Although I hiked up Monroe last summer,, this hike marks my first winter ascent of Monroe. We started at the Cog Railway and hiked up the Ammonoosuc Trail to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Then continued on the Monroe Loop to summit of Monroe and turned around the same way. Trail was barebootable to Gem Pool. After Gem Pool, trail got a lot steeper. Some people put on crampons or snowshoes, others barebooted it to treeline. I used crampons. Above treeline crampons were necessary. No wind below treeline. Above treeline wind picked up. There was 30-40 mph winds from the hut to the summit of Monroe. Nice Day with good views. Clouds were zooming by overhead. Washington was in clouds most of the day, but Monroe had good views.
From the Cog Railway: Nice Clear Morningl
Tom and Sarah enjoying a snack
Gem Pool
Gem Pool Again
Looks like a nice day
Looking up at the Gorge
Looking down at the Gorge
Having fun in the snow
Returning hiker tells tales of 70 mph winds on Washington.
Mike and Alex ready for action
Who is that scary guy. oh yeah, thats me
Summit in Sight and looks clear.
Bretton Woods Ski Area in the distance
Someone chopped off the summit of Washington. oh wait, its just in the clouds.
Hikers seeking shelter from the wind
Cool!
Mike with the Northern Presis
Looking down the Crawford Path
Tuckerman's Ravine.
Northern Presis
Brave Souls venturing onward
Group Shot
Group Shot Take Two: Sarah thought it would look cooler to copy Mike and remove her goggles in the 40 mph winds
The Descent
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Mike, Tom, and Sarah
Looking back up at Monroe
Having fun slidding on the way down
Washington still in the Clouds
Looking back up what we just climbed
