chapter 518

3/1/2019

Moxham Mt. Winter

it's a hard climb

Have been itching to return to the Vanderwhacker Wild Forest since the beautiful fall trip. The weather window was decent, the opportunity presented so I went solo at mid week. No one else was there after the 4 inch snow storm. It started out just below freezing but climbed to just above.

It was beautiful breaking trail through the undisturbed snow on the lower elevations more gentle slopes on snow shoes. Visibility and views are very good here. At this first opening a half mile up I began to see lots of wild animal tracks. At first thought it was bob cats but then they seemed to be following deer so I guessed coyotes. Some of the ADK high peaks to the north.

The trail looks foreboding going up thru the rocks and trees. Round yellow trail marker ahead. But it is actually not difficult and a beautiful passage way. Just hope no mountain lions  or Indians jump on me here. There are none, but will be out on our Colorado trip to be aware of.

In spots where the wind whips across the bare rock deeper snow can accumulate. It's fun though and you could go around if you really want to.

There is a peacefulness to newly fallen snow that just gives you a contented feeling.

Getting near the end of several goals I set this day, I'm thinking this will probably be enough. I started out with a few clothing layers but have shed one soft shell coat.

At the top of the ridge line vantage point I sit down on an extra nylon jacket with back against a tree. Now I add another light shell for warmth and to keep any wind off. Hot chocolate always good and I gobble down the peanut butter and crackers that I usually don't even eat.

I had taken a composite panorama of the more than 180 degree view but it just doesn't do it justice capturing the expansive view.

I realize; this is it. Feeling like I'll head back down with energy to spare, not fully exhausted.

As I zoomed in across the valley the camera could pick up a few skiers on Gore Mountain 5 miles distant where I had spent numerous enjoyable days skiing over the years.

As I started back down I gave a howl for the coyotes. Immediately they howled back from maybe half way down the mountain on the southern far side. I did it again and it seemed there were several of them from different spots excitedly returning my call. Then it dawned on me maybe that's not a good idea to call them up to me. I'm by myself tired out and a pack of them can take down a deer and occasionally a moose if they are starving. I pick up the pace a little bit but telling myself to not twist an ankle or break a leg. I wonder if it's just an echo. I shout out "hello" but the coyote howl call returns to me. I have two strong aluminum ski poles with sharp carbide tips for defense so I feel confident, yet a tad unnerved. 

On the way down it's warmed up to the extent that the snow is clumping up significantly under my snowshoes. It feels like a pound bag of sugar is under each foot as I tromp along. I have to whip each shoe with my pole as I raise my foot which readily knocks off the accumulation. However, I'm in a trough because of the deep snow accumulation and the fact that there is a prior hikers (depression) path. So I have to raise my foot forward a lot in order for my pole to clear the trough. Then the snow shoe wants to pivot way out ahead and nearly tripping me as I put my foot down. I don't want to get tripped up and injured. 

At one point I fall over near a stream crossing because the snow is hard packed on the "raised trail portion" yet there is soft snow to the sides where I plant my poles. The "trail portion" is narrow so I'm not on a wide steady stance. Falling over into soft snow with a backpack results in my feet being above my head. It's a struggle to get righted. A little frustration, a little laughing at myself. But all is well.

There are struggles in any adventure but they make it worthwhile. The difficulties on this trip I've perhaps given too much attention to or exaggerated. It's OK to bite off just a bit more than you think you are capable of as long as you stay aware.  

So, I did a 5 mile round trip in 5 hours. I did not go all the way to the top of Moxham. It was on my tentative agenda but I was willing to turn around at any point along the way depending on conditions and how I felt. It was a success.

The State has acquired more land from property owners and plans for additional shorter trails up from the south a few years into the future. Looking forward to that.

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