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With temps in the Notch in the low 40's, trail from Crawford Depot to Avalon Jct. was corn snow on a firm base. First brook crossing had a solid snow bridge, second required two hops but no problem. Firm base under an inch or two of soft snow made for a delightful packed treadway up to Avalon, all the way out to Willey, back to Tom, and down the AtoZ closing the loop. Encountered a couple of blowdowns along the way, but all were step-overs or duck-unders - no detours or crawling required.
Most of the 20 or so people I met weren't wearing or carrying snowshoes, but postholes were few and never an annoyance. With the firm base and soft topping on this particular day you probably could get by without any traction for the whole route; I started with microspikes and then switched to snowshoes when the real climbing started up Avalon - this old man likes the heel lifts - and left the shoes on until I got back to the railroad tracks. For me snowshoes provided the perfect traction and using them will help make the excellent trail conditions last a little longer.
I found the Willey Range to be a very rewarding hike, with the majestic Presi's to the east, the vast Pemi to the west, the Notch down below, and particularly the striking view of Carrigain.
Brooks
bafulton-at-gmail
Most of the 20 or so people I met weren't wearing or carrying snowshoes, but postholes were few and never an annoyance. With the firm base and soft topping on this particular day you probably could get by without any traction for the whole route; I started with microspikes and then switched to snowshoes when the real climbing started up Avalon - this old man likes the heel lifts - and left the shoes on until I got back to the railroad tracks. For me snowshoes provided the perfect traction and using them will help make the excellent trail conditions last a little longer.
I found the Willey Range to be a very rewarding hike, with the majestic Presi's to the east, the vast Pemi to the west, the Notch down below, and particularly the striking view of Carrigain.
Brooks
bafulton-at-gmail
