View Full Version : ME Conditions
Any hardy types been out and about in Me recently? How about an ice, blowdown, rockslide, hole opening in the Earth update? Lots of ice in the woods still here on the coast, but I did see a robin in the yard yesterday.
The Scribe
03-30-2007, 11:26
Trying to ascertain the same information. Started a thread today to see if there is any way using technology to determine where the snow line is and where it's heading. Got April vacation coming up and want to get out there.
Where are you in Maine? I am in Gray.
Any hardy types been out and about in Me recently? How about an ice, blowdown, rockslide, hole opening in the Earth update? Lots of ice in the woods still here on the coast, but I did see a robin in the yard yesterday.
I walked a mile and a half on a woodland trail in my midcoast Maine town, yesterday . Frost coming out of the ground made the path a bit difficult and slow, but it was a great walk. Some patches of snow. Some ice. But nothing that should keep people out of the woods in the midcoast area north of Portland.
I walked with two hikers from the mountain region of western Maine. Snow is still deep in the woods there.
Weary
The Scribe
03-30-2007, 12:14
You just gave me a great idea Weary. For April vacation, was thinking of something on the AT in Maine. Not afraid of snow, but don't have the winter gear.
But, you just mentioned looking in the other direction.
Maybe I will consider the Cutler Preservation Area, or whatever they call it downeast.
Hmmm. Longer drive, but spring will be there sooner.
Peter
terrapin_too
03-30-2007, 12:39
Here's the thing about snow in the mountains...
You know how mountains are sort of three-dimensional? So, you have these crevices and hollows and what-not that only get direct sun for short interval each day. While the snow and ice may have melted everywhere else, you're likely to encounter many short sections that are still snow-filled or ice-covered. It only takes one of these (okay, a particularly bad one) to end a hike.
Plus the streams being at their max height and flow, and the water in them being particularly cold...
It's not uncommon to find ice in Mahoosuc Notch in August.
You just gave me a great idea Weary. For April vacation, was thinking of something on the AT in Maine. Not afraid of snow, but don't have the winter gear.
But, you just mentioned looking in the other direction.
Maybe I will consider the Cutler Preservation Area, or whatever they call it downeast.
Hmmm. Longer drive, but spring will be there sooner.
Peter
There's a beautiful public preserve just north of cutler that borders on what they call the "Bold Coast." It's a high bluff overlooking the ocean. The trail in and out is only about a 10 mile round trip, maybe less. But there are three camping spots, though water should be carried.
It's a spectacular spot, unlike anything else in the east. Not too far away are the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge, and Quoddy Bay State Park. If you don't hurry these areas could keep you walking for a week. If you run out of things to do, Acadia is beautiful and uncrowded in early spring, and some of the trails are surprisingly rugged.
Also AMC's Maine Mountain Guide lists numerous day hikes in the region.
However, don't expect balmy southern Maine weather. I suspect their will be some patches of snow well into April.
Weary
vegematic
03-30-2007, 13:46
Check out this site:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/nerfc/graphics/snowmaps/html/snow_depth.html
Around here (Bethel) it is a reasonable measure of what's going on in the valleys. It is not accurate at any kind of elevation.
In the woods and hills we are ranging from bare ground to 2 feet or so of groundcover that could be soft, slushy, corn consistency where you posthole without snowshoes; or it could be frozen solid on top (if it is a tracked out trail) requiring crampons. Typical early spring conditions, really. If you come hiking here in the next couple weeks be prepared for anything.
-vegematic
The Scribe
03-30-2007, 15:02
There's a beautiful public preserve just north of cutler that borders on what they call the "Bold Coast." It's a high bluff overlooking the ocean. The trail in and out is only about a 10 mile round trip, maybe less. But there are three camping spots, though water should be carried.
It's a spectacular spot, unlike anything else in the east.
That's the one you got me thinking about!!!!! :banana:banana
Peter
Any hardy types been out and about in Me recently? How about an ice, blowdown, rockslide, hole opening in the Earth update? Lots of ice in the woods still here on the coast, but I did see a robin in the yard yesterday.
Weather permitting, i may have some trail conditions to report next week.
I'm as antsy to get out on the trail as some others here but know damn well to expect mostly winter conditions for the next 6 weeks. Ice, crusty snow, slushy snow, swollen streams and rivers, blowdowns, mud?, depending on the time of day conditions on the ground can change as rapidly as the weather. If I get the weather window to get out there, i'll be packing for winter conditions . The western mountains got hammered with snow this winter and will be quite some time before bare ground is the norm. On a positive note, temps are moderating nicely.:)
Well, keep us posted. The seabreezes should kick in soon and I will be frantic to get inland. There are a couple fire warden's trails in your area that need my inspection. They must have been a fairly rugged breed. Healthy commute!
I imagine the water is running and freezing still, some more, again.
I need to go to Skowhegan anyway.
i went hiking this wensday (tumbledown mountain) it was nuts!!! the snow was still 3 feet deep in places and the snow was granular enough that the snowshoes didn't help that much... so yes the mountains of maine are still quite covered in many places especially those lowspots between boulders near the alpine zone... but fear not if you have the energy to posthole it shouldn't ruin a hike...
boarstone
03-31-2007, 14:42
Yes there is still plenty of snow, we're still snow sledding up here, Jo-Mary area is being heavily logged. The dirt road into Jo-Mary up to the AT trail right turn off and onto Nakmakanta and on the left spur to Little Jo Mary pond/ Gauntlet falls.
Our snowsled trail from K.I. to Jo-Mary got plowed the first of the month of March, the snowsled club had to scramble to make a connector trail along the snow banks on the main Jo-Mary road. Snow is still deep in the woods, only your south facing mts/hills will be clear first, north sides will be mid May before full thaw. :(
Is the blowdown amount bad, or did last year prune the weak trees?
Are they hauling the logs to the railyard, or points south?
Any posted roads up there yet?
Is the blowdown amount bad, or did last year prune the weak trees?
Are they hauling the logs to the railyard, or points south?
Any posted roads up there yet?
Well I can not speak for any other maintainers here in Maine, but I tried to access my section last October. There is 3 miles of trail before I even get to my section that is not mine. I could not get to my section because of snow and there were some pretty good size blowdowns across the trail. The person that maintains the section I have to hike through to get to mine is going to have fun. I am just worried what my section looks like.
I am not even going to try and hike into my section until mid May. Snow usually stays in the higher elevation until the end of May.
TJ aka Teej
04-01-2007, 23:09
I am not even going to try and hike into my section until mid May. Snow usually stays in the higher elevation until the end of May.
What section, Rick?
My section is from Wyman Mountain to Hall Mountina Lean-to.
But the section I am referring to that was bad was from Surplus Pond to Wyman.
ferryman
04-02-2007, 01:24
Back on April 1, 1987, many bridges and houses were "relocated" downriver as the flood of the century hammered the state of Maine. We are not "out of the woods" yet as the groundwater table is full and there is still tons of snow on the AT at the Kennebec River. Snow expected this evening and more precipe later this week. The ice on the banks of the Kennebec River measure well over 10 feet right now and flooding could be in the near future if we get consistent rainy days these next few weeks. Hikers have been calling for a ferry in early May...good luck! On a warmer note, just got back from Quoddy Head State Park (eastern most point in US), Rogue Bluff State Park and Scoodic Point at Acadia Nat'l Park. What a blast and little or no snow! See everyone at the MATC annual meeting at Orono April 14th. Yours, Steve Longley
warraghiyagey
04-02-2007, 01:40
Back on April 1, 1987, many bridges and houses were "relocated" downriver as the flood of the century hammered the state of Maine. We are not "out of the woods" yet as the groundwater table is full and there is still tons of snow on the AT at the Kennebec River. Snow expected this evening and more precipe later this week. The ice on the banks of the Kennebec River measure well over 10 feet right now and flooding could be in the near future if we get consistent rainy days these next few weeks. Hikers have been calling for a ferry in early May...good luck! On a warmer note, just got back from Quoddy Head State Park (eastern most point in US), Rogue Bluff State Park and Scoodic Point at Acadia Nat'l Park. What a blast and little or no snow! See everyone at the MATC annual meeting at Orono April 14th. Yours, Steve Longley
Hey Steve,
Thanks for the update. See you in June. :)
walkin' wally
04-02-2007, 10:08
This past weekend about 10 miles north of Monson. Nearly 2 feet of snow in the woods and over 36 inches of ice covering the local lakes. It is good going in the morning before the temp goes above freezing. Like the Ferryman says we have a lot of snowpack left in the north woods so flooding is still a real threat. We also have a lot of frostheaves still left in the roads up there too.
