Date of hike: 5/1/11
Trail Conditions: Whitehouse was almost totally dry and in great shape. Liberty Springs was snow free up until about halfway in, where the snow started. It was firm in the morning and softened up quite a bit in the afternoon. My friend wore Microspikes and they seemed to be the perfect choice. I barebooted the whole way and had to be a bit more careful but it was do-able, but I used my poles heavily for when my boots slipped! Carried snowshoes but didn't use them - no postholing issues. The water crossing was fine - had to step on a couple rocks with water flowing over them but no problem. No blowdowns anywhere.
Special Equipment: Some light traction probably best. Poles useful. Sunblock.
Comments: An absolutely beautiful day. Summit was warm, dry, no wind and not a cloud in the sky.
Trail Conditions: Whitehouse was almost totally dry and in great shape. Liberty Springs was snow free up until about halfway in, where the snow started. It was firm in the morning and softened up quite a bit in the afternoon. My friend wore Microspikes and they seemed to be the perfect choice. I barebooted the whole way and had to be a bit more careful but it was do-able, but I used my poles heavily for when my boots slipped! Carried snowshoes but didn't use them - no postholing issues. The water crossing was fine - had to step on a couple rocks with water flowing over them but no problem. No blowdowns anywhere.
Special Equipment: Some light traction probably best. Poles useful. Sunblock.
Comments: An absolutely beautiful day. Summit was warm, dry, no wind and not a cloud in the sky.
