A congenial group of 2 and 4 legged hikers made our way to trailhead on the Old CCC road outside of North Shrewsbury, Vt yesterday.
The road was sanded and OK, but with some add'l snow, getting to the trailhead might be interesting.
We followed the gated gravel road to its end and then a blue marked trail up to Shrewsbury's summit. Just extraordinary weather and nice views from the top and a couple of ledges. Snow varied from 1" down low to maybe 2" on top. With the cold temps, the sun felt great on the summit.
We shed elevation quickly, taking the same way back down and when we came out of the spruce trees and into open woods, whacked straight for Smith. A short ways down the slope, in deeper snow, there were very fresh tracks where we spooked a large moose. The snow, mud and vegetation made it appear that it must have just happened as we passed to Shrew or on the whack. Nearby we other moose sign and a refrozen bedding area. On the way over we also spotted some fresh moose rubs high on trees.
Midway to Smith we hit another blue marked trail and followed it to within 250' of Smith's top. We 'whacked to the summit, spruce woods but no big deal. Signed the jar, had a quick bite in the more breezy conditions. After again regaining the deciduous woods underneath Smith, we whacked staight to the gravel road after 'exploring' the edge of the snowy but largely unfrozen swamp.
Just a great day in the woods. Companions were Eric, Rik, Paul, Dick as well as 4 legged whackers, Dali and Bookah.
The road was sanded and OK, but with some add'l snow, getting to the trailhead might be interesting.
We followed the gated gravel road to its end and then a blue marked trail up to Shrewsbury's summit. Just extraordinary weather and nice views from the top and a couple of ledges. Snow varied from 1" down low to maybe 2" on top. With the cold temps, the sun felt great on the summit.
We shed elevation quickly, taking the same way back down and when we came out of the spruce trees and into open woods, whacked straight for Smith. A short ways down the slope, in deeper snow, there were very fresh tracks where we spooked a large moose. The snow, mud and vegetation made it appear that it must have just happened as we passed to Shrew or on the whack. Nearby we other moose sign and a refrozen bedding area. On the way over we also spotted some fresh moose rubs high on trees.
Midway to Smith we hit another blue marked trail and followed it to within 250' of Smith's top. We 'whacked to the summit, spruce woods but no big deal. Signed the jar, had a quick bite in the more breezy conditions. After again regaining the deciduous woods underneath Smith, we whacked staight to the gravel road after 'exploring' the edge of the snowy but largely unfrozen swamp.
Just a great day in the woods. Companions were Eric, Rik, Paul, Dick as well as 4 legged whackers, Dali and Bookah.
