clouds start to roll in.

Hmmm - John and Jim can't agree on the best direction.

A view of our rock climbers reaching the top.

And here is our group (less Bob) at the top of the headwall.

2.1 miles after leaving the Tuckerman Ravine trail we reached the junction with the Alpine Garden trail.

Here is John on a ledge overlooking Huntington Ravine.

Here you can see the Alpine Garden and the trail going across it towards Lions Head

John and Sarah.

Adams and Madison were in the clouds.

The final section of trail before crossing the Cog Railroad tracks.

The Cog RAilroad tracks as they approach the summit. Notice the white cross next the tracks.

We approach the summit building which houses the Cafe, Gift Shop and Mt Washington Weather Observatory.

Here we are at the summit! Usually we would head down after a treat, but we were staying the night on the summit.

After checking in, we unpack and make ourselves comfortable in our bunk room for the night.

The Weather Observatroy is much more comfortable than a hut!

The cook and one of the crew start preparing dinner - home made pizza.

Jim and Nim, the official Observatory cat get to know one another. Nim is 16 years old. Jim won't tell us his age.

Neil starts our tour of the observatory.

To move from floor to floor we use the circular stair case that goes to the tower.

Neil is showing us a chart of a day the winds were at 154 mph.

The tower contains lots of testing equipement which we were told all about.

Geri going back down to the main floor for dinner. We were given free access to the observatory and summit. Andy took advantage of this and stood on the actual summit at midnight. Others explored the outside deck after dinner under the a mix of moonlight and clouds.

Besides the weather crew, the staff is made up of volunteers that cook and clean.

When not on duty the crew can do what we do at home - watch some television and enjoy a nap.

Jim listening to another crew member, Dan.

It is now Saturday morning at @ 7 AM. People people have been arriving at the summit by car for the last hour in order to watch the finish of the Mt Washington Bike Race.

The clouds have cleared on the summit, but would return by the time the first rider crossed the finish line.

The tip top house which is believe to be the oldest mountain-top hostelry still in existence in the world.

The race crew is waiting at the finish line.

Spectators gathered dressed for winter.

The race has been underway for 38 minutes! Geri, Sarah, and John waiting.

Even the dogs were dressed for the weather.

The race attracts spectators of all ages.

The pace car that is 30 seconds ahead of the first rider approaches the finish line.

And here come the winner! Tyler Hamilton. Years ago I belonged to the same reacing club - CCB.

Tyler who is 34, now living in Boulder, CO broke the tape in 51:11.

This was his first race in the last 11 months.

Anothy Colby, 26 from Dedham, MA came in second with a time of 55:12

3rd and 4th place were Phillip Wong and Ned Overend. Ned was also celebrating his 50th Birthday finishing with a time of 55:21, setting a new record almost 15 minutes that the best previous time in his age group!

Tyler giving interviews after the race.

And posing with future Tour de France racers.

The winning woman for the second year in a row was Aimee Vasse, 27, who kept her lead despite being blown off her bike near the top. Vasse, of Tucson, Ariz. finished with a time of 1:12:28.

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