Northville-Placid winter thru-hike Feb 2005

[whcobbs]

In search of partner(s) for winter thru-hike of Northville-Placid Trail, departing Benson northbound 1 Feb 2005. Snowshoes required, skis optional. Contact me either on this site or off-list at whcobbs@hotmail.com
Walt

[fvrwld]

Do you have an itinerary planned yet? I feel I lack the winter experience to attempt that long a hike but may be able to join you for a section. Maybe Long Lake to Averyville if I feel I'm up to par by then with winter skills. I think that would be a beautiful section in the winter.

[sacco]

i might like to join ya on a section, depending on the timing.

[Kevin]

Personally, I find that to be rather dangerous. It takes a long time to hike the entire NPT, and in that time the odds are you'll encounter one or more major storm systems, each of which could dump feet of snow. I've broken trail with one other friend in 3 feet of fluffy snow, got about 3/4 mile and turned around. Wasn't my idea of "fun".

It's romantic to think of being alone in the wilderness during the solitude of wintertime, but I personally don't find it very practical from a safety standpoint.

My $0.02

[kwc]

Personally, I find that to be rather dangerous.
It's romantic to think of being alone in the wilderness during the solitude of wintertime, but I personally don't find it very practical from a safety standpoint.

My $0.02

I believe Walt's looking for partners to make the trek ... unless he's told you privately that he's going to solo the trail even if he doesn't get any bites on the boards.

Personally, I'd section hike the trail in winter just to get a feel for it before attempting a long thru-hike.

But that's just my $0.02

[Kevin]

I believe Walt's looking for partners to make the trek ... unless he's told you privately that he's going to solo the trail even if he doesn't get any bites on the boards.

Yeah, I know... but, even with 10 guys, breaking trail for 10+ miles/day can be rather grueling -- just ask some of the winter 46rs!

[sacco]

i disagree kevin.
i don't think thru hiking is any more dangerous than section hiking.
what's the difference between thru hiking and a few back to back section hikes?

[Kevin]

i disagree kevin.
i don't think thru hiking is any more dangerous than section hiking.
what's the difference between thru hiking and a few back to back section hikes?

Having to carry extra food/supplies, being without a reliable means of getting out (bailing to your car). Expect the unexpected, and I feel pretty naked in the wintertime because mother nature is trying to kill you every second you're out there (humans can deal with heat better than the cold, which is why there's more of us near the equator than the poles ).

FYI -- I usually only dayhike in the winter months. I occassionally car-camp. I'm not a big fan of the cold, and if I'm out for days my car's always within view . March 2005 may be my first winter expedition though (3-4 days), but definitely a small group hike to split supplies. Will also have objectives and deadlines, which if not met will result in calling things off and turning around/bailing.

[whcobbs]

Northville-Placid winter thru-hike

Kevin-- You and others have dispelled my fear that no one would respond to my post! Yes, I have one committed partner already, I'm seeking a group of four, and three would be minimal for the group. Although people do ski some sections of the NPT with some regularity, I've spoken with parties who became marooned on skis at Duck Hole in exactly the storm conditions you describe, hence the snowshoe requirement. Other essentials are winter camping experience and GPS waypoints to find the trail. The plan is to break the trek at lodge/motels at Piseco and Long Lake Village for resupply and recovery. Thanks for your comments and don't hesitate to add more.

Walt

Personally, I find that to be rather dangerous. It takes a long time to hike the entire NPT, and in that time the odds are you'll encounter one or more major storm systems, each of which could dump feet of snow. I've broken trail with one other friend in 3 feet of fluffy snow, got about 3/4 mile and turned around. Wasn't my idea of "fun".

It's romantic to think of being alone in the wilderness during the solitude of wintertime, but I personally don't find it very practical from a safety standpoint.

My $0.02

[whcobbs]

fvrld and sacco--
Thanks for your responses, see also my response to Kevin below. The planned R&R motel stops at Piseco and Long Lake would be possible meeting points for someone who wanted to hike just a section. When we would make those stops would of course depend on conditions. If you want more information I'll be happy to supply it by private email.
Walt

[whcobbs]

Sacco -- sounds like you have decided on March when the snow pack is more consolidated. Our tentative schedule, based on 7-8 mile days, is depart Benson 1 Feb; Piseco 4 Feb; Long Lake 11 Feb; Duck Hole 14 Feb; arrive Averyville Rd Placid 16 Feb. Of course this will all depend on conditions. We may try to hustle a bit out of Piseco to shorten the resupply.

[sacco]

i've got a pretty busy feb, but if something opens up i may join you for a day or two