Just one week after running my first marathon, I really wanted to get my winter feet wet. Finally having signed up for Winter School (WS) with MITOC, I acquired a spot on a hiking trip to Mount Osceola, where the main objective was to enjoy a day in the mountains with the added benefit of having some slightly spicy conditions on our forecast (3-5in of snow). Mount Osceola had been a previous personal objective of mine since November, but at the time I hadn't wanted to further aggravate my knee injury.
Leaders, Kyle and Jason, planned for us to meet-up at White Mountain Bagel in Lincoln by 8am, grab a quick breakfast, and be at the Greeley Pond Trailhead by 9am with an ultimate turn-around time of 2pm. This would leave us with an approximate 1mi/hr comfortable pace for 3.6 miles to reach this NH 4k summit,which especially in winter conditions would require essential levels of mountain skills, before heading back to the lot.
Leaders, Kyle and Jason, planned for us to meet-up at White Mountain Bagel in Lincoln by 8am, grab a quick breakfast, and be at the Greeley Pond Trailhead by 9am with an ultimate turn-around time of 2pm. This would leave us with an approximate 1mi/hr comfortable pace for 3.6 miles to reach this NH 4k summit,which especially in winter conditions would require essential levels of mountain skills, before heading back to the lot.
The gear explosion for a winter day hike and an overnight at Camelot
Fully packed (front)
Fully packed (back)
With a new coating of snow, the morning roads of NH proved to be slick enough resulting in our arrive to the trailhead 45 minutes behind schedule. There were only 2 other cars at the lot before us, but one group didn't seem to be heading up. Abby (red jacket) had arrived with Kyle (black hood) and Jason (brown jacket), and I piled in with Nate (black jacket/blue hat) and Shilei (green jacket).
Dawning microspikes and divvying other group gear
We started up an easy snow-laid and packed down path for about 1.2 miles where we came upon our first major landmark of a cross-country track adjacent to the Greeley Pond.
Mostly frozen creek crossings
Trail intersection of the cross-country sking track
First major rest-stop, eat-water-bathroom
Our way onwards and upwards
After the intersection, the trail heads upwards for a majority of the way to East Osceola peak, which is about 1.5 miles and an elevation gain of about 1900 feet.
Nearing the top of the majority of our climb
The ascent turned into a typical New England climb with little switchbacks and many icy steps requiring us to swap our microspikes for crampons.
First ridgeline view!
No better place to be on this particular Saturday
But East Osceola Peak Cairn is a little more satisfying
We arrived to East Osceola at 1pm, and after deliberating over a quick rest stop, we decided to push for the true Osceola summit. With a small margin of time to cover 1 mile as well as a 400 foot descent combined with an additional 500 foot ascent, we knew we would we wouldn't be able to stop much. Halfway to Mount Osceola from East Osceola at mile marker 3 from the parking lot, a steep icy section referred in the AMC guide as "the chimney" is a notable sketchy icy and steep section. Thankfully, Shilei found a small hundred foot bypass. Having safely circumnavigated this most dangerous area, we pushed the pace knowing our turn-around time was quickly approaching. With 2 minutes to spare, Kyle lead us to the summit. Summit time, 1:58pm.
Summit poses!
Nate (left) and Kyle (right) inspect the gorgeous view
100% humidity means all the things are wet
Summit pow-wow means chocolate
Satisfied with our views and having completed a fun side-objective, we turned around and headed back to the parking lot. On the way back, we snagged a quick glimpse over the Kancamagus to the north. Our stomachs had at last urged us to hastily (but cautiously of course) descend as the incentive of eating at the Common Man in Ashland awaited us.
Return descent
A glimpse above the clouds on our way back to the car
By the time darkness had overcome us, we reached the cross-country skiing intersection once again. Sparking up our headlamps, we stripped off our crampons and sped away on the easy trail out. Off the trail and back at the cars by 5:15pm, we had maintained an excellent pace and had staved off any undesirable incidents. A hearty post-hike meal at the Common Man consisting of burgers and lots of interesting conversations has satiated my mountain itch...for now. Relieved to have added another 4k peak to my bag and having had a splendid day in the mountains, I look forward to more trips; to meet new interesting passionate people and to relish as well as share my growing outdoor experiences. Thanks to MITOC-WS and to Leaders, Kyle and Jason, for a great first trip with the organization.
