Photos - Video - Text at: http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=27695

Decided to take advantage of potentially the last day of true winter conditions at Higley this year. The trails were in great shape, with just a thin dusting of powder.

Full account: http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=27630
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsAj039YGMM

Two members of the Nature Up North crew led a snowshoe hike around the Lampson Falls trail network. It was a beautiful day filled with wonderful views and great company. We were even able to see a porcupine climbing up a hemlock tree to grab an afternoon snack.

The photos are from a 2013 ice climb up Gothics' East Face aka Rainbow Slide. The route we (Anthony Seidita and I) 'put up' is called Gothic Revival and rated NEI2. The line leads within 150' of the summit proper, but beware of a long bushwhack below and short and brutal bushwhack above.
http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=20716

See www.mackenziefamily.com/46/46r.html for other slides and climbs.

This was the second kill we've found in two days. fur, skin, and bones have been left behind,

Took a snowshoe this morning in about 4' of untrammeled snow. Good work out, and quickly the 8 degree outdoor temps felt like 60 degrees! My first step into the snow, sans snow shoes, put me in up to my hips. The dog pushed on ahead of me for about 2 minutes before realizing how much easier it was to travel in my snowshoe tracks. Return trip was much easier! My sugar shack is enrobed in snow - I've got a bit of work to do before sugaring season starts.

Looks like an owl took down a rabbit in our yard last night. Note the wing prints in the snow. The rabbit is now headless, and there is a pile of guts strewn about in the snow. I've been hearing barred and great horned owls in the neighborhood for the last few weeks...

A chilly but beautiful summit on Lyon Mountain. We had a great skin up and ski down in the fresh snow. Great to have winter back again!