HIKE MAINE 2003! (winter trip?)

“Any takers for a winter BSP trip?

Reservations begin November 1 for the December 1 to March 31 season. I've only done one short winter trip in BSP, we cheated and stayed in a bunkhouse with a wood stove - so I'm new at this, but dying to do more!
Need a minimum of three bodies.”

“If reservations are made after January 1st (when my vacation time resets and work will be slower), I AM SO IN!!!!!!! :-)”

“I'm only in if I can sleep in someone's car on the way up and back (I know that sounds really selfish but .... zzzzzzhaahaahaa!)”

“I'm in. Maybe we should rent a van next time.”

“I have a Plymouth Voyager mini van with snow tires and front wheel drive but we might need a four wheel drive trucklike thing up there in winter.”

“I bet that Violin has the truck we need. Hey we promise not to chew on you or spread out zombieness, ... really ...”

“Wahoo! Yeah, I was thinking one of the long weekends in January or February. Katahdin or not?”

“I could type all this stuff, but you can read it here:

BSP winter regs

It sounds like a Katahdin attempt from Chimney Pond might require four or five nights total. Also hard to get the bunkhouse, but the ranger said the experimental yurt would be offered on a first come, first serve basis to tenters. It has a wood stove.

I'd be happy just to get to Roaring Brook - a 12 mile trip from Abol Bridge (you've seen the road, the book claims it's an uphill ski which takes all day) and do Chimney Pond as a day hike, My goal is to see the Great Basin in winter.

Night #1 could be spent at the Compass Pond cabin here:
cabins

The promised but not delivered face plants of last trip would be a given this time - put narrow slippery sticks on my feet and I show my true colors as a supreme klutz.

There is also the northern or western part of the park to consider, depending on what you guys want to do.”

“Let's get a HUMMER and put Moose antlers on the front and write HIKE MAINE! on the sides.

Cheating in a bunkhouse is fine with me especially hiking in the winter b/c you use up so much more energy. I thought it was cold at night on this trip. I'd probably have to invest in a neon orange carhartt union suit or kill a moose and crawl inside it at night.”

“You just want to be able to snack all night, Wolfman!”

“I doubt my Saturn would fair well on the dirt roads inside Katahdin, but I would be confident on the paved roads. We could probably work something out with those that have 4-wheel drives, which was the majority on the last trip, perhaps leaving 2-wheel drive vehicles outside the park and the others shuttle them in.

Okay, back to work!”

“The bunkhouse life suits me as well, wolfman. I've never slept out in a tent in winter, and a night at Compass Pond might be a good time to try - can always sneak inside, hehe.

I'm so excited! I can see new skis (or at least new boots) and a gym membership in my future, lol. :) And more fun fiddlin' with my sled, yay!”

“hmmm....

I dohave an SUV that seats 7 and I haven't planned a winter trip yet. I move really slowly on snowshoes so Katahdin would be like Everest to me. Something a little mellower would be intriguing.”

“You won't be able to take your car inside the park anyway, the perimeter road isn't plowed. So we'd leave our vehicles at Abol Bridge (off the Golden Road) and ski in the twelve miles using a 1.4 mile flat ski trail and then the perimeter road for the rest of the way. Even snowmobiles aren't allowed on this section of the road.”

“I've never even used snowshoes yet, so I'm just going to go and play. I will go part of the way with the group and then backtrack, rather than try to keep up. Regardless, the scenery is always worth it!

So you will join us Vi? That will be so cool to finally meet the Wizard of Oz (oh that is right, they changed the name from Oz to TrailTalk)”

“Wait! We have to ski with full packs on? Wow, falling is hard enough without an extra 35lbs adding to the ligament tearing.”

“Ski in with a sled Lyndy, much easier.
I'm not sure what you mean by going part of the way with the group?”

“I meant when you go out for the day to conquer mountains, leap over canyons, etc.”

“Ok, I see...Sandy Stream Pond, or just the perimenter road maybe. It's all fun!”

