After some weather delays, we finally got a chance to snag another Cat100 'whack for Ralph and Maddy.
It was just a stellar day. Deep blue skies, no crowds or bugs, and a good hike for this very cold day. We could feel the wind as we donned snowshoes at the eastern parking area along Colgate road.
Jumping right into the bushwhack across the road from the PA, we headed down thru nice open woods and skipped over a narrow seam of open water on the East Kill.
From here we headed uphill for our objective with Ralph like a human snowplow. There was about an inch of powder on top of 1.5" of crust, over a lot of soft snow, over yet another crust. The trail breaking was challenging as the crust needed to be broken and the upturned noses of the snowshoes needed to be lifted clear of the edge of what was just broken.
As we climbed, the usually wooded slopes revealed ever improving views of the Blackhead range, Colgate Lake and Lake Capra.
To avoid the very steep climbing on the north side or the range, we aimed for the col between WS and its western bump. From here it was a gentle climb to the top for photos, lunch and conversation.
Our group included Ralph, Maddy and Bookah. Our 4 legged hiker enjoyed herself but continued her drivehome snooze by being flaked out near the fire now. Great company and a real fun hike.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=avk6ugum.5lxi548q&x=0&y=-kmzvax&localeid=en_US
It was just a stellar day. Deep blue skies, no crowds or bugs, and a good hike for this very cold day. We could feel the wind as we donned snowshoes at the eastern parking area along Colgate road.
Jumping right into the bushwhack across the road from the PA, we headed down thru nice open woods and skipped over a narrow seam of open water on the East Kill.
From here we headed uphill for our objective with Ralph like a human snowplow. There was about an inch of powder on top of 1.5" of crust, over a lot of soft snow, over yet another crust. The trail breaking was challenging as the crust needed to be broken and the upturned noses of the snowshoes needed to be lifted clear of the edge of what was just broken.
As we climbed, the usually wooded slopes revealed ever improving views of the Blackhead range, Colgate Lake and Lake Capra.
To avoid the very steep climbing on the north side or the range, we aimed for the col between WS and its western bump. From here it was a gentle climb to the top for photos, lunch and conversation.
Our group included Ralph, Maddy and Bookah. Our 4 legged hiker enjoyed herself but continued her drivehome snooze by being flaked out near the fire now. Great company and a real fun hike.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=avk6ugum.5lxi548q&x=0&y=-kmzvax&localeid=en_US
