| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Galehead Mountain, South Twin Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, November 1, 2010 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Road is still open for parking |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Goggles |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Two dicey water-crossings, with first (1.7 miles in) requiring a bit of daredevil mentality (bushwhacked forever looking for a safe crossing before finally pole-vaulting across ice-covered rocks to get to the other side). Second was manageable after constructing a very-makeshift bridge out of fallen trees. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No blowdowns or other trail issues. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Very wet and muddy until after second major water crossing, then a thin layer of snow and ice rest of way to hut. Approximately 1" of snow from hut up to Galehead (and occasionally 6" of mud hidden underneath that snow...) and a couple inches of crusty snow up to the summit of South Twin.
Microspikes from the hut up to South Twin. Almost put on the goggles at the summit due to blowing snow. Despite the 20 degree temps and wind, a long-sleeve shirt, winter shell, and general waterproof gear was all I needed for the day.
Was planning to hit North Twin today as well but wasn't holding the pace I had planned (the 1100' 0.8 mile trek up S. Twin felt like eternity). Despite no views in the constant snow/sleet, really a gorgeous hike as long as you can safely cross the rivers. No one on the trails today and only tracks between the hut and S. Twin were the paw prints of an animal that seemingly did the entire hike himself just for kicks.
11.8 miles / 6hrs20min |
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 | Name: |
Mike |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2010-11-01 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.mbuchholz.com/blog/?p=824 |
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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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