“Hehehheh, I could probably manage Sandy Stream pond or the perimeter road, but I don't really want to do the pink granite slide down from Baxter Peak.”

“cross country skiing is a walk in the park (on flat terrain that is). Does EMS or any places just outside the park rent them?”

“Twelve miles on skis with unbroken snow and rolling terrain is gonna be tough for me. Maybe we'll get lucky and the ranger will have snowmobiled through shortly before we get there.

I dont' believe there's anyplace nearby to rent from.”

“Wolf --

EMS in my neck of the woods rents x-country stuff. I used their touring skis (no edges, clip on toe binding, light boots) when I did the Zealand Falls area of NH a couple of Marchs ago. This particular EMS did not rent backcountry stuff (edges, heavier boots, cable bindings).

The touring skis were fine for dragging a 50+ sled behind me. Feet did not get cold. Temps daytime in the 20s, nihgtime single digits. You would defintely want a pair of Sorrels or the equivalent for campwear or for snowshoing. I had a pair of Timberlands that I put several layers of snowseal on . . .if it weren't for the chemical toe heaters I wouldn't have toes . . .they were useless when tenting in 5 feet of snow in low temps.

Chemical packs for toes and hands and plently of changes of socks and glove/mittens are my two big recommendations. Gloves get wet all sorts of ways (e.g. boiling/pouring water) and without replacments you are SOL”

“good tips lee. thanks.”

“I agree lee, I always take those chemical packs with me - a few in my normal survival kit and lots in winter. I've used them and they work great! Temps were mild when I went to BSP last January as well, but I'm not planning on that again.

WB - LLBean rents stuff. You can call and reserve what you want (if you know what that is) and pick it up on the way.”

“Forgive my ignorance (I am originally from Florida afterall), but how does the speed compare between X-country skiing and snowshoeing? I only ask because I have a feeling Santa is getting me a pair of snowshoes for Christmas. However, if everybody is cross-country skiing and it's faster, I'm more than happy to rent a pair.

This is a sweet idea!

HIKE MAINE!!!

”

“As far as I'm concerned Artex, ski or snowshoe is a personal choice and anybody is free to do what they want. I'm happy snowshoeing or skiing. Skiing is much faster but if we get up and get going early (which I'd want to do anyway) there should be no problem - I'm always thinking of getting to camp before dark. We can wear one and bring the other for fun or just in case.”

“On flat or downhill skis are to snowshoes as hares are to tortoises (tortoii?) but you can't ski up a mountain very fast. There are many places you just can’t go with skis but a 12 mile hike on snowshoes would be a real challenge.”

“I want to mail the reservation Wednesday the 30th since we want bunkhouse space.

Wow - the Chimney Pond bunkhouse is $32 per night, per person! And no soup even! That's it we're not staying there, lol!

Suggested itinerary:

Day#1 - arrive Compass Pond cabin - anytime you want! There are bunks for 6, others can sleep on the floor or tent outside. It has heat, no running water or stove, nice outhouse. $82+tx for the night split however many ways.

Day#2 - 12 miles to Roaring Brook bunkhouse. Bunkhouse is $16 per night, per person. There is wood provided.

Day#3 - play day - Chimney Pond or whatever. Roaring Brook bunkhouse again.

Day#4 - 12 miles out - or what? another play day, stay over go home?

I need two people to volunteer to be Assistant Leaders - for admin purposes only (whatever that means) no real repsonsibilities, but you can pretend you have rank and make eveyone call you sir if you want.

I need to fill out these forms ”

“crap!

BSP forms”

“You'd be suprised how well you can climb uphill with cross country skis (not downhill skis). They are designed to do so although it takes some coordination. On really steep grades you can slap some skins on them for improved traction.”

“32$!!! that's crazy, and no breakfast buffet!? An itinerary already? You are one motivated lady!”

“Cool, I'll rent skis or borrow a pair from family I have in upstate NY, but will probably also strap my snowshoes to my pack (or sled) to bring along.”

