Osceolas & Tecumseh

MadDog is planning on finishing his 48 this trip.  The general plan, an idea put forward by tMail, is:
[Plan updated 2/26]

• Park at Waterville Valley Ski Area.
• Ski to Tripoli Rd. and up to Osceola trail head
• Hike up-and-down
• Ski back down Tripoli Road.
• Hike up Tecumseh and hike/ski down

I like the idea a lot, but and would prefer to do the Osceolas first since they're a bigger hike, and finish with a ski down the trails at Waterville Valley.

Something to bear in mind is that not everyone is comfortable on steep groomed ski trails with xc skis.  That part may require some modification.

Mutha's Trip Report (pics here):
The route ended up being Greeley Ponds from the Kanc to the Osceolas up-and-down.  Drove to Waterville Valley, Tecumseh up, ski trails down.  Headlamps came on at summit.  Some notes:

• Dogman has rockets tied to his ass.  Only reason I saw him at all was that from time to time he'd stop to eat, drink or bend spacetime with his will-power.
• Strange experience:  driving to Lincoln and seeing bare ground everywhere, then turning onto the Kanc and on the approach to the trailhead the plowed snow on the sides of the road reached over 8ft high.
• Snow, snow everywhere.  It was deep - all the blazes were at snow level.
• Spanky & Trudy were superdogs.  It must be amazing to have built-in crampons.
• MadDog, in spite of his hand-strength issues, is unstoppable.
• Descending East Osceola:  very steep trail allowed for the best butt-sliding this winter.  Fast, fun, and high-walled trail helped guide bodies.
• Beware The Chair:  get into cars and drive an hour then start all over again.  Oh yeh.  I had all my layers hanging up to dry w/ the heat on high and the fan blasting:  gloves hung from rear-view, two tops from passenger visor, hat draped over shift handle, windbreaker draped over passenger seat back.  Drove leaning forward so my baselayer would dry front-and-back.
• Spanky napped on the way to Tecumseh after eating all remaining food.
• The summit of Tecumseh:  maddog pulled out the wine and cheese.  I pulled out the shot-glasses and Jack Daniels.  Serious partying w/ headlamps like coal-miners on payday.
• Descending via the ski trails was super-fun.  Maddog found a cafeteria tray at the mid-mountain lodge and used that for fast descending.  Coming upon the half-pipe was even more exciting.  Dropping over the edge was much cause for glee.
• Initially butt-slid w/ MSRs on.  Method:  lean back, knees up to chest, let back tips of snowshoes drag a bit and dig pole handles into surface for speed control/steering.  Much snow was released into cloud - blazing white in headlamp as it sprayed, then froze my face.
• Maddog:  thanks for noticing that my nalgene had ripped off my pack in the high-speed whiteout.
• On way out of Campton, stopped at DD.  Spanky and I split about 4,000 calories.

MadDog's Trip Report:

...everything he said above :-)

1. Congrats to Mutha on making #3.

2. Great times with all of you on all the peaks. There's way too many stories and memories to tell here. But they are special and remembered (mostly) - thanks a ton for sharing it all.

3. Yesterday was special in its own way, sliding down the peaks was superb - the snow, the channels, the temps, the sun (and the darkness).

4. I wish I was a dog.

5. Tecumseh was just the best. Tough to yank myself from the mobile dry cleaners, I call my car after the Oseolas but once on the trail, it featured nice conversation and huff and puffing uphill. Followed by libations and cheese, under the headlamps on the summit. You just had to be there. It was just pure, playfullness descending the ski trails in the dark with no one else around. It was out of a movie. Two grown men, yelling and hooting it up in the darkness on these wide and steep slopes, voices booming and while only being able see a small dot of light on each other's head. At each turn with downhills and the increased steepness there'd be more yelling great butt sliding, and improvised sledding on a cafeteria tray. The world was ours (for a short time). It brought me back to when I was 14yo and sledding with friends. Mutha you have boundless enthusiasm and energy - and it's contagious. What a pleasure it was. Thanks!

Katahdin Trip Reports

The Puppet Master's Trip Report (pics here):
So, reflecting on my birthday, I thought to myself that 1) the weekend was SO awesome and 2) I feel really lucky to have such great friends who include me in some great adventures and make the weekends and such worth getting psyched about! You guys rock and are all F-ing animals.

Rainbow - Thanks for the hospitality – not just the warm bed and camp but the licensing of sleds, Baxter permitting, and local guide work! Impressive snowmobile skills – 360’s without trying and jumping sleds into small sheds… WOW!

TMail - A great co-pilot and now experienced driver of Buck the Truck. I think Bob’s going to need to cut another window in our love shack if it’s to survive your gas bombs like Fri night… WOW! I understand that was your defense mechanism - like a skunk - but I was just trying to cuddle to stay warm! No brace on Saturday… Awesome.

