Street and Nye

[Eric]

Few inches of snow from lodge to Indian Pass. Indian Pass not very frozen. Use extreme caution..... Rik and I took some time to consider different options, there were none when crossing. You could clearly see water in many areas, few areas just ice and snow. Made it across without incident. Took a b-line. About 2200+ feet snow continued to get deeper. After leaving the brook that we followed up for some time after finding the trail we had to break trail through 6-8 inches of snow some spots deeper. A fair amount of blow down along the way. Finding Nye was not difficult, again some blow down along this trail. Trail to Street, we broke out, some blow down, not too bad. Along the trail it is best you follow the snow shoe tracks, Rik and I wondered through the woods at various spots looking to find our way. Great views on Street. When I was there 2 years ago in the summer the only view was of the Macs and Marcy. This winter You could walk out further and See Santanoni Range, Seward Range, Giant. Just all around awesome views. Snow shoes helpfull through out the day.
Started out along the trail at 8:30am. Barebooted to Indian Pass. Along the way to Indian Pass Rik and I Followed what looked to be two cat tracks, large cat tracks. A lot of leaves through the snow was ruffled and it seemed one had to pee every other tree. After Indian Pass it appeared that Rik needed some supervision as he walked, he was slipping and sliding like a ballerina all along the trail, at one point he broke through some ice, lukily he didn't have water soak through. Several times I watched Rik fall on his back, side, and through spruce traps :roll: . I promised him there were goods drinks waiting for us if he could just make it through the day without incident, he did ok. We did get off trail a couple times today and walked some distance until finding the trail again. We did this a few times today. All worked out well.
#40-winter for me today :bang:

[Rik]

Along the way to Indian Pass Rik and I Followed what looked to be two cat tracks, large cat tracks. A lot of leaves through the snow was ruffled and it seemed one had to pee every other tree.

It was the Nye wolf.

One thing I noticed today that I hadn't on previous trips was a couple places where there was debris that looked like it was from an old camp. Gas cans, pots, bowls, some rusted metal that looks like it could have been parts to an old skidder or something. Anyone know any stories? Pete? I think the reason it was so noticable today was the thin snow cover and lack of ground vegetation. I have a photo from a few years ago where my dog is on Nye and the summit sign is at his shoulders. Today it was well over our heads.

What a beautiful day. Up high it actually looked and felt like winter for a change.

[Rik]

Oh yeah. Be real careful crossing that brook. It was unnerving to be standing on ice and stepping over moving water. Of course on the other hand there was people skating on one of the Cascade lakes.

[Skyclimber]

It's the remenants of an Old Lumber Camp.

[Rik]

It's the remenants of an Old Lumber Camp.

That was my best guess. Thanks.

[Skyclimber]

If I remember correctly there used to be alot more, that was there but think some stuff came up "missing" throughout the years.

[Rik]

If I remember correctly there used to be alot more, that was there but think some stuff came up "missing" throughout the years.

There was at least two spots with several items that we could see. There was enough snow to probably cover some stuff. I can't believe I never noticed it before but like I said I think the conditions were just right.

[Skyclimber]

I'd have to dig through old pictures. I think there used to be enamel pans and remanents of an old stove.
That stuff has been there for years. You just didn't stop to smell the roses. :)

[pete_hickey]

I have a photo from a few years ago where my dog is on Nye and the summit sign is at his shoulders. Today it was well over our heads. Different sign, too. I don't remember the hight of the older one. Snow definately makes a difference, though.

Oh yeah... Good call on the Nye wolf!

Oh yeah... And the views on Street. Someone is cutting trees to improve the views. I think I counted over a dozen cut the last time I was there.

[Eric]

Well then their must have been 2 Nye Wolves then having one heck of a time Marking every corner.
The sign on the summit looked new. I also noticed a new disk as well, yellow one opposite the new sign. The new sign is pretty high.
re: The open area from Street, it is pretty wide open. The last time I was there was 2 years ago and 2 people at the opening was tight and had to shuffle around.

[Rik]

HERE (http://community.webshots.com/album/547598429uDbrqq)

are photos from this winter so far including the most recent ones from Street and Nye.