BJS
01-16-2010, 10:03 PM
First off, I am new member, and glad to be here. Been hiking in the cats for about a year now, and have read these trip reports, and finally decided I should contribute as well!
Headed up to SW Hunter today. Got to the Devils Tombstone lot around 9:15and it was already very crowded. As I geared up, saw a few guys readying ice climbing gear - not sure where they were heading though.
Weather was perfect, warm, sunny, went up with an unzipped softshell over a t-shirt and took my hat off after a few minutes as I was sweating already. Barebooted all the way to the lean-to, as most of the trail up was pretty well packed. On review, I should have put on the micro spikes I had in my pack, but didn't think to - would have made the rare icy spots easier. As the trail levels out near the top the snow got heavier, but not too bad.
Switched to snowshoes at the lean-to and headed to SW Hunter. Trail was well broken and established and easy to follow. Signed in at the canister and headed back down. Switched from snow shoes to microspikes at the lean-to to get a bit more traction going down.
Overall great day. Met a group of 3 on the way up, passed them then met again at the lean-to and coming back from SW Hunter. Nice people and a pleasure to chat with. Also passed a couple more hikers coming up the trail on my way back down.
Reached the lot a bit after 2pm and it was full - around 25 cars. Warm nice weather really brought everyone out today!
Pics are at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradensayer/SWHunter0116201002?feat=directlink
Looking forward to participating in these forums!
Headed up to SW Hunter today. Got to the Devils Tombstone lot around 9:15and it was already very crowded. As I geared up, saw a few guys readying ice climbing gear - not sure where they were heading though.
Weather was perfect, warm, sunny, went up with an unzipped softshell over a t-shirt and took my hat off after a few minutes as I was sweating already. Barebooted all the way to the lean-to, as most of the trail up was pretty well packed. On review, I should have put on the micro spikes I had in my pack, but didn't think to - would have made the rare icy spots easier. As the trail levels out near the top the snow got heavier, but not too bad.
Switched to snowshoes at the lean-to and headed to SW Hunter. Trail was well broken and established and easy to follow. Signed in at the canister and headed back down. Switched from snow shoes to microspikes at the lean-to to get a bit more traction going down.
Overall great day. Met a group of 3 on the way up, passed them then met again at the lean-to and coming back from SW Hunter. Nice people and a pleasure to chat with. Also passed a couple more hikers coming up the trail on my way back down.
Reached the lot a bit after 2pm and it was full - around 25 cars. Warm nice weather really brought everyone out today!
Pics are at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradensayer/SWHunter0116201002?feat=directlink
Looking forward to participating in these forums!