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Re: [at-l] Need info on HATT sections



<< POLLYWOG STREAM north to MOUNT KATAHDIN >>
 Wicked buggy right now, early blueberries on the Rainbow Ledges. Hurd Brook 
and Abol Stream were easy to cross. Take a picture at the new 100 Mile 
Wilderness Warning sign. The old one had a skull and crossedbones carved into 
it :O) Watchout for Logging Trucks as you walk to the Abol Bridge store, good 
photo op from the pedestrian pert of the bridge. Stop in the store, it's fun, 
with lots of junk food and hiker trinkets.Then it's past the gravel pit and 
over the broken (is it fixed yet?) footbridge that was destroyed by this 
Spring's high water. Then it's along the river and a nice walk to Daicey Pond 
over a couple of new bridges (did they survive the Spring?) past falls and 
oldtimey dams. Be sure to check out the classic view from the porch of the 
Library! With binocs (or young eyes) you can see where the AT climbs 
Katahdin. Rent a canoe, if you have the time. Good Moose watching from Daicey 
to Katahdin Stream Campground, with about a mile roadwalk along the perimeter 
road at the end. Turons drive this road way too fast, and hikers should be 
careful! There's been two or three Moose hanging out at KSC, posing for 
pictures and knocking down tentropes. The AT follows the campground road 
right between tentsites and lean-tos. Go check out the Ranger's porch for the 
AT registers and other neat stuff, and don't miss the plaques on the rocks by 
the parking lot. Nice walk, about a mile, to a wide log bridge over Katahdin 
Stream just below the falls. Somewhere in here (by the Owl Trail?) is a new 
privy, they had the 'kit' beside the trail in June. (Is it up yet?) Nice open 
area for a water break on a huge granite slab, with first/last views of the 
mountains to the West. Take the left-hand side trails to view the falls, and 
hold on to your kid's hand. It's steep. Nice granite steps next, put in a few 
years back by the MATC, who maintain the AT inside Baxter. A brook runs to 
the left of the trail, and sometimes in it. Flat for a bit, then the Ups and 
boulders start as you climb onto the Hunt Spur. Water at "Oh Joy" brook.  
It's open on the Spur, and a great spot for a packs off break. If the clouds 
allow, and you have a map and compass, you will see where the AT heads off to 
the Southwest. Just a note, compasses can act weird in Baxter. Then you get 
the fun boulder scrambles Up. And I mean Up. There's less iron bar hand holds 
then there used to be, and now and then you have to look twice for the white 
blaze. Often there are places where you need a boost, or can lend a hand.
And them, you ascend into another world. Put your Lekis away here, to give 
the fragile flora a break. Stay on the trail. When you get to the junction of 
the Abol Slide trail, head over to the edge and look Down. And I mean Down. 
Back on the AT you climb steadily to Baxter Peak. If the weather was clear, 
you've probably seen the new summit sign and other climbers on the peak from 
a mile away. At the summit, you can look down to Chimney Pond, and across the 
Knife Edge to Pamola Peak. When you're driving to Katahdin from Millinocket, 
the highest appearing peak is Pamola. Email if ya want a few pics. 
TJ < wishin' he was there.
* From the AT-L |  Need help? http://www.backcountry.net/faq.html  *

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