stu
New member
Continuing in my quest to do some of the less glamorous peaks this winter, I decided to hike Zealand Mt. friday, stay at the hut that nite and tag Hale on the way out sat. I left 302 at 7 AM and hiked solo up the Zealand Road on the long slog up to ZeaCliff. Crampons were needed shortly after the beaver ponds. I left them on the rest of the day although they were only essential in the few steep sections. Although Zealand will probably go down as my least favorite summit (absolutely no vftt,) doing it as a solo winter climb added a little drama to an otherwise easy, but long hike. As it was, I did the +/- 12 miles from the road and back to the hut without seeing another soul. This was a good thing for me as it really added to the wilderness experience.
On sat. I started up the unbroken Lend-a-Hand trail. Some type of traction was needed and with the new powder (maybe 4") obscuring the trail I wore snowshoes. I was a little concerned about route finding but this trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. Along with my faithfull gps/compass I was also fortunate to be able to follow mr. red fox's (small coyote?) fresh trail all the way from the hut to the summit of Hale. For the most part, he stayed right on the trail the whole time.
On sat. I started up the unbroken Lend-a-Hand trail. Some type of traction was needed and with the new powder (maybe 4") obscuring the trail I wore snowshoes. I was a little concerned about route finding but this trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. Along with my faithfull gps/compass I was also fortunate to be able to follow mr. red fox's (small coyote?) fresh trail all the way from the hut to the summit of Hale. For the most part, he stayed right on the trail the whole time.
The hike out to the road was uneventful except where the trail slabs across the side of the slope. Definitely need to be careful in that section. 
