Entered winter this year needing 6 more peaks in NH for a winter round (and 13 in Maine for a winter 111). Some unexpected commitments and the unstable weather have prevented me from getting out very much so far. Did Carrigain a few weeks ago leaving just Owl' s Head and the dreaded Z-bonds traverse. With the good weather over the weekend I was confident there would be traffic on Owl's Head so drove down to Lincoln Sunday afternoon. Looked on New England trail conditions multiple times and to my relief someone did finally post a trip report Sunday night saying the herd paths were well broken out. Started out at 6:30. Took the Black Pond bushwhack which everyone uses in winter, no tracks coming from Lincoln Brook trail when I rejoined it. Great snow conditions with soft base of trench the whole way up to start of Brutus bushwhack. When I did this hike in summer 4 years ago I went up the slide route and down the Brutus which had multiple branches and variants and was hard to follow but started and ended at same place as the slide herd path. Now the Brutus starts immediately after crossing Lincoln Brook, about 0.4 before the slide route. After the path turns back North it becomes very steep, I don't think I have ever kept my televators up for so long a climb. Steepness continues after joining the slide route, I think this is the longest section of steep climbing I have encountered in the Whites. Finally you get on the ridge and pass over a series of nondescript bumps, all without views until you end on another unimpressive bump.
I was very glad to have MSR lightening ascents going down the extremely steep sections but some sliding did occur even with those as the trench base is unconsolidated. A few desperate grabs for trees were needed. Long walk out and for the first time ever in the Whites I did not see another hiker the entire day.
No views and no Pics!
Any other aspiring winter 111ers out there?