Tuesday, March 13, 2018

MOUNT JACKSON: 3/12/18

Mark Klim and I snowshoed through a winter wonderland to an old favorite.

Interesting note at the trailhead. The Dry River Valley has long been one of the wildest places in the Whites. Even more so now.


Mark and I visited with Billy Freitas, who was on his way down on a solo hike. Billy needs only one peak - Zealand in winter, if I recall correctly - to complete his four-season list of the White Mountain 4000-footers.


The Webster-Jackson Trail had a perfect softly-packed snowshoe track. Thanks to those who broke it out after the last storm!


Ghost forest.


Winter has returned in March!


Snow-caked beauty.


Summit cone in sight ahead.


It was looking a little foggy, so we weren't sure if we would have much in the way of views.


On the final steep climb to the summit. There was a good snow ramp all the way up.


The views are all right! First vista, looking towards Mt. Willey.


The last sharp pitch, in the open. A bit of careful foot placement needed here.


To the top.


The Sandwich Range.


Summit scrub.


Mark takes in the western views.


By the rime-frosted summit sign.


Southeast view, looking towards Mt. Resolution and neighbors.


Mt. Washington hid in the clouds.


The expanse of the upper Dry River Valley.


 Mt. Isolation and Mt. Davis.


Sun on the Southern Presidentials.


The obligatory visit from the local residents.


You talkin' to me?
 


We chatted with a student from Brazil who has been working at the AMC Highland Center. He loves the winter!


North Twin in the spotlight. Mts. Willard, Avalon and Tom are lined up on the right.


White-winged Crossbills were hanging around the summit.



After an hour-plus summit stay, Mark descends the cone.


Parting shot, looking towards the Sandwich Range, Nancy Range, Mt. Carrigain and Mt. Hancock.


An unexpected burst of blue.


We snowshoe-tiptoed down the steep pitch off the summit.


Winter sentinels.


Great snowshoeing on the descent.


Down through the open firs. The powder off-trail was soft as a pillow.



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