| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Owl's Head (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lincoln woods parking lot was immaculate |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Skis |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Because of the high volume of snow and unbroken trail (black pond), many water crossings are almost invisible until you fall through the snow/ice into them. After several poorly placed steps, it was more helpful to scan the sides of the trail to look for signs of water flow and to listen carefully for flowing water underfoot |
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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: |
DO NOT FOLLOW MY BOOT TRACKS PAST BLACK POND (unless you want to wander aimlessly). Too soon to try the bushwhack. I wouldn't bother attempting it unless you really truly completely know where you are going. There is easily a foot +/- of snow on the unbroken trail soon after the lincoln woods/black pond trail intersection. I tried to ski most of it but ditched my skis about halfway through after the bindings started freezing up from frequent on/off as the trail undulated. The person before me was wiser and turned around about 1/4 mile into the black pond trail...perhaps I should've taken that as a sign :D I broke trail beyond the pond and bushwhacked north through the woods but turned around after about 45 minutes of slow, wet, laborious tramping. It is really hard to avoid streams and wet trail when the snow is so high; after this weekend's cold snap, the ice may be stronger and hold more weight.
However, once I turned around and gave up on my summit goals, I was able to enjoy a glorious day of skiing on the lincoln woods and east side trail. The powder was perfect, and the classic tracks almost pristine! Don't bother going down the Pine Island Trail; the crossings are still too wide and wet and not worth attempting to cross. I fell in and soaked both feet up to mid calf, finally causing me to call it a day and return to my car and warm boots. Next time (if it is soon) for Owl's Head, I will stick to the franconia brook trail and bypass the bushwhack. |
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 | Name: |
Old Man Turtle lips |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-12-15 |
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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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