Wittenberg, Cornell 12.11.05

[mudhook]

Hiked from Woodland valley PA(half plowed maybe), used snowshoes almost to both summits except from the Cornell ledge to the summit which I barebooted with no postholing. Barebooters had gone on to Slide yesterday, doing some considerable postholing in spots. God bless thier tired legs. Passed 4 sets of bear tracks, including one on the Bruins causeway, at least 2 different bears, possibly three. Trip took 5.5 hours. I took a backpacker to gaint ledge PA on the way home after he wisely decided to return after summitting Wittenberg (getting late), where I noticed the PA there was also unplowed. Nice day, winter is finally here, i hope.

[rockysummit]

Sounds like you had a great trip! Did you need crampons for that final ledge on Cornell? I think you might remember, that I met up with you last year after you had come down from Cornell and I was approaching.Like a knucklehead, I left my crampons in my truck and couldn't make that last ledge.I'm saving Cornell for my grand finale this year for my winter 35!

[mudhook]

I left my crampons in my truck and couldn't make that last ledge.
Rockysummit,
That was some beautiful day! No I didn't need crampons for the last ledge, but I did have to take off the snowshoes . Theres no ice yet so it wasn"t bad at all. What all us short legged people need to do is leave a pair there, its the only spot I've absolutly needed full crampons in the cats.(Or longer legs). They were my final 2 winter 35, great places to finish up on. Looks to be too cold for working tomorrow, maybe I can sneak a hike in. Love that winter.

[daxs]

I know that ledge. Last year, I could not get up with only instep crampons. (It was iced over) I needed to be pushed while some else pulled. Very unelegant. I ended up slicing my pants with my crampon edge. Taller types were able to get up without problems. Their arms reached to the top of the ledge so they could pull on their own. I glad a camera was not available for that shot. :oops:

[rockysummit]

Oh yeah, that ledge!
I've been told that if you scout around to the left side, you might be able to make it. But I'm not taking any chances, I won't leave the crampons again.

[Jay H]

I agree, that is probably the only trailed hike where I thought 10 pts would of been useful. There are very few handholds on that chute!

Jay

[TFR]

I agree, that is probably the only trailed hike where I thought 10 pts would of been useful. There are very few handholds on that chute! Jay

I know 2 very experienced hikers that were injured there. Last Winter, we went down that section, with the use of a rope.

[mudhook]

A rope would be a good idea. One person with 10 pts. to get up and secure the rope would make a group hike much easier and safer.