Date Hiked: 10/28

Conditions: Very wet and muddy from the recent rains. The fallen leaves soaked up a lot of mud, but the trails were like streams in many areas. Had to use the old suspension bridge at Bushnell Falls due to high water. From Slant Rock to Summit encountered lots of thin ice. Definitely needed Stable Icers (or similar) to make the summit. Was snowing lightly off & on all day, but no snow on the ground yet.

Special Required Equipment: Signs of winter conditions are here, so bring early winter gear. Definitely needed Stable Icers (or similar) especially above tree line. Waterproof boots a must. If the sun wasn't out as we approached the summit I probably would have used my face mask. It was cold and the wind gusts were huge.

Comments: This was my trickiest hike to date due to the conditions. That thin ice is killer especially on the open rock going up Little Haystack and Haystack. No snow, and ice not thick enough for crampons makes the going a little dangerous even with Stable Icers. The winds were whipping up there. I could barely stand up with some of the gusts. Views were great, but couldn't spend much time on the summit with the winds. I was hoping to get Basin too, but the icy conditions slowed us down too much. This was 43 for me. Basin, Gray & Skylight to go!

Submitted by: Lori F.