BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 22, 2022
In need of a mountain fix, I proposed a mountain hike in the Whites. Three of the usual suspects signed on. Since dangerously high wind chills were predicted, we limited our choices to lower summits with exceptional views and minimal exposure to the elements. We decided on 3,119-foot Mount Crawford on the south side of the Presidential Range. While there were some sectors of ice that were difficult to surmount, a more significant problem was substantial post-holing. Previous hikers had ascended without snowshoes when the snow was soft, leaving deep holes spread throughout the trail, which caused awkward and unsteady footing. The views at the summit were phenomenal. Hopefully, the next team of hikers will adhere to good mountaineering etiquette when confronted with the fresh powder and wear snowshoes. ~ Ron Chase