|
|
|
| July
7, 2004 (Anthony, Tim, Danielle, Heather, Steve - Total Distance: 11 miles)
| |
Our first day of hiking in Baxter State Park was spectacular. The weather was warm and sunny without a cloud in the sky. Our goal was to hike up Hamlin Ridge, bag the summit, head over to Baxter Peak on Katahdin and return down the Saddle trail to the car. We made good time up the Chimney Pond trail and stopped at North Basin trail for a quick snack. We had to follow the North Basin trail to get to the Hamlin Ridge trail which would take us to Hamiln Peak. Unfortunately, about half way down the trail Steve slipped and cut himself on a rock. We patched him up as best we could, but he had a sore spot for the rest of the week. |
 Knife Edge from Hamlin Ridge Click on image for larger view |
 Tim and Danielle on Hamlin Peak Click on image for larger view |
At the beginning of the Hamiln Ridge trail we were all encouraged to see that it was only 1.3 miles to the summit. Little did we realize it was a very steep and rocky trail that would take us almost 2 hours to climb. We reached treeline pretty quickly and had a beautiful view of the chimney pond area. Once we got out of the trees we didn't have any shade again until we were on our way down the Saddle trail heading for the car. The trail began very steep with lots of boulders to climb over. Sections of the trail leveled off for a bit, but it always seemed a long way to the summit. Looking back, we could see the ridge we climbed and Basin pond, which we passed earlier in the day. The pond had a great view of Hamlin Peak. We also had a nice view of the mountains to the north. Continuing on our way we came to some cliffs with beautiful wild flowers at the base. At first, we thought we'd have to climb the cliff, but luckily the trail went around them. A short time later we reached the summit ridge. |
The top of Hamlin Peak is very broad and flat. With no trees, we had fantastic views (panoramic) all around. This was also our first opportunity to see the valley on the other side of the mountain. The Brothers seemed so close that we could touch them. On the summit we stopped for a much needed rest. All of us took summit pictures and I even got a picture of Erin, the beany baby bear, on the mountain. We also had the summit all to ourselves. Most hikers head straight to Baxter Peak and don't bother visiting Hamlin, unless they are peakbagging. Eventually, we put our packs back on and hit the trail to Baxter Peak. Hamlin Peak has fantastic views and no crowds. However, I think the next time I visit I'll be heading up to the top from the Saddle trail. That Hamlin Ridge is one tough trail. |
 Heading to Baxter Peak Click on image for larger view |
|
|
|
