kurtq
New member
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Trail Conditions: Happily there was much more snow than I expected, and with the cold at night it was quite hard packed and firm. Although as the sun came up, some areas were warmed and turned to mash potatoes, but underneath was still firm. The was no blowdown to speak of, however the trees along the Devil's Path were covered with ice, and with the deep snow base on the trails, there was a lot of ducking and weaving to go around or under the low hanging icy branches. Ice between pack and back was common. Water crossings were almost non-existent... water levels were low, compared to how they must have been a week or two ago.
Special Equipment Required: Show shoes and crampons were unnecessary, athough there was some dicey slick spots to watch out for, but most were easily avoided or carefully negotiated.
Comments: Spectacular day in the woods! We did a loop from Prediger Road, clockwise, up the eastern slope of Indian Head, over to Twin (both of 'em), then back to Jimmy Dolan Notch and the car. The sun was out, sky was brilliant blue, snow was firm, views were awesome. Although the calendar says Spring, the Catskills - above 2000 feet or so - are still enjoying Winter. Simply an outstanding day to be out.
Kurt Quackenbush and Tom West
Trail Conditions: Happily there was much more snow than I expected, and with the cold at night it was quite hard packed and firm. Although as the sun came up, some areas were warmed and turned to mash potatoes, but underneath was still firm. The was no blowdown to speak of, however the trees along the Devil's Path were covered with ice, and with the deep snow base on the trails, there was a lot of ducking and weaving to go around or under the low hanging icy branches. Ice between pack and back was common. Water crossings were almost non-existent... water levels were low, compared to how they must have been a week or two ago.
Special Equipment Required: Show shoes and crampons were unnecessary, athough there was some dicey slick spots to watch out for, but most were easily avoided or carefully negotiated.
Comments: Spectacular day in the woods! We did a loop from Prediger Road, clockwise, up the eastern slope of Indian Head, over to Twin (both of 'em), then back to Jimmy Dolan Notch and the car. The sun was out, sky was brilliant blue, snow was firm, views were awesome. Although the calendar says Spring, the Catskills - above 2000 feet or so - are still enjoying Winter. Simply an outstanding day to be out.
Kurt Quackenbush and Tom West
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