12-19-10 Mt Mansfield... again

This time we explored some the cross-country ski trails that cross the side of Mount Mansfield. We were on snowshoes, which was a very good thing given the deep, unbroken snow.A really cool waterfall. It will reappear in a later entry.
Just stunning marshmellow snow.
It was about 1.5 feet deep and it tired Sal out a lot. This trip actually convinced us that he shouldn't join us again for his own health.

The view from the almost top. This was never going to be an ascent to the peak but we still found a good view.

12-5-10 Hurrican Mountain

Again this is a place we have climbed before but revisiting it in the winter was a very different experience.
Sal and I, ready to head out, clothed in my wool viking tunic that I designed and sewed. It is based on a vintage design and I have used it consistently for the entire winter as my primary outer garment and it is brilliant.
Crazy icicles and moss. What a color combo.
And stunning ice on the trees.
This did not reflect the actual mood of the trip. For reasons I don't remember we did not document the fact that the whole steep trail was a literal waterfall of ice. My crampons served me brilliantly but sadly Heather lacked such devices and we turned around about a quarter of a mile from the top because we could not safely go on. One of the hardest hikes we have done.

12-4-10 Mt Mansfield, Cantilever Rock

Mount Mansfield has become one of our more commonly visited winter playground. There are so many trails that dots its massive flanks. This particular hike was up Sunset Ridge (one we have done in the summer) to Cantilever Rock.
This was one of the last hikes Sal joined us because his short hair on his underbelly does not protect him against deep snow.
Just the coolest frost and icicles. I used my crampons for parts of this were ice was bad.
This is the rock, I would say over 20 feet long it just hangs over the trail.
And overlooks the valley.

11-6-10 Mount Hunger

If that doesn't show desolation I don't know what does... Mount Hunger is located east of Stowe, VT. It is part of the Worcester Range, a place that we have explored several times. There was heavy snow so not many pictures nor views.

Pumpkin Carving and Scottish Steampunk

Maple Syrup and Jeeps

Again another blog short in the word section. During a visit home for my father I went to my friend Mike's home. This is the 1950's Willy's Jeep that I learned to drive during my permit beginnings. The hood is up because the battery is on a trickle charger. This is their Sugaring shack. They make maple syrup off the trees on their land. Quite a process to watch.

Heavy Rains in Maine

We took a short trip to Maine to visit Heather's folks. These are two different rivers...
Heavy flow. The sunrise on the way back to Burlington.