Spungie – The only man I know who looks like Gandolf the Wizard, climbs like a goat, farts like a misblown tuba, eats like a garbage disposal, drinks excellent beer, knows all about how to spot a Puerto Rican with an apple crate bike from 100yds away, and always enlightens us with his crazy life stories that seem endless. Awesome.

Buddy Boy Bro - You’re into some weird stuff. Aside from those pics and stuff, crapping a ¼ inch from the trail, peeing into a milk jug at 6am, bringing sausage buns that had nuts on them and desiring the “shovel fighting champion” of Millinocket is all SOOOO wrong. Great to see you have adopted the mountains as an alternative to the running and have taken to the Spungie method of sobriety – just sleep outside after a few beers! Awesome.

G-Money – Shows up at midnight on Friday, throws back 4 Diet Cokes, sleeps a few winks, stokes the fire during the night, hammers out the hike including route finding 101 on Saturday, thief wires a computer, DVD player and TV together to show Bro’s weird tastes in animals, and then is up at 6am the next day whipping up eggs and ready to do it all again. WTF?! We want to know… what is the “ancient Chinese secret?!” Awesome.

MuthaZ – WTF?! Did that Osprey pack come with a rocket in the ass of it? You went up that slide like you were chasing Jesus! The ever-inquisitive man who wants to know if “it’s windy on the ridge”, who’s flash drive that REALLY was, and how Bro got a Haitian out of his balloon knot! Awesome.

Tom aka “Brother Curly” – Great to have someone on board who could tend the pooch, tend the chili, drive the truck with trailer, pick up the shivering Bro post-hike, and put up with our antics. Hope you are in good health next year so you can join the gang for the up and down.

g-$$$'s Trip Report:

Pancake:  Spungie puts the butter in Mrs Buttersworth

Birthday Cake:  Happy Birthday PM....while explaining why I gave him birthday cake for dessert tonight, Ez-E was upset that he couldn't sing Happy B-day to ya.

Beefcake:  Pink Cowboy Hat, ultratight undershirt, six pack abs, gucci smile...say no more

Fruitcake:  Muthaz sleuthing uncovers secret flash drive of the most bizarro collection of BBB's fetish material

Earthquake: Felt in Nova Scotia from impact of BBB turd bomb.  USGS reports epicenter 1.6 miles SSW of Baxter Peak

Earache:  Result of the American Idol wannabe's trying to replicate Barracuda, Creep, and many more classics gone bad and butchered

Headache:  What good samaritan Tom probably got from tending to us and shuttling us and the sleds around.  Next year, you are heading up with us!

Backache:  Post traumatic stress from being on the receiving end of a side-flipped sled x 2. 

Only 363 days until Bob Day 2011 aka K3 aka Wildman's Wilderness Weekend

Mutha's Trip Report (pics here):
Spungie:  Standing on Abol screaming:  "This is f**king AWESOME!"
g-$$$:  Sorry I drove the sled over the cliff ... twice.
Wildman:  The best...camp...ever!
Tom:  Hot chili on return, drive back to camp - man, what luxury!
tMail:  Save the fruit-basket.  We may need it again.
PM:  ANIMAL!
Buddy Boy:  That trail bomb... hand me the steel wool so I scrape my retinas.  That was just not right.

tMail's Trip Report (pics here):

K2: Katahdin 2010

Preparations are under way.  Directions, phone numbers, etc. are available by private email from Wildman or any of us.  General info is as follows (mostly copied from emails and subsequent exchanges):

THE PUPPET MASTER'S GEAR LIST

External

• waterproof/breathable jacket
• waterproof/breathable pants or softshell hiking pants
• insulated parka
• fleece jacket/wool sweater
• waterproof gaiters

Base Layer

• expedition-weight long john top
• midweight long john top
• midweight long john bottoms
• light wicking T-shirt, wool or polypro
• synthetic briefs
• synthetic sports bra (SPUNGIE)
• wool socks
• liner socks

Accessories

• wool or fleece hat
• balaclava
• midweight wool or fleece gloves
• heavyweight wool or fleece mittens
• synthetic liner gloves
• waterproof overmitts
• goggles (2)

Footwear

• plastics  or insulated, waterproof hiking boots

Gear

• backpack
• trekking poles
• ice axe
• crampons
• lighter or waterproof matches
• firestarter
• headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb
• whistle
• 32 oz. water bottles (2)
• water bottle parkas (2)
• pocket knife or multitool
• map
• compass and GPS
• sunglasses
• chemical heat packs
• lip balm
• lightweight emergency bivy (~$30 at EMS)

Food

• stuff that won't freeze
• Other
• Each 4-person "group" should have a first aid kit and a stove w/fuel.

