| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey's Mill Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 16, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues at Ferncroft today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Even with my vertigo, I was able to cross the log |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There is quite a few blowdowns on Rollins. On Dicey's, closer to the water crossing (but between it and Ferncroft lot) there is a massive yellow birch (18"+) that has come down and is a widow maker over the trail. It will require mechanical advantage to make it safe. Closer to Blueberry ledge cutoff there is another massive 18"+ beech again overhanging the trail and will require mechanical advantage to safely clear it |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Ruger would have no issues |
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 | Bugs: |
Aside from pistachio man, there where a few out actually flying buggers out today |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Hear ye! Hear ye! Do you enjoy walking a Nick Wallenda tightrope monorail? Do you enjoy wet feet? Do you enjoy postholing up to your groin? Do you enjoy your trails to resemble rivers? Do you like unavoidable mud? DO YOU LIKE ROCKY BRANCH? I can see you in the back nodding yes - you sick, sick individual. You sir, you are going to absolutely LOVE Whiteface and Passaconaway right now! Don't hesitate - act now to enjoy this wonderful delight! What an absolute gem of a day out there today. No spike nation to about 3250 on Blueberry Ledge, of which at this point it became more efficient to wear spikes. They stayed on until 2600 on Dicey's, of which Danielle also mentioned in her report (and subsequent spotty, but avoidable rail). As punchy as the monorail, we where far punchier. Our trail talk was so wacky and out there, each one of us would likely be in the state psychiatric ward in Concord if anyone overheard us - because it takes a special type of lunacy to find these conditions 'fun.' Definitely NSFW chatter, ha ha. We ran into a fella who was just about to turn around at the bottom of the ledges, and offered him some reassurance. He joined our "Island of Misfit Toys" group until just below Passaconaway (I am the train with square wheels). Congrats to NH #4 & 5! :) Rail was razor thin and rotting along Rollins. Did note Danielle's snowshoe tracks, and despite us all carrying them, we opted to not use them as it seemed more dangerous to wear them - and I move better in them then bareboot. Dicey to Passaconaway, as expected, was an excellent wide supportive rail to the summit. Honey_Badger offered me half an amazing sandwich. We made lightning quick work of the descent on Dicey's. A fantastic day to be out - despite the conditions. It's getting close to being that time to head south for no snow. Also did witness the first flora of the year, which was very early budding and I think was a Celandine, but I am likely wrong! |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat, CaptChris, Lil Squirt, Honey_Badger, Pretzel |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-16 |
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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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