Thanks for the North Woods update. Post when you can. That snow needs to melt! Antsy...
If the roads are rough, it won't be long.
It just wouldn't be right not to mention road conditions in a post titled ME conditions as i see it has. Heave-ho, up-down, swerve for the potholes, buckle up so U don't hit your head on the ceiling while being tossed about,lol.
Yeah! And that's in August! Yeehaw!
Weather permitting, i may have some trail conditions to report next week.
Not gonna happen, winter is back with a vengeance. Looking for a foot of snow overnight, haha.
terrapin_too
04-04-2007, 16:59
Snowing in Boston right now. Weather report says "no accumulation" but it's coming down pretty heavy...
It appears I am back to walking on snowmobile tracks.
Had 8" of wet, sticky snow at 5:30. Hasn't let up, and the TV weatherdude said just after 5 that it wasn't even on top of my area yet. Yeehaw.
This too will pass, but I don't think it is necessary. Triple Yeehaw.
With only 16" of fresh fallen snow, it would be a great day to hike the Bigelows. Who wants to lead? Refreshments of your choice on me:D
The Scribe
04-05-2007, 16:29
Add more snow to the mix today. Got 14 inches or so just north and west of Portland. 12-18 up in the mountains.
boarstone
04-05-2007, 17:00
With over 22" of new fallen snow up here in southern Piscatiquis county, all winter activities including snow shoveling have hit again with a vengence!!
Spring hiking will now be later and wetter!! With moderating tempatures rising up to over 35 deg., it won't last long....:sun
TJ aka Teej
04-05-2007, 18:49
A month ago, I would've said we were going to have an early, dry Spring with the AT up Katahdin opening May 15th.
That was last month!
yeah i went snowboarding today on sugarloaf lets just say that hiking in the stuff is quite a workout (i should know as there was enough snow to go ride sugarloaf's backcountry which inheretly requires a ton of hiking) i'd say its gonna be a wet spring now for sure but its amazing that this is april and we got at least 22 inches of new snow...
cheers
boarstone
04-18-2007, 18:17
For anyone who may be interested, Sugarloaf USA has received over 95" of snow just in the month of April out of the last two storms we got...may give you early SOBO's something to keep in mind while on those high peaks and deep gullies up here in Maine....:eek:
It's all mashed taters like someone dumped too much milk on em. With temps up and rain/snow mix over several days, there is no bottom to the stuff lest you find terra firma somewhere out there(not likely). I'm hoping it'll freeze up some night so I can go for a hike, on snowshoes of course.
Mr. Clean
04-19-2007, 04:27
That's what I was afraid of, Woodsey. Nothin worse than hiking in mashed taters. No fun at all.
keep the updates coming.
Sounds like rapid melt coming.
Sounds good to me.
Should be interesting to compare iceouts this year. Hope a good amount drains off before.
Gonna be busy once it dries up some with all the normal Spring stuff!
walkin' wally
04-19-2007, 08:47
Still 2 feet of snow in the woods on the east side of Moosehead Lake north of Monson. More in the mountains. Sort of late in the season to have this much snowpack.
Should get some good melt today!
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/conditions.php
Yeehaw!
walkin' wally
04-24-2007, 21:23
I took another trip up north today to clear blowdowns from camp access trails. There is still about 2 feet of wet snow in the 1000' evlevation in the woods despite the warmer temps. Some fields south of Greenville are clear of snow.
Conditions are still favorable for snow sleds and snow shoes. I used both today.
The Piscataquis and Kennebec Rivers are still over their banks ( in the woods) some. On Russell Mt. that the AT skirts west of Monson there is snow from the valley to the summit. There is still alot of melting to do. I think good hiking conditions here are a ways off yet.:sun
boarstone
04-24-2007, 21:27
K.I. and Jo-Mary continue to be heavily snow covered, even with the 50 deg. days, snow/ice melt is slow. Ice is still in Silver Lake in K.I. Pleasant river continues to run bank full. Schoodic Lake's ice is melting away from it's southern shore, with all the ice turning black, indication of ice out with the next rain and wind, probably by the 1st of next week. Early for this big lake, last year it went out around the 16th of May. Mud season is in full swing, frost still coming out and dirt roads trying to dry out. Logging has stopped IN the woods with logs being hauled from stock piles from other places...i.e. log yards, gravel pits, and other storage areas.
Thanks for the updates. Heard there was two feet of snow in Rangeley in the woods.
That was third-handed info, but I trust the source. It seems like it is two-weeks behind this year, but then I am antsy.
Was in Skowhegan yesterday, the Kennebec was plenty full. Was good to see.
It is not a good time to attempt fording Maine rivers and streams with most of them topping their banks. You know what I mean. Even L. Wolf would baulk at crossing many of them. :eek: With 2" of rain on the way for the weekend I would suggest avoiding any major stream or river crossings if attempting to hike sections of the Maine AT:)
Anyone inland got an update for me? Moosehead open? Still got some ice in the shade here on the coast. The woods sure are dry here.
walkin' wally
05-05-2007, 09:53
I hope to go up to Monson and Moosehead on Monday. I was still using snowshoes and a sno machine 11 days ago. I don't think the lake will be clear of ice until after the 10th of May at the earliest. We reallly have not had many real warm days up there yet. I will check out the trailhead on Rt.15 on the way by.
The rivers are still faily high.
WalkinHome
05-07-2007, 09:42
Just back from Monson. Went up Saturday to take out the blowdowns on the piece from the highway (RT15) SOBO to the Doughty Pond side trail (1.4mi). This is the first year I have seen so much snow left. Probably 1/3 of this piece is still snow covered with an average depth of 1 foot varying from 6 inches to two feet. Another third is just very, very wet which is why the MATC advises NOT to hike this time of year as it does the trail no good at all and is not very pleasant either. Took out a couple dozen blowdowns, mostly evergreens. Stopped at Shaw's to fill in Buddy but no one around. Saw Keith across the street raking his lawn. He seems to be doing well.
walkin' wally
05-07-2007, 21:18
I just got home from Monson/Moosehead today and today I walked about one quarter mile in each direction from the Rt 15 Monson trailhead. Like Walkin Home says there is still some snow left in the area and there was several feet still in the outlet area of Spectacle pond where it had blown in off the lake. There is a snow bridge across the outlet about 3 or 4 feet thick with a heavy flow of water underneath going out of the lake. I went to the top of the ridge northbound and found some snow around the softwoods. There is a lot of mud in the trail as usual too.
Whitecap Mtn is still snow covered and the ponds in the Monson area still have some ice. Moosehead Lake is still fairly white with the ice just pulling away from shore now.
I hope to go back up to the Monson area in a few more days.
Thanks for the updates. Are the dirt roads still soft?
boarstone
05-07-2007, 21:39
Was up into Jo-Mary yesterday, road is clear to turn off to AT/Cooper Brook At road crossing. Road into Little Jo-Mary Pond/B-Pond still snow covered and very soft. Snow still on road beyond Johnston Pond in Jo-Mary. White Cap still showing snow on south side on the rocks, can only imagine the backside! Can't get into AT crossings yet in the K.I./Jo-Mary area.:(
TJ aka Teej
05-07-2007, 22:09
Spring is wicked late this year - I wonder what Baxter will be like next week?
Spring is wicked late this year - I wonder what Baxter will be like next week?
TJ, there will be snow so maybe you should skip it and come to Trail Days with us.
TJ aka Teej
05-08-2007, 20:35
TJ, there will be snow so maybe you should skip it and come to Trail Days with us.
Good idea, Rick. I might have to. Talked to a Ranger today who is doubting the Park should be opening at all on the 15th due to soggy roads and tenting areas. Said the graders should be busy for weeks!
Some snow ought to melt with this:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?map.x=181&map.y=154&MapType=0&site=car&CiTemplate=1&FcstType=text
It's begining to feel alot like Spring time...
How's Them bugs?
How's them roads?
How's the ice, blowdowns and muck?
Yeehaw! Sun and low humidity! Good for the soul!
