We didn't get lost, but if you are ever looking for some good reading on what NOT to do on a mountain in a storm- you should read the book titled 'Lost on a Mountain in Maine' by boy scout Donn Fendler recounting the time he wandered around the Maine backcountry after getting separated from his group in a storm. I hope he eventually got his mountaineering patch...
Lucky for us, we didn't get stuck in a storm- we had a beautiful, if chilly, day to climb Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park last week. Jeff has climbed this mountain once before, and I have been up 6 (? - I've lost count) other times. Every time the climb is a little bit different and challenging in a new way. Keeping it constantly varied, right?!
Jeff during our accent on Cathedral.
We left the Roaring Brook trailhead around 8 am and practically ran up to Chimney Pond by 9:45am. It was a windy day higher up on the mountain and Knife's edge wasn't recommended, so we went up the Cathedral Trail (a lot of hand over foot climbing up a huge rock slide). After reaching Baxter peak at noon, we started down the Saddle trail at 12:30. We made it back to the parking lot around 4 pm. That's a pretty fast round trip for Jeff and I! It was also a reality check since we plan to hike Kilimanjaro. We foresee lots of squats in the future for preparation...
New sign at Baxter Peak!
Phil and I normally take turns bringing rocks to each other from the peak, and then the next person has to return it and bring back a bigger rock in exchange. Challenge accepted! What do you think of this one Phil? Is it big enough Matt?
-Cara