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Mrs. ADK4487 wanted to join me to experience her first winter climb. On December 24, we decided to do Tabletop and Phelps. Due to the warm weather of the previous days, the trails were open with flowing water, or covered with ice. Insteps were used shortly after leaving the trailhead.
We used the high-water bridge on the VH trail since the water was rushing like it was spring runoff. I have never seen the flow so high at this time of the year. Our first goal was Phelps. The lower portion of the trail was open with flowing water, the upper trail was covered and easy to travel. On the summit, we had very little views. Mrs. ADK4487 was disappointed with the views. She had no views on the last 5 trips into the Daks. Maybe next time.
Continuing on the VH trail to the start of Tabletop was rather easy to travel. Only one new blow down on this section, but no problem to push through. For Tabletop, we turned left from the VH trail when we saw the Mt. Marcy sign. This is also the top of the ski/snowshoe trail. When we entered the woods, we saw all the herd paths were bearing right which takes you to the old campsite. Already there are many herd paths going nowhere. Do not go that direction. When you enter the woods, there is a white disk on a tree (left side of herd path). At this point you should bear left and you will see a cleared route where trees have been cut. We broke out that portion of the trail and within no time you are on the main herd path to the summit. This portion of the trail also has a red disk to help direct you. These disks do not continue all the way up, just for the first hundred feet to keep you on the herd path.
The route up Tabletop was hard packed and in some areas very icy. There is one new blow down directly on the trail, which required some navigation. I broke many of the branches off to help clear a path. Mrs. ADK4487 was not too happy with this portion of the climb. As she said “a lot of effort and no views”! We returned to the main trail at 4:30 and were back at the car at 7:00.
We decided to drive home after dinner in Lake Placid. Unfortunately, Watertown threw a lake effect snowstorm in our way, which slowed us down, and we did not get back home until 3:50 in the morning. I’m going back up next weekend to enjoy the New Years in the backcountry. I am not sure Mrs. ADK4487 understands why I like winter climbing / camping so much. It may take more persuasion to get her back up there in winter. But I have hopes
.
We used the high-water bridge on the VH trail since the water was rushing like it was spring runoff. I have never seen the flow so high at this time of the year. Our first goal was Phelps. The lower portion of the trail was open with flowing water, the upper trail was covered and easy to travel. On the summit, we had very little views. Mrs. ADK4487 was disappointed with the views. She had no views on the last 5 trips into the Daks. Maybe next time.
Continuing on the VH trail to the start of Tabletop was rather easy to travel. Only one new blow down on this section, but no problem to push through. For Tabletop, we turned left from the VH trail when we saw the Mt. Marcy sign. This is also the top of the ski/snowshoe trail. When we entered the woods, we saw all the herd paths were bearing right which takes you to the old campsite. Already there are many herd paths going nowhere. Do not go that direction. When you enter the woods, there is a white disk on a tree (left side of herd path). At this point you should bear left and you will see a cleared route where trees have been cut. We broke out that portion of the trail and within no time you are on the main herd path to the summit. This portion of the trail also has a red disk to help direct you. These disks do not continue all the way up, just for the first hundred feet to keep you on the herd path.
The route up Tabletop was hard packed and in some areas very icy. There is one new blow down directly on the trail, which required some navigation. I broke many of the branches off to help clear a path. Mrs. ADK4487 was not too happy with this portion of the climb. As she said “a lot of effort and no views”! We returned to the main trail at 4:30 and were back at the car at 7:00.
We decided to drive home after dinner in Lake Placid. Unfortunately, Watertown threw a lake effect snowstorm in our way, which slowed us down, and we did not get back home until 3:50 in the morning. I’m going back up next weekend to enjoy the New Years in the backcountry. I am not sure Mrs. ADK4487 understands why I like winter climbing / camping so much. It may take more persuasion to get her back up there in winter. But I have hopes
.
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