Outdoor Diversion: Tom and Field on a Spring Day

Hiking on Saturday had to be postponed as I was not feeling well. I felt better this morning and planned on doing the short hike to Mount Tom (4,051'). I would decide on continuing on to Mount Field (4,340') if I felt well enough and the weather and trail conditions were good. I figured the trails should be well broke out from hiker traffic on Saturday but I would have to see once I got up there.

I took my time getting ready and would be in no hurry today. It had snowed a little last night and there was a dusting to one inch but the roads were only wet without any ice so it was a good drive to the trailhead. The clouds seemed to be clearing on the high summits. When I arrived at Crawford Depot the Willey Range was clear and it appeared to be a good day on the way.

I was faced with the usual dilemma this time of year of what traction to wear. I thought I would probably need the snowshoes soon after getting on the trail so I hand carried them. The trail was hard packed with just a thin layer of loose snow. On the other side of the first water crossing I put on my Hillsound Trail crampons and put the snowshoes on my pack. I thought that once I got into the higher elevations that I would need to put the snowshoes on.

The trail continued to be in very good condition all the way to the summit of Mount Tom even though there was a lot of snow up there. I saw no signs of the summit cairn, it was completely buried under snow. There were some great views and after some photos I was on my way back down to the trail junction. When I returned to the A-Z Trail I wasn't feeling 100% but certainly well enough to continue on to Mount Field.

As I turned onto the Willey Range Trail I noticed that the A-Z Trail to Zealand Trail was not broke out. That would be a long tough 2.7 miles for anyone going that way. I continued on with the trail crampons as the conditions had not changed. After 3.3 miles I had not postholed once so the snowshoes would stay on the backpack. It was a very enjoyable hike over to Mount Field.

There were several hikers on the summit. Once again I could not see the summit cairn, it was also buried under the snow. I took a short break up here for some photos and something to eat. I noticed the trail to Mount Willey was well broke out. All of the hikers departed and I had the summit to myself for a moment.

I soon began the hike back to the trailhead. It was a steep descent down the Avalon Trail. The trail crampons were doing a good job. Hikers ahead of me had been doing some buttsliding and the trail was smoothed out nicely. There was no buttsliding for me today. I passed by the spur trail to Mount Avalon and continued my descent.

I only saw one hiker on my way down from Mount Field and that was back at the trailhead. The snowshoes got a free ride. I never had a problem with the trail crampons and never postholed once. I was glad to get out in the fresh air today. The weather and trail conditions were better than I expected. After not feeling well yesterday this hike was good for what ailed me!

Enjoy the photos and videos!