Zealand Mountain, Mt. Guyot, West Bond - Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zeacliff Spur, Zeacliff Pond Spur, Zealand Summit Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Guyot Campsite Spur, West Bond Spur - 11-3-2019

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Zealand Mountain, Mt. Guyot, West Bond, NH

	Trails:	Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zeacliff Spur, Zeacliff Pond Spur, Zealand Summit Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Guyot Campsite Spur, West Bond Spur

	Date of Hike:	Sunday, November 3, 2019

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	Zealand trail head parking was full at around 915AM on Saturday 11/2. Zealand lot looks to hold about 25-30 vehicles. There is additional overflow parking on the right prior to the actual Zealand Trail head lot for what I believe is the Spruce Goose Cross Country Ski Trail. On the return to the lot on Sunday 11/3 at 12:30PM, there was plenty of parking with only approximately 15 vehicles at the lot.

	Surface Conditions:	Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant

	Recommended Equipment:	Light Traction

	Water Crossing Notes:	Hike began Sat Nov 2rd, ended Sun Nov 3th. On Saturday two of the water crossings on Zealand Trail were a little high covering most of the rocks, but it was maneuverable with careful placement with rock hopping on what was not completely submerged. Sunday, these waters retreated down a bit for much easier crossing. Some parts of Zealand Trail had slight flooding.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	A couple blowdowns on Zealand Trail, but these were easily passed over/under. The major blowdowns are on the Guyot Campsite Spur. a HUGE blowdown at the entrance which takes some thought to bypass. It completely covers the trail. Then theres another further down the trail, but easier to duck under.

	Dog-Related Notes:	There is a small ladder on the Twinway, which may be notable for those bringing animals. There is ice starting to build on the trail as of Sunday 11/3. The Zeacliff outlook has steep drops, and Zealand Falls runs pretty strong. It is probably best to keep animals close on these parts. There was a pile of what looked like dog vomit on the long bridge on Zealand Trail. Hope the animal is okay.

	Bugs:	No bugs!

	Lost and Found:	Someone buried trash under a rock at Guyot campsite. Seriously? I was going to pack out, but unfortunately forgot about it in the morning time.


	Comments:	Starting Sat Nov 2. Zealand Trail is very easy going with the majority of it being flat. There are sections that had slight flooding with water taking up the entire trail for approx a hundred feet. Zealand hut is now self service, but there was some baked goods still available for purchase. Moving to higher elevations the beginnings of ice started to appear but easily avoidable and minimal. The wood boards near Zeacliff were absolutely flooded and a two or three of the boards were floating. As soon as you stepped on, it sank -- be careful. Zeacliff was beautiful. The trail remained a mixture of wet, muddy, and some ice here and there. Zealand summit is signed. Breaking out of the scrub to Bondcliff trail was beautiful with open views of the pemi. Winds were fairly calm at low mph. Reaching Guyot Campsite there was a huge blowdown blocking the trail. Take care maneuvering this one as its a bit tricky. The water source at Guyot is still running freely, not frozen. The new shelter is up! Looks beautiful. Headed over the West Bond for the sunset, beautiful. Retreated back to camp where slight frosting occurred over night, but nothing major. Stayed warm in a 850 goose down 10 degree bag (22 comfort rating). Woke up Sunday Nov 2nd to sunset at Guyot Campsite, retraced steps back Bondcliff Trail to Twinway. Sunday had more ice building up. All the water and mud mostly froze over requiring careful foot placement to not slip. I had a couple near falls on some black ice. I did not wear Microspikes, but I can imagine going forward these will soon become necessary (thus the recommendation to bring them, just in case). Zealand Pond was partly frozen over. The water on Zealand trail retreated down a bit, making the water crossings easier. Water still blocked the same area of the trail as the day before, but slightly less.

	Name:	DD

	E-Mail:

	Date Submitted:	2019-11-04

	Link:	https://
		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.