Lounging at Lusk

Having put the skies away last weekend (at least in my mind) it was a welcome surprise when we got some snow mid week. Turns out there was 10-15 cm of new snow in parts of Gatineau Park. So Bryan, Ken and I decided to take a chance and head up to Lusk cabin once more. We figured the parkways might be thin but the narrower trail up to the cabin should be good. Well it turned out the parkways were bare in spot (including the first 150 yards) but there was enough snow to do most of the travelling on skis. Sometimes you were in the grass on the side of the road and sometimes you had to take off the skis and walk across the pavement. The snow in the road was crusty and quite rutted from atv traffic.

The trail up to Lusk was as expected, mostly full coverage with some debris and the odd rock or root sticking up and somewhat icy. As was not surprising, we had the cabin to ourselves for a good hour or two. Alone that is except for the chickadees looking for a free meal. You would think they might know a trick or two but no they just buzz about looking for a handout. It was a mostly sunny afternoon and a great time of day to lounge on the deck soaking up the rays, enjoying a few beverages and remembering ski trips when the weather wasn't quite so warm.

Since no one took up the challenge of heading out onto the ice to see how strong it was, we finally headed back down. As usual it was a much shorter trip than coming up. Some more care was required to miss the few bare spots and debris but this is always a nice relaxing cruise. We made one last stop at Renaud cabin for some more refreshments.

There had been a lot more melt during the day and we had to walk about 50% of the trail back to P19 but there was at least one good section near the parking lot to enjoy as perhaps the last bit of skiing until next winter. A great winter season and a sweet day today. Good Friday indeed!

2009 Summer Hiking List

With the snow quickly melting and the skis tucked away for another season it is time to compile a hiking list for the summer. If I manage to visit some of these and convince some friends to join me it should be a great season.

Adirondacks

• Hopkins -A good hike to start the season
• Snowy - Some steep slide climbing
• Blue - It must be great if they named a town after it
• Moose and McKenzie
• Whiteface via the Connery Pond trail - This one is flat then real steep
• MacNaughton
• Couchsachraga
• Allen
• Cliff and Redfield
• Skylight and Gray
• Grace (East Dix) - If I manage to hike the other six peak remaining for my 46er patch then this will be the last one.

White Mountains

• Bonds - Planning to hike these last week in June
• Lion's Head trail on Mt Washington - Same June trip to help with a bucket list
• Wildcats and Carter Dome - With an overnight stay at Carter Notch hut
• Moosilauke
• Cannon

Elsewhere

• Slieve donard - Hope to do this while visiting relatives in August
• Giants Causeway - Not a peak but an awesome spot

Thanks to Kenmore for pointing out a glaring ommission (MacNaughton) from the Adirondack section. Add !!