Kinsmans, November 4-5, 2012, White Mountain National Forest

View of Franconia Range, from Kinsmans

Knowing that our last hike of this trip would be the Kinsmans - noted for steep, rocky trails - and predicting a continuance of the foul winter weather brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Sandy, we decided to hit Lahout's Outfitters in Lincoln to procure some yak trax.

The spikes saved the day. Although the weather seemed comparatively mild at the Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch where we left the car, it turned out to be full blown winter on the top of the Kinsmans. We made quick work of the hike up to Lonesome Lake Hut, where we planned to overnight, and then hit the Fishin' Jimmy Trail up to the Kinsmans. Dicey and Icy the entire way, the trail would have been a bear without yak trax or some other form of light traction. We pressed onwards and upwards through light snow. Our ultimate plan was to do both Kinsmans, and then loop over to Cannon Mountain, another 4,000 footer.

Arriving at Lonesome Lake Hut

The plan proved to be way too audacious. Our slower-than-normal pace meant that we'd have to run the risk of not making it back to the hut by dark. No decision needed. We saved Cannon for another day.

So after bagging the Kinsmans - and noting by the absence of tracks that we were once again the first hikers to the peaks - we doubled back to the Kinsman Pond lean-to for lunch, then returned to Lonesome Lake Hut for a cold night in the bunkhouse, with temps hovering around 31 degrees F. Fortunately, Lonesome is one of the huts that runs a wood stove at this time of year. The main building was pretty comfortable, perfect for cooking up a meat and roasted root vegetable dinner with apple cobbler for dessert.

F*%$ Ramen noodles.

A much-needed Balaclava, courtesy of K's wool mastery

The hike was not without misfortune. I double-bent one of my Leki trekking poles, effectively ruining it. But a call to the company several days later resulted in two full sets of replacement sections. It's always nice when a gear company excuses clumsiness.

Peaks: North and South Kinsman
Elevation: 4,293 feet and 4,358 feet (Gain: 3,550 feet)
Distance: 8.4 miles
Route: Lonesome Lake Trail, Cascade Brook Trail, Fishin' Jimmy Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail
Conditions: Snow, freezing rain, 30 degrees F