Ed'n Lauky
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
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We arrived at the trail head at 7:45 AM and got the last place in the lot. After that folks had to park on the highway. That gives an idea of the crowd that was out there today. I think the majority of those out there went up Valley Way did Madison then went on after Adams and perhaps more. One group just ahead of me went straight on up Adams without doing Madison. They perhaps picked it up on the way back. After goofing off most of the winter with easy hikes, it was our first 4000 foot elevation gain all winter my legs told me Madison was enough and we headed back.
Valley way was packed solid. It was concrete up to about 2500'. After that it was well solidified but not as solid. On the steeper sections steps had developed on the trail making the climb, traction wise, fairly easy. I used my Hillsounds car to car as the majority of those I saw today were wearing spikes of some sort, but there were some in snowshoes. Even above the hut there were no exposed rocks it was a solid trail all the way up. Snowshoes could be used without a problem on that section. As you walk by the side of Madison Hut you walk right over 55 gallon drums standing upright. It gives an idea of the depth of the snow there.
Airline from the trailhead had been broken out although not to the extent of Valley Way. Many of the smaller trails near the trailhead had been broken out. Randoph above Valley Way showed one set of snowshoe tracks. Higher up the only trail broken out was up to the tent site.
There was a bit of wind above the hut but nothing terrible. No goggles needed. Sunglasses were mandatory. It was a gorgeous day today with unlimited views from the top.
Stream crossings were not an issue. Two of them required a short step over. There was one duck under across the trail. If there are any step overs they were covered by snow.
We saw Bob, Gerry and the adorable Dusty today. There were a couple of other dogs out there also. They were all having a blast and snow was not balling up in the pads today.
The trip down is very fast right now as it is very smooth. The trail is in great shape for tomorrow.
Mileage: 8.4
Elevation gain: 4100
[email protected]
Valley way was packed solid. It was concrete up to about 2500'. After that it was well solidified but not as solid. On the steeper sections steps had developed on the trail making the climb, traction wise, fairly easy. I used my Hillsounds car to car as the majority of those I saw today were wearing spikes of some sort, but there were some in snowshoes. Even above the hut there were no exposed rocks it was a solid trail all the way up. Snowshoes could be used without a problem on that section. As you walk by the side of Madison Hut you walk right over 55 gallon drums standing upright. It gives an idea of the depth of the snow there.
Airline from the trailhead had been broken out although not to the extent of Valley Way. Many of the smaller trails near the trailhead had been broken out. Randoph above Valley Way showed one set of snowshoe tracks. Higher up the only trail broken out was up to the tent site.
There was a bit of wind above the hut but nothing terrible. No goggles needed. Sunglasses were mandatory. It was a gorgeous day today with unlimited views from the top.
Stream crossings were not an issue. Two of them required a short step over. There was one duck under across the trail. If there are any step overs they were covered by snow.
We saw Bob, Gerry and the adorable Dusty today. There were a couple of other dogs out there also. They were all having a blast and snow was not balling up in the pads today.
The trip down is very fast right now as it is very smooth. The trail is in great shape for tomorrow.
Mileage: 8.4
Elevation gain: 4100
[email protected]