(Call or hug your Mum today if you can.)
walkin' wally
05-13-2007, 18:05
We spent some time going cross country north of Monson with no bugs in the woods yet. That could change any minute though. The logging roads are drying out some with the wind and warm dry air.
Moosehead is officially clear of ice in the main body south to north yesterday but there is still ice in some the bays.
It was cold and sunny up there today There is a lot of mud to deal with on the trail. But going cross country with no beaten path the conditions are dryer. We had warm sun in the woods when we were out of the wind. The deer are moving around a lot now. We saw several.
Jester2000
05-13-2007, 18:42
Any hardy types been out and about in Me recently?
Good Lord. If you don't know who's been in you and who hasn't recently, you've got bigger problems than snow.
I see cheese on the brains
is in a deviant frame of mind today...
Thanks for the Monson report. The wind here has had a nip to it the last couple days. Straight out of the North once you get up in the air. As you said, pleasant in the sun, out of the wind.
Moosehead took it's own sweet time this year.
Found this trail conditions report from the Monson area:Friday, May 18. Monson to TA R10 WELS (Maps 41 and 42)
I had dropped off a hiker at the Appalachian Trail parking lot on Route 15 in Monson last Thursday. I walked a little way with him from the parking lot. There was about 4 feet of snow on the trail right at the end of Spectacle Pond. But we hit bare ground about 100 yards up the Trail. The going was still pretty muddy. He got to the Jo Mary Road about mid day on Tuesday and hitched a ride back to Millinocket. So he made unbelievable time considering the conditions. He stopped in at the BSP office to let me know he was OK and to report on conditions. He said the water was thigh deep at Big Wilson Stream, waist deep at Long Pond Stream, and knee deep at the West Branch of the Pleasant River. The East Branch wasn't very deep where the trail crossed it. There was still crotch deep snow above 1800 feet elevation most of the way over The Barren-Chairback and Whitecap Mountain ranges. There are still lots of deep pockets of snow on the north slopes and in heavily shaded areas down to about 1000 feet elevation.
Both the KI and Jo-Mary Roads are fairly dry but rough even though the main haul roads did get some grading before the wet weather. I would still expect to hit a few soft spots on the side roads accessing the north side of Barren Mountain. The roads on the south side of Whitecap Mountain usually dry out earlier.
My rain gauge shows just under 2 inches of rain in the last week and we will get a bit more this weekend, but I would expect that streams will not rise appreciably since the ground has been dry enough to absorb much of the moisture at lower
elevations B.G.
boarstone
05-24-2007, 07:47
I have a hiker coming from Abol Bridge, she left Tuesday the 22nd, she will send me an update on trail conditions thru the "100 miler". Will post when I get it. Jo-Mary road for the 1st 1/2 mile is dry and graded, but after that forget it! Frost still coming out with wet holes, mud traps, water running in what little ditches they have, log trucks are operating up in Jo-Mary road coming out of Nakmakanta area. Roads are heavily potholed, making going very slow. I was just into Cooper Brook yesterday (23rd) and although the road to there was dry beyond the Y turn-off to the AT, it was VERY ROUGH with whole areas of the road potholed from one side to the other. The grader is currently working on the Jo-Mary road, just not very fast. With the weekend holiday, they usually try to get it smooth for campers. HaHa...don't hold your breath. Streams running fast still, the Pleasant River is still running higher than summer levels, Cooper Brook is running fast and hard as well, run-off water where usually by now is dried up is running full still. Hopefully with mother nature and sun and a grader operator who works fast, will have the road in better shape by Friday.
TJ aka Teej
05-24-2007, 08:31
Sounds more like early May than almost June!
walkin' wally
05-27-2007, 13:17
I have been several miles north of Monson for the last ten days. There is still some snow on the mountain flanks. I was not bothered by bugs yet which I attribute to the lack of rain and warm temps. I have been working in the woods without fly dope and it has been comfortable. It was 40 degrees this morning and we had a cool strong northwest wind yesterday.
In my area the trails are drying up some with a lot less mud than last year. We hiked the Eagle Rock Trail west of Greenville a few days ago. This is a nice non AT hike with unbelievable 360 degree views. The summit is a narrow pinnacle of rock.
boarstone
06-08-2007, 07:40
From my re-supply hiker "Bluemist" from Virginia,:
Cooper Brook to Lean-To good(she was SOBO)
Crawford pond outlet not a problem w/water footwear on.
East Branch Pleasant River was difficult. Water up to knees or more and moving fast. Hard to see rocks on bottom. Many blowdowns on trail.
She passed 4 hikers May 30 NOBO who ran into 4' snow drifts still on Whitecap Mt. Snow on trail after Logon Brook. West branch was knee deep
6/3--Big wilson steam proved to be fast and thigh high.
At last report via e-mail, Bluemist is now back in Virginia.:(
TJ aka Teej
06-08-2007, 08:49
Cooper Brook to Lean-To good(she was SOBO)
Crawford pond outlet not a problem w/water footwear on.
East Branch Pleasant River was difficult. Water up to knees or more and moving fast. Hard to see rocks on bottom. Many blowdowns on trail.
She passed 4 hikers May 30 NOBO who ran into 4' snow drifts still on Whitecap Mt. Snow on trail after Logon Brook. West branch was knee deep
6/3--Big wilson steam proved to be fast and thigh high.
Please tell Bluemist Thank You for the conditions report, Boarstone!
walkin' wally
10-28-2007, 20:09
Signs of the beginning of another season. I was in Monson today to check my trail section. We were having snow squalls west of Shaw's and earlier in the day there was sleet south of Greenville. Very strong NW winds too.
I don't think winter is too far away. Cold today.
Any hikers out and about Wally?
walkin' wally
10-28-2007, 20:21
We did not go the whole section but we did not see anyone.
Signs of the beginning of another season. I was in Monson today to check my trail section. We were having snow squalls west of Shaw's and earlier in the day there was sleet south of Greenville. Very strong NW winds too.
I don't think winter is too far away. Cold today.
I spent the weekend with a few people from AMC's Maine Chapter at AMC's Chairback Mountain Camps. We walked to the Hay Brook Falls and the Hermitage on Saturday, but saw no one.
The purpose was to check out the camps that will open under AMC management in another year. I hadn't seen them since the AT was moved away from the area a quarter century ago.
They are a truly beautiful set of camps perched on the shore of a mostly undeveloped wild lake. For years the camps served as private compounds for a series of prosperous lawyers -- most recently Howard Simpson from Maryland, and while I was overseer of the Whitecap District, a maintainer of a section of the Gulf Hagas Loop Trail.
When I served as the Maine Chapter's representative on the planning committee for the 37,000 AMC acres I repeatedly urged that AMC consider the camps as an alternative to new construction. AMC finally saw the light and negotiated with Howard to end his lease.
A kitchen and dining area have been fixed up, but otherwise the log camps remain as they have been since being built, probably more than a century ago.
Solar collectors that power two 15 watt florescent bulbs in the dining room and kitchen are the only outward signs of change so far.
Weary
walkin' wally
10-29-2007, 18:38
Hi Weary,
I enjoyed my hike through your Barren Chairback range and I thought the difficulty was underated. There was a lot of ups and downs to say the least.:D
The AMC will have a nice location there. Can you name the lake the camps are on?
walkin' wally
02-13-2008, 11:13
We seem to getting some snow about every other day now and have been for a while.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
-Robert Frost
We seem to getting some snow about every other day now and have been for a while.
Yeah the snow is really piling up. Spent 4 hours this a.m. dealing with snow.... cleaning off knee deep snow on the roofs.... and plowing the driveway for the 14th time.
This has been a incredibly snowy winter, should make for interesting spring runoff. There is 4' of snow as of this morning in the field. More on the way I hear, the more the merrier?
Have not been on the AT lately but will be checking it out as soon as a stretch of settled weather appears.
walkin' wally
02-13-2008, 16:30
I hope to go up beyond Monson in the next week or so. I'm going to try to check out the snow depths up there.
Would be really interested in any ice thickness info you might hear upcountry.
Even 3rd hand. Careful driving! Been a ratty week.
clambelly
02-24-2008, 20:58
Wondering if you guys could reccomend a web site or an organization that I could get in touch with here in Maine, to get some information on hiking? Thanks in advance.