TMAIL'S MEAL PLAN:

• Friday Night: PM and I will supply chili/rice and bread for Friday night and maybe mix in a Salad.
• Saturday morning: I will buy a couple bags of bagels that can get carried over into Sunday morning. I will also bring some OJ etc. 
• Saturday Night: PM and I will supply one lasagna we are asking other to contribute to Saturday night. We suggest stuff that is pre cooked and can be heated up.
• Sunday morning: Can others contribute or take the lead last year we did Oatmeal/Eggs/Pancakes.  (Buddy Boy Bro is bringing fresh eggs.)
• Everyone should also be responsible for bringing one or two gallons of water that everyone can use.
• Don't forget your individual supplies for the hike or specific things you like.

Bamforth, Yet Again

That's the plan for 2/13 and I don't mind telling you the conditions are going to be completely unpredictable.  Packed out trails?  Maybe.  Snowshoe terrain?  Maybe.  Headlamps?  Maybe.  Dog-Friendly?  Maybe.

Trailhead:  7:30am.
Dogman Pickup:  6:15am

The Puppet Master's Trip Report (Pics here):  Things I learned yesterday...

1. Bamforth remains in the top 3 hardest hikes I have done in winter.
2. Never leave snowshoes behind for microspikes. Microspikes are good for what?!
3. 250lbs and deep, uphill powder is a recipe for post-holing pain.
4. 3 small donuts, 1/2 a granola bar is not the breakfast of choice for a Bamforth day out!
5. Bring enough food for 4 on Bamforth, you'll need it.
6. 4 liters of H20 is needed for Bamforth
7. MuthaZ and TMail are like snowcats.
8. MadDog is insanely tough - proven time and again.
9. DogMan and Trudy are hard rocking winter beasts - born for the VT outdoor fun.
10. It really is 1hr down the Monroe trail (3.5mi) to the lot.
11. Palin's bus is a godsend at mile 5 of road walking!
12. Eating a whole pizza after Bamforth is perfectly acceptable.

This trail is killer. The image that portrays the day to me is MadDog trying to get to the pre-summit clearing at the top where he half post-holes, his pack gets stuck on a tree, and there's a stick coming up between his legs from the snow. He turns and chuckles and says "My God." Awesome!

Hats off to you cats who went back down Bamforth. Animals.

A special thanks to the Palin bus who arrived with a honk and smile. Vick, you rock!

Mutha's Trip Report (Pics here):  Some observations:

1. Dogs Rock! But man, they'll eat and eat and eat ...
2. Never give all your food to your dog.  My entire food consumption:  small bag of granola, 1/3 of a mackerel sandwich, a bottle of Boost, evening handout from tMail & MadDog (handful of nuts, a peanut butter cracker, piece of chocolate).  Spanky's entire food consumption:  a whole tuna sandwich, 2/3 of a mackerel sandwich, 3 string cheese sticks, a small handful of granola, dogfood, a bag of homemade dog treats, handouts from the boys.
3. Bring more water.  Entire water consumption:  1L.  What the hell is up with that?  It's like I never packed for a hike before.
4. Special gold award to The PM, MD & DM for post-holing to the summit.  How the hell they did that I don't know.  It was hard enough on snowshoes!
5. Special gold award to tMail who sacrificed a pole for me.
6. Special gold award to Trudy who launched herself up the Deadman's Folly ice wall.
7. Special gold award to Spanky who, after hauling her little doggie-butt up and down that mountain actually frolicked in the woods on the way to the car.
8. Phun Phact:  According to Delorme, the total elevation difference from trailhead to summit is 3,691ft.  The total elevation gain on the hike is just over 4,000ft due to about 325ft of up-and-down gains.
9. Skiers down the north glades from the summit?  WTF?  What are these people made of???
10. BAMFORTH DELIVERS!!

MadDog's Trip Report: Nice day guys, thanks for the trip. I got my butt kicked. Just when I thought I was in shape, that thing comes along, slaps me with reality and deals a dose of work. It seemed like my legs were empty for most of the ascent. Though I seem to catch a second wind of sorts on the descent. Definitely a great workout to crampon it on the ascent.

Thanks to the shoe brigade - Tmail and Mutha for breaking trail and navigating. And DogMan and PM for sharing the rear and handwarmers. Which reminds to point out that the return trip featured an appearance by a Formula One pit crew...thanks for some very impressive work. And thanks to Palin for answering the Save our Soles (SOS) call, and doing the impromptu shuttle.

