| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Ski trails, Saddleback Side Trail, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 8, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at old ski area base lodge |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable) |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Much like last weekend, what started with disappointment ended well. I hiked up Saddleback early, but the weather didn't read the weather report, apparently, because it was much colder and windier than anticipated. The wind was only 25-30 mph, although constant, but the wind chill was about 30 below. I know some folks on here would have no problem, but I didn't have it in me to fight the wind and cold for 3+ miles on the open ridge, so I resignedly headed down Saddleback for the 5th time in the winter without bagging The Horn.
In the parking lot, a hiker was getting ready to head out, and after chatting for a bit he headed out and said to catch up if I wanted to try again. I initially took off my pack and was ready to take off my snowshoes when I decided to give it a try again. I knew it would probably be a little warmer, and maybe having someone to chat with would make it warmer still, so I headed up Saddleback again. I caught up to the hiker partway down into the col, which had a lot of wind blown snow and was pretty easy to descend. We both wore snowshoes the whole way to The Horn, and while you probably could do it all in spikes, there's no monorail between the peaks, and lots of drifting and soft areas, especially in the scrub, so you'd be postholing quite a bit. Route finding was a bit challenging, but we made it. Much thanks to my partner (whose name I can't remember for the life of me, much to my embarrassment), who made it a much more enjoyable hike. Good luck in the Bigelows tomorrow. |
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 | Name: |
K Mo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-03-08 |
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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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