Wondering if you guys could reccomend a web site or an organization that I could get in touch with here in Maine, to get some information on hiking? Thanks in advance.
:welcomeclambelly, there are a slew of Maine hikers right here, what kind of information are you looking for? ask away;)
walkin' wally
02-25-2008, 17:16
Wondering if you guys could reccomend a web site or an organization that I could get in touch with here in Maine, to get some information on hiking? Thanks in advance.
Also, you might try matc.org. The Maine Appalachian Trail website.
walkin' wally
02-25-2008, 17:19
I was in Andover Maine on Saturday 23 Feb It looked like nearly 4 feet of snow on the ground. I can imagine how deep it must be in the mountains nearby.
And Woodsy gets a dose tomorrow night.
And Woodsy gets a dose tomorrow night.
Bring it on, I got out and on top of the world today, huff n puff, huff n puff,
think i got sunburned though.
Looking forward to some soft snow, this crusty crap suks.
ferryman
02-25-2008, 19:42
Any amount of planning for the winter survival months of January and February here in the deep woods of Maine, will still leave you up to your neck in snow without a shovel. Scrambling is the word that best describes trying to haul water and firewood between snowstorms when the snowbanks are already six feet tall. Did I mention how cold the temps have been hovering around lately. It's not the cold...it's the twenty below wind chill. Hope springs eternal! Getting myself ready for annual Katahdin snowshoe/ski trip in March. We stay at Daisey Pond for three nights with day ski trips in all directions especially up Sentinel Mountain. Well, then again, the weatherman is talking about 6 to 10 inches tomorrow, so maybe snorkels are an option for hitting the Big K.
Spring hiking should be pretty wet with the water table the way it is right now and all the record snowfall we have received so far...but you know having the right attitude is the best way to go. What, we are only getting about a foot of new snow tomorrow....Bring It On!, cause we already got six feet on the ground now. Steve
You have seen worse, I bet.
Ever had a tunnel, out the front door?
Have a good, safe trip. Your vehicle, too.
clambelly
02-27-2008, 09:47
Thanks everybody for the replies, Mudhead gave me the website for the state of maine parks and lands. That will get me started.
I've been looking through some of the posts on Whiteblaze, there is so much information to skim through that it makes my headache, but great website!
Thanks for the great welcome everybody..
walkin' wally
02-27-2008, 19:15
A friend of mine was up to Munsungan Lake which is north of Baxter Park. There was 7 feet of snow on their camp roof.
According to a local Maine Guide, the folks that keep track of the snowpack in the Rangeley area for the local water company have measured a total of 16feet of snow for this winter on Saddleback Mountain. That of course is without settling or losses by rain.
Both of these reports were before this latest storm.
We will have a lot of snow to get rid of this Spring.
Cookerhiker
03-19-2008, 16:44
I realize this timeframe is far from ideal but what are conditions like from East B Hill Rd. to Rt. 17 in early May? Does Mud Season render Moody Mt. and the Bemis Range more formidable? My hiking partner is working all summer 'till November so we can't hike in summer.
Attroll maintains that section or part of it so he would likely know the particulars of that section at that time of year.
At this point with 3-4 feet of snow hanging around, and up to another foot possible tonight(spring?), early May anywhere in Maine this year would likely mean some snowshoeing or else some deep postholing in places.
I maintain the section from Wyman Mountain to Hall Mountain Lean-to. It is a short section but I have to hike over a few other section to get to it.
It is hard to say what that section will be like this May.
I remember in 2006 when I first took over that section I hiked from the base of Moody coming in from a old logging road and tried to get to Hall Mountain Lean-to and hit a sport I could not pass. Well it was passable but I was post holing up to my waist in spots and that got old after doing it for some time.
Last year in 2007 I went in to do trail maintenance in June and it was so bad that I have to go in a few weeks later with a chain saw. There was still a few spots of snow on the ground then. I did not even attempt to try to do my maintenance in May last year.
Like Woodsy said we still have 3 to 4 feet of snow in the mountains here right now and they are getting 6 more inches before the end of the week. It has been a good winter here for us snowmobilers. In that respect it is going to be a bad start I think for some early southbounders.
If I had to guess right now I would say that there is still going to be a bunch of snow in the Andover area in the mountains in May. I could be wrong though but that is my outlook. It all depends on how soon it start warming up here and in the mountains.
Sorry I hate to disappoint you. The best bet would be to check back in about a month and ask either me or Woodsy what it looks like then.
Here is a picture from my back yard. I dug a hole down to my fire pit this last weekend and around it enough to put two lawn chairs in it. An the wife and I sat around the fire one night. The hole was 2 1/2 feet deep.
warraghiyagey
03-20-2008, 01:59
I was one of the first beneficiaries of Troll's maintenance last June. He does a great job. Of course he has a beautiful office to work in.:sun
I was one of the first beneficiaries of Troll's maintenance last June. He does a great job. Of course he has a beautiful office to work in.:sun
Why thank you. I hope I don't have to do as much work this year as I did last year. I was in ther for hours cutting blow downs accross the trail that were over three feet round all my myself.
notorius tic
03-20-2008, 06:18
Niner is now working at northern outdoors an has been sending pics via cell phone as of last week he did a small section from sugarloaf down and had Snowshoes on drift at the lodge was about 4feet the hot tub was full an there were no tennis courts..
Cookerhiker
03-20-2008, 09:16
I maintain the section from Wyman Mountain to Hall Mountain Lean-to. It is a short section but I have to hike over a few other section to get to it.
It is hard to say what that section will be like this May.
I remember in 2006 when I first took over that section I hiked from the base of Moody coming in from a old logging road and tried to get to Hall Mountain Lean-to and hit a sport I could not pass. Well it was passable but I was post holing up to my waist in spots and that got old after doing it for some time.
Last year in 2007 I went in to do trail maintenance in June and it was so bad that I have to go in a few weeks later with a chain saw. There was still a few spots of snow on the ground then. I did not even attempt to try to do my maintenance in May last year.
Like Woodsy said we still have 3 to 4 feet of snow in the mountains here right now and they are getting 6 more inches before the end of the week. It has been a good winter here for us snowmobilers. In that respect it is going to be a bad start I think for some early southbounders.
If I had to guess right now I would say that there is still going to be a bunch of snow in the Andover area in the mountains in May. I could be wrong though but that is my outlook. It all depends on how soon it start warming up here and in the mountains.
Sorry I hate to disappoint you. The best bet would be to check back in about a month and ask either me or Woodsy what it looks like then.
Here is a picture from my back yard. I dug a hole down to my fire pit this last weekend and around it enough to put two lawn chairs in it. An the wife and I sat around the fire one night. The hole was 2 1/2 feet deep.
Thanks for your response Rick. The early May timeframe is a given for us but we can decide go/no go at virtually the last minute so I'll check again in late April.
I realize this timeframe is far from ideal but what are conditions like from East B Hill Rd. to Rt. 17 in early May? Does Mud Season render Moody Mt. and the Bemis Range more formidable? My hiking partner is working all summer 'till November so we can't hike in summer.
In my experience you should expect significant patches of snow through May.
You'll be pleasantly surprised sometimes -- but that seems very unlikely this year. But one never knows what April will bring. The howling wind outside my house on the coast today, doesn't provide reasons for optimism.
Weary
Progress in melting snow report.
Rivers and streams have been running hard last couple days with temps inland hitting the 70s. Skip spring temps, advance to summer temps:rolleyes:
National snow analysis (http://www.nohrsc.nws.gov/nsa/index.html?region=Northeast&year=2008&month=4&day=19&units=e)showing signs of snowpack decline in central ME areas but still a long ways to go in the mountainous regions with depths of 20-60 inches being common.
Mud conditions anyone? got mud yet? Brownville come in, come in Brownville!
I killed my first mosquito yesterday...
dessertrat
04-19-2008, 13:00
Well, at least you won't have to worry about water sources.
Yes I had some black flies out here yesterday too.
I killed my first mosquito yesterday...
Yes I had some black flies out here yesterday too.
You two are sniffing glue.
walkin' wally
04-19-2008, 21:40
I just got back from my ATC chainsaw recert. in Bradford Maine today. There was about 2 feet of snow in the woods in places with bare ground in others. It was hard going with wet snow deep puddles to deal with.
On another note I was talking with the MATC trail overseer for the Katahdin district today and he said it could go all the way to June before the Hunt Trail on Katahdin is clear of snow. It was late last year and there is more snow this year.