“Scroll down the form and send me the required info for whether you are assistant or team member.

I think we'll need both, and can change over anytime on the trip. Snowshoes for Chimney Pond anyway.

Another nice thing to have is those little two way radios (electronics in BSP - egad!) but handy if the group spreads out.”

“LOL at WB - I've been planning this trip since my last trip in January!

(I love to plan - you don't wanna see my organizer!)”

“I'm gonna hafta check out those skins WB, thanks. Generally I try to do the "energizer bunny chug" up small hills 'cause I'm really awkward doing the herringbone thing.

Also we should have two dates just in case - one preferred and one backup.
wahoo!”

“Pretty much, you should be able to ski up what you can ski down on x-country skis. I am intrigued!!!!!... er excited... but--- but-- I can't commit.... not yet anyways...

I have had plenty of practice pulling a sled on skiis, loaded with two kids, saying "Faster Daddy, faster". Iffin it's icy, that would be a good time to use snow shoes with crampons built into them. Either way, we are geared out for it.

We also plan on plenty of downhill skiing and even some snow boarding. How, oh how will we ever fit all this fun into one winter??? And get the requisite time off to do so?

Hike Maine, er ski Maine, er board Maine, er... just Play Maine!!!!”

“LOL @ Uphill Klimber!!!!!”

“WOW, you guys really are insane! No, really I've never tented in the winter. Sounds interesting...think I like the sounds of a bunkhouse though, if you could stand the sawing of wood in the middle of the night.(LOL)

So, twigeater, what would you recommend for sleeping bags? Zero degree??? We've pretty much have the other equipment..x-country skis and snowshoes. UK tells me that he's heard you wouldn't want to do much more than 4hrs a day on snowshoes, it can wear on ya. Anyone else hear otherwise?”

“Twigeater, I have heard (I think) that 4 hours a day on snow shoes is about it. I did that once, but that was after 4 hours of heavy slushy skiing in the morning. I was just a tad sore the next day (LOL). I suspect that I could not have done that again the next day. I guess I am asking what pace we ought to consider. How many miles/hours can we do today and still be able to do it again tomorrow. I'd give a pretty good guess that I could do 6 hours of snowshoeing, with adequate breaks, over a packed trail. If we have to break trail, and rotated leaders, I'm not so sure... Also, I have never dragged a sled on snow shoes. Anybody have a better handle on about what we could expect to do? I'd love to do this, but I don't it to end up a forced march to make it to camp before it gets dark. I wanna enjoy the fresh air, the scenery, and the work out.

Now, as far as x-country skiis go, that'll be a different story!!! I've done 6 miles in an hour (Okay, that was on a groomed trail at the Bethel Inn, and not particularly working too hard)and I have done alot of dragging my kids on a toboggan with me. Once again, there are variables here, packed snow, virgin 2 foot deep, how many people come and can rotate as leader to pack it down....

I love x-country skiing, and I love snowshoeing. More mileage from the skiis, obviously. I could go either way.

Uh, I'd love to do some of this in a snow storm. How easy will the trail be to follow in a snow storm?

What is the temperature range we could expect in the other state of Maine? I'll wager South Portland's climate is a bit warmer than BSP's will be. I think we would need a cabin, but maybe, just maybe, I could talk her into a tent.... Could we do a cabin each night?

Wow, am I asking a ton of questions, and I'm not even sure we can make it....”

“can you guys hide this thread so as not to tempt me more!!! I've never gone anywhere like this in the winter. Sounds really kewl!”

“Twigeater, I think that I need to tell you that I probably won't do this trip. I haven't skid in 25 years and have never snowshoed yet so I think that I need to learn some new skills before I throw myself on the mercy of the Maine winter. Originally I said yes because I thought that we would drive up to a cabin and then ski or snowshoe from there. Sorry to back out.”

“Wuss!!!”

“Just kidding, Lyndy. I understand your reasoning, and don't blame you at all.”

