Date Hiked: 11/23/07

Conditions: Some mushy leaf pits down low. The stream crossings at .3 mi. and 1.1 mi. were unfrozen, but easy. The packed snow on the old logging road section offered pretty consistent footing, with some ice underneath. From the junction of the Sosman trail at 2.2 mi., the summit cone section of the trail was mostly bare rock and dirt.

Special Required Equipment: We barebooted without difficulty to the point above the stream that looks out on the ski trail ("Periphery", I think), then used the oft-maligned Yak Traxx to good effect for the rest of the hike. Carried snowshoes and crampons, for extra weight. ;)

Comments: Tecumseh was the perfect choice for a Post-Thanksgiving caloric burn-off, as we got going a bit late (9:45a.m.), hoofing up the Mt. Tecumseh trail, with temps in the mid-twenties and the roar of snowguns at full throttle. After the outlooks on the ski trail and the base of the Northside Double Chair, the noise gradually diminished as the logging road angles to the top of the Tecumseh Brook ravine at a moderate but persistent grade. We had decent shelter from the wind all the way up, but there was a noticeable spike as we hit the Sosman trail, electing to go left at the split, and hit the summit from the west. Not much in the way of views from the top today, but there was an interesting fungus with "Owlshead" carved into its face sitting on top of one of the trail signs at the summit! Met a total of eight (8) folks on the trail today (2 couples, 4 solos), and we were in the parking lot a little after 2:00 p.m. #25 for RJ, and a fine pre-winter hike despite no VFTT!

Submitted by:Great Pumpkin and