Northeast Wild

  Jan 18, 2015 - NORTHVILLE-PLACID TRAIL thru ski from Upper Benson (Godfrey Rd) to Benson Rd. New parking area on Benson Rd is on the S side 4.7 miles from Rt.30 - despite that I still skied to the old new (of last winter) parking turnout on the N side of the road 4.5 miles from Rt.30 - NPT markers that were there last winter have been removed near this end. From the hunting camp at the end of Godfrey Rd the trail is now marked with yellow markers & is no longer part of the NPT. 1.75 miles to the bridge over the N Branch W Stony Creek & picked up the new section going E. Lunch at Abner Brook then 280' climb over a hill (1,700' el) then fun 150' downhill run. Excellent conditions for the most part with 4"-6" powder on hard icy base. On the harder side of intermediate. Some exposed rocks later in the trip - needs 2' of snow in the Woods Lake area to cover up the rocks in the softwoods. Light rain for last hour, heavier rain & freezing rain on drive ...

  Mar 14, 2022 - the video Mar 14, 2022 - TIRRELL POND from the south, Rts 28/30.  Temp rising thru the 30s, plenty of snow with 8" powder on top of a good base, rolling intermediate terrain.  No one had signed in for 9 days but breaking trail was not too difficult.  Fun hills come early then you go thru easement lands where the logging roads of Finch, Pruyn cross the trail.  A short detour to the edge of O'Neil Flow reveals a good view across a vly to Snowy Mtn.  Several crossings of small brooks were not too difficult thanks to good ice/snow bridges (that could change later this week with warmer temps).  Back into state land (Blue Mtn Wild Forest) & soon arrive at the new bridge (there used to be a narrow log bridge here that I would never attempt to cross in winter) over the scenic outlet of Tirrell Pond which leads to a short trail to the O'Neil lean-to for lunch.  Skied out onto the E side of the pond (1,919' el) to get a look at Blue Mtn...