4/25/23
Day 120

Today was less than ideal in terms of weather and trail conditions. There was still snow on Black Mountain, and I ended up having to posthole through knee deep rotting snow on the loop after the cabin. Normally this would be only moderately frustrating but with a sprained ankle I definitely didn’t want to exacerbate my injury too much. After that, I headed over to Bald Land Trail, one I’ve also done in 2020, and didn’t expect to see any snow given the fact that it’s a lower elevation trail in the woods. Once again, though, I found myself walking along a rotting monorail for short bits and then at the junction after the height of land, where the trail descends to East Branch Road, the snow became unavoidable. I didn’t want to risk further injury so chose to turn around and save that half mile out and back for when I do another hike in the area in a few weeks. There was a mist and light breeze all day, temperatures hovered around 40, and I was glad to get back to my car after almost nine miles and 2700’ of elevation.

Daily Miles: 8.97

Daily Vert: 2733’

Overall Miles: 1221.70

Overall Vert: 353,991’

Trace: 51.4% -> 51.7%

Trails:

Bald Land Trail

Scenic View Spur

Black Mountain Ski Trail

Black Mountain Cutoff

Eagle Mountain Path