Giant, Rocky Peak Ridge, Bald to New Russia

Started at 8:00am up Giant Ridge Trail from Rt 73. Great views climbing slabs, then snow showers half way up. Some snowy patches and small amounts of ice, easily avoided, near top. Temp on top was 32F/0C. Word of the Day was MUD. From top of Giant over to Rocky Ridge, down to col and up over Rocky and down, lots and lots of wet areas and mud. Some ice going over Rocky -- brought but did not use Stabilicers. Quite windy on top of Rocky Ridge. Trail up and down from Bald Peak was drier. Weather cleared before Rocky and the views were unbelievable. Snow on Marcy and the Range melted by noon. Total time for hike was 9hrs 15min to New Russia parking lot.

Equipment needed: Gaiters (thigh-high if you've got em), poles, wind layer for top. If temps drop overnight could be lots more ice than today.