Friday, January 19
Summits: Tecumseh
Start/Finish: Waterville Valley
Miles: 4.65
Elevation gain/loss: 2530′
After driving up to NH after work, I started from the trailhead after dark. I put on my headlamp, checked on the trail before locking my car and heading up the trail in spikes. It was the start of a cold snap, but since this would be such a quick hike, I experimented with using lighter layers than I usually would (including non-insulated Gore-Tex shoes); they worked well since I was pushing myself so hard. I made steady gains up the steepest mile, and made the summit very quickly. It was 2 degrees on the summit, with a bit of wind, so I headed back down quickly. The trail was smoothly packed but with an inch or two of loose packed powder on top so it was perfect for running the entire way back to the car! Nice to make a PR on the descent.
