Date Hiked: 11.24.07

Conditions: Starting from the trailhead at the NE tip of Lower Ausable Lake ... lower 1/3 is a durable layer of thin snow, aiding walking, the result of the earlier warm front that caused a minor ice storm event (trees and branches are heavily covered by destructive ice). Above ~ 3,000 feet, the snow cover remains helpful; in spots on the steepest final ascents, ice flows are very common and crampons might be helpful in spots. Rounding Gothics, expect drifting snow to slow you a bit; here, snowshoes mights speed you along somewhat. The reverse is true on the way down; crunchy drift pockets of snow make for excellent "drops," a quick descent in your boots. Keep hustling and stay warm!

Special Required Equipment: See above

Comments: My water froze, yet I was sweating like crazy. Crawing up the steeps was exhausting -- grasping at limbs, pulling and crawling on hands and knees up over ice and boulders ... you know the drill ... enjoy one of the wildest mountain areas in the Northeast -- the magnificently craggy, misty drama on the roof of the High Peaks continue to surprise and delight ...

Submitted by: Joooles_M