With a head cold, didn't have much gas in the tank, so I opted for a
leisurely snowshoe trek up along Tripyramid's Slide Brook, via Livermore
Trail and the South Peak branch of Mt. Tripyramid Trail. Had a good
workout breaking trail in 12+ inches of heavy powder up to Black
Cascade.
Looking downstream at Norway Rapids, a short side trip off Livermore Trail on Norway Rapids Trail.
Upstream at Norway Rapids.
White Cascade, living up to its name today. It was named by Dan Newton, President of Waterville Valley Athletic & Improvement Association, not for the snow, but for the light-colored ledge from which this photo was taken.
Dual tracks on Livermore Trail, above the groomed section.
Pathway to the peaks.
Unbroken trail leading across Avalanche Brook. The hike included several testy but uneventful stream crossings.
Obligatory sign shot.
A happy place - untracked snow in the Wilderness.
Good snow load.
First tracks. Slow going, but satisfying.
Slide Brook, where there is a mossy cascade in summer.
A beautiful day in the Tripyramid forest.
Hardwood dreams.
Cold Brook tumbles down from a high west-facing basin enclosed by the three Tripyramids.
Black Cascade and its pool, on Slide Brook. In summer it's difficult to access the base of the cascade due to a steep, wet, and fragile slope. Much better with a heavy blanket of snow.
Black Cascade was named for its dark gabbro bedrock.
Slide Brook above the cascade.
Enjoying the fruits of my labor on the way back.
I wandered a bit in the hardwoods above and north of the trail. Several old logging roads are still clearly defined. They likely date back to the 1940s when Parker-Young Co. and then Marcalus Manufacturing Co. were cutting in this area.
Someone had hung this (protected) artifact in a small tree along one of the old roads.
Checking the snow depth.
Happy New Year!
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