BIGEarl
Well-known member
Yesterday, 4/17, I hiked to Mt. Nancy with Double Bow.
We managed an early start at 7:30am and found clear, dry trail conditions. Slowly that changed. By the time we reached the base of the cascade the trail had a significant amount of snow and ice, but we were still able to bare boot the hike. We made it to the top of the cascade where we encountered significant amounts of snow, which required snow shoes. The deep snow conditions (many places four feet deep) continued all the way to the early part of the bushwhack. After a couple hundred yards into the bushwhack the trail conditions opened and the trail (oops twice – herd path) was easily bare booted.
We were able to follow the herd path without any problems even though there were no markings. There are a few blow downs that should mysteriously find their way to the side of the path. A saw will be needed, or a couple big guys with strong backs.
Approximately half way up, the ice conditions became unsafe and out came the crampons. We used them to the summit and back down. At the summit we made the obligatory stop at the canister to register. The Registration Book is full, and broken into a pile of separate pages. We made our entries on the inside of the front cover, which was the only open space we could find.
We walked to the clearing on the northeast side of the summit and enjoyed the views. Even though the sky was completely overcast the air under the clouds was clear allowing nice long-distance views.
After the brief break we headed out. Going down the cascade area we went back to crampons until reaching the base. Then, bare boot to the trailhead parking.
Overall, not a bad day. The forecasted showers amounted to just a brief period mid-hike and otherwise a dry day. Double Bow took a couple falls on the ice and hurt his knee and arm – (I hope you’re feeling better today).
Anybody planning to head for Nancy should definitely bring traction gear and snowshoes. Both are needed. Perhaps, a saw – (or a couple big friends) would also be useful.
We managed an early start at 7:30am and found clear, dry trail conditions. Slowly that changed. By the time we reached the base of the cascade the trail had a significant amount of snow and ice, but we were still able to bare boot the hike. We made it to the top of the cascade where we encountered significant amounts of snow, which required snow shoes. The deep snow conditions (many places four feet deep) continued all the way to the early part of the bushwhack. After a couple hundred yards into the bushwhack the trail conditions opened and the trail (oops twice – herd path) was easily bare booted.
We were able to follow the herd path without any problems even though there were no markings. There are a few blow downs that should mysteriously find their way to the side of the path. A saw will be needed, or a couple big guys with strong backs.
Approximately half way up, the ice conditions became unsafe and out came the crampons. We used them to the summit and back down. At the summit we made the obligatory stop at the canister to register. The Registration Book is full, and broken into a pile of separate pages. We made our entries on the inside of the front cover, which was the only open space we could find.
We walked to the clearing on the northeast side of the summit and enjoyed the views. Even though the sky was completely overcast the air under the clouds was clear allowing nice long-distance views.
After the brief break we headed out. Going down the cascade area we went back to crampons until reaching the base. Then, bare boot to the trailhead parking.
Overall, not a bad day. The forecasted showers amounted to just a brief period mid-hike and otherwise a dry day. Double Bow took a couple falls on the ice and hurt his knee and arm – (I hope you’re feeling better today).
Anybody planning to head for Nancy should definitely bring traction gear and snowshoes. Both are needed. Perhaps, a saw – (or a couple big friends) would also be useful.
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