Lucky Laura
Active member
Met Inge at exit 29 and drove to Santanonis trailhead, setting off somewhat late at 6:30am. Pin Pin Jr. was also at the trailhead and caught us just before the "old new trail" to Santanonis. This route was still visible from Inge and Black Spruce's group from Tuesday and very easy with Pin Pin Jr.'s tracks consolidating the additional snow which had fallen. Made Santanoni by 10:15am. Weather was very cold and blustery. Headed to Times Square, which took nearly 2 hours before we found the route to Couschraga. Made Couschy by just past 2pm and set off to return. We believe we would have seen Pin Pin on his way back if he had returned in his original tracks. Back to Time Square by 4. Panther was a quick 25 minute round trip before we raced down Panther Brook, determined to get as far as possible before dark. Snow was coming down steadily all day and wind was howling. We followed Jr.s' tracks farther down the brook than the herd path goes, which brought us to other side of Bradley Pond just as the lights went out completely. The tracks died there and Inge navigated us to the regular trail via her GPS. We dreamed of a snowmobile ride the last mile and a half and both of us must have been hallucinating when one did approach and the woman said she'd turn around and ferry us to the trailhead.... but alas, we never saw her again, though we did see her truck at the trailhead- lights and engine on??? Out by 8pm and still laughing. Incredible hike with one of the most enjoyable hikers! Many thanks to Pin Pin Jr for the tracks, too!
-Lucky Laura
-Lucky Laura
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