Gothics Question

[rbi99]

I will be going to Johns Brook in mid-November, and I searched but didn't see what I was after. Does going up Gothics via Orebed present any problems for a very healthy two year old yellow lab? I have had him for for a little over two months and we get out in the woods or swimming every day. Conditioning wise he is in great shape, and tackles the steep hills around here with ease. However, Gothics is a lot more than a steep hill. Also, if I am up to it I would also like to go over to Basin. Same question, anything that could make it too difficult for a dog? If there are any ladders, is there a work around for a dog? I will be at West Canada Lakes next week, so while that doesn't involve any climbing, my dog will have had a taste of backpacking overnight.

[kayakrski]

I"m curious to hear what people with dogs have to say about this. That trail is VERY steep with alot of exposed rock and a few cables. I just did it a few months ago. It will probably be icy then too. Good luck.

G

[randomscooter]

Orebed to Gothics is probably doable in dry and ice-free weather, but even so I certainly won't recommend it. Getting over to Basin via Saddleback would be very iffy, considering the Saddleback cliffs. If you meant Basin from the other direction (for example via Shoreys Shortcut), I'd still recommend against it. Very steep exposed ledge, one very high ladder, and almost certainly ice.

That's my .02

EDIT: Don't interpret this as a sweeping statement in opposition of dogs on the trails. It is more oriented towards my concern over the health and well-being of the pet. It is very hazardous up there for dogs. I have seen dogs fall after failing to struggle up over ledges. I've seen dogs struggling to get free as their owners attempt to carry them up/down ladders. I've seen hikers with dogs turn back when they encounter such conditions. All that said, only YOU know your pet and it's capabilities, and IMO it's YOUR choice.

[oldsmores]

My black lab did Gothics by that route, but that was in dry weather in the summer. Even so, there were some places (ladders on Orebed brook and the slabs on Gothics) where he needed some help. I don't think doing it in November will be good for the dog, unless you happen to get perfect conditions. YMMV.

[JoeCedar]

On the Orebed route, a serious concern is paw abrasion. If you dog does not have heavy calluses from a lot of road running, he/she will be subject to injury.

Several cliffs on the SW side of Basin will be very difficult for the dog. There is no alternative for the dog for the large ladder. I carried my lab up it once, but would not recommend it. And carrying a dog down is nearly impossible. My dog was very cooperative and we managed to get him up the Saddleback cliffs, but this required 2-3 people and a very cooperative dog. This was in summer. Don't try it.

[rbi99]

Thanks very much for the info. I will look for another area.

Since that one bear got the redesigned bearvault open this past May by Marcy Dam, has there been any repeat problems over at Colden Lake? How would Iroquois Peak or Mt. Colden be for my dog?

Thanks again for all of your help.

[kayakrski]

I think Colden via Lake Arnold would be suitable for bringing your dog.

G

[Chef]

Going up Colden from Lake Arnold is very doable for a dog, but return via the same route. On the southern side there are some ladders that are pretty shady. I haven't been over to Iroquois yet, but from the Loj to the top of Algonquin is pretty doable as well. The only concern is a steep slab just below the tree line. I'll be hitting Iroquois later next week, I'll let you know what the terrain is like.

Cheers
Chef

[rbi99]

Chef, please do update after you climb Iroquois.

[kayakrski]

If I remember correctly Iroquois is an easy climb but it's been awhile.

[randomscooter]

There are a couple of ledges near the summit of Iroquois that many hikers puzzle over, but I'm guessing a dog would find a way around easy enough. Of course that would require that you either let it off it's leash or let it drag you through the scrub.

[der Doktor]

I would probably not reccommend Iroquois for a dog, no matter what fitness level. No matter which way you come from it is steep and rocky, which would lead to a lot of abraision on the dog's feet. The herd path to Iroquios is very brushy, and while not very bothersome for humans, a dog could easily get a stick in the eye. Also, there a lot of deep cracks and mud holes that could wear your dog down.

Best of luck

[adktyler]

I have climbed Gothics 3 times, each time with our dog. When there's lots of ice, he struggled quite a bit. Right above the cables we had to carry him part of the way. A young puppy should be able to make it, but just be warned that it might take some coaxing.

[hillman1]

Just buy ruffwear bark n boots. They even have a vibram sole now. Greatest thing I've ever bought for my dog.

[adktyler]

Just buy ruffwear bark n boots. They even have a vibram sole now. Greatest thing I've ever bought for my dog.

Vibram sole, NO WAY! We always had to take the booties off our dog cause he'd slip too much, this is great news. Only trouble is, our dog is now too old to climb. I need to get a puppy.