Trail: Mt. Tom, Field, Willey, and Avalon

Date Hiked: May 6, 2006

Conditions: Took Avalon to A-Z and then over to Tom. Scattered snow and ice after 3200 feet or so. Could have used traction but barebooted most of the way. Then down Tom to pick up the Willey Range Trail for Mt Field and Willey. Mostly hard packed snow the whole way and lots of it. Some of the Whites are snow free already, but not these! Up to two feet plus in some areas. Post holing became a problem as the day warmed up. Long sections of bare rock meant I was putting the crampons on and off most of the day. I passed several people in nothing but sneakers so bare booting is definately possible if you like wet sneakers. Took Avalon trail for the trip back and found several large mud puddles. All steam crossing were doable without to much effort unless your wearing sneakers.

Special Required Equipment: I used crampons for the snowy sections, which is most of the ridge between A-Z and Willey.

Comments: Wierdest thing seen today (all year actually) on the way up at the intersection of Avalon and A-Z was an older gentalman (older than me anyway) sitting reading a book. Dressed in nothing but his underwear. I just said hello and kept walking! (10, 11, + 12 down, 36 to go.)

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis

Cascade off Avalon Trail