Welch-Dickey's ice-covered ledges

During the drive north to NH, we kept wondering "Are we crazy?" It was 7am, snowing hard. Signs along Route 93 kept blinking "winter storm warning" and the roads were a mess. My hiking buddy Sheeba and I reasoned that if we really wanted to experience true winter hiking, what better time than now? Due to the poor driving conditions, we arrived at trailhead 15 min. late, but we beat the three AMC leaders by 15 min. nonetheless.

I, six winter hiking newbies and 3 experienced winter hiking leaders from the AMC started out at 10:30am amid flurries, temps of 20 degrees F. and predictions for high wind. I was a bit apprehensive: though I'd done winter hiking before, I had never used crampons. And Welch-Dickey's open ledges were sure to be covered in ice.

We returned to the parking lot at 4pm. It was challenging, but I felt good. Really good. I had conquered my apprehension, learning how to adjust and attach my crampons (they were initially too long to fit properly), and making it up and over numerous tricky spots covered in ice -- all without having to slide down on any descent.

Thanks to Alex Nedzel, Kevin McAllister and Sandy Green for sharing their experience and love of winter hiking with us! They were most helpful and generous with suggestions.

I definitely like winter hiking. But the jury is still out as to whether I am a fan of *serious* winter hiking involving crampons, ice axes and above-treeline exposure. I am doing AMC Boston Chapter's Crawford Notch program next weekend, as well as the above-treeline seminar, before I decide for certain...

4.4 miles, 1,800' elevation gain to two summits (~ 5-1/2 hours)
Summit: Mt. Welch (2,605') and Mt. Dickey (2,734')
Route: Welch-Dickey Loop