2021-02-20 42 -78

Location

Near Hunter's Creek County Park by some High Power Lines

Participants

Pedalpusher
Simon the dog

Expedition

When the Hashpoints came out for the Weekend, I saw this one and thought it might not be reachable, but I should be able to get close. I figured I could hike through Hunter's Creek to the Pipeline that runs through and take that to the Power Lines and see how close I could get.

This morning, we found we got a fair amount of snow overnight and the forecast indicated it would snow all day. This was a prime opportunity to use the snowshoes and go for a real adventure! After doing some shoveling at the house, I thought I would definitely have to leave Myka home, but Simon should still be able to go. Worst case, I could break the trail if he got tired and he could walk behind me. I'd just have to be careful he didn't step on my shoes or I'd probably fall over. I also wanted to get out early because in my mind, there isn't anything that compares to breaking your own trail. However, with all this snow, I thought it might not be a bad idea to walk a trail already packed down a bit at least for a bit. I also had no idea if I would even be able to get into the parking lot.

After an early lunch, I got Simon in the car and we were on our way. I had to be really careful because the roads were still pretty slippery in places and the still falling snow was very heavy at times reducing visibility significantly. Passing my normal spot at Chestnut Ridge (another County Park), I thought it was a good sign that the lot was plowed, but this is also one of the major parks with a well used sledding hill. I gave it a 25% chance the lot at Hunter's Creek would be plowed and accessible. I decided that Plan B would be to go to Knox Farm as they would definitely have a plowed lot and a lot of hiking available.

Cresting the last hill, I was able to see some cars in the lot and got excited; I'd at least be able to get in and hike here. Pulling in, I saw someone clearly stuck with two people already trying to push them out. I parked, put on a mask, left Simon in the car, and went over to assist as well. This lady was REALLY stuck and couldn't make the turn to even point in the right direction. By the end of it (and about 25 min later), we were able to get her out of the lot with an additional two people helping. She actually still wanted to park and hike, but we all convinced her to go to Knox instead since we figured she'd get stuck again and there might not be anyone around to assist later.

Getting back to the car, I swapped gloves (fortunately, I put a spare in my bag) since her car was warm and melting all the snow getting our hands soaked. Finally, getting out on the trails, they were well defined and packed down by the trailhead. As we got further back, less and less people were about, and I ended up getting on an old trail that no one had been on. If I took a few steps off the trails, I would sink to my knees in the fresh, light powder. Halfway down this path, I came across two guys going in the other direction and I was able to use their trail to get back to another more used path in the back part of the park. Had I gone out on my own, it would have been very hard going (although a more direct route to the pipeline).

Finally getting to the open area, we turned toward the wires and made our way with Simon breaking the trail again. As long as he stayed in the middle, he was only about chest deep, but if he strayed, he would be 'swimming' in the snow. The wind was in our faces, but we shouldered on, and made it to what turned out to be a snowmobile trail under the wires. Whew, that's way easier to walk on and a nice break. Heading toward the hash, we kept an ear out for approaching snowmobiles and found the field by the hash. Unfortunately, right before the field, there was a sign to respect landowners and stay on the trail. I realized at that point we would not be able to make it all the way there. I was able to get within 420 feet/128 Meters and got a few pictures. On the way back, I had to waive down a snowmobile that was turning the corner just a bit in front of us so I could grab Simon. Once secured, I let them know it was good and they zipped by. I only saw the two while actually on the trail, but heard them flying by all afternoon.

The way back was much easier, especially with the wind now at our back. I considered taking one of the closer trails that I was initially planning on taking out, but thought it would be a lot harder to break trail almost all the way back. So instead we followed our own trail, even though in was a bit out of our way. I don't know exactly how far we walked, but I would guess it was at least 4.5 miles+ over almost 3 hours. I was definitely beat after that, but what a fun hike with the snowshoes!

Simon looked a bit sore in the evening, but the next day, he was raring to go again. This old dude is pushing 12, but I think the cold snow helped his recovery by keeping the swelling in his joints down. The next day, my girlfriend and I took the dogs to another County Park for some extra snowshoeing and playing outside. One of the best weekends I've had in awhile!

Photos

It's a beautiful hike through Hunter's Creek park.
Snow is pretty deep and Simon is trying to make it back to the trail where it's slightly easier to walk.
Off Trail, he's practically swimming in the deep fluffy snow.
Getting to the wires and the Snowmobile trail, it was way easier to walk.
At the entrance to the field closest to the hash, the field is posted and we have to stay on the trail.
Sign reminding the snowmobilers to stay on the trail here or potentially lose access.
From the trail, a view toward the hash just into those woods over there.
As close as we could get while staying on the trail.
View West, down the trail.
View East, from where we entered the field.
Making it back to the pipeline, a view down the Path we walked from.
Most of the way back to the car, covered in snow and exhausted, but having a great time!