| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Scar Ridge - West Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, February 15, 2025 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Discovery, which was plowed. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
We scouted the evening before and found an amicable spot of the Hancock Branch, we actually had ourselves roped off to test. We did both go in at least once in testing. There is a lot of snow on the ice, but it's not as fat as anticipated with this winters cold. Exercise extreme caution. Our spot was decent, as we had sixteen total crossings and no one got wet. |
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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: |
Wanna see a magic trick? We can make a hiking list disappear! A FINE day in the forest was had. Congrats to Dragoon for finishing her NE100W (of which I also finished!). Seeing as we are having a proper winter, we decided to do this the OG way from Discovery. The fact that Loon was a madhouse on a holiday weekend also played a part. You truly know who your friends are if they show up for hikes like this. As Scar from the Lion King would say, "I'm surrounded by idiots!" Our octuplet of some seriously strong legs departed from 112 at a reflector post near the Discovery Trailhead sign on the EB side of 112, so young, so full of hope. The weight of the world had not crushed our spirits yet. We found exceptional open wood to Hancock Branch, and still great on the very broad ridge that leads to the Eastern knob of West Peak. Largely open hardwood, intermixed with mature pokey conifers and patches of juvenile spruce intermixed. Upon reaching the foot of what we dubbed Mt. Krumpet, for it's likeness from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, the snow depth rapidly changed. Pretzel was out front, breaking with the vigor of a Tasmanian Devil, to a fantastic and incredible knife edge section that is very much like it's Maine counterpart. Amazing views of the Bonds, Presi, Pemi and other old friends where afforded from this vista. Above this, breaking was 100 steps, or eight feet, whichever came first. Upon attaining the ridge, the snow depth increased again and while we were able to avoid most of the spruce sections, the leader was the ceremonial spruce trap finder. HIKER DOWN! was yelled many-a-times in this 0.25 section. Until you bushwhack, you truly cannot appreciate how far even 500 feet can be. With the canister in sight, Dragoon took the lead and I followed. This afforded some of the funniest photos of the day because we both are completely enveloped in the deep powder. We crawled, clawed, and swam our way the last 50 feet or so - all while laughing. I needed to get pulled out of a spruce trap before I could resume my crawl. What a great day with a great group. One I won't soon forget. Four hours to summit, 1h45 back to the car. A very pleasant surprise in that of Hiker Ed, Charlie and Nancy Foote and 5E were at the lot waiting to congratulate us. Always humbling when folks which resumes such as theirs give you a compliment for doing hard things that few have done. We left an amazing trough but likely all but erased with this weather. Always remember what The Joker (Heath) said kids, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger" - our group exceeded at that. |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat, Dragoon, The Cone Demon, MattJim, Pretzel & co |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-02-16 |
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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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