Marshall 1/30

[Kerry]

I did not start until 10:30 and so needed a shorter day. I'm running out of shorter hikes this round though, so went up Marshall. I had fresh, unbroken powder the entire trip. This is the first time I have used snowshoes beginning to end this winter. I attempted to cross the flowed lands well, because I like this walk, because I was the only person signed in this day and thought sinking in the water might be a good plan....I made it to the first set of trees, but I could see right away precarious ice damming and then open water by the cliff. I tested the ice with one foot and a 8x4 foot section cracked off and broke away. I turned around. The herd path up Marshall was largely blown in or covered with new snow. That said it was not hard to follow. I mostly stayed out of the brook which had a difficult combination of running water and ice completely covered by new snow. I read the report of the group that went off to the left. As far as I could tell their tracks are mostly covered again. I guess a good rule here might be that if you are on the left the trail never goes more than 20 feet or so from the brook. Up higher--maybe 2/3 of the way up, there are herd paths on both sides. On the left one continues beyond the last crossing. I assume it links with the path up above. On the right the track just allows one to skip one crossing as it does relink with the path. Up high about a foot of new snow had fallen; this combined with the iced over trees made for slow going. Above the swamp the chickadees came to visit. The last few times I have been here they have come very close, perhaps requesting food? I stood still and first heard then felt the flutter just by my ear and then the light presssure on my hood of a brave little bird before it flitted away to a nearby branch. The views of Iroquois were spectacular as always. I didn't linger as it was already late. So interesting how quickly the descent in new snow goes. I watched the sun set and the moon rise and still reached the car before dark. So nice to have a day without ice.
Also--there was one piece of flagging on the trail and I forgot to take it down on the way out (I had seen it on the way in). Be aware it does not seem to mark anything and is not at a crossing.