Tmail's Trip Report (Pics Here):  Bamforth Part II:  Bamforth killed me the first time but I got revenge

1. To those that hiked up with no snow shoes - you guys are rabid animals!
2. 2L of water consumed first time since I can remember I drank 1L
3. All food completely consumed - thought entered my mind to eat dog food.
4. Route finding 101 "just keep going up"
5. MadDog pit crew change two crampons two snowshoes and hand warmers all in 2 minutes.
6. Getting beat up by MadDogs pack while in the pit crew.
7. Uncle Pete flex on Camels Hump
8. Getting my snowshoe stuck coming down Bamforth and seeing everyone walk away and yelling "Mutha"
9. The amount of pill popping at MadDogs, "MadDog what am I taking, oooo tMail don't worry"
10. MadDog has the best cheese in the world at his house.
11. Palin can out drink all of us combined.
12. The cougars of Jericho exist and are in season.
13. The mountain kitty in outdoor gear exchange, yum!
14. Burlington, Vt (cougars, MILFS, hippies, Meth users)
15. Seeing the best stone work in all of Burlington!
16. Telling Palin to pick us up at Monroe then taking Bamforth.

The Bad Boy: 2010 Edition

Off we go!  All reports coming next week.  The plan involves an assault on Madison on Friday (by some) and on Washington on Saturday (by all).  We'll leave this post hanging for now we wait for the trip reports and photo galleries to get posted.

MadDog's Trip Report:

1. the weather, the weather, the weather. while it wasn't punishing fun, it was appealing in a different kind of way.
2. it's always great to see folks, i hope all return next year. try and join up with one of the many white mtn day hikes that the NH, MA and VT guys do, just ask your local state rep for more info (Mutha, Tmail, PM, g-$)
3. the OldMan house band rocked - somebody sign that guy for a long-term recording contract.
4. congrats to Mutha for taking home the BB prize. remember, be sure it's not used during any glass bottom boat excursions.
5. note to self, additions to the mandatory house gear list - earplugs, or any kind of sound baffler.
6. Roland thanks for all the house logistics and video chuckles, much appreciated. but next year, leave the methane generator at home.
7. note to all future participants - don't forget chip's last name. you've been warned.
8. valentino, thanks for looking out after the village elders.

Mutha's Trip Report (Picasa pics here;  Facebook pics here):

1. I agree MadDog - simple conditions, but man, what a glorious day!  MadDog, your screams of pain echoed across the valley.  You will be avenged.
2. The PM:  needs new arches.  That hamburger looked a little tough and stringy.
3. The Old Man:  Not sure why he's not known as The King in Vegas, but that act is GOLD!
4. g-$$$:  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING can stop that engine that insists on being the caboose.  Rumor had it that the valley echoed with the 'War Whoop', but didn't hear a thing from where I stood.
5. tMail:  good to get back to Dodge's.  And now we've got Ranger Cred.
6. Spungie:  The Human Sponge.  I know the spelling & meaning are different but the guy must've dumped a gallon of perspiration on the ascent.
7. JB:  I just can't fathom how fast this man is....it's just incredible...
8. Cypher:  Having a mutant on the team makes me feel better.  Knowing it's you makes me feel worse.  They net out to zero, but I'm still going to watch what I say.
9. Buddy-Boy-Bro:  The Bad Boy Brew Master has mastered his brew.  Keep 'em coming, Bro!
10. Brian:  Coded message:  "I knew you would!"  (Only Cypher can decrypt this message.)
11. RoRo:  Every time you do the bicep-inflation gimmick at the bar it makes me sweat like Spungie on a power-ascent.
12. Ray:  Get yer frickin' chickens already!  Mom and dad would be proud.
13. Wildman:  The little mouse-ears have a function.  Don't let them fool you.
14. Jumpsuit:  Thanks for the hug.  But the next time we kiss, we should both shave first to avoid velcro-lock.

Wildman's Trip Report (Pics here):  A tale to to days, one very cold very windy for the Madison hike and the other cold and calm, both offered great days in the mountains. Notes:

1. Gotta get out eary enough to hit the Moat on Thursday night
2. Thanks to T-Mail for the taxi around the mountain and to the T-Mail mom for dinner
3. A great night on the town, there are Bad Boys everywhere, once a member...
4. The house Rocked, in general and esp. Saturday night, who is that Old Man?
5. Although I don't have as many pictures as Spungie here they are
6. Mutha nice job on the BB award, be sure to bring it back polished up next year!
7. Thanks to all for a kind pace, conversation and a great time.
8. Windbloc shorts, yep on the list
9. Finally a benifit to the big guys, being 200lbs proved to be a benifit on Madison
10. Can't wait until next year, but until them K2, WY and who knows what else!!!!!!!!

