Trails: Hancock Notch, Cedar Notch & Hancock Loop, up North, down South, 9.8 miles 2650 elevation gain.
Conditions a little light for winter, 4-8 inches of snow except in a few places on ridge near South Hancock that had small drifts 12-24 inches. Water crossings on Cedar Notch - first two avoided by obvious bushwhack which may become the winter route this year, 1st is open water & icy rocks while 2nd was a pile of snow & ice not looking very stable, 3rd & 4th crossing looked a little iffy as did the 2nd crossing on Hancock loop but they held hikers who with pack included were in excess of 260 pounds & it's been cold since so should be okay . Couple of blowdowns easily stepped over or ducked under or around.
Gear: Temps in 20's, three wore plastic boots, one was in leather 3 season without VBL or super Gaiters & when stopped for a while waiting for the group's heavyweights, his feet did get cold but heated up once he got going, 3/4's of group wore crampons up North, across ridge & down South while I wore them just on the way down. Hardcore glissaders probably could have done without them, I typically don't glissade, on the way up, a few places where I had to be careful but no place matching my 11/2004 trip up Ammo when I thought Crampons would prevent serious injury.
Additional Comments, great day, good views did not realize you could see Attiash from North Hancock but when the slopes are white, you can pick it out connected to North Moat. Another winter hike with Sherpa Kroto & first time with Doctor Woo & Wheels from VFTT. Due to airline & work I understand I missed a chanced to hike with Alpinista.
Conditions a little light for winter, 4-8 inches of snow except in a few places on ridge near South Hancock that had small drifts 12-24 inches. Water crossings on Cedar Notch - first two avoided by obvious bushwhack which may become the winter route this year, 1st is open water & icy rocks while 2nd was a pile of snow & ice not looking very stable, 3rd & 4th crossing looked a little iffy as did the 2nd crossing on Hancock loop but they held hikers who with pack included were in excess of 260 pounds & it's been cold since so should be okay . Couple of blowdowns easily stepped over or ducked under or around.
Gear: Temps in 20's, three wore plastic boots, one was in leather 3 season without VBL or super Gaiters & when stopped for a while waiting for the group's heavyweights, his feet did get cold but heated up once he got going, 3/4's of group wore crampons up North, across ridge & down South while I wore them just on the way down. Hardcore glissaders probably could have done without them, I typically don't glissade, on the way up, a few places where I had to be careful but no place matching my 11/2004 trip up Ammo when I thought Crampons would prevent serious injury.
Additional Comments, great day, good views did not realize you could see Attiash from North Hancock but when the slopes are white, you can pick it out connected to North Moat. Another winter hike with Sherpa Kroto & first time with Doctor Woo & Wheels from VFTT. Due to airline & work I understand I missed a chanced to hike with Alpinista.
