Large Scale Central

How I survivethe winter

General Discussion
#1

Woke up to a slushy coaing of snow this morning. The ridge tops got about an inch. It was the perfect snow that sticks to everything. Since I have off I decided to hit the ridge by my house and do some cross country skiing in High Point SP I started out at the Winter Parking lot off Rt. 23. I took an unmarked trail out to Sawmill Rd.

I then got onto Sawmill Rd. One of the many park roads that close for the winter so people can snowmobile, snowshoe and ski.

I then turned onto Mashipacong Trail. Not much ski traffic through here. Average snow depth was around 15-18 inches.

I then took Park Ridge Rd. and got a nice shot of this swamp all snow covered.

From Ridge Rd. I got onto the Ayers Trail. The trail takes you past the old Ayers Farm. The farm dates back from the 1700’s and only foundations remain.

Along the Ayers Trail

#2

Glad you are young and fit Shawn. This is how I do it…

(http://www.tricityblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/fireplace-01.jpg)

#3

Yup, throw another log on Jon…:wink:

#4

Looks good Jon: I can’t but agree with Ken. lol

I had central heating installed a few years ago but much prefer my coal and log fires. The central heating is OK during the day when we are busy or out.

However - and I hope I am correct - Spring seems close. Lots of bulbs and plants staring to shoot up and flower; I even had to remove lots of seedlings today from the ballast. At least the high winds and rain had allowed some warm sunshine and the chance to run a couple of trains.

#5

I have more From The Ayers Trail I took Sawmill rd again to Sawmill Lake and the Sawmill Campsites. High Point in the distance

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2pt4h2a.jpg)

The I took the trail around the lake. The main spine of the kittatinny ridge. My next trek is up to the top via the Blue Dot trail. Yes it is steep with ledges.

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2j61iqo.jpg)

Snow covered Hemlock

(http://i51.tinypic.com/29bd0gl.jpg)

Then I started my uphill trek to the top of the ridge.

(http://i51.tinypic.com/4q3194.jpg)

I thought this was cool

(http://i51.tinypic.com/2cpb3v5.jpg)

Now the hard part, getting up the ledges through 4+FT Drifts

(http://i54.tinypic.com/sqi4as.jpg)

The skis had to come off as I made way up the ledges through insane drifts.

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2mg8viu.jpg)

Almost to the top. Its real tricky here because the drifts overhung on the ledges so I couldnt tell were the drop off was. The best thing to do is hug along the rock face.

(http://i52.tinypic.com/i5rsiq.jpg)

(http://i53.tinypic.com/20rlb0g.jpg)

I made it to the top and managed to get one shot (camera froze) I didnt spend too long up top because of the winds and cold.

(http://i54.tinypic.com/ejx848.jpg)

Then I made my way along the ridge top via the Appalachian Trail.

(http://i56.tinypic.com/29maruh.jpg)

Stunted trees along the ridge top.

(http://i53.tinypic.com/30bfe6f.jpg)

#6

Looks a wee bit cols Shawn. lol

At least you still manage to enjoy yourself when not running trains. I read an interesting book by Bill Bryson about when he walked part of the Appalachian Trail. I guess it was warmer when he did it.

#7

(http://www.lovemybus.com/gallery2/d/2900-1/VW+snowcat.jpg)

If I had to live there this would be my next project :wink:

#8

Nice day there Shawn.

#9

Great pictures Shawn.

Shawn made it back to town and realized something was wrong.
He was glad he was back it’s really cold out today.

Click on the link for the candid shot of Shawn.

http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/paps101line/_forumfiles/pastedGraphic.tiff

Good day every one. :slight_smile:

#10

That looks like the Joisey woods where Paully and Christopher spent the night after trying to cap a Russian mobster.

#11

Really great winter pictures from the summit. I have been there in the summer, but never in the winter (too cold).

Bob C.

#12

Great pictures Shawn. How many miles did you cover?
Ralph

#13

I survive the winter by having a boss that drags me to SoCal for the winter.
its a dirty job but some one has to do it.

#14
Ralph Berg said:
Great pictures Shawn. How many miles did you cover? Ralph
Thanks guys. Jon I enjoyed my wood stove when I got home. It felt better then ever.

Ralph I covered about 8 miles total. My original plan was to stay in the valley but I wanted to see the views from the top so I detoured some. Snowshoes would have helped for the climb up. Wish I had straped them to my pack.

#15

Great stuff Shawn…reminds me of Tioga County PA…spent a lot of time in them hills…Also noticed the blue blaze, are they the scenic route markers for the App. Trail as they aren’t the normal paint marks?

I like your pic too Jon…I lean more that way as every year passes.
:wink:

#16

Shawn,

Does the Appalachian Trail cross the Pennsy Turnpike over the tunnel?

#17
David Russell said:
Great stuff Shawn....reminds me of Tioga County PA......spent a lot of time in them hills.....Also noticed the blue blaze, are they the scenic route markers for the App. Trail as they aren't the normal paint marks?

I like your pic too Jon…I lean more that way as every year passes.
:wink:


Your good rooster. The Blue blazes usually mean side trail for the App. In this case its a side trail to the campground as well as the scenic view.

#18
Ric Golding said:
Shawn,

Does the Appalachian Trail cross the Pennsy Turnpike over the tunnel?


Ric Im not sure were along the pike it crosses. Ill find out.

#19
Ric Golding said:
Shawn,

Does the Appalachian Trail cross the Pennsy Turnpike over the tunnel?


Ric,
No it’s east of them…the main trail is about 5 miles from here in numerous directions

#20

Ric
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4850633/k.9733/Interactive_Map.htm