Solo Hikers on the Bonds

[Puck]

#46915 |

I had a discussion with my wife this evening. She is not realy a hiker, so she is full of fears and worries about me doing a solo overnight backpack to West Bond. I plan on doing an overnigh stealth camp down in the Pemi Friday night then get up early to get to my peak. then after the event hike back out to Lincoln woods.
In looking at the peak list I noticed that there will be a handfull of solo hikers on the Bonds and Garfield ridge. I am planning on calling my wife before I leave for the hike in and when I come out, as well as leaving her my route etc. However, by way of an added check point would the hikers on the Bonds agree to have a rendez vous shortly after 2:00 when the flags are taken down? depending how people came in this point could be on Bond or Bond cliff. In the event that we may have to scramble of the peaks into a bushwack situation due to weather and lighting we can make phone calls to the families and spouses. Please contact me via this thread or email.

Thanks
Craig

[MichaelJ]

#50051

A great idea, Puck, since your route out takes you over the other 2 Bonds, though I could imagine the person on Bondcliff not wanting to wait the extra hour or so for you to get there.

From Garfield I’ll just be headed straight down.

[Puck]

#50052

Thanks Michael

A rendez vous is just one idea. Another would be if someone did not see a flag on a expected peak they could make a call. Or if there was lightning that forces us off the peaks I would then be involved in a bushwacl toward 13 falls. I would be delayed by a few hours and someone could make the call on my behalf.
There could be a number of ways we could look out for each other.

[Greg]

#50053

We’re also basecamping in the Pemi, but will be heading down Twin Brook from South Twin. Question: Why do you need to meet up with other hikers in order to check in at home?

[Puck]

#50054

I am trying to calm my new bride’s fears as I am hiking solo. I am trying to set up check points with one or two other hikers. If I miss one they could make a call to her saying I wasn’t there. I thought check points could be a sighting of my flag on the peak, a rendez vous point etc.

[Frodo]

#50055

Hello Puck,

First of all, thanks for signing up for West Bond, one of the more spectular peaks in the Whites…

Second, I wouldn’t worry about hiking solo this time of year. Infact, you will be seeing MANY other hikers on the trails with the scenic peak you have chosen…

Third, if you are concerned about safety you might want to reconsider your route. Climbing West Bond from Zealand is a little shorter and a little easier than from the Wilderness Trail. It also is better sheltered from T-Storms (you avoid the heavily exposed section between Bondcliff and Bond), and has 2 staffed shelters (Zealand Hut and Guyot campsites/shelter). If you do encounter bad weather, I would advise heading to Guyot Shelter (.7 miles from W. Bond summit) as opposed to bushwhacking down to the Franconia Brook Trail which is tough going thru thick spruce trees up high (gets better down low), and certainly adds to making a bad situation worse…

If you are looking to add safety with a buddy system, try finding a partner by posting an event on VFTT, AZ, or GONE. There is a good chance that you might find another patriotic hiker to join you, but believe me, you will never be alone on the trails on a Saturday in the Pemi in Sept (unless there is a hurricane coming)…

[Puck]

#50056

Frodo
Thanks for the response and the assurances.
My only Pemi experiences was a trip up Owl’s Head, Hence my feeling of solitude and remotness.

I am not concerned for my safety as I always prepare myself. I was trying to put a system in place to ease my spouse’s fears. However, hearing that the Bonds and the Pemi will be busy I am not going to worry about it.

I am really looking forward to this event!

[SherpaKroto]

#50057

Puck: Frodo’s route also puts you closer to the Mooseland Grill (a consideration, as you will be one of the last ones to get there), allows you to bag Zealand on the way in (or out), and is, as he says, a lot more sheltered. It’s a nice, moderate route, and tkes you over Guyot – a White Mtn Gem!

But… we will have fine weather, so any route is good!

[SilentCal]

#50058

I would consider the Zealand route as well. It’s a more seheltered route and you’ll find much more traffic along the AT than you would if you were heading over the Bonds. I saw 4 people on my Owl’s Head hike after the Wilderness trail but saw about 50 on all my Bonds trips. Basecamping at Guyot is one of the pure joys of the White Mountains and with the caretaker there and the Hut crew at Zealand Falls, your spouse’s fears should be minimal. Thanks for grabbing West Bond!

[Puck]

#50059

So I will reconsider my route. My problem is I am coming up from CT that afternoon and wont be able to get on the trail until 6. I was planning on some night hiking until I could put some miles behind me and then find a good site 200′ of the trail.

[SilentCal]

#50060

A suggestion if your not starting to hike until six.
You could consider spending a night at the hut but if not there are many level places along the Zealand trail to basecamp from. Sun-set is around 7:00. Be Safe! :flag:

[dluxcheez]

#50061

Hey Puck, I did the Bonds a few weeks ago and missed West Bond due to threatening weather. If I can rearrange my schedule I may be interested in this hike. Any interest in a companion?

[Puck]

#50062

Sure
My itinerary is up in the air. I want to get to Zealand road as soon as my work schedule and traffic permits (I am driving up from CT). I will be doing great if it is 6:00 pm I would like to get onto the Twinway so that I have four to five miles under my belt before I sleep. If I am up and out early enough I would like to bag Bond.

[dluxcheez]

#50063

Puck, as it turns out I could not shift my weekend plans, so I’m going to be left out. Enjoy the great weather.

[Author]

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