On the second day of our recent winter expedition into Baxter State Park, six of us awoke early in the bunkhouse at South Branch Pond Campground. The goal for the day was an attempt to climb North Traveler Mountain. If conditions and time permitted, some intended to complete the famed Traveler Loop. Coping with an […]
hiking
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: A glorious day on South Moat Mountain
South Moat Mountain near Conway, New Hampshire, is one of my favorite mountain hikes. I included it in my book, “Mountains for Mortals – New England,” a mountain guidebook that features what I consider to be the 30 finest, most scenic mountain hikes in New England. The 2,749-foot peak is particularly beautiful during winter. My […]
advertisement
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: The relative risks of winter mountaineering
A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about my son, Adam, and me climbing Williams Mountain in western Maine. The trek occurred on the first day of winter and, as I described, we encountered strong winds and severe wind chills. One reader submitted a comment about the article: “Projected icy trails, high winds and […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Cold and blustery Burnt Mountain
My son, Adam, and I made several attempts to plan a climb of Burnt Mountain in Carrabassett Valley over a two-month period. At every juncture, our competing schedules interfered. Finally, on Jan. 21, we were able to connect. There was a downside: powerful winds and frigid wind chills were forecast. After some deliberation, we decided […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Howe Hill — the little Camden Hill
The Camden Hills are a wonderful place to hike. I began trekking in the scenic, coastal mountain range with friends and family when I first moved to the Midcoast area almost 50 years ago. Like most hiking enthusiasts, we started out climbing Mounts Megunticook and Battie in Camden Hills State Park. Outings to Bald Rock, […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: A gusty adventure on Williams Mountain
Williams Mountain is situated about 15 miles southeast of Jackman in a remote area with the inhospitable name Misery Township. Everything in that area seems to be miserable. Misery Gore, Misery Ridge and Misery Knob are names assigned to nearby locations. Convinced there must be a miserable history behind the names, I did a little […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Exploring waterfalls on the unique Cathance River Trails
Well-known in paddling circles for its Class III–V creeking, the Cathance River in Topsham is one of the more popular and challenging whitewater rivers in Maine. The Cathance River Trails provide a stimulating hiking alternative. The Cathance River Trails are located in the Cathance River Nature Preserve and Head of Tide Park. Developed and managed […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Hiking the other Pleasant Mountain
Stormy weather negatively impacted our plans for a western Maine mountain hike. My son, Adam, and I intended to climb lofty Number 5 Mountain in a remote wilderness area southwest of Jackman. When we met in West Forks on a gray, foggy morning with a threat of light rain or snow showers, several inches of […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: A Camden Hills traverse
One of the finest hikes in the Camden Hills is a traverse of Maiden Cliff and Mount Megunticook. The expedition encompasses three of the most scenic locations in Maine: Maiden Cliff, a towering escarpment on Scenic Trail and Ocean Overlook. I try to arrange a Camden Hills adventure each fall. When I suggested a Maiden […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Quest for North Peak
North Peak of Moxie Bald Mountain was a setback for my son, Adam, and me. We had hiked Moxie Bald in early November but failed in an attempt to ascend the elusive North Peak, a summit too far given the limited fall daylight. We were also unsuccessful climbing both peaks last winter due to difficulty […]