Friday, May 29, 2015

Baldpate Maine (East Peak) 5-29-15

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Baldpate Maine (East Peak). Second attempt after failed attempt in Dec 2014.
This was the last of my NEHH in Maine I had attempted it in Dec but due to a late start and too much unbroken snow I had to turn around just past West Peak.

This leaves 6 peak for my NEHH list. Three in VT; Jays and Dorcet which I hope to do in one 2 day trip,  and three in New Hampshire; East Sleeper, Peak above the Nubble (a fairly easy bushwhack I think, and Vose Spur which is should be a tough Bushwhack. 

Short report and pictures TBD
Trailhead for the AT from Rt 26 to Baldpate. Parking and trailhead of AT to OldSpeck on other side of Rt 26.
First spring flower I've seen (Trillium)
Lots of blowdowns blocking the trail. most had herd path wal- arounds or enough branches broken off to crawl through or under.
Lots of stone steps along the AT.
Hiker registration box (MATC) Maine Appalachian Trail Club
It was tough picking the trail back up after going around this mess.

I only took this pick to compare it to one I took last December, this is where I ran out of any sign of tracks in the snow. The trail goes up the rock steps on the right.  See below for December picture.

AT survey marker
Top of West Peak

Top of West Peak
Going Off West peak to the valley between it and the East Peak. This is about as far as I got last December.
View to the North
Bog bridges through the marshy col between peaks.
Broken bog bridge. Mud was deeper than the tops of my boots.

I'll rotate this later

East Peak of Baldpate  #96/100 for my NEHH, only 3 in VT and 3 in NH left.
View back toward West Peak.


Ladders going up the east side of West peak. Only the AT would have a ladder for this easy scramble.

Tree just above the Table Top lean-to now horizontal, sign is still pointing in the right direction though. It was a huge log jam on the AT right were the goes to the lean-to .