The Vermont Jaunt - Stratton, Abraham, Pico 4/7,8

[MarcHowes]

Well it was a cold weekend, especially considering its already a week into April!!!!!!!!

4/7:

Hiked Stratton: Got a nice early start. The views were nothing to rave about considering the scattered gray low lying clouds. about 4-6" of fluffy snow sat on the unbroken trail between the ski area and the summit. I chose to climb the ski area (gondola line) as opposed to the LT from the south. Measured a temperature of 9 degrees at 8:00 AM at the summit.

http://hoosactunnel.net/nonhoosac/VT/Stratton070407/


4/7 ][:

Hiked Abraham: Wanted to get Ellen too but it didn't happen: The time and weather and evening obligations didn't mix with that idea. The road was not plowed to Lincoln Gap, so that added 2 miles RT as I had to start at the last house on the west side. The trail was unbroken all the way to the Battell JCT. Views were moderate due to cloud cover. The descent was fast thanks to fluffy snow! The trail appeared to be broken out beyond Abraham but I don't know how far.

http://hoosactunnel.net/nonhoosac/VT/Abraham070407/

4/8:

Hiked Pico: This was the shining gem of the weekend. I hiked Sherburne Trail which is very moderate until the ski slopes. The ski trails were ungroomed and hike-skiers were busy enjoying themselves in the 8+" of powder! Views from the top were non existant. This hike was enjoyable because of the Skiers I met, the warm warming hut at the top and most of all, the insanely fun powder which I was able to snowshoe down at an insane speed! 5-10' strides! VERY fast descent!!! Fun fun!

http://hoosactunnel.net/nonhoosac/VT/Pico070408/

Afterwards I enjoyed a brew with a friend at McNeil's in Brattleboro