Yes there were mosquitos in the woods today. I wasn't huffing any glue either:D
Snow has virtuLLY DISAPPEARED ALONG THE COAST. I spent today burning piles of brush I had cut last fall to preserve my view of the shore. I'm exhausted.
But snow persists just a few miles inland. We've had a warm week, and the forecast calls for more of the same next week. Nature changes rapidly in Maine. Early southbounders should expect deep snow at least through June 1, maybe June 15. But no one can be sure about Maine weather.
Weary
Snow has virtuLLY DISAPPEARED ALONG THE COAST. I spent today burning piles of brush I had cut last fall to preserve my view of the shore. I'm exhausted.
Weary
Must-ah bean sum fai-ah!:-?
You two are sniffing glue.
Sorry to say I was not sniffing glue. We really had some here at the house yesterday evening. They were not out tonight though. The temps were a little cooler, that could be why.
Still to early to tell . Have to wait and see. Could have 5 more feet of snow in May or could get 2 weeks of rain and melt away all snow except for normal drift areas by May 15.
boarstone
04-20-2008, 09:06
So far the snow is melting slowly, the river is up and flowing hard but not anything unusual for this time of year. As long as the rain holds off there should be a good melt w/o any flooding issues. The snow trails are breaking up in K.I. and Jo-Mary but very slowly. The road into the AT connector in Jo-Mary was plowed all winter due to logging conditions. It is at present the typical mud road so most of us are staying off it until it's drier. ( the logging company thanks us) K.I. will have new logging operations ongoing this spring on the road to Greenville/B Pond. Will get updates as needed. We had a 80 degree day here one day last week. We are still getting 50-60 during the day and above freezing at night so snow melt is 24/7. Spring is coming!:D
Real time flow data (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ME/nwis/current/?type=flow) for rivers in the Kennebec and Penobscot River basins.
Anyone daring to venture out where fording is expected in the next month or two should bookmark the link for future reference.
dessertrat
04-20-2008, 16:30
Real time flow data (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ME/nwis/current/?type=flow) for rivers in the Kennebec and Penobscot River basins.
Anyone daring to venture out where fording is expected in the next month or two should bookmark the link for future reference.
And should keep their insurance premiums paid up.
And should keep their insurance premiums paid up.
And said insurance policys payable to woodsy only.
walkin' wally
04-26-2008, 19:14
Just an update on snow conditions north and west of Baxter Park boundaries. At Munsungan Lake the is stilll 2 feet of snow in the woods around the lake. Needless to say the lake is still frozen.
At Ross Lake far to the NW. The logging roads that were not plowed this winter are still snow covered and the is no easy access to that lake right now. What was plowed is muddy in that area.
The good news is the gravel roads in the Telos Lake area to Ripogenus Dam are being graded. So they are dry. This area is due west of Baxter Park.
walkin' wally
04-26-2008, 19:22
Two days ago in the upper main street area of my town in south central Maine we had a ground fire that burned a few acres around a housing development. It has been dry this spring so far. The local fire department responded and were there several hours. After the crew subdued the blaze the firefighters noticed their bunker gear was covered with ticks. I mean a lot of ticks according to the asst. chief.
So those little critters are out and about too. It might be a good idea to be alert for them.
Also, mountain streams and rivers continue to run fast and white, as in whitewater.....
Theres plenty of snow to melt still in the higher and dark side elevations.
A recent post from a peak bagger on another site says he hiked in the area just east of the height of land(RT 17) in the tumbledown range (3,000' el.)and snowshoes were needed in many areas.
Another story of hiker(s) driving into the Sugarloaf-Crockers area on dirt/snow road led to hopelessly trying to get vehicle unstuck 5 miles from paved road. No hiking achieved other than road walking, vehicle may stay stuck for weeks.???? You can read the entire adventure here (http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/index-vftt.html)
at views from the top, click on forums then click on trip reports, title: Notes collected while hiking(hitch)in maine.....good reading
_terrapin_
04-27-2008, 13:38
Two, three weeks ago there was still plenty of snow on the ground in Bethel, ME. Somewhere between then and yesterday it disappeared. The slopes at Sunday River have lots of rocks and grass showing. In fact, today is the last day of their season. (Skiing was great yesterday, though.)
Not a good time to be hiking around here
Kennebec video cam in Augusta (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/me/nwis/uv?dd_cd=01&format=gif&period=7&site_no=01049320) with gage height graph below picture shows dramatic spike in flow over the past 24 hrs. With 3-4 inches of rain on top of mountain snowpack, its water water everywhere.
Even smaller streams along the trail could stop any forward progress.
Flood warnings/alerts out for many areas.
Good news is we're getting rid of some of that snow in the mountains!
it snowed in the mountains last night too on top of all the rain... I'll update you on how the carrabasset is running later cuz I'm off to kayak it... have fun
http://www.adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=14587176&ps=931&cat=&cps=0&lang=en
This is way north, but not a piddly bridge.
Good drying wind today, will take a while for gravity to do it's thing.
I saw an article earlier, the link of which I copied to post here and lost due to connectivity issues and already can't find again. What Mainers have been telling people from away is not hooey. They know what there're talking about regarding snow-pack and snow-melt, listen.
I saw an article earlier, the link of which I copied to post here and lost due to connectivity issues and already can't find again. What Mainers have been telling people from away is not hooey. They know what there're talking about regarding snow-pack and snow-melt, listen.
The floods you see reported are not good news for the people living down stream, but they are good news for those who are looking for the earliest possible south bound start.
The more the snow melts and floods, the less will be around for those heading south.
Weary
It reappeared again where I saw it earlier. Click here (http://channels.attbusiness.net/index.cfm?fuseAction=viewNewsArticle&nav_id=33&category_name=National&article_id=c244d080617e096f13d28a4fdf82b8d9).
walkin' wally
04-30-2008, 21:13
People who live along the St. John river in Fort Kent were saying on the news today that this was the worst flooding they had ever seen. The St. John river was supposed to rise another 2 1/2 feet by this evening.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/me/nwis/rt
If you put your cursor on the dot, it will light up the location. Click and it will give you data.
Pile of water headed to the ocean. The river upstream from Fort Kent is pretty excited! Wonder what the plan is if the bridge gets taken out?
Bunch of pretty pragmatic types up there. Probably have four plans.
Heard Saddleback Mtn. got six inches of snow, on the backside of the rain. Last night about 1AM the Weather Channel had a large swath of white in that part of the state.
Had about enough winter. Even on TV.
walkin' wally
04-30-2008, 21:34
I took a trip up north today to check on my trail maintenance section. I could not go any distance on the Bray road leading west from Monson as it was too soft with the rain and frost situation. No sense in getting the truck mired on it's frame again. I can imagine what some of the logging roads are like in the 100 mile wilderness.
I went to the Rt 15 AT crossing 4 miles north of Monson and went northbound to the outlet of Spectacle pond. Goodell brook was quite wide and about 2 to 3 feet deep and was just roaring over the rocks downstream. This is normally an easy ford of less than a foot deep. The wind had blown snow on the AT from the pond surface over the winter and those drifts were more than 6 feet deep still in places along the west bank. there was no snow bridge over the brook like the was last year. The ponds are still frozen in this area.
A new sign has been installed telling about the difficulty of hiking the 100 mile wilderness. This sign was mounted on a post a ways downhill from the Rt 15 crossing, hopefully to discourage theft.
About 4 inches of fresh snow up there this morning as colder air chased out the rain. The White Cap-Gulf Hagas Mtn range and Barren Chairback ranges were all white.
warraghiyagey
04-30-2008, 21:47
Thanks Wally. Great update. :sun
boarstone
04-30-2008, 23:27
I was into K.I. today, the road is washed out going in for a mile or more down both sides 1/4 miles at a time, culverts out, ponds full, Blood brook and pleasant river out of silver lake were up to the bridge at K.I. gate. Jo-Mary is not passable, wash outs all along Rt. 11 to Millinocket, culvert being replaced this afternoon on that stretch just above Jo-Mary gate. I made it into K.I. to the gate but only because of 4WD, one place the whole section of road was gone straight across the road and only the rock roadbed was left. Will be the rest of the week getting repaired.:( The Pleasant river runs behind my house w/only 2 sets of train tracks seperating us...the railroad has the cars parked on it to keep the tracks down in case of over-the-bank flooding...don't think it will happen now, but it is running full bank level...it's dropping slowly...
