| Summary | |
| Owner | MITOC Gallery Administrator |
| Creation Date | 2006-07-29 23:31:09 UTC-0400 |
| Description | Twins & Galehead: 7.29.06
Luisa Chiesa, Vesna Damljanovic, Tom Ligon, Christiaan Adams, Chris Glazner, Mike Kokko The weather in Boston was beautiful as we pulled-out of Amherst Alley around 7am. It was still nice and sunny as we shuttled cars between the North Twin and Gale River Trailheads. As we started-up the North Twin trail it was even a bit too hot. That, however, was all about to change. Ascending the North Twin trail involves three crossings of the Little River which we decided was neither little nor a river. Fueled by recent rains, the brook did have some decent volume; and despite Chris strong desire to paddle it, our lack of whitewater vessels forced us to cross by alternate means. Crossing techniques varied across our group from rock-hopping to wading to horizontal-tree-shimmying. Tom was able to keep his newly-stitched shin mostly dry, but I think everyone managed to take-on some water at one point or another. The clouds rolled-in just as we left the Little River behind. By the time we got to the ledges on North Twin everything was completely white. Although it was a bit windy, we dropped our packs at the summit viewpoint, layered-up, and sat down for lunch. Not all of us ate as well as Chris (lox and cheese on a bagel!), but the break and the food were certainly rejuvenating. Sticking-out the chilly wind on the ledge eventually paid-off as the clouds broke once or twice exposing a magnificent view of the Galehead Hut, parts of the Pemi Wilderness, and off towards Franconia Ridge. The clouds rushed back in and it rained on our parade between the Twins. Christiaan and Vesna drained some of their water weight (crazy people!) on the top of South Twin, and we headed down the notoriously steep link to the hut. I wanted to head out the short Galehead spur as part of my venture to hit the 48 peaks, and despite some grumbling, everyone decided to come along. The summit was nothing to write home about (sorry Mom!), but there was a gorgeous view off towards the Bonds from a ledge just below the top. By that point it was getting well on into the afternoon and we decided we should start heading back towards the cars. The top part of the descent down Gale River trail was fairly steep so we lost elevation quickly and the trail settled-out into a flat path through the woods. After a few more miles and a final brook crossing or two we arrived at the trailhead where Christiaans car was waiting. Christiaan and I re-shuttled cars quickly, then it was off to the Tiltn Diner for some burgers and shakes to round-out this pleasant 12.6 mile day. Driving South on Rt. 3 was a bit tricky thanks to the setting sun, and the following exchange is reported to have occurred in Christiaans car: Christiaan: Ive gotta put my sun glasses on, keep an eye out for moose, Chris. Chris: BEAR! And just then, a black bear waddled its way across the road Sorry Vesna, next time youll get to see a big animal too! - Mike |