Camel's Hump 2023-02-04 with Trek4DM to finish her Winter VT 5s.
Due to the cold and it being a short hike we planned on a mid morning start which began at 10:15. The Weater Channel had the trailhead at -21F first thing. It climbed to the mid minus oFs by our arrival
The late start allowed us to get great views of the High Peaks Dix Range and Rocky Peak Ridge through clear skies. On our return later we could also pick out the cliffs of Poko-Moonshine.
Ours was the second vehicle in the parking area. Shortly after another arrived with a pair of hikers. We passed 3 trail runners on our climb and followed the pair to the summit. Later 4 others passed us climbing.
The Burrows Trail was really great. Excellent conditions either for wearing spikes or snowshoes. We wore showshoes.
There was very little wind at the start all the way through the decidious forest. One thing we'd not considered and very welcome is that the trail faces toward the south; so, in spite of the cold we had to delayer. In the conifer forest winds were calm all the way to the clearing (jct with the Long Trail).
From the jct with the Long Trail to the summit is just 0.3 miles of climbing. The fir trees were plugged solid with snow and ice and gave us solid wind protection with exception on two openings on the climb. The final walk to the summit marker is short. Due to cold winds we spent little time and almost immediately started back. Only issue was I let my camera batteries get cold so I only got a couple shots on the Summit. Trek4DM was up and down on the summit so quickly I wouldn't have had a chance for a picture anyway.
An excellent, though short trip. Good conditions and a great day in spite of the cold conditions.
Don
Picture of Trek4DM near the summit. Mount Mansfield in the distance