Steve and I had expectations of moderate temperatures, no deep snow, clearing skies, and lots of time to do the classic hike up Falling Waters, across Franconia Ridge from Mt Lincoln to Mt Lafayette, and back down Old Bridle Path. Instead, we were slowed by icy trails, endured a windy ridge with no views and granular snow, and arrived late back at the car, well past sunset. A thoroughly fun day! But ice on both ascent and descent. The ridge had almost no snow, either icy or bare ground with a few drifts in sheltered areas (not many of those!)
Map of the hike.
Full Report here.
movie of pics here.
A movie recorded on Mt Lincoln, before the Franconia Ridge walk.
Summary: 9.8 miles in 9 hours, ice everywhere on Falling Waters and Old Bridle Path and very little snow on the Franconia Ridge