| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Katahdin (Baxter Peak), Mt. Katahdin (Hamlin Peak), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Chimney Pond Trail, Saddle Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roaring Brook lots about 3/4 full today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
no crossings of note on this trail..some excellent bridges |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
trails in fine shape, rough, though very well blazed |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
no dogs |
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 | Bugs: |
no bugs |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Day 2 of Baxter Blast..early morning start again from Big Moose which was very comfortable. Quick work to Chimney Pond on easy climbing trail to the pond where we enjoyed the incredible vista. Saddle Trail rough for awhile before the slide but well blazed and quite stable compared to Owls Head for example. Pretty steep though..we topped out and ducked behind a rock to munch and layer as the winds were whistling overhead. Measured a few gusts around 50..steady winds around 30 made for a breezy ascent and we were glad for hats gloves and wind protection.
Quite the party on the summit with many finishing thru hikers..it seemed a little less windy there than on the saddle and we took many of the standard summit shots. Congrats to Cynthia and Valerie for their Maine high point!!! Still windy on the trip towards Hamlin but once the climb started the wind was at our banks. The immensity of the tablelands is so evident from this region..an amazing moonscape.. then it gets better as we start down the ridge and are greeted with the great views into the basin areas. The trip down the Hamlin Ridge trail is like Durand ridge and King Ravine on steroids. A very special place. We were glad for dry rock on this long and arduous descent. Basin Trail muddy in a couple of spots and rough ad rooty in others but blessedly soft and flat . Chimney Pond Trail fairly rough in places on descent but we made good time to the car facing the 6 hour plus ride home. Very fun and successful 2 day Baxter trip with 3 4's and 3 100's in the bag, Thanks to Bryan Cynthia and Valerie for a great couple of days where we hit the weather perfect!!! |
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 | Name: |
silverfox |
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 | E-Mail: |
marktaub@metrocastdotnet |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-09-26 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.flickr.com/photos/silverfox777/sets/72157631634813468/ |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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