Write-up: Dave Rockwood
Leader: Dave Rockwood
Co-leader: Paul Sirtoli

The hike to White Lake Mountain was changed during the hike to a hike to Sherman Mountain as when we got to the river crossing, we found that it was unpassable due to high water.  The White Lake Mountain hike will need to be attempted when you can wade across with water shoes.

On a cool snowy/sunny day our group of five followed the herd path from Rt. 10, just north of Arietta.  The trail had a dusting of fresh snow for the first mile, and then it started to get a little deeper in places.  We set out for the reservoir near the base of North Branch Mountain.  Along the trail we saw some marked side trails.   The herd path ends near the base of Sherman Mountain, so from there we bushwhacked to the “reservoir”.  When we got there, it was not a reservoir but a natural opening that was very beautiful and remote.  We had lunch there and then set off for an alpine pond between Sherman and North Branch Mountain.  It was a beautiful beaver pond with a nice view of the steep Sherman Mountain.  From there we bushwhacked back to the herd path and explored some of the other marked trails.

In our wanderings we found a remote campsite that seems to be in use every year, some trails that take you to the North Branch – pretty areas that may be good fishing too.  On the last side trail it took us through the marshy area that we were able to shortcut our return trip, but had to navigate some beaver dams – carefully.

There were numerous small stream crossings, and Jerry had a near miss on one of them, thankfully there was a small spruce tree in reach.  It was a good day of hiking and adventure.  Thank you to all of those that made the hike special!  Also, congratulations to Jeremy Alexander for completing his fifth hike with us, so now he can become part of our membership.