Also on this trip
Trails Used
Beaver Brook XC Ski Trail, Gale River Road, Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, North Twin Trail,
Trail Conditions
Equipment
Notes
This was a day. The road walk and first 2 miles of the trail were bare ground. There is a lot of water on the trail and some serious mud. After the larger water crossing we all put on spikes but there were still areas of bare ground and rock. The ice was thick but with the warm temps we had good purchase. Up higher, the snow is packed but if you deviate from the monorail even by inches, you will posthole. By the afternoon, things were melting and softening resulting is slippery slush for our descent. All of us found and fell in spruce traps. Conditions are tedious and very typical of April. Go early and take advantage of the colder temps when you can and pack your trash bags. Huge thanks to an amazing crew to keep me company today. Gridded out all 3 of these peaks today!
Parking
Plenty of parking at the Beaver Brook picnic area. $5 to park or use the WMNF pass.
Water Crossings
Welllllll, this was planned as a traverse but the water levels increased significantly overnight do it turned into an OAB. The larger crossing of the Gale River was crossed sort of successfully by the longer legged folks in our group but did result in wet feet. The shorter legged crew members donned trash bags or waterproof boot covers (These have changed my life) and waded across with good success.
Wildlife
I saw a few flying creatures so they are starting to come back up from Hell.