| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Nancy Cascades, Nancy Pond, Norcross Pond, Shoal Pond, Thoreau Falls, Ethan Pond, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Nancy Pond Trail, Carrigain Notch Trail, Shoal Pond Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Thoreau Falls Trail, Ethan Pond Campsite spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 29, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at Nancy Pond and Ethan Pond trailheads. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of the North Fork at Stillwater is a wade, ankle to calf deep, and cold. All other crossings accomplished on mostly dry rocks. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few stepovers on the western end of Nancy Pond Trail, a few on Carrigain Notch, and the multitude of blowdowns on Shoal Pond. Trails in pretty decent shape overall. Shoal Pond is still very wet, but compared to two weeks ago, it's drier (all things being relative). |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Very few out, never bothersome. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Packed out some trash from Ethan Pond Shelter. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Another day well spent in the eastern Pemi, revisiting some trails I've been on very recently, and some that I haven't been on in years. Traction was required above Nancy Cascades, taken off around the ponds, and put on again for about a 3/4 of a mile of the descent to the west. Could be useful on some of the sections of Ethan Pond, which had a decent monorail and softening snow above the Willey Range junction. Fantastic views from Nancy and Norcross ponds, though I'm not sure why Nancy Pond gets top billing... Norcross is superior in my opinion. Great going down the western half of Nancy Pond, through to Stillwater, and on up Shoal Pond. Visited Thoreau Falls and Ethan Pond on our way out. Bright sunshine most of the day, cool temps, and good company made for an excellent foray! Thanks Sarah for a great one! |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-04-29 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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