We started at on the Rocky Branch Trail. The weather was cloudy and cold, but no wind to start the hike. As we approached the high point on the Rocky Branch trail, the wind started to pick up. To prevent to stream crossing we decided to bushwhack (a little NW) to get on the Isolation Trail. At first we were unsure if we reached the Rocky Branch Trail so we continued a bushwhack 10 more minutes parallel to what we thought could have been the trail. Then we cut across and the trail was easily recognizable. Then the wind started to pick up again and it was getting late in the day so we knew we would not make it to the summit before dark. So we found a nice flat spot for our campsite shortly before the next stream crossing and set up our tents. That night was the coldest night that I have camped in. We also had wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour that managed to sneak through the trees. We set up two tarps next to our cooking area to try to block the wind. Then we sat around for a couple hours boiling water for dinner and water. Since it was so cold it took a long time to boil water. Someone said it was -10 degrees Fahrenheit that night and that did not include the wind chill. I would guess -20 with wind chill (maybe even less). That night I managed to stay warm enough and get some sleep. I was in my most of cloths inside a sleeping bag liner that was inside a down sleeping bag that was inside a tent. I had my water bottles, food, camera, boot liners, etc inside my sleeping bag with me. The next morning, it was still cold and windy, but the sun came out. We broke camp and then decided to head straight back and leave Isolation summit for another day. We took the same bushwhack back. For the most part our footprints from the day before were still there, but a couple time snow drifts filled them in. Don't rely on you footprints to guide you back. They can fill in easily. Then, once back on the Rocky Branch Trail, we descended quickly pack to the cars and ate a good lunch in North Conway. I learned that on a backpack when its cold out, small things may take a longer time like boiling water, setting up tent (with break to warm up your hand), etc. It was a nice backpack.
Rocky Branch Trail
Setting up our camp
Our Tent
Tarps to block out the wind
Rocky Branch River
My new down jacket on its maiden voyage. (I definitely needed it)
Isolation Trail the next morning
Rocky Branch Trail
