Is it Winter yet?

[Papa Bear]

A few of us are hoping to do some peak bagging in Maine (and adjacent Canada) in a couple of weeks (Nov. 13 & 14). On Saturday we hope to bag the NEHH "Boundary Peak" via Canada and to bag Mont Gosford which is nearby while we're at it.

On Sunday we hope to bag Boundary Bald and Coburn which are both near Jackman.

We know we may have long days and lots of driving, but that's a given. My question is, should we expect to need either snowshoes or crampons in these sections on those dates? I'm not really geared up for winter yet and I was hoping for at least a little more late Fall hiking. Low temperatures wouldn't bother us, but winter gear would slow us down, as it always does, and it might keep us from reaching our goals (not that these peaks wouldn't be great fun in winter conditions).

Any one have any information or opinions? I know Nadine had some ice problems a week or so ago but that did not keep her from the Boundary Bald summit (although it did keep her from doing a bushwhack to a sub beak).

Anyone?

And while we're at it, anyone interested in joining?

Thanks
Pb

 

[Tom Rankin]

On 10/23/04 there was up to 2" of snow on the Jays, at about the same latitude. Also, there were a few icy patches on the trail. So, I doubt snow shoes are needed yet, but crampons are not a bad idea. It can't hurt to bring them in the car in any case. Sometimes the trail registers will have comments about the conditions. And of course, browse the trail conditions section here at vftt...

 

[Nadine]

And bring gaiters to go with the crampons. Maybe even snowshoes. It could be deep by then. Supposed to snow tomorrow.