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Lower elevations received a fresh blanket of powder from the latest storm. As elevations increased so did snow depths (12-18"+), wind and drifting while temperatures decreased to keep the snow nearly as challenging on the descent as the ascent. We started on the Lake Road shortly after 7:00 AM with no one else ahead of us. We "broke" the Lake Road until the Canyon Bridge connector and continued to blaze a route through varying amounts of snow until the junction of the Wedge Brook Trail. It was there that we met and befriended three wonderful and strong women (Andrea, Anita and Gloria) who took the lead and tracked out an excellent route to approximately 3000 feet - just before the trail turns west under the massive and spectacular vertical walls of Lower Wolf Jaw. Trail markers became curiously scarce in this section and after some individual scouting, the route was reestablished and the tiring ascent (now very serious) continued. Ascending the headwall of the ravine, back-sliding was common as even aggressive snowshoe crampons could barely secure position on the steep terrain. At the junction of the cutoff trail to Wolf Jaws notch a decision was made to head for Lower Wolf Jaw rather than our intended destination. We completed the very steep final approach over many icy and challenging chutes (bypassing a few) to the partially wooded summit. There we shared the glorious views and lunch with our new friends. Even though the descent was completed in half the ascent time, the steep upper reaches were carefully negotiated with semi-controlled body slides and snowshoe glissading. Although the entire route to the summit is now tracked, the snow conditions remain very soft and unconsolidated.
Snowshoes were the operative word for the day as the glory of winter returned to the Adirondacks. Trekking poles provided helpful and needed assistance throughout the day as well as a secure prop to lean on while gasping for breath. Layers and extra summit protection was necessary as the wind roared like a jet engine. I carried about 2.5 liters of water and used every drop. Ten-point boot crampons were carried for ballast.
The day was a winter wonderland with sparkling snow and puffy, white clouds racing across azure skies. Occasional snow bombs caught us by surprise and the high winds let you know who was really in charge of these lofty places. It was a day of great physical challenge and even greater emotional and spiritual rewards. The views of the surrounding peaks were stunning including a bird's eye view of the roof at JBL. The swirling snow devils and whiteout explosions from nameless ridgelines and outcroppings filled the day with exclamation points. I shared the wonders of the Wedge Brook Trail and memories of this beautiful day with two strong hiking companions, Fred Bloom and Barb Blum and three new friends - Andrea, Anita and Gloria. There are no strangers in the mountains…only friends we haven't met!
Pete Hogan
Snowshoes were the operative word for the day as the glory of winter returned to the Adirondacks. Trekking poles provided helpful and needed assistance throughout the day as well as a secure prop to lean on while gasping for breath. Layers and extra summit protection was necessary as the wind roared like a jet engine. I carried about 2.5 liters of water and used every drop. Ten-point boot crampons were carried for ballast.
The day was a winter wonderland with sparkling snow and puffy, white clouds racing across azure skies. Occasional snow bombs caught us by surprise and the high winds let you know who was really in charge of these lofty places. It was a day of great physical challenge and even greater emotional and spiritual rewards. The views of the surrounding peaks were stunning including a bird's eye view of the roof at JBL. The swirling snow devils and whiteout explosions from nameless ridgelines and outcroppings filled the day with exclamation points. I shared the wonders of the Wedge Brook Trail and memories of this beautiful day with two strong hiking companions, Fred Bloom and Barb Blum and three new friends - Andrea, Anita and Gloria. There are no strangers in the mountains…only friends we haven't met!
Pete Hogan
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