Sunday. Late start at 9:30. First one in lot. 4 others out for Hunter. Had the mountain to ourselves just about. Was a beautiful day, every branch and twig was outlined in snow. A buddy and I took 5 hours round trip, took a break up there and were done at 2:30. A large group from Saturday packed the trail out. We worked hard, but moved quick and didn't suffer too bad. Tubbs Mountaineer 25 inch.
My other buddy went up Saturday for Black Dome and broke trail the whole way solo. He had a tougher time than us. More snow too. I think we had 12 to 15 inches off Trail. Maybe 18 at the most. He reported much more from Saturday in the blackhead range. Plus on Sunday some of the snow probably consolidated over the 24 hours because it was heavy and wet. A lot of saplings were bent over the trail like white archways. Was just great to be out in snow shoes this early in the winter.
Last time we were out was beginning of October up on Franconia Ridge. Not getting to hike too much these days because of family life and schedule on the weekends. But Sunday was a victory for me. We might try again to get up to the old Catskills early Christmas Eve morning for a frosty affair.
We hit the Westkill brewery on the way out for one beer. I've had their beer before in a can, but never from the tap. Buck Fever Vienna lager for me. Firehouse IPA for my boy. Beer was good, but even better than that is the location of that brewery. A brewery in the woods. Location, location.
Merry Christmas to all.