Katahdin

This past weekend I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate my birthday with a great group of adventurers from MWSC. I joined a good-sized gang of devo and junior athletes in Baxter for a successful climb up Katahdin, camping at Penobscot Outdoor Center and kayaking on the Penobscot River. And because I think blogs heavily loaded with pictures are more interesting, here's our weekend:

***As always, click on any photo to view them all in a slideshow format***

We camped Friday and Saturday nights at Penobscot Outdoor Center just outside of the southern entrance to Baxter State Park. This was the view we had of Katahdin from our campsite on Friday.

Starting out early on Saturday morning. Everyone was motivated and ready to go bright and early....Amber called for wake-up at 5, departing camp at 6 and we hit the trail at 7. 

We hiked out of Roaring Brook Campground up to Chimney Pond (shown above). 

Seth and I at Chimney Pond.

 

Heading up above tree line. From Chimney Pond we took the Cathedral trail to Baxter Peak, Katahdin's highest, at 5,268 feet. Cathedral was fun but challenging for some as it was mostly just small boulder climbing while following the trail markings.  

Baxter Peak!

Katahdin, named such by the Penobscot Indians, means "The Greatest Mountain". It is the final peak on the Appalachian Trail and the first peak on the International Appalachian Trail. When we eating lunch at the top we actually watch someone finish their four-month trek of the Appalachian Trail. His family met him at the top and presented him with a "Congratulations" banner. 

Seth and I on Baxter Peak. 

From Baxter Peak we took the Knife's Edge to Pamola Peak. The Knife's Edge, shown above, is a narrow trail over more rocks for 3/10 of a mile. We got really lucky with the weather. Sometimes this section of trail can be really miserable and dangerous since it's so exposed the whole way. 

Starting down the Knife's Edge...full sun and gorgeous views in every direction.

The Knife's Edge...putting our skiing balance and strength to good use!

A ways along the Knife's Edge there's a big dip in the trail called The Chimney. Here (above) Seth helps the kids down a tricky section before we climbed the last little bit back up to Pamola Peak. 

Seth rejoicing that we all made is safely across the Knife's Edge!

Headed down the Helon Taylor Trail on our way back to Roaring Brook, the vans, and FOOD!

On Sunday we packed up camp and headed down the Golden Road to Horse Race on the Penoscot River for some kayaking and swimming. Mike Smith, MWSC Healthy Hometowns Director, accompanied us for the weekend and led some fun kayaking activities for the kids. 

Getting ready to head out...

Rafting up...

Challenge #1: Get out of your kayak and walking along the whole line without falling in!

Balance...More good ski skills at work!

The excitement continues next weekend at Nordic Heritage in Presque Isle with the Fat Tire Festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! I'm racing the 12-hour with four other women. Check back next Monday for pictures and an update from that! 

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