Thwarted again....

[Acrophobe]

Well, after more then a year of trying, I finally got my dad to try Mount Washington in winter with me. It was a spectacular day - 50 ish degrees at the base. We set off, enjoying the sunshine, passing group after group, til we got to where the Lion's Head trail start climbing rather steeply. It was great, but my dad's legs are sixty years old, and the section took its toll. We finally got above tree line and into the clouds that almost invariably cloak the upper reaches. I felt like I'd just stepped out of the car, but my dad was toast and wanted to turn back while he still could. Besides, I didn't have crampons, and the trail had turned to ice. So, after a final longing look in the direction of the summit, back we went to Pinkham. 5000 feet or so, which is our winter altitude record, but it sure hurt to turn back on such a great day. Oh well...

Our companion, sitting at the highest point we reached.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/Geeeeeeek/MountWashington035.jpg

A look off, part way up Lion's Head.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/Geeeeeeek/MountWashington022.jpg

Lion's Head (I think) from near Hermit Lake.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/Geeeeeeek/MountWashington053.jpg

Finally, a look back at The Mountain on our way home. Note the crystal clear skies and balmy weather that arrived AFTER we'd reached the parking lot. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/Geeeeeeek/MountWashington067.jpg


Sure was a shame to waste such a great day and chance to summit, but dad was completely tuckered out. No sense pushing too hard, I guess. Still got some neat views.

[Brad]

Being in that age range, I know what he was feeling! When it is time to quit and head back - it is time to head back. But, you two got up above treeline which is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations on a great day.

[KD Talbot]

I know you feel bad about turning back on such a great day, but your dad knew what his body was tellin' him and made the right move.

You'll get it someday, don't worry!

Great pics!

KDT

[Charlie]

i can say bin there
it is hard to turn back but it is better then pushing and getting stuck up there
there is aways another day

[Acrophobe]

Yes, I guess if you can't go on, you can't go on. Next time I go, I reckon I'll have to go alone, though. Annnd bring crampons. It was fine till a quarter-mile or so above treeline, then it became really icy. And bare boots aren't good for that sort of thing.

Also, we saw tracks of a giant snow machine of some sort on Tuckerman's ravine trail up to Hermit's Lake, and also on the Huntington Ravine fire road. We were trying to figure out what it was and why someone was driving it around up there. Anyone ever seen it?

[smithtim]

it is hard to turn back but it is better then pushing and getting stuck up there
there is aways another day

well spoken, defintley the right call and good "mountaineering"


beautiful pictures, thanks for taking the time to share them

Tim

[Brad]

Yes, I guess if you can't go on, you can't go on. Next time I go, I reckon I'll have to go alone, though. Annnd bring crampons. It was fine till a quarter-mile or so above treeline, then it became really icy. And bare boots aren't good for that sort of thing.

Also, we saw tracks of a giant snow machine of some sort on Tuckerman's ravine trail up to Hermit's Lake, and also on the Huntington Ravine fire road. We were trying to figure out what it was and why someone was driving it around up there. Anyone ever seen it?
I believe the Rangers use it to go back and forth to the cabin at HoJo's and they groom the trail a bit below the cabin. I have not been on the ski trail and they may use it over there too.