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Written on: Tue Jan 13, '09 11:50 pm
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WaldenRun
Topic creator
registered since: 12.01.2009
Posts: 5
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As we shuttled down to the start at Harriman Dam, I joked with the tour leader, Sam Bartlett, that he was going to be handing out saws for the journey north. Little did I know...
The logistics came together and our group of seven left the dam on schedule. Conditions were super, with a few inches of powder atop a crust that could support those light on their skis. Another party had hit the trail before us, so we expected to make really good time along the mostly flat route. Little did we know...
We cruised across the dam and got our rhythm going along the initial snowmobile trail section. I noticed Sam uneasily eyeing the numerous trees down on the east-facing slope to our left. We occasionally passed some recent VAST chainsaw work.
It was nice to eventually part ways with the snow machines and have nothing but lightly tracked trail before us. Well, maybe an occasional branch in the snow, well, maybe an occasional small tree bent over, well, maybe an occasional medium-sized tree to step over, well, maybe an occasional large tree to go around off trail, well, maybe one giant criss-cross of forest flotsam that we just laughed at.
The laughter was the crucial part. The whole crew carried the spirit that any day in the woods is a good one. I did my best to entertain by first breaking a pole, then face-planting on a stream-jump, and finally breaking my OTHER pole. Thank god the other skiers were easier on their equipment, as we were quickly running out of duct tape.
Once through the rock cut and back where the snowmobiles roam, the trail was clear to where my car had been stationed at Medburyville North. It was getting a bit late in the day, so the three skiers that had come from BOSTON took my car back to their car at the start. We were sorry to lose their trail energy, but regrouped for the stretch run.
It was interesting skiing above and around the power plant. We all executed the exciting descent back down to the old railroad bed, and relaxed on the nice smooth trail. Wouldn't you know that much of the final mile had two to three foot drifts where the wind roars down from the Woodford plateau. Being the gentlemen that we are, the two Catamount trail chiefs and myself let the lone remaining female, Patty, break trail.
We hit the Deerfield River, crossed on the elaborate new Route 9 bridge, and pulled up at Sam's truck. It finished getting dark as we drove through Wilmington and got everybody connected with the right vehicle.
Can't wait to ski more sections of the trail. Did someone say 6-day tour? I just ordered some new backcountry poles. -Geoff
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Written on: Fri Jan 16, '09 1:35 pm
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amykelsey
registered since: 10.09.2008
Posts: 28
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Thanks for the great post Geoff! Sounds like a Catamount Trail Adventure for sure!
Amy Kelsey
Trail Director
Catamount Trail Association
1 Mill Street, Suite 350
Burlington, VT 05401
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Written on: Mon Feb 16, '09 5:44 pm
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sambartlett
registered since: 11.11.2007
Posts: 68
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Paul, Geoff and I cleared out the ice damage reported above. You can now ski through without leaving the trail or removing your skis. We didn't get everything, just the show-stoppers.
Conditions were fine, light fluff on breakable crust with a good track, although the sleds have gone where they shouldn't and packed the track in places. Only a few small surface water spots to watch for.
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