Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Hiking on Mt. Wachusett
Hike Leader: John Nilsson
~ 5 miles, 10:00 am start from Visitor Center, Princeton, MA
Hikers (6): John, Chuck McWilliams, Clyde Kessel, Jack Mroczkowski, Janet Miller, and Winslow Green.
Skiers present at lunch: Ilkka Suvanto and Joan Laxson.
We started from the Visitor Center in excellent winter hiking conditions – very light flurries, with a few inches of new snow on the packed base. Temperature was in the mid twenties. We all were using traction devices (like MICROspikes) as there was plenty of ice under the packed snow. The trails had been traveled, so there was no breaking trail or need for snowshoes. Perfect!
At the summit there was a lot of bare ground and we did have a fine view from the tower. A hiking watch as found and later turned in to the Visitor Center. The top of the lift was busy with skiers, including some kids (no school?). The descent was uneventful, though some care was needed on the steeper sections. We paused at the fantastic, world-famous Balance Rock, for a photo opportunity, before starting the final stretch.
At the ski lodge, downhill skiers Ilkka and Joan joined us for lunch. We also had visits from Bill Lane and Bob Apsler.
The return from the ski lodge up to the visitor center is an easy leg – even for hikers burdened with their beer and lunch.
Report by John Nilsson.
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