Cold with fresh snow ( we had not got any in Bangor) and a mix of sun and clouds. We started from the pumping station on Long Pond and went up the West Ridge Trail which is not difficult and has some nice views.
I was going to bypass the short spur to the summit but Kelley wanted to go up so we did. This fire tower is no longer in use and the stairs are closed a short ways up.
We then took the Beech moutain Trail down to the parking lot. This is also a pretty trail but proved treacherous as there were a lot of patches of ice hidden by snow. I fell several times ( Kelley had no problem) and managed to split my elbow open, acquiring a large knot. It bled quite a bit for a small split and feeling the blood running down my arm caused me to move more slowly the rest of the hike.
Beech Mountain parking lot-closed for the winter.
From the parking lot we took the Valley Trail back to the pumping station and our car.
Other than a bunged up elbow it was a good hike. We saw a few tracks but no other people. Very peaceful. 2-1/2 hours
Very nice views. Better use your crampons in this weather.
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