Panther,Giant Ledge [Archive]

mudhook

11-25-2005, 05:54 PM

Used snowshoes but they are not necessary. Really need another good storm so you don't beat them up so badly. There might be 10" -12"on top of light powder. Spots that are normally wet might become slushy and freeze making for slippery conditions in spots, otherwise the trail will be barebootable. Ralph and Maddy had gone up before me, cleaning the snow off the low hanging branches, met them on their way down Panther. Meeting them again is a sure sign that winter is here. Met another group with two young children wearing sneakers on my way down between G Ledge and the Woodland Valley trail. It was after 3:00 and 10-15 degrees on top. I did advise dad (he had good stuff on)that it was dark by 4:30 , and another mile to go. Hope he listened.

Jay H

11-25-2005, 07:01 PM

heehee, nice report. I think Ralph (and Maddy in winter) are the catskills designated trail stompers... I think I might not ever need snowshoes this winter if Ralph keeps breaking trail for us.. :D And since this is not the ADKs, no snowshoe rule in the Cats...

Jay

rockysummit

11-27-2005, 09:45 PM

Wow...sneakers this time of year? I'm having a tough time deciding on sneakers or not for my workplace in N.J.! My daughter and I did Rusk Mt. today with snowshoes.Kept good traction on the steep stuff, and a lot of fun coming down with poles! Deep snow has got to be just around the corner!

mudhook

11-28-2005, 05:27 PM

Good to hear from you Rockysummit. That is the word I've been looking for, Traction! Can not go without it. The snow took a beating today, won"t be much left tomorrow. Got a couple good trips in though, more to come.

rockysummit

11-28-2005, 10:36 PM

Hey Mudhook! I was hoping the snow wouldn't take too much of a hit, but I did hear the weather reports...Bummer. We had a lot more snow in the western Cats than the Rusk Mtn.Spruceton area. Was still a lot of fun. See you on the trails!

mudhook

12-31-2005, 08:20 PM

Returned today,12/31,with my son for one of his 3500 winter peaks. Trail hardpacked snow and ice, barebooted, put crampons on at Gaint Ledges for rest of trip. Met a fellow 3500er, and a couple more hikers who completed their requirments today. The top became quite full.