The Puppet Master's Trip Report (Madison pics here; Bad Boy pics here):

1. Great day out on Saturday and a great weekend in whole. Thanks to all for making it what it is - something to look forward to every year!Mad Dog - Now that we educated you, I don't want to see you on You Tube with any "glass bottom boat" home videos.
2. Chip, "The Chisel", or whatever the F your name is - Thanks for being a good sport in the Old Man's act and being so f-ing strong. You rock.
3. Ro Ro - That blowing up the muscle shit only works in P-Town. You need a new act to attract the Jackson cougars!
4. G$ - One shoulder up Heather's with no axe and micro-spikes... f-ing animal!
5. TMail, aka Valentino - Thanks for the memories in room #69. I hope they can get the stains off the ceiling.
6. Spungie, aka "Bilo" - That was an awesome hair day on Saturday. keep that shit growing like a Chia pet.
7. Lil Richie - I do have a video of the belly dancing "one pack" (aka your stomach) from the Moat. I may sell it if times get tough. please e-mail me the waiver we discussed and sharpen your Coug crampons for 2011.
8. Bro - Great brew but you owe me a new colon.
9. Irishman - We found the whiskey river but I fell out of the boat.
10. Ray Ray - Get yourself a shaft warmer for next year... and not Bro's hand or mouth this time.
11. Rainbow - Trout season is coming soon. First Maine and then lunkers in WY. Prepare the menu!
12. Johnny B - Stay classy, you f-ing animal.
13. Last, and not least...
14. MUTHA Z - I am glad I got to witness "Prince", the artist, in the Ravine with you. Purple Rain mutha f-er.
15. Keep that well deserved Bad Boy trophy polished with your man juice and a soft rag. Remember, someone else is going to have to eat off it next year.
16. Pics from Fri and Sat hikes.

g-$$$'s Trip Report:

Another year another great time....The Bad Boy weekend never disappoints. Thanks everyone for cooking, cleaning, or just showing up. May have been some of the best weather I've seen on our trips. Awesome pictures for those who are kind enough to post. Who needs a camera when we got so many pros in this group.

From the hard charging front group to the adventurous 3 Musketeers taking the Spur Link, laughs and memories were made. I'm letting the ACLU know that segregation is alive and well in that the Bad Boys put the special needs kids (Spungie and Chip) and minorities (me) at the back of the bus. Of course we get Wildman Bob as a supervisor and there is no shortage of stories and humor.

The Buddy Boy Homebrew, Chili, Carrot Cake, Speedies, Lasagna, Broccoli Rabe, and iterations of hot sauce are finally out of my system. Unfortunately the calories have not. Good thing we only do this once a year.

Congrats to MuthaZ for joining the list of well deserved winners of the glass bling. A final nod to the mountain gods for taking but giving back Spungie's camera. And what a trip down memory lane seeing founding members Hickey and Miller at the Moat.

See you all next year, or sooner if you can make it with us to Katahdin or Gannett this summer.

tMail's Trip Report (Madison pics here; Bad Boy pics here):  Quotes from the weekend:

• "Bro"
• the sound of someone shitting their pants and then saying "mine don't smell like Rolands"
• "I'm gonna run a quick 10k then come hiking with you guys"
• "she's a border patrol officer and just wants to get together every 6 months, no strings attached"
• "if i bring a cougar back you guys can all watch, but then show her the door out and tell her to get the F out"
• "My name is Jimmy"
• "Mother fuck'aaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
• "You can put it on the Nate Strong tab"
• "hey valentino get me another whiskey"
• "I thought last night meant so much more to you"
• "there are 15 of us buddy what are you gonna do"
• "because i am so fucking strong"
• "are your balls cold"
• "i can't see straight right now"

Also this from Uncle Richie: Pics here ("kingdom").
Also this from Spungie:  Crazy Friends and Bad Boy 2010

All Quiet on the Eastern Front (January Edition)

 Well, not much going on these days and I have to admit I'm pretty annoyed by the current status of my damned physiology.  I damaged myself so bad on that dang Moriah trek that it'll be weeks before I can hike.  Well, MadDog was out for a bit due to injury (and more to come?), tMail was out due to injury/surgery, g-$$$ was out due to injury/surgery, now I'm out.  Dang, that part sucks.

And tMail is emailing me links to detailed descriptions of Hellgate and Redrock bushwacks.  Dang!

Lincoln's Backbone Bushwack

Post trip reports in comments.  I'll promote them to this main story.  Just drank many beers and watched movie and am going to crash.  Will get everything typed up in the morning....

g-$$$'s Trip Report:  Another Spungie Day for the record books.  What else is there to be said......

