The climate forecast appeared a little bit dicey after I checked it within the morning, with a minus 20 wind chill forecast for Camels Hump Mountain in Vermont. However I knew from earlier expertise that my route was largely protected against the wind up till the summit, so I made a decision to go for it anyway. However I did pack further face safety, simply in case I wanted it.
Camel’s Hump is a simple 4000 footer in Vermont and this was to be my second winter season ascent this yr. Whereas there’s a respectable 2500 foot elevation acquire, the summit is barely a two and a half mile hike (5 miles spherical journey) and a fairly doable in a 3 hour hike up and down. It’s a steep climb although, so that you get your cash’s value if you wish to do some cardio with a winter load.
Once I arrived on the trailhead I used to be stunned by how tightly packed the path was. As I used to be to find, the Burrows path is a well-liked path for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers who slide or sled down it in winter. I filed that reality in my reminiscence, because it implies that the Burrows Path must be climbable in winter with simply microspikes.
I began out barebooting, however quickly realized that spikes have been wanted for traction and broke out my Hillsounds. I additionally carried snowshoes strapped to my pack as a result of I didn’t know if the higher a part of the mountain was damaged out or had deep snow. I didn’t use them because it turned out, however there was much more contemporary snow greater up and I might have used them if I’d wished.
The climb up Camels Hump is steep and relentless, and the snow turned deeper and looser as I gained elevation. It was additionally snowing closely, and I used to be lined with the stuff. This necessitated placing on a skinny softshell layer over my fleece hoody to maintain it from getting soaked. It pays to be vigilant along with your layers in winter. You by no means know whenever you’ll be out longer than anticipated, so it pays to be conservative.
About midway up the path, I began leapfrogging with one other hiker and a pair who have been additionally ascending the height. I prefer to strike up conversations with the the individuals I run into on hikes, so I broke the ice and began participating with them in dialog. I’ve met some actually attention-grabbing individuals this fashion, which is smart. They’re clearly my sort of individuals too, in any other case they wouldn’t be mountain climbing up this mountain in January!
The Burrows Path results in a gap within the forest on the Lengthy Path Junction. The Lengthy Path then winds across the summit counter clockwise earlier than attending to a protected vegetated spot, which acts like an atrium of kinds earlier than you step out onto the open ledge resulting in the summit. Once I received up to now, I composed myself and stepped out into the open, the place the wind was howling and the summit was smothered in cloud and blowing snow. I climbed as excessive as I dared on the rocky summit as a result of I used to be frightened about getting blow off by the chilly gusting wind. The wind was actually that robust.
I hadn’t bothered placing on a face masks/balaclava as a result of I knew my pores and skin would solely be uncovered for a short while. I simply hunkered down into the hood of my exhausting shell jacked underneath a wool hat and hoody.
I made it to the summit throughout a brief lull within the wind and headed again all the way down to the “atrium”. Reflecting, its humorous how a lot one will get vested in summitting a peak, though there can be no disgrace if you happen to stopped 25 ft beneath its highest level. It’s only a human compulsion to finish one thing, I suppose.
From there, I reconnected with the couple, and we chatted all the best way down the Burrows Path. It was a pleasant and much ranging dialog on a snowy day within the woods.
Once I received residence, I made a decision that I’ll begin gridding the Vermont 4000 footers, afterall. Which means I’ll climb all 5 peaks (Mansfield, Killington, Ellen, Camels Hump, and Abraham) in every calendar month of the yr. I’m not in any rush to complete, nevertheless it’s a great way to satisfy different hikers who’ve related targets and expertise to my very own. This was my fourth month climbing Camels Hump and my third ascent up to now yr. It’s a enjoyable peak to climb and properly well worth the views on the prime if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to select an excellent day.
