Many thanks to 1HappyHiker for reminding me of Mount Martha!!! I have only hiked it once, probably in 1997 (summer).
Drove to the gigantic parking area, put on my pack, and discovered that my camera had stayed at home
At least I had my retina for imaging and my brain for storage ...
The trail starts at a very gentle grade, with not much snow. Higher it gets steeper and the snow gets deeper. In spite of 1HH's trip a couple of days ago the final section was pleasantly hard work. The higher part of the trail was in dense conifers, with a very wintry look.
Low down the vegetation varied, young hardwoods in the recently logged area, then a mix of hardwoods and softwoods, not much snow on the trees. then a gorgeous area of open hardwoods. I love open hardwoods on a sunny winter day ... blue sky, white snow, grey trunks, black shadows ... why the heck did I leave my camera at home
The final 0.2 miles to the summit is a snowmobile trail, narrow in places. On the way up I met a descending snowmobiler in a very narrow place, fortunately he was driving slowly and we crossed uneventfully.
I knew the summit views to the south (Presis) are wonderful, and they were. Cloudless sky, new snow on the peaks, a perfect photo day! What I did not know is that there are very interesting views to the north, nothing comparable of course to the Presis but still enjoyable. I ate my sandwiches in the sun, and enjoyed the views.
The descent was perfect, there are almost no flats where you have to do all the work yourself with no help from gravity.
I plan to return on Sunday, with my camera this time!
Note: In spite of 1HH and myself, snowshoes are still definitely required.
Drove to the gigantic parking area, put on my pack, and discovered that my camera had stayed at home
At least I had my retina for imaging and my brain for storage ...The trail starts at a very gentle grade, with not much snow. Higher it gets steeper and the snow gets deeper. In spite of 1HH's trip a couple of days ago the final section was pleasantly hard work. The higher part of the trail was in dense conifers, with a very wintry look.
Low down the vegetation varied, young hardwoods in the recently logged area, then a mix of hardwoods and softwoods, not much snow on the trees. then a gorgeous area of open hardwoods. I love open hardwoods on a sunny winter day ... blue sky, white snow, grey trunks, black shadows ... why the heck did I leave my camera at home
The final 0.2 miles to the summit is a snowmobile trail, narrow in places. On the way up I met a descending snowmobiler in a very narrow place, fortunately he was driving slowly and we crossed uneventfully.
I knew the summit views to the south (Presis) are wonderful, and they were. Cloudless sky, new snow on the peaks, a perfect photo day! What I did not know is that there are very interesting views to the north, nothing comparable of course to the Presis but still enjoyable. I ate my sandwiches in the sun, and enjoyed the views.
The descent was perfect, there are almost no flats where you have to do all the work yourself with no help from gravity.
I plan to return on Sunday, with my camera this time!
Note: In spite of 1HH and myself, snowshoes are still definitely required.
