Afternoon sun as seen through the icicles on the roof of Great Bear cabin.
Yesterday's snowstorm started out wet, frosting the trees so they glisten in today's sun.
As the day ends, the cold and quiet settle into the snowy woods around Great Bear cabin.
On New Year's Eve, we struck out for the summit, with Benjamin in the lead. Temperature hovers around zero.
Chatting during a rest break.
The trail becomes more snowy as we climb.
At the junction with the Carriage Road, David snaps the icicles from his beard.
Benjamin, nearing the South Peak of Mount Moosilauke, his first time up.
Lars, just before we cross the ridgeline to the main summit.
The summit comes into view, with its cloud cap, as we cross the ridge.
Lars, Jen, and Lelia climb on as the wind picks up.
The wind and recent snowstorm left us a spectacular landscape.
Lelia and Jen approach the summit.
David at the top: thanks for the new mittens, Mom & Dad! Temps here are about 10 degrees plus 25mph sustained winds.
Lelia leans into the wind, at the top.
We took shelter in the foundation of the old hotel.
Lars & Jen at the summit.
Everything at the summit is coated in rime feathers.
The rime feathers - look closely at this sign - point west toward the source of the prevailing winds.
David at the summit.
Descending, we retrace our steps through the snowy trees.
The south peak is hidden by cloud at the left, as the trail winds between cairns and trees.
When the sun breaks out, occasionally, the landscape is much more cheery.
Crossing the ridge, homeward.
Happy New Years! The overnight crew, minus David.
New Year's morning at Great Bear cabin.
Jim, Sadie, Ruby, and Laurie.