The forecast called for bright sunshine and clear skies, but cold temperatures and potentially high winds. We began our hike at mid-morning instead of daybreak; I didn't want to reach treeline before the temperatures had a chance to rise above 5 degrees.
The below-treeline portion of the Jewell Trail was in good shape.
Looking up toward Gulfside and over to the false summit of Jefferson...
The trail above treeline was completely drifted in...
We plowed ahead, sometimes managing to follow the official trail, and sometimes not. We did see a blaze and a cairn here and there.
At times, we stopped to admire the view...
Looking back down the Jewell Trail...
The winds picked up once we reached Gulfside, but the chill was never dangerous. Our balaclavas and hats did their jobs.
Since the day was clear, it was easy to follow the cairns toward Sphinx Col.
After eating a quick snack at the col, we headed up Jefferson. The signs at the junctions had a bit of rime ice on them...
We ran into Randy Pierce and his support team a few tenths of a mile from the summit of Jefferson. It was an honor to meet him; he seems like a really nice fellow and he's an inspiration to many.
The final push to the top...
Alex on the summit of Jefferson...
We took our time on the descent. Back at treeline, the wind disappeared and we felt warm enough to delayer and eat whoopie pies.
We ran into Tim C. below treeline and joined him for the hike out. On the way down, Alex built a little snowman (Tim took this picture)...
The sun was setting when we returned to the cog station. Alex sat on the tracks and took in the view (Tim C. took this photo)...
It was a great day above treeline. Hope we get another one like it before March 20 so we can get Washington and Monroe...
2 comments:
Congratulations! There is an organized AMC trip up to Washington & Monroe this Saturday if that would help Alex with her peak bagging.
Thanks! We will keep an eye on the summit's weather forecast...if Sat looks good, then we'll go for it. Which chapter is going?
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