My First Tuckerman Experience - 4/18

[c.h.r.i.s.]

Alright, I got up to N. Conway on Friday, getting my first ever look at Mount Washington. It was beautiful looking on a great day. I was very upset that I wasn't up there, because I knew it was rare for the summit to be out of the clouds all day but we simply got there too late to try to hike up. Also, I had school Thursday so going up Friday morning was the only option, and the 5 hour drive from CT didn't help. On Saturday we got an early start, hiked up starting at about 8. Got up to the bowl at around 11 and hung around for a little bit waiting for the nasty fog to clear. We realized it wasn't going to, and we hiked as far up as we could safely do without axes and crampons. I got one run in on the bowl, I have no clue how high up we were because of how bad the fog was. I know it was steep enough so that I had trouble clinging to the snow in ski boots, and the ride down was fun. We decided to begin heading down and we made it to the first aid cache and headed down toward the little headwall from there. Skied a nice little chute and went down the Sherbie Trail from there and hiked back.
Overall I have to say I'm feeling pretty disappointed. I got to hike up and experience it, but ultimately after my 5 hour drive and 3 hour hike I did not accomplish the goal I set out for. I will try my best to ski the whole Ravine by the end of the year, but logistically it will be tough with finals coming up. To everyone who was able to enjoy Friday and today, and every other nice day this season, congratulations...i envy you!

[DMC]

It aint goin anywhere...

next year... or.. this year... :)

Well done..

[M@]

A foggy day in the ravine beats a climate controlled desk. Every trip is different - congrats on busting the cherry.

M@

[RR]

...Got up to the bowl at around 11 and hung around for a little bit waiting for the nasty fog to clear. We realized it wasn't going to, and we hiked as far up as we could safely do without axes and crampons. I got one run in on the bowl, I have no clue how high up we were because of how bad the fog was. I know it was steep enough so that I had trouble clinging to the snow in ski boots, and the ride down was fun. ...Despite the dissapointment, that little nugget shone through. Trust me, I know the feeling of the fog and the firm. I think we all do.

Goodonya for making the trip and please do try again!

[c.h.r.i.s.]

update: were going up again next weekend and I think we're going to try to stay from Friday to Sunday, hoping we get one good day out of the three. I think we're going to try to camp up near the Ravine, now it's time to do some research!

[Seeker]

Great to hear it! Glad you are getting back up. My first time was in the cold and fog, and my run involved sliding/tumbling down the headwall (I climbed to the base of the cliffs), because of somewhat icy conditions and my lack of skills at the time. Still, it was a great experience! :D It's all good, as long as you come back uninjured!

[Luddite]

I was up there Saturday too, though much shorter drive. Between the tuckerman.org weekend update and what we saw from the (#3!) parking lot we decided to leave the skis behind and just have a nice hike with friends. For me a trip to the ravine is like going tarpon fishing; more often than not I'm not going to get a shot at a fish because of a cold front, wind, rain, food poisoning, gear malunctions or my general incompetance. I think in like 20 years I've caught 2, and yet I go every chance I get because it's not about cathcing a fish any more. I like the month of getting psyched, tying flies, looking at charts. I could pay a guide and probably catch them all the time, but I've grown to enjoy this process for some sadistic reason. Tux is like that for me now, every experience is well, an experience. Add as many as you can! Me, I'm heading to Puerto Rico to chase Tarpon :rolleyes:

[Fanatic1]

Welcome to the club...The mountain has a spirit and if the spirit moves with yours you are lucky and have a very enjoyable adventure. I went several times before I was able to get up high and ski the vert. The first time I got up high I drove up from the Philly area leaving at 9:00 pm on a Saturday evening and arrived in Pinkham at 6:00 am. I fed my dog, got a room and got some breakfast. I napped until 9:00 got up and hit the trail by 10:00. Made it to Hojo's by 11:30. After a bite of lunch I got to the floor of the ravine by 1:00 and the top of Left Gully by 2:00. I took one run and hiked down to the car by 5:00. I had a beer, some dinner and went to bed and slept like a baby. In the morning I left at 7:00 to drive the 8 hous home. All in all it was 16 hours of driving & about 5 hours of hiking all for 10 minutes of skiing...I was completely beat but I couldn't wait to do it again! Talk about getting a Jones to go skiing...

[winters2short]

It is certainly dissapointing, but as you said it is unusual to catch things clear and sunny on the Rockpile. I remember it took me six tries to reach Mt. Jefferson in nice weather to catch the view. It all adds to the mountain experience. No matter what, its always better than not making the attempt. In the future, you'll have earned it!
Makes me glad I live in NH and can pick the days alittle easier, with less of a drive.
It Would suck in CT:( at least you have Mt. Southington:)

[RR]

update: were going up again next weekend and I think we're going to try to stay from Friday to Sunday, hoping we get one good day out of the three. I think we're going to try to camp up near the Ravine, now it's time to do some research!Barnes Field Campground (Dolly Copp Rd, North of the MW Auto Road off Rt16) is 10 minutes from the PNVC. It is 10 bucks per vehicle. The sites are huge, so if there's one tent in a site go ahead and ask if they mind sharing . You'll still have to pay! Skip breakfast at camp and beat it to PNVC for Brekkers @6:30==Real Hiker Food, a tad pricey.

Alternate A: The shelters and tent platforms at Hermit Lake..there's good water 100yrds past Hojos but you will be on your own for food and other beverages. The big plus? You are 30 minutes walking from the Ravine :)

Alternate B: Hiker's Paradise in Gorham, indoors sort of basic, but Welch's (on 16) is open for breakfast at 6AM, also == Real Hiker Food and cheaper than PNVC!

Alternate C: Go Deluxe stay at the Joe Dodge Lodge (next to the PNVC) and get the meal package.

Alternate for Southern lodging or camping: If you stay South of Jackson, NH, stop in Jackson for your breakfast at Yesterdays. They can make you a very nice box lunch :D

[c.h.r.i.s.]

thanks a ton, I think we might try to stay at Hermit Lake so we're close to the ravine. It will be an adventure for sure. Do you think if we get up there Friday afternoon there will still be spots for Friday/Saturday night?

[RR]

thanks a ton, I think we might try to stay at Hermit Lake so we're close to the ravine. It will be an adventure for sure. Do you think if we get up there Friday afternoon there will still be spots for Friday/Saturday night?It's likely there will be spots on Friday afternoon and evening. Check in at the PNVC desk (not @ the Dodge Lodge). They will sell you the spots in shelters or tent platforms if the shelters are full(Be prepared with a tent, leave it in the car if you get shelter space).

Then hike up, cruise the shelters for a nice view and etcetera, then go see the Caretaker to confirm the space in the shelter.

Note, earplugs are the shizzle! And, while the bears are moving about the forest, your food stuffs are more likely to be molested by red squirrils, chipmonks and jays.

[TeamFun]

make sure you pack your food well and hang it so the animals don't make a feast out of your food. I've driven up 5x from Maryland over the years, sometimes you get one run in and sometimes you hit the jackpot. Always watch out for falling rocks and ice. I love Tuckerman's!

[northeastsurf]

We were there the day before, http://www.northeastsurfing.com/video_pages/47.html