| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Katahdin (Pamola Peak), Mt. Katahdin (Chimney Peak), Mt. Katahdin (South Peak), Mt. Katahdin (Baxter Peak), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Chimney Pond Trail, Helon Taylor Trail, Knife Edge, Saddle Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, July 13, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Roaring Brook lot was filling up when we arrived at ~6 am. The road itself was at times smooth, at times washboard. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues, most were bridged, and most of those that were bridged were completely dry. The only reliable water we found after dropping off the ridge was about 2/3 of the way down Saddle. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All trails in fantastic shape, no blowdowns along the route. New bridge materials in place not far down from Chimney Pond on the descent. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Not allowed. |
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 | Bugs: |
Fairly minor once out of the woods, but really not too bad. The stiff breeze throughout the day kept them at bay. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A fantastic day to do a return to my first 4k. We camped up at Nesowadnehunk Field on Thursday and Friday, so we were up at 3:30 Friday morning, made coffee and breakfast and drove around to Roaring Brook. It was somewhat cool when we started out, but shortly after making the turn onto Helon Taylor, we warmed up, and so did the day. A nice breeze kept the bugs and heat at bay for most of the climb, so that was a blessing. We took our time going up Pamola, as not to burn ourselves out going over the Knife. Topped out on Pamola, saw what was ahead, and made the drop out onto it. From what I've read, and what pictures I've seen, they all made it out to be way worse than it actually was. The crux was the climb up Chimney after dropping off Pamola, and the rest of it was just plain fun. Hopped over to South Peak, and stopped on the bump just beyond it and had lunch. Baxter was crowded most of the day from what we could see, and once reaching it, we had to wait at least 15 minutes while a Boy Scout and Girl Scout troop took a myriad of pictures of them standing on the summit sign.
After helping out a man who was cramping after he started off towards South Peak, we proceeded down Saddle. Earlier, we thought we would have enough time/energy for Hamlin as well, but that wasn't the case. So down Saddle Slide it was. We took our time, but still managed to slip several times on dry, but very slick rocks. After that, made a timely descent down Chimney Pond Trail to the car. Then to the store for more ice, and back up the tote road to camp. Had an amazing dinner (meatloaf and vegetables) and then went directly to bed, without even a beer. If nothing else, I know there will be no more 12 year absences from Baxter. |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-07-15 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.466456660033372.115375.100000071269072&type=1&l=9457752a65 |
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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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