| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Owl's Head, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, Owl's Head Path, bushwhacks |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Very few cars in Lincoln woods |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Slush, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
After the Black Pond BW heading North on Lincoln Brook Trail there must be 40-50 streamlets coming off the mountain. It was hard to get into a rhythm hiking. The first crossing was a foot deep wade, the second (Liberty)was knee deep and the third (Lincoln) was a thigh deep chill fest. The water rose during the day and what appeared to be the edge of the river broke off as we tried to ease into the water. Unless you can spring 10 feet from rock to rock (Like Hannah)you are going to have to wade. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Hannah was happy hear that the chipmunks were out and there were plenty of red squirrels to keep her company along the way. Also water, water everywhere |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Lots of hiking trash! Sure sign of spring |
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 | Comments: |
Obviously the snow is fast melting as I type this report. Lincoln Woods coverage is thin but not too icy. Black pond is thin at the beginning with more snow as you ascend. The BW is almost snow free and then about a foot from Lincoln Wood trail to the base of the slide. Just North of the Brutus BW, the brook apparently has been redirected into the trail. We skirted the sides up to the slide. The first part of the ascent is very loose scree. The ledgy part was much better. Then lots of running water and ice that had to be carefully negotiated. Very slow going in the trees before the "Rock" marking the descent of Brutus. On the ridge there is still 3-4 feet of snow. Past the old summit there are various paths to the New Summit and I would recommended staying west (left). The center is spruce trap hell at this point. We decided to descend via Brutus and I used a variation of this winter's route and the previous version of the BW. With no snow, I was glad to find the birch road at all. Crossing were not hard but even higher on return. Did a very high return of the Black Pond BW to avoid all of the water. Although long, it was a really fun day in every kind of trail condition imaginable. Thank you to Sarah and Hannah for their patience, perseverance and great company. |
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 | Name: |
TimC |
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 | E-Mail: |
tjcharboneau(at)roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-03-21 |
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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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