Snowshoeing the Greeley Ponds Trail (NH)

What a beautiful way to learn to snowshoe! The winter wonderland of Greeley Ponds Trail in the White Mountains of NH after 10" of snowfall ...

The stream crossings are challenging with snowshoes, since the wooden logs are only wide enough for one snowshoe. But most of them are traversable by avoiding the logs altogether and simply crossing the stream.

Only 18 degrees at trailhead, but it seemed colder than last weekend's Mt. Tecumseh trip due to the wind.

We met an adventurous threesome who had just summited Osceola's East Peak, which was tantalizingly close by! But a little too aggressive for me, especially given the type of snowshoes (recreational, not hiking).

6.2 miles, minimal elevation gain
Summit: East Peak of Mt. Osceola tantalizingly nearby
Route: Greeley Ponds Trail from Rte. 112

Mt. Tecumseh (near Waterville Valley, NH)

This is the second time I summited Mt. Tecumseh this year, though in the summer I took a different route -- I did a through-hike starting from Tripoli Road and ending at the Waterville Valley ski area. This time we approached the summit from the east, at the ski area's parking lot, and returned the same route.

On Sunday, it was cold (15 degrees at trailhead), but fortunately not windy. About 1" of snow covered the trail. The trail was generally navigable without StabilICERS, though I donned mine early on. They were helpful for the stream crossings, which typically had ice-covered rocks or ice blocks to step on. I was grateful to have a pole (we had to share a set because I forgot mine!), for the stream crossings. I pointedly refused to use poles during the summer, despite the common view that they help take pressure off of the knees. But I feel they are a necessity in the fall (slippery leaves) and in the winter (ice).

The summit offers views over and between trees-- Mt. Tripyramid directly east, and if you position yourself just right on the summit, you can pick out Mt. Washington to the northeast. You gotta love the winter air -- without the haze of summer you can see quite far in the distance.

I used my new larger pack for the first time on this hike, carrying quite a bit more weight than during the summer due to the many layers of clothing, more-than-usual water, and thermos of hot chocolate (what a treat at the summit!)

5.0 miles, 2,200' elevation gain
Summit: Mt. Tecumseh = 4,003'
Route: Mt. Teumseh Trail from the Waterville Valley ski area