The Definition of a Spruce Trap! In a few places we get caught by spruce traps, although the going is not nearly as bad as on Tabletop in January (click here to read about that expedition). Here, Kerry has simply disappeared almost up to her neck in snow! [enlarge]

Nearing the Summit After some fairly reasonable bushwacking, we approach the summit, tired but determined. The weather, as predicted, has started to change, and it has now become overcast. [enlarge]

The Summit! Finally - the summit. Not a very big sign, but I am still quite happy. This is my 33rd Adirondack 46er peak. Only 13 more to go!!!! [enlarge]

Summit Photo #1 Proof that we were there! [enlarge]

Summit Photo #2 Proof that we were there! [enlarge]

View of route from Marshall sub-summit A shot of our bushwack ascent-descent route, as seen from the sub-summit to the north of Marshall. [enlarge]

View of route from Marshall Summit A shot of our bushwack ascent-descent route, as seen from the summit of Marshall. [enlarge]

How the Weather Changed This is a shot showing how quickly the weather changed over the course of roughly two hours. The upper shot was taken on the sub-summit of Marshall at 1:28pm, and the second shot was taken on the summit of Marshall not long after 3:30pm. [enlarge]

Return along the Bushwack We were going to take herd path down Herbert Brook to Lake Colden as our return route, but could not find it after 15-20 minutes of searching. So, we decided that the safest option was to retrace our steps. The return bushwack was much much much easier, given that we now had a packed trail to follow. The difference between untrodden snow and a packed trail makes all the difference in the world. We literally zoomed back over the 1+ kilometre of our bushwack route. [enlarge]

Scotts Clearing Lean-to Things got a bit late, so we had to hike after dark. Still, we are all in good spirits and progress back towards the cars is rapid. Here, we stop for a break at the Scotts Clearing lean-to again. [enlarge]

Nearing the end of the journey Marching, marching, back towards the car. We are only about an hour away now. We've been on the trail at this point for 11 and a half hours. [enlarge]

Nectar of the Gods Caroline and I indulge in some sugery coca-cola product at the High Peaks info center. Stuff like that takes sooo good after a long hard day. [enlarge]

A quick supper stop We make supper a short affair this time, so we stop at a Subway in Saranac Lake. The drive home is slow this time, because a snow storm has now moved into the area. [enlarge]

courtesy _markus

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Marshall via Cold Brk Pass - click map to view Interactive trackmap with photo points - Marshall via Cold Brk Pass - click to view

Elevation profile over distance This is the GPS-derived elevation profile of our hike, over distance. [enlarge]

Elevation profile over time This is the GPS-derived elevation profile of our hike, over time. I've marked the time it took to bushwack a route up Marshall, and the time it took to come back down the same route. Makes quite a difference having a packed trail to follow. [enlarge]

Annotated Topographic Map This is a USGS Topo map with my GPS tracklog overlaid upon it. Here's some salient facts about our hike: Start time: 8:10 am End time: 8:31 pm Total Distance: 25.58 km Average speed (including stops): 2.1 km/hr Start Elevation: 2150 feet Maximum Elevation: 4360 feet [enlarge]