Combo Event: AZ Hike and Earth Day Clean Up at Wachusett (May 21, 2005)

[thetrailboss]

Didn't know which trip report section to post in...so did both

Date(s) Hiked: May 21, 2005

Trails(s) Hiked: Various Ski Trails including Hey Mom, Conifer Connection, Balanced Rock, Mass Pike and 10th Mountain Trail (a view up Smith-Walton as well) up Wachusett

Total Distance: Abouot 2-3 miles rt

Difficulty: Easy way to break in the legs

Conditions: Trails were surprisingly DRY with few bugs. Patches of SNOW for us to play in Sunny breaks and temps in the low 50's...perfect day!

Special Required Equipment: Trash Bags, Coupons for Lunch, Gloves, Camera, good sense of humor.

Trip Report: The ski season is over. But that doesn't mean that we can' think ahead to the next. That's why this was a great rite of passage for the ski-hike seasons. Chilemass, Bob R (and his two funny, well-behaved kids ), Ms. Trailboss, and Myself attended the annual Wachusett Earth Day Clean Up and BBQ at the mighty Wachusett in Central Mass. We arrived at 8:45am promptly to find Bob, his kids, and Bill in the parking lot along with a handful of other folks. The mountain was green with some patches of snow on the trails.

After registering and getting our bags and gloves, we began the easy ascent underneath the Minuteman Express Quad. Here we found easier grades, some new clearing underneath the quad, and lots of trash that we removed with some fun and good conversation. The terrain park had a 25-50 yrd horseshoe shaped patch of snow that we played in. I did some nice turns while Bob R and his kids threw snow at each other. "It's so great to see the snow again...makes me feel great!" Bob R said with a We also met another young man who we hope will join us soon in AZ here (Trailboss would not have given a salespitch now would he? ). The terrain park was full of debris, so we cleared it and then cut across the Toll Road, checking out Smith Walton and heading up the final pitch via 10th Mountain Trail under the lift, which was surprisingly clean .

We summited at about 10:15 or so...about 75 mins after our start. Here we had good local views and views into Southern NH. The breeze was brisk so bugs were not an issue. The summit area had lots of hikers (the norm) but no cars (not the norm) which was nice. The view of Monadnock and the Wapack Area was very nice

After some discussion and views, we headed back to the Summit Quad for some photo ops and then down Conifer to Balanced Rock. For skiers/riders: it appears that Wachusett is adding some new snowmaking. Construction was underway and excavation near the summit was evident. Snowmaking lines had been removed and there were stacks of pipes... Good question for the AZ Challenge.

The descent down the Balanced Rock Trail was fun and reminscent of Burke's trails. We hit Lower Conifer and headed to the base for the free BBQ (good burgers) and more good joking around and chatting. We lift the place better than we found it...with vouchers in hand for a day of skiing this coming season...can't wait!

We arrived at the base at 11:30 am...so 2.5 hours of good hiking for a good cause. The weather held as well which was great! Thanks for coming, guys! Pictures coming SOON!!

[Bob R]

Well it was nice to see MS. Trail boss and Trailboss and Chilemass. I was glad to see our duty involved hiking up the ski trails. My kids had fun, very nice of the gang to work with them. We played in the patches of snow, that was my kids and yes my favorite part. Glad the weather was nice. Yes there was some sun. Again how TheTrailboss can write such a great review of us picking trash makes me smile. Can't wait to use the lift tickets.

[teachski]

Originally Posted by thetrailboss

...Construction was underway and excavation near the summit was evident. Snowmaking lines had been removed and there were stacks of pipes... [/i][/u] Good question for the AZ Challenge.

I believe that there are a couple sections of pipe that have to be removed annually as they cross the road to the summit. That may account for the piping that you saw stacked up.

I wanted to make it over, but had a class Saturday morning. I probably would have been fairly useless too as I have a rotator cuff injury (right shoulder) and on Friday I ended up in a splint on my left leg for an achillies pull.

[Bob R]

Originally Posted by teachski

I believe that there are a couple sections of pipe that have to be removed annually as they cross the road to the summit. That may account for the piping that you saw stacked up.

I wanted to make it over, but had a class Saturday morning. I probably would have been fairly useless too as I have a rotator cuff injury (right shoulder) and on Friday I ended up in a splint on my left leg for an achillies pull.

Sounds like you need rest. That might be it on the snowmaking pipes.

[Sky]

Glad you guys had good weather...also glad you enjoyed yourself.

Sorry I missed out. I enjoy the day out, the walk up the slopes...and the free tix are good for family and friends who don;t get the pass (Mrs Sky).

How was the crowd? Wa tends to draw a good sized group for this effort. I wonder how many folks they lost out on due to graduations. I saw a bunch of banners in yards over the weekend.

I see the slopes were relatively dry. That makes for easier walking. In years past, Wa has held the event closer to "Earthday"...ankle deep mud in some places.

Looks like we'll be seeing AZ folks @ Wa next year. See you then.

[Bob R]

There were muddy spots, but overall a great day and great conditions. A couple of the snow patches still had groomer marks on them so we did some trail boot turns. Fresh tracks. Not going to add it to my totals.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by Sky521

Glad you guys had good weather...also glad you enjoyed yourself.

Sorry I missed out. I enjoy the day out, the walk up the slopes...and the free tix are good for family and friends who don;t get the pass (Mrs Sky).

How was the crowd? Wa tends to draw a good sized group for this effort. I wonder how many folks they lost out on due to graduations. I saw a bunch of banners in yards over the weekend.

I see the slopes were relatively dry. That makes for easier walking. In years past, Wa has held the event closer to "Earthday"...ankle deep mud in some places.

Looks like we'll be seeing AZ folks @ Wa next year. See you then.

Crowds? Well, they only showed up at lunchtime. We got an early start...so up and down quickly as you had suggested. Nice weather, nice company, the kids provided great comedy relief

[Zand]

Originally Posted by teachski

I believe that there are a couple sections of pipe that have to be removed annually as they cross the road to the summit. That may account for the piping that you saw stacked up.

I'm pretty sure the pipes go underground at the roads. however, maybe this is a sign of an earlier opening this year. Think about it. New pipes; Conifer. I think it kind of adds up.

[thetrailboss]

Yeah, the pipes that were removed were well above the roads. Well above. Seemed like they were getting ready to put a second line up Conifer on the skier's right. 10th had NO line beside it...some excavation had been done at the summit.

[Zand]

Trailboss- any pics yet? I want to see the pictures so I can put in for the contest on Wawa's website. People who guess the day the snow melts are entered for a chance to win a Season Pass.