Marcy Dam 12/30

[Gray Ghost]

Yeah, I know it's just a little stroll, but I can take these leisurely little hikes when I only live an hour from the Loj. It was also another good opportunity to do a warm up hike. I was disappointed in the performance of my Denalis--the back heel strap on one of the shoes came off three times. Do i need to bend the buckle? (I'm referring to the side where it just threads through the buckle, NOT the side where the metal eye goes in the strap hole).

Anyway, trail conditions were good. Some new powder--I'm really bad at telling how much, but I'd say 2-4--over a very hard, crusty snow pack. Saw a lot of xcountry skiers who did not acknowledge my hellos, and a couple who did, and I also saw SEVEN post holers. Disappointing. All in all, it was a good workout. If anyone has any tips about my Denali problem, please let me know! Thanks. -GG

[rudershausen]

I didn't know that one could post hole in 2-4 inches of snow.

[Kevin]

GG, as I explained in my PM - I put a small zip tie through the end/last hole of the strap so it couldn't slip back through the buckle.

[Gray Ghost]

Of course they can! Haven't you ever seen those ballerina bare-booters? They just tip-toe up the trail and these annoying little holes appear....Anyway, I was just referring to the fact that seven people were barebooting today. I also meant that there was 2-4 inches of new(er) snow, but the total snowpack was much greater. The barebooting didn't impact my travels, but if more and more of them do it.....you catch my drift. I just think it's kind of lazy and cheap to bare boot and damage a trail even if it is very minimal when the Loj rents snowshoes. There's really no excuse.