skidoc22
New member
Upper Works to Flowed Lands had about 6-8" of new over crusty footpath, mostly held weight. By the trip out most areas were well broken, but stream and even smaller water crossings were unfrozen at the time. Used Red trail from FL to Herbert Brook with fine conditions - did not attempt Flowed Lands direct route due to recent thaw.
Following herd path up Herbert Brook was surprisingly challanging and many deviations and different routes were tried. Off path there were innumerable spruce traps and thick areas. We found the most difficulty b/t about 3300 and 3700 feet after which we fortunately crossed back to the north side of the brook and found much easier going. From there up it was mostly on or very near the summer herdpath.
On the way down we stayed on the north side most of the way hoping to avoid our earlier mishaps but waited too long to cross over and got into it again. Brook crossings were tricky because of a lot of running water all the way to the top of the brook.
As one of our party stated, "we're not making too many friends today" with all of our false starts and some off course travel. All in all it was a very challanging trip up the mountain - a good four hours up and two or so down.
Used only snowshoes, no use for crampons or other traction devices that day. GPS was very helpful.
Following herd path up Herbert Brook was surprisingly challanging and many deviations and different routes were tried. Off path there were innumerable spruce traps and thick areas. We found the most difficulty b/t about 3300 and 3700 feet after which we fortunately crossed back to the north side of the brook and found much easier going. From there up it was mostly on or very near the summer herdpath.
On the way down we stayed on the north side most of the way hoping to avoid our earlier mishaps but waited too long to cross over and got into it again. Brook crossings were tricky because of a lot of running water all the way to the top of the brook.
As one of our party stated, "we're not making too many friends today" with all of our false starts and some off course travel. All in all it was a very challanging trip up the mountain - a good four hours up and two or so down.
Used only snowshoes, no use for crampons or other traction devices that day. GPS was very helpful.
