Carrigain, 2/7/2009

[LRiz]

I'd been hoping, so very desperately, for a Presi day... and for a while, the weather seemed to want to cooperate. High temps and sunny skies were forecasted in the valleys, but as Saturday approached it was apparent that the wind speeds were suddenly - violently - picking up. Our plans would need to be altered, and Carrigain it was.

The bold, impressive mass of Washington stood imposingly against a backdrop of vivid blue sky - taunting us! - as we made our way through Twin Mountain en route to Sawyer River Road. Crawford Notch itself was teeming with hikers, ice climbers, and skiers - every parking lot we passed was thoroughly packed with cars. I was certain that we, too, would encounter many people out on the trail on this fine day, especially considering that we'd opted for such a late start time. However, as it would turn out, with the exception of two solo hikers we would have the mountain entirely to ourselves.

Arriving at Sawyer River Road, a part of me was worried that I'd still be slow and dragging given my lack of strength the week prior. I'd decided once again to take a few days off from exercise in a wishful attempt to heal my achilles. While the tendon itself was feeling considerably better, I was still nervous about my speed... but as we started up the road, my negative thoughts quickly dissipated. It was warm - almost annoyingly so given that I was now accustomed to hiking in very cold temperatures - and bright outside. I couldn't wait to return to the peak on which I'd finished my all-season NH 48 list!

Groomed, flat road transitioned nicely into a firm, packed (albeit increasingly spongy) "sidewalk" as we turned onto the Signal Ridge trail... and the going was wonderfully fast. Fortunately for us, ice bridges had formed solidly over both of the water crossings:



However, as we started to ascend the heat of the day began to irk me. Even in a single layer, I was burning up. Nevertheless, we maintained a steady pace and were greeted with beautiful views as we passed several small outlooks between the trees. All was calm and quiet around us, and I soon started to wonder... where were the winds?

Ah, now why did I think that! Cresting the shoulder of the mountain, the air suddenly grew turbulent as two approaching fronts clashed directly above us. Clouds twisted and curled around the tops of the mountains, dipping into the valleys and then launching violently upwards, creating stunning patterns in the sky. The motions were so rapid and erratic that I barely had time to snap pictures... and the ones that I did were woefully incompetent at capturing the intense scene unfolding around us:



We dropped our packs in a sheltered area, layered up, and pressed onwards towards the summit. Feeling weightless without the added burden of a backpack, I quickened my pace and danced between the "snow bombs" that would fall as the winds struck the trees. The clouds around us were thick, dark, and disorienting... possessing a smoke-like quality in smell and taste that seemed to choke my lungs. When we did reach the summit, I was simply shocked. I hadn't realized just how close we were!

Of course, my shock gave way to happiness, and I jumped at the opportunity to goof around by a snow-embedded trail sign:



...and when it came time to scale the tower, we made the collective decision not to remove our snowshoes. Certainly interesting. Oh, what awe-inspiring views! I couldn't get enough.



The descent itself flew by, made all the more pleasant by good conversation, a barely aching achilles, and the quietude of an uncrowded trail.

[LRiz]

I forgot to mention that the Signal Ridge trail sign is now gone. Its replacement is interesting. To shamelessly steal rocket21's quote, "apparently sharpies don't come with built-in spell check" :

[marty]

Fantastic report, LRiz The trail was much the same on Sunday: spongy! As temps cooled in the afternoon, much of the trail speeded up for a quick descent. The other big difference was that the snow bridges had some holes in them, but were still doable with caution.

Looks like you ran into some wild weather. The pix did a nice job of capturing that. We were treated with clearing skies as we approached the ridge, so we got some amazing views. Winds were strong, but not consistent.

Thanks for breaking trail for us, too!!

Best regards,
Marty

[ColdRiverRun]

What was this an un-groped day hike?

I bet if you licked that summit marker you could have tasted VT maple syrup.

[Darl58]

Nice TR & pics Larisa!! It was fun to bump into you Sat night after our hikes....

Hopefully we'll meet up to hike together soon!! Let me know when & where you'll finish!!

Darl

[TrishandAlex]

Brilliant, as always!

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

Originally Posted by LRiz

...and when it came time to scale the tower, we made the collective decision not to remove our snowshoes.

You are all under arrest for inflicting likely damage to the steps and platform of the Carrigain tower with your snowshoe cleats! Just kidding.

Just a meager Presi traverse from finishing all 48 in one winter, eh? Best wishes for that magical day arriving soon.

[rocket21]

Great trip report as usual! I feel honored to be quoted!

[AndyF]

I was up there today. Did someone shovel off the tower steps and platform? There was hardly any snow there.