wanderingspirit
02-20-2006, 08:42 PM
Hiked Goodnow Mountain today 2/20. Trail is ice with a little covering of snow from parking area to close to summit. In several spots the trail is covered with water ice which with the cold temperatures has become hard and very slippery (which I found out the hard way, newbie winter hiker mistake). I made the climb with stabilicers, which were pretty sufficient for most of the climb as it is not very steep, but the water ice in places has created little ledges that are tricky to negotiate when descending. In retrospect I think crampons would have been a better choice for the conditions. There were no views to be had unfortunatley with clouds and light snow being the order of the day, but it was nice to be out in the 'dacks just the same. The lack of snow has been keeping me closer to home this winter, as I don't have crampons right now, but hope to buy a pair soon. I encountered several areas of blow down, most of which can easily be walked around with the exception of one large pine tree which had to be crawled under. All in all a good hike on a nice little mountain.