Noonmark Mountain via the Stimson Trail - 11/18/05

[runswithscissors]

Route conditions were variable, but had some common threads. Deep mud and occasional ice along with slippery leaves, roots, and stepping-stones at lower elevations made for a slippery, sloppy cautious walk. Beech trees (in particular) suffered the consequences of holding on to their leaves too long. Many were cracked, split and down as a result of the heavy, wet, late October snowstorms that burdened them beyond their strength. Snow depths increased with elevation and hidden, icy layers glazed most surfaces resulting in very slippery, unsure footing and vigilant, exhausting foot placement.

Although we carried instep and 10-point Grivels, we did not use either. Something in between (i.e. Stabilicers) probably would have permitted better footing - especially in the upper reaches of the route on the open rock slabs and steep, icy chutes prior to the summit. There was not enough of a base for snowshoes, but the 2-3 inches higher up covered an ice layer and made for treacherous, unsettling footing and a dangerous, time-consuming hike. Trekking poles were essential for both the ascent and descent. Our fingers, wrists and shoulders felt the strain of very concentrated, tense pole placement throughout trip. Pole tips accumulated solid, dense ice balls making them ineffective until the ice was knocked off. Full winter layers with mittens, hats and Gore-Tex kept the cold from penetrating and the addition of down sweaters near the summit effectively blocked the wind as temperatures plummeted with elevation. It may be November in the “flatlands", but it is definitely early winter in the mountains!

We planned this hike as a pre-season training trip. Pleased with the vertical ascent (2175') and barely satisfied with the RT mileage (5), we felt accomplished about reaching our goals, but questioned our choice to continue under very precarious route conditions. This trip would have been safer (and faster) with a deeper base and snowshoes. We both admitted that trying to schedule training hikes over a gradual time period (October – November) are difficult to achieve due to variable, unpredictable and often hazardous pre-season conditions. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the day, each other's company as well as the chance to get out of "Dodge" for some time in the Adirondacks! We also selected this location because hunting is prohibited on AMR property. We saw no one the entire day and were the first to sign the register in four days. I shared this day with a trusted, long-time hiking partner and valued friend, Barb Blum.

Pete Hogan

[Kevin]

Pete, your TR is invaluable to me as I plan for a hike Sunday. I was thinking of a 'lesser' mountain (like Hurricane maybe) in the high peaks area. Between your post and the other report from Gothics that winter is about set to take hold, and having hiked in these variable conditions before, will now be forced to change my plans to something in the central or southern dacks.

So thanks for ruining my Sunday hike!

No really, thanks for saving me the frustration. There's plenty of hiking to be done elsewhere. The moutains will be there next Sunday, and with any luck we'll get a few snow storms by then.

[runswithscissors]

Kevin......

Advice is cheap so take this however you wish.........

Hurricane (via route 9N) might be a reasonable choice in these conditions. There are a few "dicey" spots you might have to contend with (i.e. the approximately 10' rock shelf about half-way that usually grows an ice flow in these months, the rocky, moderately steep section just before the trail junction with the route from Crow Clearing and the final rocky push to the open rock shelves of the summit.) So if there are too many "mights", you might want to reconsider, but Hurricane is not as steep and exposed as Noonmark -- especially in the upper reaches so that might be to your advantage.

It is a great view and well worth the effort. The question that needs to be asked is, "is the potential risk (at this time) worth the view or is waiting (hopefully not too long) until a deeper base and snowshoes a wiser choice?"

In my younger days, I probably wouldn't have even gone through this process, I would have been there by now.

Have a great hike!

Pete

[Neil]

Consider doing Hurricane from the east. 300 feet less ascent and less horizontal distance too. Took 90 mins RT last summer. The thing about the trails this time of year is all the mixed rock and ice. I theorize (fancy way of saying I hope) that more water runs down the trails than in the bush which is partly why my next hike will be a bushwhack. Who wants to keep putting on and taking off their crampons all the time? It's a good idea to carry rope or webbing to ease your way down steep sections.

[Kevin]

Good points Pete and Neil. I hadn't considered a bushwack because no one has expressed interest in joining me, so unless I'm already familiar with the area I would not consider a whack up any mountain. Like Pete said, too many "mights". I also subscribe to Pete's "is it worth the risk" thinking, as the mountains will be there in better hiking form another day.

Neil, you're 100% correct in that we would see less ice off trail. Other item to note is that the few times I have hiked in very icy conditions I don't remember much of the hike, meaning it wasn't very 'special' aside from "Wow, there's a lot of ice and it's hard to hike in this". Matter of fact, one time was up Giant from Roaring Brook falls which is sheltered and was very icy, but decided to try the more open ridge trail down and had nice views and minimal issues (sun melted things during the day). I remember the second half more than the first. Lesson learned that day. lol

I had limited views the one time I ascended Noonmark. Doing Noonmark over with Round Mt (after reading Bruce's post on ADKhighpeaks) as a dayhike is another to-do.

I didn't feel like hiking alone tomorrow (sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you aint), so I made alternative plans doing music at home. I feel the atrophy setting in already.