Well, a nice day, but a bitch of a hike. I made the questionable decision to attempt a trail I had not tried before, I mean, it's just Mt. Major, right? WRONG!!! Your humble narrator and webmaster had a very humbling hike. Apparently, I am the first person in quite some time to attempt the Brook Trail. Snow cover was 18-inches to two feet most everywhere. There were some spots on the Brook Trail where the snow was literally up to my upper thigh. It would've been great had I had snow shoes, but alas, I did not. The ascent took a little over 2 hours, and it was windy as hell on the summit. Pack thermometer showed a brisk 50°. As I was huddled in the corner of the dilapidated hut, I saw hair, and part of a body, just before a fellow hiker collapsed in a gasp on the front step. He was coughing, so I knew he was breathing, so I didn't worry. I simply said, "Welcome." Well, I don't think he'd noticed me yet, because his head jerked around and he jumped about three feet. I, as usual, was dressed for the season with all of my toys (right down to hiking silks!). This dude had on jeans, a button-up shirt, and a windbreaker, open at the neck. I believe he was from out where the busses don't run. He had no food, or water, and declined my offer of same. On the way down I encountered several other hikers, all in groups, including a family with two miniature boxer-looking dogs. The dogs were not enjoying the climb. The descent took, no kidding, between 10 and 15 minutes to reach the trail junction (also known as the old logging road). From that point, I encountered more Mt. Major-like numbers of hikers. Several had snow shoes. I recommended the Brook Trail. Hope you enjoy the photos, because I'm exhausted!

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