The Whites Backpacking

About this quest

As an avid outdoor adventurer, how could I pass up a trip to not only hike but also camp... in the winter??? Prior to this trip, I had never done any form of backpacking, but was more than excited to dip my toes into it. If I've learned anything from being outdoors, you have to commit and see how it turns out. While it may stink, it could also could turn out that you really enjoy it; which in this case, I did.

The Whites

Olympus XA | 28mm | Fuji Superia 200

On a random Tuesday, Erica texts me asking if I want to go on a winter backpacking trip with her. Although I had never been backpacking (much less in the winter) it still sounded like fun adventure.

I needed to get membership with NUHOC, the club organizing the trip, in order to rent all of the gear and equipment needed.

A few days before I learn that Erica had not made it off the wait-list for the trip, which is unfortunate, but I persisted nonetheless.

As it turns out one of Erica's mutuals (Karyna) was also going on this trip and we hit it off instantly. 

The Hike

Olympus XA | 28mm | Fuji Superia 200

The hike was approximately 5 miles long with a total of 2,000 feet of climbing. We had to hike very cautiously, making sure to step in each other's tracks, for even one foot off the path could have you knee deep in snow. The hike took close to 2 hours each way, wiht a rewarding cabin at the top

Carter Notch Hut

Carter Notch Hut

Olympus XA | 28mm | Fuji Superia 200

Olympus XA | 28mm | Fuji Superia 200

Arriving at the Hut was one of the most satisfying parts of the trip (minus the views). This is where we spent most of the evening, staying warm, reading, doing arts and crafts, & playing card games. Before going to bed, we ended up making a lasagna soup, full of cheese and sauce which put us all in a food coma We went up 30 feet outside to a little bunk bed set. We all slept nearly 12 hours, from 21:00 to 8:00. Easily the longest i've slept in the past year.

From the top, we could see the mountain pictured on the right, with a small lake right in front. The mountain was quite spectacular, and people allegedly ski down the other side.

The hike back, while still two hours long, felt way less arduous given it was all descent.

Olympus XA | 28mm | Fuji Superia 200