Tonights news cast (4/30/08) said there is widespread flooding throughout Maine and especially Northern Maine. Fort Kent (Northern tip of state) getting drowned as St John River goes 6 feet over flood stage. I bet the AT up in Maine is gonna be pretty darn wet for a while!
DavidNH
Thanks for the KI update. I have always wanted to get in there when the water is up, but am a sissy for dirt roads. Maybe even asphalt this week!
Jan LiteShoe
05-01-2008, 14:34
Maine River Crests After Record High
Area Sees Worst Flooding In 100 Years
POSTED: 8:52 am EDT May 1, 2008
UPDATED: 12:33 pm EDT May 1, 2008
[ (http://www.newsvine.com/_tools/seed?popoff=0&u=http://www.cbs46.com/news/16104475/detail.html)
FORT KENT, Maine -- In northern Maine, some are expressing relief while others are assessing the damage now that the St. John River has started to recede. Rain and melting snow pushed the river to a record crest of 30 feet. That's about 5 feet above flood stage. About 600 people were forced out of their homes in the town of Fort Kent amid the area's worst flooding in more than a century. However, the water did not top a levee protecting the town, which is at the Canadian border.A bridge leading into Canada also held up. The police chief said had it fallen, it would have choked the river and created more severe flooding in the tow...
http://www.cbs46.com/news/16104475/detail.html
The White Cap-Gulf Hagas Mtn range and Barren Chairback ranges were all white.
Sure wish you had a picture to post for us, but I still enjoyed your report without it.:)
walkin' wally
05-01-2008, 20:12
Sure wish you had picture to post for us, but I still enjoyed your report without it.:)
I would really like to know how to post pictures (links) in with the text like Woodsy did with his Bald Mtn hike this winter. That was neat. Attroll told me how to but I forgot. I'm not the best hand with a computer. Especially with links. :confused:
Same here. I have looked for info on the home page, and someone described doing it with an online "share" site, but that confuses me.
A sticky with instructions would be cool. (Old person instructions, not 15yr old.)
warraghiyagey
05-01-2008, 21:04
I would really like to know how to post pictures (links) in with the text like Woodsy did with his Bald Mtn hike this winter. That was neat. Attroll told me how to but I forgot. I'm not the best hand with a computer. Especially with links. :confused:
That's cuz Woodsy is a genius.:sun
I would really like to know how to post pictures (links) in with the text like Woodsy did with his Bald Mtn hike this winter. That was neat. Attroll told me how to but I forgot. I'm not the best hand with a computer. Especially with links. :confused:
Some forums do not allow images. This one does (now).
When you are in the screen where you type your reply you will see the icons above the box that you are currently typing in. One of those icons is a "insert Image" icon. If you cursor over that icon it should tell you that. Once you click on it then it will bring up another box asking you for the web address where you picture is. Then you type in the address where you picture is located on the web. Hence you have to have to picture posted someplace out on the web.
Boarstone put some good high water pictures in the gallery.
walkin' wally
05-05-2008, 17:21
Nice pics Boarstone :)
I'll bet it was quite a sight at the AT crossing on the West Branch of the Pleasant River.
This is a little late, but pertinent at least to how things were:
http://www.crownofmaine.com/stories/moose-stuck-in-snow/
Things have gotten better since easter. But keep checking as June approaches.
Weary
Found this about Maine conditions: Last week but.....
Bemis Mt. Peaks 1 and 2 and beyond via AT
Date: May 10
Conditions: dry below 2,200 feet. Snow above that level, except in areas that get lots of sun. Depths up to 2 feet plus, particularly in the col between Peak 1 and 2. Water from the melting snow was rushing down the trail in spots with deep ponds in the low points. Upper ledges were all snow free.
Special Equipment Required: Waterproof boots and high gaiters. I wore low gaiters, which were not sufficient for the deep postholing and bushwhacking around the aforementioned ponds http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif
Comments: Definitely a struggle on this hike due to the conditions. Went down into the col between second and third peak and decided to turn around. The snow was a bit deeper than expected, given that the elevation did not exceed 2,923 feet. Aside from that, the weather was great and the views were fantastic. I love this hike! Also did a minor bushwhack west and northwest of the Peak 2 summit and found great views and some abandoned orange trail blazes on rocks http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif .
dessertrat
05-18-2008, 13:05
This is a little late, but pertinent at least to how things were:
http://www.crownofmaine.com/stories/moose-stuck-in-snow/
Things have gotten better since easter. But keep checking as June approaches.
Weary
It's a shame for that particular moose, but that is the way of nature, I guess.
walkin' wally
05-19-2008, 18:19
Maybe this will be the last update on this past winter's snow conditions.
Ski Maine reports that Saddleback Mtn. got 275 inches of natural snowfall which set an all time record for them. Sugarloaf got 224 inches of natural snow and the ski areas in Mars Hill, Bridgton, and Fort Kent recieved over 200 inches each. Also in the Baxter Park thread 2008 Chimney Pond campsite had 80 inches of snow remaining as of mid April. It was quite a winter.
walkin' wally
05-19-2008, 18:43
The East Outlet dam of Moosehead Lake still has very high flow rates as of last week. A flow rate of 9,600 cubic feet per second was measured from the dam.An "average" normal flow is 1500 CFS.
Moosehead Lake behind the dam saw a dramatic rise in level of 7/10ths of a foot in just one 24 hour period. This can be put in perspective when realizing that the area of the lake is just under 75,000 surface acres at "Full Pond." Dimension wise the lake measures about 35 miles long by 15 miles wide with a highly irregular shoreline.
The average snow pack this year was 137 inches in that area this winter. That is well the average of 100 inches.
With those numbers, the lake volume increased about 50,000 acre feet of water, or about 16,650,000,000 gallons of water in 24 hours.(You science types just let me use my fudge numbers.)
Guess she do drain a large area!
Are the woods dry upcountry like they are on the coast? We just had .5" of rain, but it sponged in.
boarstone
05-31-2008, 18:37
I just finished this section today. Alot of blow downs(some huge) and of course they were all across the trail. Mosquitos, mosquitos, mosquitos, head nets, head nets, head nets. Only met 2 northbounders sectioning from Monson. Until this rain today, all stream crossing were rock hoppers. About a hour or so in from the Nahmakanta end, the cedar swamp is ALL roots. Spring wash out raised the devil in there washing out under the roots. Erosion along the trail as it skirts the stream is evident, (bank wash)if it continues will wash this part of the trail away and rerouting will have to be done. As usual most of the woods is very wet, any low lying area with all kinds of deep black muck mud. FYI-I got a good cell signal from Antlers campsite if anyone is interested. A lot of the log bridges servicing steams have been floated to other places at their crossings from earlier high water.
Ah the Mosquitos......after a long day of rain they were out in force today.
boarstone
06-01-2008, 06:27
I wanted to take pictures of the damage of the trail but w/the pouring rain that wasn't going to happen....
Uncle Tom
06-02-2008, 09:05
I did the Grafton Loop last (Memorial day) weekend. Dryer down low, snow still in the woods up high, especially over 3500 feet. There was a 1/4 mile section on the AT from Speck Pond to East Baldpate where the trail had packed snow on it that was three feet deep in places. Where the snow was melting, we were walking in really wet places. The last day ( Monday) the black flies were really bad, as there was humidity and heat. I had to resort to repellant after I tired of swallowing and choking on them and having them fly into my eyeballs. I really recommend the Grafton Loop trail, but you need to take more than two days to hike it all. We put in at 10:30 am day one and walked the whole circuit and made it back at 1:30 pm two days later. It was over 40 miles.
walkin' wally
06-08-2008, 21:09
Just finished clearing blowdowns in my section west of Monson. The bugs were not as bad as I thought they would be as long as I kept on moving. The problems were more with mosquitoes than black flies. We seem to be getting into a dry spell now so maybe that will hold the bug population down a bit.
I tried to go swimming today in a large northern lake but I didn't succede. Man was that water cold. The ice has only been out about a month. I drove south to Greenville just north of Monson and there were a bunch of local kids jumping off the town dock. With the winter they had the water probably felt like 80 degrees. For the Sobos that have to ford streams in the 100 mile wilderness, well, better thee than me. :D
I did meet a Sobo hiking along my section. She was from Bavaria, Germany she said and did a Nobo last year. She said there were still patches of snow on Katahdin and Whitecap in the undergrowth but summitted both with no problem.
