| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Air Line, Randolph Trail, Valley Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, November 30, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Appalachia was plowed and empty at 6:30, four cars when I got back at 3:30 |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing major, just a few required walking on rocks |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Not too many blowdowns, and only one was tricky to get around |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Boy did I feel out of shape after this one. My initial plan was to take Air Line up to the AT, then come down Valley Way. I was happy to see a snowshoe track as I started down Air Line, but that faded at Sylvan Way when the track went that way. Proceeded to break trail to the intersection with Randolph Trail, then couldn't find the next blaze. There were no obvious trails, and all the trees were bowed, making it hard to discern where it might be. I looked for a few minutes, then headed down Randolph to try picking up Valley Way.
At the intersection I met Ryan, and we proceeded to take turns breaking trail. It was super slow going, and we didn't get to Valley Way Campsite until a little after noon. The snow was 10" - 15" as we got further along, with random sink-ins where you'd sink to your crotch, and tons of trees to knock snow off, taking more time. We went a little further after the campsite, but at the really slow pace it was obvious we weren't going to summit, and it was still dubious we'd make the Madison Hut, which had been our revised goal, so we regretfully turned back. It was still harder work on the way back than I had anticipated, but the trail was decently broke by the time we got down. Met two hikers 1/2 mile from the trailhead who were headed for the Valley Way Campsite, so by Saturday the trail should be well-packed. Big thumbs down to the two girls walking their dogs shortly after that, with their dogs not leashed and wearing micro-spikes and tearing up my hard work. Super appreciate your consideration. Overall a fun but slightly disappointing day, but the Presis will be there next week |
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 | Name: |
K Mo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-11-30 |
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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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