• PM/Maddog....you were missed for sure!!!!
• Tmail....trail breaker, project manager extraordinaire
• Muthaz....how much do you charge for your guided tours.....knew the route like the bank of Spungie's hand
• Wildman....Mr Ready and Steady....new nickname may need to be Hoover since no gear is left behind
• Buddy Boy Bro....F'in A...2 weeks removed from gall bladder surgery....holy WTF...what a rockstar!!!!
• Dogman....welcome to Franconia Ridge
• Rainman....nice to meet you...were we running late for Wapner?  you flew down the mountain like a man possessed
• And Last But Not Least....Spungie......Even though you hate descending you still kick ass.....the only thing better would be.....my....oh never mind.
• Will try and convert the GPS track later but see you all again on Spungie Day 2011 (or the Bad Boy or Katadhin)!

Mutha's Trip Report (Pics Here):  Holy crap, what clear air, what a great group, what an awesome route and what a fun day.  Temps in the woods probably around 15-20°, winds non-existent in the trees, light on the summit, maybe gusting up toe 20?  Hard to say.  Some key moments stuck in my mind:

• Clear Air:  We could see details on Mansfield, Jay, Killington.  I really don't think I've had such good visibility out there.
• At the turnoff point from the trail, looking up into the woods.  Everyone standing around saying "What the f***?  Up there?" and in less than a heartbeat, Spungie is on the move like a moose in mating season, charging up that mountain.
• The tangles on the bushwack required full-body assault on the situation - pulling on branches, ducking, pulling feet out of traps and lifting uphill while pulling poles out of snags and unhooking pack caught on a branch...all while being whipped and stabbed.
• What the hell was with the hyperactive chick on the summit who took our group photo?  She must've dragged her poor husband up that freaking mountain and would've give me my damned camera back!
• tMail and Spungie hammering on that mountain, busting through the trees.
• Getting out of treeline and scrambling over the boulders.  Rainman, tMail and Spungie firing up the rock crevice.
• Wildman has no fear and very likely has no anxiety over near-death experiences, being lost in the forest or being eaten by bears.  What is this guy made of?
• g-$$$, while insisting on the caboose position, hammered out the miles and the nearly impossible terrain with a bum shoulder and loser hiking buddies.  No war whoops, never slower, never faster like a damned machine.  I tried to get away, but he JUST KEPT ON COMING!
• Buddy Boy Bro:  two weeks ago he had his gall bladder out and he's doing this?!?  Does his doctor know?  He's probably thinking hell, when Buddy Boy comes back for new stitches I can afford another car.  No phone, no business calls and no drained batteries.  A Manimal!
• DogMan - The newbie goes out in STYLE, managing gear, perspiration, snow, etc. like a pro.
• Rainman - good to have you with us.  What, you're climbing up this crack in the rock?  Woah, FEARLESS!  (Should have know, he's a buddy of Spungie's).
• tMail - like hiking with the terminator.  Great route finding skills.
• Spungie - I haven't seen the power s**t but I'm not betting against it.  But man, Spungie, what the hell did you eat?!?  Whatever it was, it was Spungie, the Human Freight Train!  IT'S SPUNGIE DAY!

tMail's Trip Report (Coming soon) (Pics Here):The Backbone/Spine what ever you want to call it was a bush whacking success on multiple levels.

• We took an excellent route and communicated magnificently with each other during the ascent.
• Some highlights from the trip!
• Spungie going straight up the bone and dismantling a tree and using it as a hiking pole. It was bigger than me.
• The lady asking us how much time does it take off?
• Her husband saying that they were going out for three days? Doing the ridge?
• The trudge breaking trees, breaking through trees, standing on trees, getting stuck in trees.
• Getting poked in the throat by razor sharp branches.
• Seeing blood running down Wildman and Spungie s face.
• Not hearing any war whoops.
• The amount of gear, axes, snowshoes, poles, microspikes, goggles, crampons.
• The purple barney facemask!
• The girl that molested all of us basically making her husband feel like a bum!  "You guys bushwhacked that is awesome" "I want to take your picture, like 15 of them"
• The sense that Camels Hump, Mansfield, Jay Peak were all reachable if Spungie wanted to piss on them.
• Dogman first time on "the ridge"
• Rainman welcome to the club!
• Buddy Boy Bro internally bleeding and still tags both summits.
• Mutha leading the squad above treeline on the bone and his masterful crampon/axe technique.
• Mutha saying "give me my camera back or I will wrestle you to the ground"
• The lady that stunk like ass.

Awesome day boyz!

Zombie Holocaust: The Post-Apocalyptic Scenario

Not sure if everyone is following the progress of the approaching storm for Sunday/Monday but I'm eagerly awaiting the MWO's weather discussion in the next day or two.  It looks like the Bad Boy is going to get soaked in sleet, freezing rain and rain.  When this freezes up, our BadBoy trip could be totally awesome.

In the meantime, the melting snowpack will lead to raging rivers around here.  On the one hand, it just be a January thaw and a cold, rainy day.  On the other, it be a post-apocalyptic scenario on Tuesday w/ ice jams, flooding and people eating each other for food and the zombie army marching erratically from the state capital.

