Celebrated the Second Day of Christmas with an awesome winter wonderland hike up the Ammonusuc Trail to the AMC Lakes of the Clouds hut. Didn't take the Oz Man this time because I didn't think this trail and conditions would be dog-friendly. Turned out to be the right choice-- would have had to abort mission if the Oz Man was with me, no way he could've made this.

Trail conditions were snow on top of ice-- combined with the steep grades, this is one of the most difficult traction conditions you can encounter. I only brought my Kathoola microspikes and they were not at all adequate for this hike-- needed full 10-point crampons, which I left back in the van. Took some world-class tumbles both going up and back down. No real injuries, just a wet, bruised butt and snow dumped down my shirt and britches.

Turn your speakers up and enjoy the slide show ==> Slide Show

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