| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
None, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Skookumchuck Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, February 26, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I was the only car there. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Low and easily crossed |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Lots of trees leaning over the trail. Most are after the beautiful stand of river birches so maybe 3 miles in. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dear HW was leashed the entire way due to a coyote chase the night before in my neighborhood. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
What a great day out! Mine (and assorted wildlife) were the only tracks on the trail until a girl caught up with us. And then some ski tracks on parts of the trail on the descent. Snowshoes were definitely the way to go as she was postholing some with trail crampons.
I put on snowshoes where the trail runs along the brook in case of a miss-step. And the snow depth started increasing at this point. It was good snowshoeing with about 5†of powder on top of a nice base. This continued after the hard right uphill and through the birches and into the pines. Once the trail got to all pines the real fun started. Snow depth increased, i think i was off trail for a bit as the trail trough disappeared at one point. And the pines were low and bending and snow laden so i was hiking stooped low and through a car wash of snowy pine boughs. Bring your goretex shells! I was too warm but the hood stayed on. And don’t forget the pack covers. The close trail and unbroken snow took quite awhile to get through. As I approached the blow down patch i was thinking i was nearing the last pitch towards the trail junction. It probably took us 20-25% longer to ascend. We popped out onto the ridge, took a few pictures and then high tailed it back to the warmth of the woods. Descent was speedy! And more than made up for the long ascent time. I’m pretty slow and that’s ok but i’m very pleased with myself for continuing on. The upper mile of the trail while tiring was a stunning winter wonderland. |
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 | Name: |
Diane and Hank Williams |
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 | E-Mail: |
Dtafilowski@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-02-27 |
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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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