MLK Adventures

So far, not too much chatter on the mountain channel. tMail's got something plotted for Sunday (Webster & Jackson) and I've got something in the works for MLK day, but no specifics yet. The elusive Dr. Targan has pinged me for a possible Monday adventure, but we'll see. Not sure he really exists.

If I go solo Monday, will probably bang out Moriah just to get that bastard out of the way. It'll be a long day if anyone is thinking of going. It doesn't look like it's be a bright clear day either.

I may also try to get DogMan out for a Franconia Ridge loop Monday. I haven't mentioned it to him yet. Am about to drop the hint.

[Update 1/19/2010]
The PM:  Mount WTF?  Squam something? (Pics Here)
tMail:  Webster & Jackson w/ Agent 007 (Pics Here)
mutha:  Moriah (Pics Here)

Mutha's trip report:

Aside from the usual "Oooh, winter wonderland..." stuff, I need to record the following for future reference:  Going up the Carter-Moriah trail from Gorham includes crossing over some bare ledge where finding the trail on the opposite side can be difficult in deep snow.

Basically, there are 4 cleared areas of exposed ledge.  the first is pretty small.  the other three are significant.  the following is the perspective of somebody ascending toward Mt. Surprise.

Clearing #1:  go straight across it the way the trail seems to lead.

Clearings #2, #3, #4:  the trail runs across the right-hand side.  Stay along the treeline on the right.  All the clearings tilt down towards the valley. Hikers should stay on the downhill edge - do not go to the highest side of the clearing (the natural instinct).  In the fresh snow, if i hadn't been able to just make out the packed out trail, it is NOT AT ALL obvious which way to go.  everything looks like a logical choice for the trail.

One of them, i think it's #3, you scramble up a really steep approach to the clearing heading almost east.  As soon as you top out of the approach (but still below the high part of the clearing), turn to the right (south) and the entrance to the trees will be straight ahead (not visible until you get close).  Again, the trick is just to stay to the right, along the right side of the clearings, along the treeline.

i wouldn't want to have to find my way to Moriah after a huge winter storm.  Between Surprise and Moriah the trail winds back and forth and there are a lot of open routes through the trees.  If you use the rule:  stay on the highest part of the ridge, cheating to the west side of the ridge where possible, you'll eventually find the trail...but it could get rough.  The summit of surprise has some gnarly ravine-like spots.  No chance of injury, it's just really rugged going if you get off-trail.

Of Hookers & Bondsmen

tMail, g-$$$ and MadDog tackled the Bondcliff on skis and snowshoes. Mutha, DogMan, Spanky & Trudy tackle Hooker Mountain (both summits) by bushwack.

tMail's Trip Report (pics here): The potential line up was…Wildman, Spungie, Mutha, DogMan, MadDog, G$$$, Tmail, PM, and Denali Dave. PM had an Uhaul conflict with a buddy, Widlman got a dog, Mutha, Spungie spoke early from the heart and Mutha had to handle last minute thing. Denali Dave exists via email has been seen once by Mutha, could have been in the parking lot I’m not sure we didn’t wait for him.

So then there was 3, G$$$, MadDog and Tmail. We stuck with the plan headed toward Bondcliff for the January Bondcliff Expedition 2010. Gear and more gear was the word of the day….G$$$ and I took our expedition boots with us and MadDog went with his new Alpina all day and all night.

The LWT and WT rocked and there is no other way to do it than to ski it. As a side note the Owls Head (Black Pond) is packed beyond packed if anyone wants to head out there. The ski in was awesome and our transition to snowshoes and mountaineering boots was fast. Note to those that want to do these types of adventures take your boots with you and leave your ski boots attached to the ski and just leave them leaned against a tree. In the course of the day warming may occur and you don’t want them to fall over if just stuck in the snow we didn’t have any issues.

The trip up Bondcliff was solid packed out but some sections had soft snow and there was a little sinkage. I should add the war whoops were heard and G$$$ is made of titanium and earned hiker and skier of the day award. The best part is everyone made it to the summit to Bondcliff and it was well worth the effort for everyone! It was absolutely awesome being on Bondcliff in January.

MadDog and G$$$ got there pictures taken on the summit and then we all departed. MadDog lost his fingers from Bondcliff all the way to the car. The 2nd transition was eventful. I started to plan what I could do with my gloves on and decided to do that first. The last thing I did was put the left ski on the left side and right ski on my right side. I was able to untie both Koflach boots with gloves on then took gloves off and immediately transferred feet to ski boots tied them and gloves back on.

