Kevin Rooney
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- Sep 15, 2003
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Trail Conditions:The trails, including the bushwhacks, were mostly hard-packed snow, with the rain from the recent storm and thaw making them very firm. It snowrf lightly today, providing a bit of cushioning underfoot.
Special Equipment Required: Most used microspikes all/part of the way, with some switching to crampons for the Brutus BW. Carried snowshoes, but didn't need them.
The biggest concern was the state of the brooks after the rain/thaw of the past few days, as a casual glance at the Pemi shows it moderately high. We were pleasantly surprised to find the first brook open but water was low so this crossing was trivial; the second crossing was nearly completed bridged with ice/snow, and the third crossing while open was easily rock-hopped with only minor (2") of boots getting wet.
Both bushwhacks were in excellent shape, with good cover. There are muddy sections in the usual places on the Black Pond BW. In retrospect, we could have left the snowshoes behind as it remained in the 20's all day, with light snow falling occasionally.
If you need Owls Head before the end of winter, now would be an excellent time. The trails are well-packed and fast.
On a personal note - I finished a round of the 4's in one season last weekend along with Al. That hike also completed his goal of doing all the 4s in winter over 70. I realized - partway thru the winter - that I would have done this round over the age of 65, save one - Owls Head - which I did on Dec 23 (along with Al and about 7 others), just before my birthday. So ... I decided to revisit Owls Head. I realize over 65 isn't the same as over 70, but hey - it's nothing to sneeze at, and with any luck, I'll join the 70's club in 5 years.
It's been a fine winter, and it isn't over yet...
Special Equipment Required: Most used microspikes all/part of the way, with some switching to crampons for the Brutus BW. Carried snowshoes, but didn't need them.
The biggest concern was the state of the brooks after the rain/thaw of the past few days, as a casual glance at the Pemi shows it moderately high. We were pleasantly surprised to find the first brook open but water was low so this crossing was trivial; the second crossing was nearly completed bridged with ice/snow, and the third crossing while open was easily rock-hopped with only minor (2") of boots getting wet.
Both bushwhacks were in excellent shape, with good cover. There are muddy sections in the usual places on the Black Pond BW. In retrospect, we could have left the snowshoes behind as it remained in the 20's all day, with light snow falling occasionally.
If you need Owls Head before the end of winter, now would be an excellent time. The trails are well-packed and fast.
On a personal note - I finished a round of the 4's in one season last weekend along with Al. That hike also completed his goal of doing all the 4s in winter over 70. I realized - partway thru the winter - that I would have done this round over the age of 65, save one - Owls Head - which I did on Dec 23 (along with Al and about 7 others), just before my birthday. So ... I decided to revisit Owls Head. I realize over 65 isn't the same as over 70, but hey - it's nothing to sneeze at, and with any luck, I'll join the 70's club in 5 years.
It's been a fine winter, and it isn't over yet...
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