A choice between equally huge unbroken snowfields, with only an occasional cairn breaking the surface. Black buoys in a sea of white.

I have a distinct feeling I will not be making the road before dark :) Another call to Elisabeth from the Randolph Path above Castle Ravine to report my new position.

3:40 pm - I make Israel Ridge, but am unable to spot the point where the Grey Knob trail leaves the contour and snakes through the trees. Rather than chance swimming in endless spruce traps if I didn't nail the exact position of the trail, I choose to make a beeline for Adams 4, the distinct promontory which Lowe's Path passes over enroute to the summit of Adams.

There is a few hundred feet of climbing involved, and a longer descent down Lowe's Path, but I feel it's the best choice given the conditions and time remaining before nightfall. I call in to report my intention to bushwhack to the ridge, in case the spruce trap gnomes have sinister plans for me.

4:23 pm - After yet more incredibly deep snow relieved by occasional rock hopping, I arrive at Adams 4.
Mount Madison glows in the fading light as winter pastels light the sky. With still almost an hour of twilight remaining, I call Elisabeth to let her know I am descending and to request a pickup (my night hitching skills are unimpressive). Lowe's Path seems to have seen little traffic, which provides a nice cushy ride back to the road - the snow in the woods here is super deep!

6:54 pm - Arrive at Lowe's Store. Elisabeth and Isaac arrive 15 minutes later, we retrieve my cache at Appalachia and car at Pinkham, and head home.

A memorable birthday hike, to be sure :)

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