5-6-07 Moosilauke, a lot less snow

[Early Bird]

A quick TR to follow up on conditions earlier this week:
Moosilauke is transitioning nicely towards spring. I hiked up Gorge Brook today. The gate is open, the road clear and drivable. Seven of us barebooted to almost the last bridge crossing at 3300' with no trouble. From there on snowshoes were perfect. The snow was packed and not too slushy. At the top it was easy to sit out of the wind and enjoy the blue skies, sunshine, and good company which in addition to my hiking companions included white throated sparrows, ravens, and an unidentified accipiter.

 

[grouseking]

Well, I'm 280 pounds, so I fall thru very easily, and I found all the snow I could handle, top to bottom . I remember hearing the white throated sparrows at the summit. They are my favorite bird.

So there was no snow at all until 3300 feet? Cause a few short days ago, I was postholing up to my knees as soon as I hopped on the trail. There were dry patches, but I put on the snow shoes for good below 3000 feet.

I was just amazed at the knee deep snow in the shade at the lodge...def didnt see that comin! It will be interesting to see how long the snow holds, as it is actually going to warm up next week.

grouseking

 

[rocket21]

I have a terrible memory, but I think yours was one of the usernames mentioned today...if so, it was nice to meet all of you! Certainly a nice day up top, with Killington, Sugarloaf, Camel's Hump, etc. all visible, as well as (of course) the Whites.

 

[Early Bird]

So there was no snow at all until 3300 feet? Cause a few short days ago, I was postholing up to my knees as soon as I hopped on the trail. There were dry patches, but I put on the snow shoes for good below 3000 feet.

I was just amazed at the knee deep snow in the shade at the lodge...def didnt see that comin! It will be interesting to see how long the snow holds, as it is actually going to warm up next week.

grouseking

There were plenty of dry patches, a number even between 3,300 and treeline. Our tallest, biggest hiker post-holed once and that's where we stopped to put on shoes, just before the bridge. It seems there's been a lot of melt, but overnight freezing temps have kept the snows well compacted. Most of the snow around the lodge was gone. I didn't particularly notice the shady areas.

it was nice to meet all of you! Rocket21

It was nice meeting you too. I was the one that told you about the Rock me Roger Clemens song.

 

[rocket21]

It was nice meeting you too. I was the one that told you about the Rock me Rodger Clemens song.

Haha, that was great...I still gotta go look that one up! Oh, and by the way, I think my opinion of Roger Clemens is changing since he decided to go back to the bums again!