Ascent of North Tripyramid on 2010-12-31Date: | Friday, December 31, 2010 | Ascent Type: | Successful Summit Attained | Peak: | North Tripyramid | Location: | USA-New Hampshire | Elevation: | 4160 ft / 1267 m |
Ascent Trip ReportUpon reaching the Middle peak I finally found a trail that was broken in. It meant I could relax a little on my way to the north peak. I realized I had lost 1 hr 20m and thus I had no time to stop for lunch. I knew I had keep going to get off before dark. I set off at 9:15am, but with hindsight, at this time of year an 8am start would be better for this route, thus allowing for unexpected losses. Having said that I was prepared for night hiking, or worse.
The views were great: Winnipesaukee to the South looked unfrozen and glorious; Waterville Valley ski area looked threadbare, though I could see little dots of skiers going down the slopes; Mt Wash. was visible for a while before the afternoon clouds came in and masked the summit.
Leaving the North Peak I knew time was of the essence and I was glad the trail was broken in. North Slide was obviously not an option, so I continued along Pine Bend Brook Trail. This route off the North peak is tricky especially in snow shoes. At the intersection of Scaur Ridge and Pine trails my heart sank as once again it appeared I'd be breaking in the route down. However I was able to cover this part in great sliding, bounding leaps and was through it in under an hour. Now back on the Livermore Trail which was groomed for X-Country skiing I could finally relax. It was there I met my first human being from the parking lot that morning. I was back at the car at 4:45, which was exactly seven and half hours of almost non-stop walking; precisely the book time for this route. TIP: As you head down the Livermore Trail, if you look over your left shoulder you get a nice profile of all 3 peaks and the horrifying North Slide.
I restate that this route is not worth the risk in Winter, and though I really enjoyed it, if you must give a go, allow yourself at least 1 more hour, or better 2.
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Summary Total Data | Quality: | 5 (on a subjective 1-10 scale) | Weather: | Cold, Breezy, Clear Sunny | Ascent Statistics | Distance: | 0.5 mi / 0.8 km | Route: | Tripyramid Trail | Time Up: | 43 Minutes | Descent Statistics | Ascent Part of Trip: Tripyramids
Complete Trip Sequence:
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