This was the first of two hikes that we did on this Sunday. It's was a repeat for us. The first time we had no visibility... and today was the same. The next time, I am going to be sure we can see something when we get to the firetower. I want to see that view of Lake Champlain!
In any case, we had a great hike in eerie foggy, frost conditions. I was reminded that this would be a great trail to hike up and ski down. I was also reminded that I want to bushwhack some of the terrain surrounding this area. It is a fascinating area. The cliffs are amazing!
 |
| The roadside sign |
We did not get on the trail until 10 AM. There were 3 cars there ahead of us. Rev jumped out of the car and lead the way (nothing new there). The trail follows an old jeep road. This trail is relatively new. The old trail led steeply up from the campground that lies just north of the new trailhead.
 |
| This area looked really cool in the fog and frost |
 |
| A closeup of the cliff |
The trail climbs up past a bowl and hooks right up on the first high ridge until it reaches the old fire observers cabin site. All that remains is the chimney. A lean-to is currently located adjacent to the site.
 |
| The door is snowed shut, but it looks nice! |
 |
| I like this shot of the lean-to |
 |
| No occupants today... |
 |
| The chimney from the fire observer's cabin |
From the chimney, it is .3 miles to the summit. I could tell we would have no view once again, but we enjoy our hikes even when the visibility is poor.
 |
| The firetower! |
I don't know if the cab is ever unlocked, but I have not seen it open. The stairs are open and accessible, just not the cab. The trap door in the floor has a padlock on it.
 |
| Our view. The same as the last time... |
Just as we reached the summit, Leesa's snowshoe broke. The bracket that holds the pin for the binding broke. There was no good way to perform a temporary repair. I let Leesa wear my snowshoes on the way down and I bare booted the trail carrying her broken snowshoes. Fortunately the trail was packed pretty well so I didn't post hole the trail on the way down.
Hike Stats:
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Hike time: 3 hours
Total Vertical Gain: 1450'
No comments:
Post a Comment