With a ground-level forecast of 79 for North Woodstock, four of us set of for the Osceolas from the Kanc. There was still snow on the ground right out from the parking lot, and we spent the day in microspikes.
The snow was still quite firm in the morning, and rather packed if one stayed on the trail, which was relatively easy to follow, although not as packed down or as immediately obvious as I expected it would be.
The one major stream crossing was annoying going out. Water was high. The climb up East Osceola was not all that easy, given the softness of the snow. We had more than our fair share of taking three steps up and sliding one step back, and the slide was transitioning from snow covered to waterfall. There was still a surprising high amount of snow on the ground, both heading up East Osceola and on the ridge. The chimney, however, was easily climbed up and down, perhaps because we headed up 2:30ish and what remaining snow and patchy ice that remained was rather soft.
Osceola is bare. It was hot. HOT. I was able to lay out in the sun without my shirt very comfortably.
Ran into just one other hiker on the mountain, who reported he started out in crampons and switched to snow shoes, which looked like a good idea, as we sloshed around a bit on the return trip in our microspikes.
On the return, the stream had gained at least an inch, perhaps two, in height, and the rocks we crossed above water on the way out were all below water on the return trip.
Saw a wonderful set of moose tracks on the trail up to Greeley Pond on the way in.
I would be very cautious next weekend about this trail, as the stream crossing could be annoyingly high. Three of the four ended up getting boots flooded, and I suspect next weekend will be worse.
The day was simply lovely. No winds, fairly good trail conditions, clear skies and temps in the 70s. It took us just over 4 hours to get to Osceola, and around 2.5 to get back.
All the best,
Brian
The snow was still quite firm in the morning, and rather packed if one stayed on the trail, which was relatively easy to follow, although not as packed down or as immediately obvious as I expected it would be.
The one major stream crossing was annoying going out. Water was high. The climb up East Osceola was not all that easy, given the softness of the snow. We had more than our fair share of taking three steps up and sliding one step back, and the slide was transitioning from snow covered to waterfall. There was still a surprising high amount of snow on the ground, both heading up East Osceola and on the ridge. The chimney, however, was easily climbed up and down, perhaps because we headed up 2:30ish and what remaining snow and patchy ice that remained was rather soft.
Osceola is bare. It was hot. HOT. I was able to lay out in the sun without my shirt very comfortably.
Ran into just one other hiker on the mountain, who reported he started out in crampons and switched to snow shoes, which looked like a good idea, as we sloshed around a bit on the return trip in our microspikes.
On the return, the stream had gained at least an inch, perhaps two, in height, and the rocks we crossed above water on the way out were all below water on the return trip.
Saw a wonderful set of moose tracks on the trail up to Greeley Pond on the way in.
I would be very cautious next weekend about this trail, as the stream crossing could be annoyingly high. Three of the four ended up getting boots flooded, and I suspect next weekend will be worse.
The day was simply lovely. No winds, fairly good trail conditions, clear skies and temps in the 70s. It took us just over 4 hours to get to Osceola, and around 2.5 to get back.
All the best,
Brian
