Winter on Mt. Katahdin
By Jane Reed Torres
It began as all good adventures do, as a dream, and has
evolved into a 16 year tradition. Every year in February a
revolving team of ten men and women, ranging in age from
23 to 65, packs enough gear and food onto sleds, gathers
from two different states and various towns in Maine and
heads to Baxter State Park. The dream is to make it to the
top of Mt. Katahdin. Why you might ask? For the challenge
yes, for the company absolutely, but mostly it’s a chance
to view this wonderful park from a perspective that few
actually get to experience.
The adventure starts on the Golden Road where we unload
two snowmobiles. Roads into the park itself are closed for
the winter and any access to the starting point at the Togue
Pond Gatehouse must be approached on cross-country
skis or by snow sled. We hitch our ten individual sleds and
assorted gear onto the tote sleds that are being hauled by the
machines, then we all pile on for the five mile ride to the
start. (We look a little like the Clampetts!)
By the time we arrive at the gatehouse, unhitch our sleds
and then rehitch them to belts or body harnesses, clip on
our skis and take that first terrible step, day one of our
adventure has become a reality. The next nine miles will be
a slog. Uphill on skis hauling a 40 – 60 pound sled behind
you is an exercise in fortitude. Roaring Brook and its cabin
will be a welcome sight.
Depending on the snow and the varying physical conditions
we are in that year, this leg of the trip can take 3.5 to 7
hours. By the time everyone arrives and has time to settle,
the stories begin and I am reminded why I do this. Cabin
life after a challenging trip is more fun than I can ever
explain and, it’s well worth the aches and pains.
The second day the gear gets repacked (minus quite a bit of
food and drink), but this time we break out the snowshoes
and off we go again, 3.5 miles up the trail to Chimney Pond.
The peace and beauty we all experience on this leg of the
trip is only slightly dampened by how hard we are breathing
and how hard our hearts are beating. In the winter the trail
takes you across Basin Pond where you get your first real
views of Hamlin and Baxter. The low steady pace gives us
the opportunity to really appreciate that first glimpse of
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