Mount Washington trip report:

Mount Washington hike via Hunting Ravine Ascent and Lion's Head Route descent 
Trip Leader: Dan Walker

Climbers/Hikers: 
 Dan Walker, 
 Greg Walker,
 Ken Walker Sr., 
 Erin Olafsen,
 Jack Williard, 
 Andrew Yue

On Friday evening March 7th, the two Walker boys, Jack, and Andrew set off from 
Boston's North Station to Durham, NH to meet up with Erin Olafsen at her UNH 
campus.  A short ride to Sandwich, NH made us even more anxious as we head off to 
bed at 11:33pm, two hours behind schedule.

An early rise at 4am, quick hearty breakfast we made it over to Pinkham at 5:30am 
to meet up with the wise Ken Walker Sr.  Starting up the Tuckerman Ravine trail we 
were greeted by some light snow as the sun appeared right above the Wildcat 
mountain.  Splitting off at the AMC Lion's Head route junction we proceeded 
towards the Harvard cabin.  Just before getting there the wind gusted to a chilly 
20-30mph as snow began to blow and it seemed like a storm was brewing.  We took a 
15 minute break at the Harvard Cabin to chat with the caretaker and grab some 
grub.

The caretaker told us the forecast was clear with 40-60mph winds at the summit.  
Breaking from the cabin towards the base of the ravine we were surprised to find 
the wind had disappeared and the sun came out with very few clouds in sight.  As 
we began to heat up very quickly, another brief 10 minute hike brought us two 
beautiful views of Huntington and Tuckerman Ravines.  

We stopped at the base of the ravine to snack some more, rehydrate , and finally 
started up the ravine with zero wind, a beating sun, and a strong snow glare.  It 
felt like a good 70 degrees out.  There were a few other climbers in the area some 
were ahead of us at Yale and Damnation Gully as another group passed us to head 
towards the Pinnalce.  Greg lazily yet brilliantly passed the rope to Andrew as 
the steep climb began.

The snow was near perfect with a hard packed corn snow layer atop.  In some places 
the next snow layer was weak powder, but a low avalance forecast pushed us forward 
as the trailing hikers could easily follow Dan who was breaking some trail.

As we climbed the first 500 feet of the ravine we noticed some ice climbers 
climbing the Pinnacle unroped.  That gave us some courage as we reached a large 
ice bulge.  Mr. Walker and Greg raced ahead climbing over the bulge and making a 
mini-switchback.  In seemless fashion, Jack, Erin, and Andrew followed up the 60-
80 degree buldge with crampons and ice axes, carefully noting the 300-400 foot 
fall under 60 degree slope conditions before one would hit a very large (and 
sharp) rock field.

Dan decided to upon reaching the bulge go straight over rather than take the 
slightly easier and less dangerous snow route to the side.  Andrew followed in 
fashion noting that previous cut steps in fact made his crampons slip more.  
Dripping sweat and fogging sunglasses added to the melee of fun.

After safefully crossing over the bulge, the group climbed another steeper but 
slightly safer section of snow at a good 60 degrees.  After another 150 feet of 
vertical ascent a second patch of ice was reached.  After this, another 200 feet 
or so of steep snow slope scrambling the group reached to top to take a nice lunch 
break in calm winds, beautiful views, and a still remarkable warm day.

After the break we headed up Nelson's Crag where it began to be windy with gusts 
around 30-40mph.  After hitting the crag, a short hike brought us to the summit 
with gorgeous views and lots of hikers.  Shortly after enjoying the views and 
getting our pictures we headed down the Tuckerman Ravine trail then onto the 
Lion's Head route.  From there we saw great views of Tucks and even saw a few 
skiers attempt to ski down the right gully.  

About an hour later after a lot of steep descent in some open and very windy 
places and other sheltered paths, we made it back down to the avalanche cache 
picking up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail once more.  A short 45 minute hike down 
brought us back down to Pinkham with beautiful views of Huntington Ravine.