This will be just a quick summery of my 4th of July weekend. It's going
to take some time to go through the pics and make time for a write up.

My plan was just to get Baxter/Hamlin done. Leisurely drive up Sunday,
hike Katahdin Monday, and a leisurely drive home Tuesday. I scrubbed the
plan, not wanting to commit reservations 2 weeks out and have the weather
ruin things. But, for the heck of it, I did purchase a DUPR for Roaring Brook
for the 4th anyway. About 5 days prior, I started looking at the weather and Friday
the 1st, booked a room for the 3rd and 4th. Still only planning on hiking Katahdin
on Monday. Then I starting thinking, wasting 3 days for one hike? Sooo, I at
least was going to head up early enough on Sunday to do a short hike with views.
I started thumbing through the Maine Guide in the Baxter section, and it didn't
take me long to find Mount Chase. Which is not actually in Baxter.

So, I headed up Sunday early and did Mt Chase. I was concerned about how easy
it would be to find first, then follow. As there were maps no anywhere to be had for this one.
But the Maine AMC Guide describes this perfectly. From soup to nuts. Easy to find and
follow. Great, little hike. About a 4 mile RT, with 1800' of gain.

Click Pik 4 Pix


So Monday, it was Katahdin. Great weather temps wise. Very cool and breezy.
There were some clouds though, darn-it! Man I just can't catch a break.

Chimney Pond.


On Baxter.


On Hamlin.


And, I said screw the leisurely drive home on Tuesday.

On North Brother.


Someday I'll do a more complete report on Katahdin and North Brother.

Why would you worry about the weather? When was the last time you had a great trip like this or Acadia be anything but blue skies and puffy clouds?!

Chase looks like a nice hike. Never heard of it until now. Adding to the Hike-NH list?? Katahdin speaks for itself. Saddle Trail up? Whatever it was looks like a great few days. You too will be addicted to Maine in no time. Heck, Tumbledown, Baxter, Abraham, Acadia, Baxter again... you may just be already!!

Cathedral Trail up, Hamlin Ridge down. Factoring in my age now, plus last years injuries,
toughest hike I've ever done. I was surprised I was able to do N. Brother the next day.

It's not just your age and injuries. IMO Katahdin kicks your ass like no other singular mountain. You can obviously do harder hikes like Presi Traverses and Pemi Loops and whatnot, but as far as tough "normal" hikes this is it. And worth every bit of effort I might add!

Now get that Cathedral Trail report going. It's on my list and I'll need something to read while relaxing in Bar Harbor next week.

Nice Joe. Katahdin definitely kicks your ass. When I did it went up Hamlin Ridge trail to Hamlin, across the saddle to Baxter, then down Saddle trail, which is billed as the "easiest" trail to Katahdin. Yeah, right. There is no easy trail to Katahdin, it's just not as much torture as the other trails.

Oh how I wish I could have joined you. Baxter is turning into my white whale. My one time in the park and the close Katahdin due to a measly dusting of snow. And a half dozen attempts to plan a trip up there all end up a dead end. I am wondering why I even bother any more!!!!

Brian

Nice shot from North Brother! Now I'm actually glad I turned back when I went to Baxter SP. Wouldn't have gotten that view if I had kept going .

I wish you could have too. I still say you should have called in disinterested on Tuesday.




Or this one.


I can see after doing it, how that trail could be a problem after rain. You've got a great
peak to finish on. Wait for a beauty of a day. It's not going anywhere.

My one time on Katahdin, I went up the Cathedral Trail too, then across the Knife Edge to Pamola and down Helon Taylor Trail. And I had a crystal clear day like you did (so my pictures should look as good as yours, but they don't). It kicked my ass too, like no other day hike I've been on. I can see why they want you starting up by early AM. But like GG said, it's totally worth it. I hope I get back there someday.

You are braver than I. Because that just looks nasty. Way beyond my comfort level.

It's really not that bad other than a spot or two, mostly the cleft betwen Pamola & Chimney peaks is the tough part. I think anyone who's done Huntington Ravine without issues would be fine should the urge ever overtake you.

By the way, I forgot that I expect Brian to add this to the C's when he gets around to
Maine. Views, old cabin and fire-tower. Has to be on the list.