That would be Alpine Stider who has a trail journal. She started June 1st and was in Monson by the 6th...
orangebug
06-08-2008, 22:51
I doubt Almost There and I will catch up to her, then. We leave June 10. Our schedule is to take our own sweet time and see how things go.
walkin' wally
06-09-2008, 11:06
That would be Alpine Stider who has a trail journal. She started June 1st and was in Monson by the 6th...
You're right. That was her name. She stopped to share some hiking experiences and give me some tips for my 2010 nobo hike. She is a very nice person.
She also mentioned that the last section (south end) of the 100 mile wilderness is in tough shape. Lots of blowdowns and in-growth. That's two sections north of mine.
Thanks for the blowdown report.
You guys headed to Maine this week, you have a charming airmass due in Thursday. Elegant. Wicked nice. And all that.
The bugs should be ready for you...
boarstone
06-10-2008, 06:23
I forgot to mention, an LLBean crew were up at Cooper Brook last weekend for trail maintenance, not very talkative so don't know which direction they were going to be working.
walkin' wally
06-10-2008, 08:07
I forgot to mention, an LLBean crew were up at Cooper Brook last weekend for trail maintenance, not very talkative so don't know which direction they were going to be working.
They have a strong crew. Have you met the lady from Kokadjo who works with them?
Several directors of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust summitted 4,050-foot Abraham on Saturday to begin research on background information needed to protect our easement on the mountain.
They found no significant snow, which is good news for south bounders.
Weary
boarstone
06-11-2008, 06:28
They have a strong crew. Have you met the lady from Kokadjo who works with them?
Haven't met any of them,....like I said, not very talkative as in "leave us alone" attitude...
warraghiyagey
06-11-2008, 10:49
100 MILE. I CAN'T WAIT. Eleventy more frickin days.:sun:banana:banana
naturejunkie
06-11-2008, 12:10
100 MILE. I CAN'T WAIT. Eleventy more frickin days.:sun:banana:banana
I thought you were heading out ahead of me. Hell, you'll probably catch up by Monson. Cheers!
orangebug
06-11-2008, 15:54
just off mt k today. Yesterday was blazing hot as we dealt with the rock climbs then clouded up in time for AT and to summit. Took the usual pictures. Went down into hail wind and other nastiness. Got caught after dark without headlamp and lost trail. I slept, so to speak, next to a rock and tree as the skies totally opened up. Got up at 4:30 and found the katahdin stream falls privy and made my way back. I was very wet and cold.
On the summit I got cell signal and learned my mother's death. I've headed off back to millinocket and get home tomorrow night. The weather is gorgeous now. Nice breezes. I was not impressed with the blackflies - more like noseeims. Mosquitos are a problem if you aren't moving.
Certainly not my best trip.
Lone Wolf
06-11-2008, 15:57
very sorry to hear about mom
Doughnut
06-11-2008, 17:11
Orangebug,
My sincerest condolences.
my deepest condolences orangebug.
TJ aka Teej
06-12-2008, 09:52
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, OB.
- Teej and family
bigcranky
06-12-2008, 09:55
Orangebug,
Please accept my condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
--Ken and family
Warrighiyagey and Naturejunkie, you'll both be ahead of me, and I'm sure I'll never catch up, so have a great hike. SOBO July 1....
OB, the at-l is saddened by your recent "bad trip". We wish you safety and comfort in your travel and your new tasks back home. Peace. sloetoe
Sorry to hear your hike was clouded by some sad news. :(
boarstone
06-13-2008, 06:22
Orangebug: FYI--Per out conversation--Sent out your resupply yesterday via parcel post, we don't have UPS pick-up station here anymore. Thinking of you and your family...
peakbagger
06-14-2008, 19:54
On the radio this moning 6/14, there was a story that Chimney Pond Campground was opening this weekend at BSP. The opening was delayed three weeks because of snow. I was in an area with bad radio reception but I believe they mentioned that the saddle trail was still closed.
TV news said the Saddle Trail was still closed.
That area gets alot of snow "pile up," probably some from the Tableland.
Went and did trail maintenance today on my section of the trail in Andover Maine and the weather was great. All snow is gone. The bugs were not that bad. Ran into two south-bounders while doing maintenance, Neptune and later in the day ran into Alpine Strider.
walkin' wally
06-15-2008, 22:10
I had an outing just north of Monson this past weekend. The mosquitos, black flies and no see ums were pretty bad. We are also seeing some of the larger biting flies like deer and moose flies. They were all out in force the last few days.
TJ aka Teej
06-16-2008, 22:04
Katahdin from the extremely buggy summit of South Turner on 6/5 http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25587
Captain- The Hamlin Trail is the open ridgeline about under the "U" in the word "Upload."
It is a fine trail. Nice photo TJ.
walkin' wally
06-17-2008, 22:06
Nice pic Teej. Some leftover snow from the winter that did not want to end.:D
The Katahdin image has been my Windows desktop background since shortly after I saw it not long after it was posted.
TJ aka Teej
06-18-2008, 15:43
Thanks for the kind words about the photo, was just lucky to be on top of a mountain on a clear day. You can really pick out all the trails heading up from this side, and if you click on it and get the big version, you can see Chimney Peak peaking out from behind Pamola to the left of Baxter Peak.
orangebug
06-19-2008, 11:53
Dave called me a few minutes ago. He sounds like he did in his knees last week doing a 22 mile day into Whitehouse Landing and fell. Since then, RAIN!
He says the streams are at least 2 feet above usual, with cables underwater and regular waist deep fords. Folks struggle to find alternative crossing points (railroad tracks or whatever). Bugs aren't so bad with the rain.
His original plan was to complete Maine in a little over 3-4 weeks, realizing now that was entirely unlikely.
"Maine is nothing but roots and rivers! All the SOBOs hate Maine!"
I'd suggest waiting a couple of weeks for winter and rain runoff to settle down.
warraghiyagey
06-19-2008, 11:56
Au contraire, SOBO's love Maine.:sun:sun:sun
orangebug
06-19-2008, 12:14
I'm just reporting what he said from the current crop near Monson.
Tis true water is running high and fast, especially in the past week or so.
Stream flow data (http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/?m=real&w=map&r=me)
Kennebec is running at an impressive 17,000cfs(cubic feet per second) in the forks.!!!
cursor over area of interest on map
Lone Wolf
06-19-2008, 12:37
was the same 10 years ago when i went SOBO. there was no sniveling though
orangebug
06-19-2008, 13:13
Yeh, 10 years ago no one bitched about the roots, rivers and rain, much less the bugs.
How were the saber tooth tigers?
Heavy rains in recent days have forced a temporary shutdown, according to the ferry contractor:
"Hi Folks,
"The Kennebec River at the AT crossing in Caratunk is currently running at over 21,000 [YES, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND] cubic feet per second. This is the kind of flow that we expect in April, not June! At this water level it is not safe to try to cross the river in a canoe.
"As a result, we are temporarily suspending Ferry Service until the water comes back down to a safe level. This could be tomorrow, or it could be next week, there is just no way to tell right now.
"There will be someone on duty at the crossing every day durring regular ferry hours [9am to 11am] to let hikers know what's going on.
"I have already made phone calls to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps, Shaw's [Monson], Northern Outdoors [The Forks], and Horns Pond, informing them of the situation, so hopefully word will reach the hikers.
"We will resume the Ferry Service as soon as the water level is safe.
"Please pass the word on to anyone who you think should know.
"Thank you."
Dave
David P. Corrigan
Registered Maine Master Guide
Fletcher Mountain Outfitters
82 Little Houston Brook Road
Concord Twp., Maine 04920
207-672-4879
maineguide@live.com
boarstone
06-19-2008, 14:14
:eek: We had a what the weather service refered to as a "super cell thunder storm" rage thru dover/guilford/parkman line and dropped 2-3" of rain REAL fast! The river out my back door is up and running full but we(meaning Brownville) didn't get a drop,it stayed north of us...so the rivers/streams up on the AT thru the "100 miler" will be running high for another day or two...
