Sewards 12/29

[Tom Rankin]

Thanks TONS to Neil and others for the trailbreaking and the conditions report! I still owe you lots of LPPB specialties!

We found all the trails perfectly broken out. The conditions were sunny and cold with gentle breezes, even up high. There was a magical covering of snow on many of the trees and many great views. The trail just before hitting Donaldson was steep and slick, so we switched to snowhsoes and kept them on till we were half way back down the CB herd path. Crampons were carried but never employed (in MSRs we trust! )

We completed the trip in 11:15, thanks to the excellent trails. There were a few splits, and most of them joined each other again, and we tried to block off a few doubtful side trails.

The road was still easily drive-able. There was a sign on our window when we returned to the car, from a fellow hiker who told us that he barebooted all the way to Seymour. However, as I type snow is falling in Lake Placid!

Sunday, 12/31 may attempt Seymour, we'll see if the road and the mountain will allow it!

See also: http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2765

for a longer report...

 

[una_dogger]

Awesome! Any pics ?

 

[Tom Rankin]

Pics:

http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P1.JPG - Santanoni and Couch from Donaldson
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P3.JPG - Seward from Donaldson
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P4.JPG - Windblown snow/ice mixture on trees
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P5.JPG - Looking into the High Peaks from the Seward/Donaldson col
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P7.JPG - Boreal Chickadee
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P9.JPG - Infinite Mountains!
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P11.JPG - Ampersand Lake and Mountain
http://viewsandbrews.com/temp/P12.JPG - Algonquin, Iroquois, Marcy, Etc.

Most of these were taken by Laurie, my budding photo pupil!

 

[una_dogger]

Very very nice pictures, Laurie! You really captured the serenity of the mountains and the sheer cold of the ice. I especially like the Boreal Chickadee, such a small little fluffer facing a long winter of scarcity. Great pics.

What were the temps for your hike? MJ and I pulled into Twin Mntn, NH that evening and the thermometer said 5 degrees. Was it that cold in the Daks??

I really gotta get into the Daks. The next few weekends I am already planning on the Whites but maybe February. Your pics are so inspiring.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Tom Rankin]

What were the temps for your hike? MJ and I pulled into Twin Mntn, NH that evening and the thermometer said 5 degrees. Was it that cold in the Daks??

It was about the same temperature. It ranged from 5-15 that day. A little warmer Sunday, maybe in the low 20's tops.

Laurie says thanks! She credits her camera and her wonderful teacher!

You guys should come over and visit the DAKs this winter for sure. We plan to be up there a lot!

 

[una_dogger]

You guys should come over and visit the DAKs this winter for sure. We plan to be up there a lot!

I'll be keeping my eye out for more planned trips--I'm a newbie to this winter stuff!

 

[pudgy_groundhog]

Fantastic pics!

 

[bubba]

Most of these were taken by Laurie, my budding photo pupil!

Tom/Laurie - Nice! Looks like a great day. The views back to the HP's... only winter gives this clarity!!

I understand that a bunch of snow came in. The girls may head up to WF for a race We're still green out in the western counties

 

[Doodles]

Nice pictures. Sounds like a great trip. The snow looks great.

Starting to wonder if we are going to get any real snow at home this year.