I saw that Tuckerman Ravine trail above Hermit Lake was closed. My question is how exactly does the forest service define 'closed'? Does it mean "Don't even think about setting one foot beyond Hermit Lake or we'll sic our trained combat grizzlies on you and then jail you for life" or is it more "Oh, you just want to walk up a little way to see snow in July? Sure, no worries, mate"?

Y'see, I've a friend who's biggest mountain is Mount Major a couple weeks ago, and who is totally unfamiliar with mountains. She was quite surprised to see my photos of snow in Crawford notch back in early May - she'd love to see a snowman in July. Would anybody mind, d'y'think, if I just sorta snuck up far enough to see the snow?

Thanks for enduring my silly questions, cormades.

And of course, I'll bring back pictures tomorrow.