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After
ascending the steepest and iciest section, the trail leveled off
and we passed a side path to the east summit ledges that overlook
the Cannon Cliffs. Considering the fog and slick conditions, I
decided to pass up that "view" on this trip.
Next,
we passed through a relatively flat area and a small sag, then
started to climb the steep ledges of the summit cone. The winds
had scoured most of the snow from the rocks, but patches of ice
abounded, and I had to carefully pick my way up the winding path.
Finally,
Muffin and I reached the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail. From
there, it was only a short ramble to the tourist paths that encircle
the summit. I had been under the impression that the ski area
was still open and had hoped to take shelter in the tramway building
for a while and warm up. But such was not my luck.
It
was extremely gusty on top and I could feel the moisture in my
sweat-soaked (synthetic) shirt and fleece sapping the heat from
my body. I knew I needed to change into dry layers. Luckily, a
small storage shed had been left unlocked, so we sought shelter
from the wind in there. It wasn't heated, but being out of the
persistent blowing fog was a relief, and I was able to change
my top layers and add an extra layer of fleece underneath my pants.
From
there, we quickly hiked to the summit (skipping the climb up the
tower), then started to head down. I was pondering whether we
should retreat back down the Kinsman Ridge Trail or descend the
Hi-Cannon Trail and stop at Lonesome Lake Hut, which was now open
in the winter on a self-service basis. I still trusted in the
forecast of improving weather, so I chose the longer route.
Partway
down the summit cone, we stopped at the ledges that overlook Lonesome
Lake and took some pictures. But due to the icy conditions,
we didn't venture too far out onto the ledges. |
Muffin
on the summit cone ledges. After passing through a flat area,
the trail winds its way up the steep ledgy summit cone. |
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