NH Tramper
Member
Date of Hike: Nov. 9, 2012
Trails: Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, and Hancock Loop Trails (north to south)
Trail Conditions: Pretty much bare ground but a little wet to start with accumulations to two inches of snow at elevation, plus a thin layer of frost and rime ice on the trees. Hancock Notch Trail was really nice and clear and easy hiking (thanks to Bryan I think). Cedar Brook Trail has some not-frozen-enough-yet muddy and wet places but all were fairly easy to avoid. There are a couple of older(?) blowdowns on this section, one easy-under (which may be a hard-to-limbo-under when the snow piles up) and a couple of easy-overs (they'll disappear soon). The Hancock Loop Trail is in great shape -- barring a lot of loose rocks and a few icy patches under the snow -- though the col section of trail was a bit littered with mostly easy-over blowdowns. All crossings were easy rock-hops today.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were really optional but we used them going down the south loop section for added piece of mind -- can't see that ice under the snow -- and trekking poles were helpful, especially with crossings. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked today with Bill Robishaud ("Brobishaud" here on the VFTT) and it was terrific. An awesome day for a hike with mild temps, mostly clear skies, and lots of protection from the strong NW winds. We were the only ones on the trail except one solo hiker, Wayne, who was well-met during his south-to-north loop well ahead of us. So far ahead of us, in fact, we met him descending on the lollipop handle of Hancock Loop Trail. He was headed to the Oscolas the bag them as well. Hi Wayne!
Other: The police presence on I-93 was a lot higher than normal and I saw a few pull-overs. I'm guessing they are trying to slow people down for the up-coming snow season. You've been warned!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
Trails: Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, and Hancock Loop Trails (north to south)
Trail Conditions: Pretty much bare ground but a little wet to start with accumulations to two inches of snow at elevation, plus a thin layer of frost and rime ice on the trees. Hancock Notch Trail was really nice and clear and easy hiking (thanks to Bryan I think). Cedar Brook Trail has some not-frozen-enough-yet muddy and wet places but all were fairly easy to avoid. There are a couple of older(?) blowdowns on this section, one easy-under (which may be a hard-to-limbo-under when the snow piles up) and a couple of easy-overs (they'll disappear soon). The Hancock Loop Trail is in great shape -- barring a lot of loose rocks and a few icy patches under the snow -- though the col section of trail was a bit littered with mostly easy-over blowdowns. All crossings were easy rock-hops today.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were really optional but we used them going down the south loop section for added piece of mind -- can't see that ice under the snow -- and trekking poles were helpful, especially with crossings. Gaiters weren't really needed today.
Comments: Hiked today with Bill Robishaud ("Brobishaud" here on the VFTT) and it was terrific. An awesome day for a hike with mild temps, mostly clear skies, and lots of protection from the strong NW winds. We were the only ones on the trail except one solo hiker, Wayne, who was well-met during his south-to-north loop well ahead of us. So far ahead of us, in fact, we met him descending on the lollipop handle of Hancock Loop Trail. He was headed to the Oscolas the bag them as well. Hi Wayne!
Other: The police presence on I-93 was a lot higher than normal and I saw a few pull-overs. I'm guessing they are trying to slow people down for the up-coming snow season. You've been warned!
Mike "Tramper" Cherim
Nottingham NH
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