funkyfreddy
Well-known member
Went for a stunning snowshoe loop hike up Blackhead yesterday. Josef (Fu Jow Pai) and I had a beautiful sunny day and great snow conditions, doing the Blackhead loop in about 3 and a half hours. we had great views in all directions, including some from the part of the Escarpment Trail we did on the east side of Blackhead.
Conditions were good for snowshoing EXCEPT for the steep ledges coming up the Escarpment. There we should have stopped and put on our crampons for the next 300' or so of elevation close to the summit but neither of us did - instead struggling up on all fours in some places, making use of tree trunks, etc.
It was cold but beautiful on the summit, with great views west and south. I spent about 200' feet coming down the steep section on my butt, then got up and ran down the mountain, catching up w Josef and his 2 Jack Russels. At this point we jumped off trail and shot down the 2-3' of powder, wrapping up a great couple of days snowshoing. Thanks go to Josef for good companionship on a superb day of winter Catskill hiking.
Conditions were good for snowshoing EXCEPT for the steep ledges coming up the Escarpment. There we should have stopped and put on our crampons for the next 300' or so of elevation close to the summit but neither of us did - instead struggling up on all fours in some places, making use of tree trunks, etc.
It was cold but beautiful on the summit, with great views west and south. I spent about 200' feet coming down the steep section on my butt, then got up and ran down the mountain, catching up w Josef and his 2 Jack Russels. At this point we jumped off trail and shot down the 2-3' of powder, wrapping up a great couple of days snowshoing. Thanks go to Josef for good companionship on a superb day of winter Catskill hiking.
