Trail Conditions:
The 4 miles from the plowed parking area to the beaver dam on the blue trail to Bradley Pond is well packed and in great shape. What a contrast from the summer conditions! The trail across the beaver dam and up to Times Square (TS) is broken and also in great shape. Thanks to the trail blazers who worked their way up. The snow is deep and as you approach Times Square you enter a world of white as all the trees are laden with it. There are several criss-cross routes to avoid. A path to Panther was broken after a few false starts. The white-out, fog conditions did not help, but following a north compass heading from TS brought us eventually to the open rock slabs at the top, with some ice here and there. There was no view and strong winds, but the yellow disk indicating the summit was found.
Special Equipment:
Snow shoes from start to finish.
Comments:
Our group of seven originally had planned an ascent of Santanoni following the "re-opened" trail, a mile or so from the beaver dam. We looked for evidence of a broken trail along the way, but did not see it. We even passed the "pink" tape hidden in the trees which marks the start. Eventually we fouund ourselves at the beaver dam and decided to continue on from there. It was a wise decision, as we were able to enjoy a wonderful ascent and even celebrated having attained a summit. The trail from TS to Santanoni was started but ended after a few 100 feet. There was no evidence of a trail to Couch. With time and conditions being what they were, we decided to call it a day, satisfied that we did gain a peak, and headed back down. As one member declared, "Who would have thought that we would have celebrated after doing all this for Panther." But Panther is was, and we were satisfied. Most importantly, for me, it was a day spent in the company of six wonderful individuals. Thanks Ron, Gloria, Robert, Andrea, John, and Susan!
The 4 miles from the plowed parking area to the beaver dam on the blue trail to Bradley Pond is well packed and in great shape. What a contrast from the summer conditions! The trail across the beaver dam and up to Times Square (TS) is broken and also in great shape. Thanks to the trail blazers who worked their way up. The snow is deep and as you approach Times Square you enter a world of white as all the trees are laden with it. There are several criss-cross routes to avoid. A path to Panther was broken after a few false starts. The white-out, fog conditions did not help, but following a north compass heading from TS brought us eventually to the open rock slabs at the top, with some ice here and there. There was no view and strong winds, but the yellow disk indicating the summit was found.
Special Equipment:
Snow shoes from start to finish.
Comments:
Our group of seven originally had planned an ascent of Santanoni following the "re-opened" trail, a mile or so from the beaver dam. We looked for evidence of a broken trail along the way, but did not see it. We even passed the "pink" tape hidden in the trees which marks the start. Eventually we fouund ourselves at the beaver dam and decided to continue on from there. It was a wise decision, as we were able to enjoy a wonderful ascent and even celebrated having attained a summit. The trail from TS to Santanoni was started but ended after a few 100 feet. There was no evidence of a trail to Couch. With time and conditions being what they were, we decided to call it a day, satisfied that we did gain a peak, and headed back down. As one member declared, "Who would have thought that we would have celebrated after doing all this for Panther." But Panther is was, and we were satisfied. Most importantly, for me, it was a day spent in the company of six wonderful individuals. Thanks Ron, Gloria, Robert, Andrea, John, and Susan!
