D
Drumhaggart
Guest
Lower Gate on Ravine Lodge Rd still locked. (This adds approx 1.5 miles each way)
Road is still partially covered with ice and snow, more coverage toward the top. I left the gaiters and micro-spikes in my pack for the walk up the road.
Gorge Brook Trail to first crossing (0.6 mi) was no problem. Not much postholing, although the snow was softening up on the descent.
More postholing from first crossing to bare shoulder (3.3 mi). Be careful to stay on the monorail (not very well defined in places). I punched through up to my hip in a couple of places.
Above treeline snow was solid and "crispy". A short stretch (100 yd?) on the shoulder was bare, but snow coverage resumed just before the summit.
Equipment:
Light traction - I wore micro-spikes for the entire hike. Snowshoes not needed and I left mine in the car. I might have carried (and used) lightweight MSRs if I had them.
Poles - Big help in keeping my balance on the descent when the soft snow was sliding around under my feet
Gaiters - Glad I had 'em each time I punched through the crust
Nice hike, but a grey day. No views and it was snowing lightly at the top.
Steve
Drumhaggart [drumhaggart(at)hotmail(dot)com]
Road is still partially covered with ice and snow, more coverage toward the top. I left the gaiters and micro-spikes in my pack for the walk up the road.
Gorge Brook Trail to first crossing (0.6 mi) was no problem. Not much postholing, although the snow was softening up on the descent.
More postholing from first crossing to bare shoulder (3.3 mi). Be careful to stay on the monorail (not very well defined in places). I punched through up to my hip in a couple of places.
Above treeline snow was solid and "crispy". A short stretch (100 yd?) on the shoulder was bare, but snow coverage resumed just before the summit.
Equipment:
Light traction - I wore micro-spikes for the entire hike. Snowshoes not needed and I left mine in the car. I might have carried (and used) lightweight MSRs if I had them.
Poles - Big help in keeping my balance on the descent when the soft snow was sliding around under my feet
Gaiters - Glad I had 'em each time I punched through the crust
Nice hike, but a grey day. No views and it was snowing lightly at the top.
Steve
Drumhaggart [drumhaggart(at)hotmail(dot)com]
