Boo-hoo

My hiking buddies back home in Mass. are starting are annual Baxter State Park three day loop today. It starts with a eight mile deep woods hike to Russel Pond to camp on night one. I have gotten my greatest closup shots of moose at Russel pond since they frequent it every day at dusk to feed on the aquatic plant life. there are a couple of canoes put there for people to take out on the pond which allow you to get real close to the giant mammals. Next day is another moderate hike to Davis lean-to deep in the forest at the base of Katahdin. It is a campsite very remote and nestled in to ther thickest part of Baxter's great woods. Often frequented by bears looking for easy snacks. Last time we did are trip there was a note left that a agressive bear showed up in the middle of the night and drove off the hikers. Some didn't even have time to grab all there gear. Next day is the summit of one of the east coasts most famed mountains and the northern terminus of the A.T., Mt. Katahdin. It is a mountain like no other thiat side of the Mississippi River. When you are on the summit it is like being out west on the summit on a 14teener. Knifes edge which traverses the eastern slope is a very narrow scramble which drops several hundred feet on both sides. I have seen people stuck and crying with fear on more than one occasion. With a summit of only in the mid 5000ft. range it is the toughest mountain of that size in the country with the most magnificent views, hell it is tougher than some 14ers i have climbed. After the summit it is a nice hike down to Roaring Brook campground. I am very sad I am missing out on my favorite three day loop in the country for the second year in a row. It is a trdition we have taken part of for several years. If any of you ever get up there, it is not oneto pass up.