MadDog was running up and down the trail screaming and trying to generate heat his hands ice blocks. G$$$ was reattaching his shoulder and arm to his body. I immediately pulled out 4 chem warmers for MadDog and we dropped them in his mittens. I also helped MadDog put on his pack he lost all finger strength and we discussed how people die in the wilderness and how he felt like he had no hands. We also had binding issues Triple NNN iced up. I had to get my ACL Brace scrapper out and use twigs to de-ice. I restored to smashing, banging and kicking it. MadDog was tempted to walk out but we finally got it to stick. It finally worked after about 15 minutes at which points MadDog lost his hands more and mine went as well. I quickly changed to my mittens and gained them back. G$$$ was blazing trail his headlamp failing so we put G$$$ in the back and he followed MadDog and I. It felt like the Iditarod as we mushed through the woods. We had major tree issues. MadDog got stuck under a tree I had to give him my pole start skiing and G$$$ pushed him up from behind. As we popped him up he smashed his head on the downed tree.

We had lots of man love and the adrenaline was running high when we finished we all changed in the bathroom. MadDog was so excited he drove with his ski boots on. DD should be blown up, McDonalds should be torched. We ended up off of 293 South at Red Stone Pizza with my new friend Whitney! The pizza placed closed at 10 we got there around 9.40pm. I asked Whitney if we could eat there she said she was leaving at 10pm. Whitney ended up cleaning all the tables then MadDog and I saw her walking to DD. Ask for Whitney next time there tell her Tmail sent you.

We need to get more of these adventures going, there is lots of gear usage and requirements and pack preparation. We had lots of fun!

G$$$ and MadDog great job!

g-$$$'s Trail Report: epic indeed.

x-c ski adventure - check
cold gear test - check
winter bondcliff summit - check
f'in bondcliff views - check
sporting MSR Lighning Ascents - check
g-$$$ war whoop - check x 5
shoulder health check - marginal
fitness reality check - fail

notes and lessons learned:
For the loved ones, leave plenty of pad on the return time. No need to get everyone worried or launch a rescue when we're just running late.
Classic Lisa's message to me, unless it's an emergency don't call because I'm gonna be watching a movie.
For tmail: don't tell your mom what you're doing so you won't get yelled at...the line is mom, I'm going to bible study for 10 hours in the whites
Lincoln SUCKS. DD closing at 8PM so 8:00:15 is way too late.
Lincoln SUCKS...mcd's coffee..they may use green coffee roasters beanage but they must use sewage runoff from loon mountain to brew because that coffee tasted like the worst shit I ever had in a cup....the only reason why i drank it was because we just busted hump for 10 hours in single digit temps.
It must be a VT Honda dealer thing that cars be old standard with a broken headlight and tap water in the wiper fluid reservoir
I should never have questioned maddogs idea of bringing a helmet after seeing him go ass over teakettle on the overhead blowdowns
Word to the lazy...replace the headlamp batteries before you head out in the cold.
Skis and bindings dipped in creeks or snow = icing + jammed bindings.
Maddog must love his x-c boots, after wearing them all day including all the way to the pizza joint in manchester.
Masshole Justice is seeing a tailgaiting bumper surfer get pulled over by the staties just a few miles up 93.
NH gov't badly needs money because the staties were out in force; 11 was my count all day.
Don't use the side of your separated shoulder to break your fall
I am incredibly out of shape.
Whitney rolls some awesome meatballs!

Once again thanks Maddog and Tmail for being patient and keeping me motivated when I was fighting my Bondcliff demons! As usual the conversation and the company was first class. We're gonna knock off a Winter 3 Bonds one of these days.

Until then Spungie Day here we come!!!!!

MadDog's Trip Report: great job g-$ and tmail. thanks for the adventure.

g-$$$ is THE man. he gets it done, no matter what - tough as nails.

tmail is the Finger man (no, not the middle).

leading into the BC switchbacks on the ascent, g-$ graciously tells me to pass and join tmail at the front. good god. with no one else around, i'm left to pace the holbrook stallion. what an animal.

as tmail mentioned from the summit point (i.e., for the next 4+ hours) my digits were gone and one point totally shot, to the point of no feeling, no movement. it was the first time i experienced having stumps at the end of my arms. i can clearly see now how the death spiral evolves from that stage. it's a demon i need to continue to chase.

glad all are safe.

ps. what is it with boston drivers, i had keep swerving out of my travel lane, and then jump back.

DogMan's Trip Report (pics here):
Solid snow shoe trek with Spanky and Trudy. Great little climb and ridge, good scouting around for the ultimate "backcountry glade", bushwhack against sunset, followed by a nice boot jog to avoid darkness, search posse.

Mutha's Trip Report:
DogMan's back yard: Wild, deep, steep, cliffy, woodsy, glade-y and hey, it's getting dark. Anybody bring headlamps? No? Ummmm....