#ne67

Watching the fog rolling off the knifes edge of

September has been so good

We hunkered down behind some rocks at the summit of Mt. Jefferson. The wind was chilly for August 12 but the sun was still warm. Below us a dozen hikers were hanging out on Monticello’s Lawn, a grassy area at the intersection of Caps Ridge and Castle trails. A guy in shorts and a t-shirt was scrambling over the rocks at the summit nearby, talking to anybody who would listen. “Wow, this is…

Got back from a recent getaway to northern Maine. We brought the pup and stayed in a mountainside cabin for a few days. It was such a lovely trip of hiking, relaxing and drunk board games I didn’t want to leave.

Also I completed mountains #49 and 50 out of all New England 67!

Spaulding and Sugarloaf 10/07/16

Beautiful day for a hike! Unfortunately Dixie was unable to make it North this weekend because we were celebrating a beautiful wedding. After dropping off Caribou Valley Road, birch trees were popping their beautiful fall yellow as we marched our way up the Appalachian Trail. I got us pretty much immediately by going off an app called All Trails which showed the trail crossing the river 5 times. After a bit of a bushwhack and realizing that the trail wasn’t going to cross back, we rock hopped back down to the AT in the only place the trail actually crosses it (after pulling out my topo map and cursing technology).  Water was low so it was easier than whacking back through the woods. Unfortunately a spare pair of socks was needed after a little slip on the rocks. 

The trail climbs steeply from the river and drives up towards Sugarloaf.  The steep ledges allowed for gorgeous views of the foliage as we climbed.  At the junction with the Sugarloaf Side Trail we continued on the AT towards Spaulding to knock off the further peak.  There is one fantastic view point on the left side of the trail that offered views toward Abraham and out to the rich reds and yellows below.  After reaching Spaulding we broke for a late lunch and made our way back over to Sugarloaf.  The Sugarloaf Side Trail was steeper than it appeared from Spaulding, but we made pretty decent time and were able to enjoy the 360 degree views for a few minutes before heading back into the trees.  

As we climbed back down the AT towards Caribou Valley Road the sun crested over the col between Redington and South Crocker, deepening the red across the valley below.  Headlamps went on at the river crossing and we made our way back out the car as night fell. Another gorgeous day in Maine.

Hamlin Peak & Baxter Peak via Abol, Baxter Cut-off, Saddle, Hamlin Ridge, back over to Baxter Peak, then down Hunt Trail to Abol.

9/25/16

Finally got over to Hamlin! Cold morning. Higher weather forecast called for gusts up to 85 and wind chill down to 3 degrees. Got the appropriate clothing into my bag and hit the trailhead around 7:30.

New Abol trail is fantastic. Lots of switchbacks, stairs, and solid footing.  Adds over a mile to trip, but well worth getting off the old slide trail.  Quite a few people had turned back as I made my way up the slide section of Abol.  Mostly inexperienced hikers who were not prepared for the cold. Cotton tee shirts, sneakers, and backpacks but its was nice to see people making the safe decision.  Took the Baxter Cut-off to head over to Hamlin Peak, which I missed out on due to thunder back in June. In the saddle, the sun started to peak out. I was socked in when I got to Hamlin and headed back to Baxter peak.  A few flurries and strong winds added to the beauty.  Half mile from the summit the skies opened up and the clouds lifted.  The harsh weather, sore legs, and anticipation helped make this one of the most impressive summits I have ever hit. Hoar frost clung to the Knife’s Edge as I looked out over the changing birch below. It was absolutely stunning. Made sure to look over and check out North Brother and Fort from the day before as I started my way back down the AT to Abol. Another amazing Baxter weekend.

http://trailsnh.com/URL/80303