2-3-12
Trail Conditions: Hard, crusty snow conditions most of the way, even off-trail there was no postholing. Thin snow cover overall (some spots on Black Pond Trail were bare ground). No problems of note to Black Pond, meandered a little before finding the old, lower bushwhack route right to the campsite by Lincoln Brook (versus the traces of an old higher route). Pretty clear and dry route after the first few yards around the sign past the pond. Lincoln Brook Trail had the same rather old blowdowns on it, nothing of concern. First 2 brook crossings were negotiated with little trouble, though the bank leading to a log across one was a little undercut and might not still be there. The upper crossing we managed with little trouble by hopping on ice-crusted rocks right at the trail crossing (one was just below ice level). Coming back, one key rock that was in the middle of the crossing had lost its ice crown due to the sun beating on it, but was only 1" below water level, so we crossed there again. Others we had met had crossed a little bit downstream. Looking at the lower crossing of Lincoln Brook where the Black Pond bushwhack came out, the crossing there did not look doable. Ice bridges were starting to form and solidify, but are several cold days away from being 100% trustworthy.
We picked up the start of the Brutus bushwhack, but crossed the skidder path versus following it (it was obscure where we hit it), and ended up bushwhacking straight up to the traverse section of the whack about 2/10mi South of the slide top (at the big rock), basically cutting the loop to the South the BW normally follows. Everyone behind us apparently followed our tracks. I don't recommend this route in the future as it was very steep, and the footing was not great in a number of places. Where the footprints diverge shortly after leaving the trail, bear right (on ascent) and the skidder path will be clear inside a few yards. From where we connected with the true bushwhack route to the new summit (carin is visible) was easy to follow and had no real troubles. A few navigate-around blowdowns through here. Coming down, we continued straight onto the Brutus Bushwhack, and it was a good descent through the gulley to the skidder path. Not sure what the other groups behind us did. Slide showed no evidence of recent traffic. No troubles coming out except for the upper crossing as noted above.
Special Equipment Required: Light traction (microspikes/Hillsounds) optimal for the entire route. Brought but did not need snowshoes, only a couple very short spots where they could have helped some. Crampons or Hillsound PROs would be a good idea for the Brutus Bushwhack and Owl's Head Path, as there was some hidden ice that microspikes did not bite on well, though we managed OK. Poles helpful for the crossings, both for balance and for checking thickness of ice-bridged sections.
With some care, this is a fast trip right now. Some snow cover would be helpful though. Thanks to Greg and OG Rob for coming along, and congrats to both on winter checkmarks.
Trail Conditions: Hard, crusty snow conditions most of the way, even off-trail there was no postholing. Thin snow cover overall (some spots on Black Pond Trail were bare ground). No problems of note to Black Pond, meandered a little before finding the old, lower bushwhack route right to the campsite by Lincoln Brook (versus the traces of an old higher route). Pretty clear and dry route after the first few yards around the sign past the pond. Lincoln Brook Trail had the same rather old blowdowns on it, nothing of concern. First 2 brook crossings were negotiated with little trouble, though the bank leading to a log across one was a little undercut and might not still be there. The upper crossing we managed with little trouble by hopping on ice-crusted rocks right at the trail crossing (one was just below ice level). Coming back, one key rock that was in the middle of the crossing had lost its ice crown due to the sun beating on it, but was only 1" below water level, so we crossed there again. Others we had met had crossed a little bit downstream. Looking at the lower crossing of Lincoln Brook where the Black Pond bushwhack came out, the crossing there did not look doable. Ice bridges were starting to form and solidify, but are several cold days away from being 100% trustworthy.
We picked up the start of the Brutus bushwhack, but crossed the skidder path versus following it (it was obscure where we hit it), and ended up bushwhacking straight up to the traverse section of the whack about 2/10mi South of the slide top (at the big rock), basically cutting the loop to the South the BW normally follows. Everyone behind us apparently followed our tracks. I don't recommend this route in the future as it was very steep, and the footing was not great in a number of places. Where the footprints diverge shortly after leaving the trail, bear right (on ascent) and the skidder path will be clear inside a few yards. From where we connected with the true bushwhack route to the new summit (carin is visible) was easy to follow and had no real troubles. A few navigate-around blowdowns through here. Coming down, we continued straight onto the Brutus Bushwhack, and it was a good descent through the gulley to the skidder path. Not sure what the other groups behind us did. Slide showed no evidence of recent traffic. No troubles coming out except for the upper crossing as noted above.
Special Equipment Required: Light traction (microspikes/Hillsounds) optimal for the entire route. Brought but did not need snowshoes, only a couple very short spots where they could have helped some. Crampons or Hillsound PROs would be a good idea for the Brutus Bushwhack and Owl's Head Path, as there was some hidden ice that microspikes did not bite on well, though we managed OK. Poles helpful for the crossings, both for balance and for checking thickness of ice-bridged sections.
With some care, this is a fast trip right now. Some snow cover would be helpful though. Thanks to Greg and OG Rob for coming along, and congrats to both on winter checkmarks.
