Date Hiked: 11-23-07

Conditions: Couple inches of crusty snow at trailhead. Got progressively deeper on the ascent but never deep enough to cover all rocks and boulders.

Special Required Equipment: Road to Ravine Lodge was open on this day, but it's covered in ice! We parked close to 118 and did the road walk wearing stabilicers. We switched to snowshoes a short way up Asquam and didn't take them off until halfway down Gorge Brook....not perfect snowshoeing conditions but better than risking a spill barebooting.

Comments: We crossed paths with 3 other hikers who chose Gorge Brook for their ascent. Special "hello" to the friendly golden retriever/poodle mix in that group. We met 2 guys coming down Beaver Brook from the summit; they stayed in the Beaver Brook Shelter last night....good luck to them!

Our first time on Asquam-Ridge Trail.....very gentle and very pretty around the Mt Jim area. Must be spectacular on days with views....we had very little visibility on this trip.

Temps dropped close to single numbers once above 3,500 feet. 20 mph winds near and on summit pushed temps down even further. All cold weather gear needed today. Shell, balaclava, goggles on summit.

Diane - Thanks for having wonderful Thanksgiving leftovers all hot and on the table for us when we got back!

Submitted by: Steve M & Schorman Sr