Maine: Katahdin

Kristen and I (mostly Kristen) had been feeling bad about sitting around this whole break, so we decided we'd go get our asses kicked by Katahdin. The only trail to the top open was the Abol Trail, which is to the east of the Appalachian Trail route (the "Hunt Trail"). The ranger told us it was shorter, but steeper. It started off pretty wet, with a stream gushing down the trail, then got up into a bunch of that typical Katahdin straight up the scree slope stuff. Pretty clear until we were about to the table-lands, when we got up into clouds. Didn't see much at all once we got up there. Intersected the AT at Thoreau Spring and took that the rest of the way up. Wasn't too windy or nasty up there, but there was still some snow and rime ice here and there. This route as only 3.8 up (7.6 round trip) instead of 5.2 that the AT route takes. We both felt it was a lot easier than the AT route up. That route just kicks your ass, but this one didn't. Both our knees and ankles were a bit sore on the way down, but nothing like after the other route. Anyway, it was a fun trip. Made it home in time for dinner too. Mmm chili and biscuits... Here some pictures. Enjoy.

The trail was a bit moist...

We really suck at taking pictures together.

Kristen conquers the mountain.

Looking down on the way up. Bit steep.

View from partway up...