NH Tramper
Member
Date of Hike: April 28, 2012
Trail Conditions: We started with a dusting of fresh snow and the depth built to about an inch or so on the trail as we ascended with exception to a couple of places where the monorail remained. It was hard and sporadic, though. There was some ice but it was mostly from runoff that froze during the night, with exception to a few small ice falls in the upper reaches. The final pitch to the summit was more snow than ice, and it was hard packed. On descent the middle sections were pretty muddy, unavoidable on some sections, stream like. The lower sections were almost dry by the afternoon. The crossings were all pretty easy but we bushwhacked past the first two in the morning due to ice on the rocks. That was no longer the case in the afternoon.
Special Equipment Required: Microspikes were useful (we put them on at the switchbacks), and just about everyone we met was wearing them, though they were probably not "required" for the surefooted, per se. Trekking poles helped.
Comments: Awesome day. Started cold with light flurries but the sun came out and it warmed up a lot. The summit was cold and windy, but beautiful offering gorgeous views in all directions. I was in great company: hiked with BIGEarl and Trail Trotter, Sue (as well as Rick and Lisa whom we met on the way and joined up with). All were very enjoyable people to hike with. We had fun!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
Trail Conditions: We started with a dusting of fresh snow and the depth built to about an inch or so on the trail as we ascended with exception to a couple of places where the monorail remained. It was hard and sporadic, though. There was some ice but it was mostly from runoff that froze during the night, with exception to a few small ice falls in the upper reaches. The final pitch to the summit was more snow than ice, and it was hard packed. On descent the middle sections were pretty muddy, unavoidable on some sections, stream like. The lower sections were almost dry by the afternoon. The crossings were all pretty easy but we bushwhacked past the first two in the morning due to ice on the rocks. That was no longer the case in the afternoon.
Special Equipment Required: Microspikes were useful (we put them on at the switchbacks), and just about everyone we met was wearing them, though they were probably not "required" for the surefooted, per se. Trekking poles helped.
Comments: Awesome day. Started cold with light flurries but the sun came out and it warmed up a lot. The summit was cold and windy, but beautiful offering gorgeous views in all directions. I was in great company: hiked with BIGEarl and Trail Trotter, Sue (as well as Rick and Lisa whom we met on the way and joined up with). All were very enjoyable people to hike with. We had fun!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