“Hah, he had second thoughts, that Fritz! Hehehe, he was thinking that if I did go due to his heckling, he'd have to carry me and my gear out if I got injured! Of course the ranger would just tell him to cut off my leg if I was too heavy.”

“When are you guys going and for how long?

If Violin is driving some HUGE assault vehicle, maybe I could hitch a ride.

Ooooo, twelve miles on cheap X-country skis......”

“For this . . .I just may be willing to give up the anonimity of the net.”

“LyndyS, don't you give up on me (or ME) yet!

I was planning this trip around my own agenda (to see the great basin in winter) but I'm game for any kind of winter trip. I love snow! We can do the "base camp" (aka car camp, lol) thing and have a blast, as we already know...

So for other options,

1) rent the Compass Pond cabin (the one you can drive to) for 3-4 (works best with 4) nights. Everyone stay at the cabin the first night, then the BSP group (minimum of 3) go to Roaring Brook for two nights, the rest stay and play from Compass Pond, then all meet on night 4 at Compass Pond cabin. Would probably need 4 who stayed at the cabin to make it cheap enough $$wise.

2) something less complicated (maybe?)...
yurt to yurt trip in NH"
I have no idea how hard it is to get something there but I can find out. Sounds like we could rent a 6 person yurt for $135/night.

Also this place Vermont yurts
know nothing about this one, except that I'm not interested in a guided trip or an all women’s weekend. :)

I've always been intrigued by these yurt to yurt trips.

3) rent a winter cabin (there's lots all over) and day trip - Jackman, ME is very nice.

4) head out on the AT, no reservation, no fees, for a tenting adventure??

I'm going to a friend's camp this weekend, and I'm not allowed to say "plan" - wonder why?”

“Twigeater, don't change your plans just for me! It sounds like a lot of the guys were interested in your Baxter crosscountry skiing with a sled trip. Maybe we can do a separate trip where we do the yurt to yurt backpacking or a cabin with dayhiking/skiing/snowshoeing. I'm very interested in doing a NH or Vermont trip this winter, also, so you are welcome to PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! Just don't try to kill me; I'm not quite the cat with nine lives that you are. ;)

I don't know where Jackson Maine is so I have to look that up.”

“bringing this back up for Indiana Long Legs, lol...

UK...if we go for the Roaring Brook bunkhouse, we should plan on the worst case - 12 miles of unbroken snow, hilly terrain. Twelve miles gets us to the first bunkhouse from the south, accomodations for a shorter trip would be lean-to or tent.

The first trails we would take in are ungroomed x-country ski trails, so I assume they are marked taking the snow height into consideration. I hiked the 1.4 mile Abol Stream trail in September, and it's flat as a board, should be very easy to follow. From there we have the option of heading south for a couple miles on the perimeter road (most likely packed by snowmobile traffic) to the Togue Pond gate, then the next 8 miles north to Roaring Brook with the unbroken, hilly terrain. The Chimney Pond ranger and the patrol ranger are the only snowmobiles allowed on this section of the perimeter road. The perimeter road will be easy to follow.

We may be able to take the Kettle Pond and Rum pond trails, which will cut off some of the perimeter road, but not sure if that would save us time or not. I have no problem whatsoever with stopping and changing over snowshoes and skis however many times it takes for all of us to be comfortable.

I don't downhill ski because I'm not coordinated enough. :) I've cross country skied on some of the ungroomed state park trails in the woods, and I know I have a heck of a time with the downhills and corners. So I know I most likely will be more comfortable on snowshoes for parts like that.

We planned for tent-like conditions last trip, and were pleasantly surprised by how warm and cozy the bunkhouse was. I'll still be bringing my zero degree bag in case we don't stoke the fire in the night, also this bunkhouse is larger. We will be in a 12 person bunkhouse so there will likely be others there not from our group.

Last winter we had daytime temps of ~20-25 degrees - my camelbak froze while snowshoeing. I don't know about the nights. The weather was mild then, but we should plan on nasty stuff. We did encounter a white out blizzard driving home.”