On Friday March 5th, 2004, Ed Hawkins sent the following email to many of his hiking friends; I am reproducing it with his permission:
Hi to all,
A huge congratulations to Lyn Beattie & Ed Robertson!!!!!
Lyn Beattie & Ed Robertson have just completed the "NH 200" highest peaks in the "winter season".
Lyn & Ed become the 3rd & 4th people, to accomplish this list, in the winter season. Lyn is the first woman.
On Thursday, Mar 4, 2004, Lyn and Ed led a group of 8, on an 11 mile trek, to Howe Peak. The route this day was a combination of road walk, trail, and a ½ mile bushwack.
The weather this day was mixed. Parts of the day were mostly cloudy, and parts of the day were mostly sunny. Temps were mild, and the winds were light.
The snowpack was well consolidated. This made for relatively easy trailbreaking. The bushwack led us through mostly open woods.
We touched the open summit ledges of Howe Peak at 12:40 PM. Most of the high peaks to the west (Fours), were in the clouds. We had tremendous views to the north & east, and the Wild River Wilderness area to our south.
This is a tremendous accomplishment!!! About one-half of these peaks are without trail. Many are in the most remote parts of our state. The obstacles of winter bushwacks are many!!! The challenges of this task can not be overstated!!! This accomplishment by Lyn & Ed, is without question, a great tribute to their orienteering and winter hiking skills, and, a great tribute to their perseverence.
Lyn's & Ed's companions on this day were Sue Johnston, Thom Davis, Creston Ruiter, Dorothy Corey, Carl Rosenthal, & Ed Hawkins.
Again, to Lyn & Ed, from all your friends: "Congratulations & well done".