Climbing Log: Wright Peak

Mountains Climbed: Wright Peak
Date of Hike: Sunday, December 28th, 2008
Hikers: Seth C. Burgess, Jessica L. Burgess, Adam C. Chapin, Joseph P. Burgess, Brendan Eckner

Trail Conditions: Icy, extreme wind on summit

Comments: Started out from ADK Loj around 1130 and made fast progress on the iced trail. Donned Stabilicers at the trailhead and never switched out for the rest of the hike. Fairly warm air for December, with mid-40s at the bottom ranging into the low-30s as we ascended toward the junction to Wright. The waterfall was running strong with all the snowmelt caused by the past few days' rain.

Grizzly Adams in front of waterfall

Nearing the Wright/Algonquin split we experienced a 10-minute stretch where the prevailing precipitation transitioned from rain, to sleet, to granular snow. We came across probably 30 hikers coming down from Wright's summit trail, nearly all saying they had turned back due to extreme winds. Heard one story of a guy who thought he might've blown right away if it wasn't for the fact that he had caught a rock with his ice axe...

Cresting the ridge to Wright's summit

3/5 of our group did make the summit. The other 2 of us turned back due to the wind intensity and the uncomfortable cold w/ our inappropriate gear. We estimated 80-100mph winds on Wright, turns out that by drawing on local comparisons it was probably running at 100mph+. The awesome power of Mother Nature! Returned to ADK Loj ~1630 and enjoyed some Hot Cocoa from the ADK shop.

High Peaks Information Center and ADK Shop

Special Equipment Required: Stabilicers were key on the icy-slick trails. I regretted not having my outer-mittens or snow/wind goggles for the top.

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