Heavy rains in recent days have forced a temporary shutdown, according to the ferry contractor:
"Hi Folks,
"The Kennebec River at the AT crossing in Caratunk is currently running at over 21,000 [YES, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND] cubic feet per second. This is the kind of flow that we expect in April, not June! At this water level it is not safe to try to cross the river in a canoe.
"As a result, we are temporarily suspending Ferry Service until the water comes back down to a safe level. This could be tomorrow, or it could be next week, there is just no way to tell right now.
"There will be someone on duty at the crossing every day durring regular ferry hours [9am to 11am] to let hikers know what's going on.
"I have already made phone calls to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps, Shaw's [Monson], Northern Outdoors [The Forks], and Horns Pond, informing them of the situation, so hopefully word will reach the hikers.
"We will resume the Ferry Service as soon as the water level is safe.
"Please pass the word on to anyone who you think should know.
"Thank you."
Dave
David P. Corrigan
Registered Maine Master Guide
Fletcher Mountain Outfitters
82 Little Houston Brook Road
Concord Twp., Maine 04920
207-672-4879
maineguide@live.com
without searching too hard what are the alternatives????
Lone Wolf
06-19-2008, 14:21
get a shuttle to harrison's camps
get a shuttle to harrison's camps
on one of those everglades boats:-?
Lone Wolf
06-19-2008, 14:25
on one of those everglades boats:-?
no, you go down river, cross the bridge and proceed to harrison's to get the trail
minda telling me how far that bridge is down river off the top of your head...i appreciate the info
minda telling me how far that bridge is down river off the top of your head...i appreciate the info
I think the nearest bridge is around 15 miles downstream at the towns of Bingham-Moscow.
Weary
If it stops raining, the river should come down to safe ferry levels within a few days to a week.
This would be a good time for the Kennebec pro-fording proponents to come up here and show us all how its done. I'd be more than happy to show up and video tape the adventure. Its fun and safe would be the
title of said flick.!:rolleyes::D
this guy could ford the river now
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:24czWJloGehpXM:http://rhythmlabonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/gadget.jpg
Is that what WD looks like?
i suppose you could be on to something..if his he has a duaghter named penny and a dog named brain you better watch out for his go go doyle life-vest
forget about it. I should have known better than to wake up this badly beaten horse.
Lone Wolf
06-19-2008, 21:28
Anyone? Its only 20'00CFS at Carratunk and its summertime too! Piece of cake, walk in the park, only over yer head deep.! C'mon, wheres yer balls macho men? ...........:)
in your mouth?
Lone Wolf
06-19-2008, 21:29
i suppose you could be on to something..if his he has a duaghter named penny and a dog named brain you better watch out for his go go doyle life-vest
that's dave horton and a kid i don't know
Anyone? Its only 20'00CFS at Carratunk and its summertime too! Piece of cake, walk in the park, only over yer head deep.! C'mon, wheres yer balls macho men? ...........:)
Brenda. Can you reasd this?
Anyone been in to the backside of Sugarloaf, where you cross the Carrabassett?
Should be lively, water wise. It drops quick, so don't anyone panic, just curious.
warren doyle
06-20-2008, 11:33
that's dave horton and a kid i don't know
I took that picture (in Rockfish Gap) of David Horton and Sam Swisher-McClure, a 19-y.o. Middlebury College sophomore who was going to attempt to break David's AT endurance record during the summer of 1998. Sam made it up to Pine Grove Furnace in 24 days (4 days ahead of David's record-setting hike) before hurting the bottom of his foot just south of Duncannon. Sam was an amazing young man who I was privileged to mentor and to drive support for during his record attempt.
I don't think anyone has duplicated his 3 days to get from Springer to Fontana Dam and 5 days to get from Springer to Lemon Gap north of Max Patch.
As to the Kennebec conditions, I would not ford it now because it is currently unsafe.
My simple point of contention was to challenge those people who say that the Kennebec is unsafe to cross at any time which, in my actual experience of safely fording the Kennebec at least two dozen times, is a falsehood.
notorius tic
06-20-2008, 12:28
It is not passable its over its banks just got pictures from NINER he is a white water raft guide from Northern Outdoors.. There a about to run it today its at 15000 cfs.. No fordgeing today or shuttle by canoe or plane.. Wish I could post the pics >: Big MOMMA is blowing out side ways ..
notorius tic
06-20-2008, 12:33
Got go 15 miles down to Bingham at highway 16 an then back 15 back..
TJ aka Teej
06-20-2008, 12:59
my actual experience of safely fording the Kennebec at least two dozen times, is a falsehood.
:rolleyes:
walkin' wally
06-20-2008, 13:13
minda telling me how far that bridge is down river off the top of your head...i appreciate the info
I don't have the exact mileage but a hiker will need a ride south to Bingham on Rt 201 then cross the Kennebec there on the "Concord Bridge" and head north alongside Wyman Lake which is the Kennebec River there.
This is not an accurate number but it would be approx. 30 miles total. The road south from Caratunk along the river is quite winding so it isn't easy to say. Maybe 15 miles South to Bingham and 15 miles North to Pierce Pond.
The folks running the canoe service this year will know better on the distances. They may have a contact number near the shelters or know about shuttle service or shuttles.
notorius tic
06-20-2008, 13:28
Walking Wally you are correct on the roads an the distances PS(LETS ALL PRAY FOR NINER HE IS A SICK SICK PUPPY) LOL HE WILL BE OK OUT THERE "NORTHERN RAFT GUIDES" SHOOTING THE RIDE AN WILL POST IT ON YOU TUBE TONIGHT<::::::::::::::::
:rolleyes:
That ain't ten characters -- it's just 1 -- doin' an eye-roll.
So anyways, some progress is being made with water flow reductions in streams and rivers but the mighty Kennebec is still very high with 15,000 CFS rate in the Forks this AM. Other rivers like the Carrabassett are down by half of what they were at peak flow a couple days ago.
I wouldn't be surprised if many hikers passing through Maine found themselves at unfordable streams and rivers besides the Kennebec over the last week and either waited it out or turned back.
Real time water flow info (http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/?m=real&w=map&r=me)
katagious
06-21-2008, 09:06
I wouldn't be surprised if many hikers passing through Maine found themselves at unfordable streams and rivers over the last week and either waited it out or turned back.
Real time water flow info (http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/?m=real&w=map&r=me)
How many hikers are in that area at the moment?
How many hikers are in that area at the moment?
I dunno, on a brighter note, weather (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=GYX&llon=-70.644583&rlon=-69.822083&tlat=45.075417&blat=44.255417&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=69&map.y=26) is looking somewhat better for the next week for the high peaks and surrounding region.
katagious
06-21-2008, 10:09
I dunno, on a brighter note, weather (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=GYX&llon=-70.644583&rlon=-69.822083&tlat=45.075417&blat=44.255417&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=69&map.y=26) is looking somewhat better for the next week for the high peaks and surrounding region.
Yes it is! In fact, it is so nice out this morning that I'm tempted to call my son (who hiked last year) and see if he wants to ride up and take a look. maybe we'll have a little cookout.. :sun If the weather holds!
boarstone
06-21-2008, 13:31
Pleasant river is down to normal...
woo hoo! one week till I leave, 9 days to Katahdin!
_terrapin_
06-21-2008, 14:54
woo hoo! one week till I leave, 9 days to Katahdin!
You know, I'm jealous. When I was in your position, I didn't have an Internet forum to post "woo hoo!" to. ;) All I could do was repeat it to my family and friends, who of course had tired of hearing about it months earlier.
19 days for me!! Katahdin here I come. Yoo Hoo!!!!
Pleasant river is down to normal...
Thanks. Hows bugs?
Right now the bugs are not bad at all in the central part of Maine. The weather has remained cool with all the rain we have been getting. I suspect that the heat is on the way in though. That means the bugs will start coming out.
boarstone
06-23-2008, 07:06
Blackflies in my area are light, but the mosquitos make you think your in the jungle, it's been a week of rain here, today is no different, cloudy,humid, showers/T-Stm's....:(
Took a hike into Pierce Pond (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25801) this week and did some blueblazing along Pierce Pond Stream. (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25802)
Last time through here I bypassed some of the scenic blueblaze trails and wanted to check them out.
Bugs were not too bad with a little 30% deet repellent.
Plenty of water everywhere and the stream was roaring (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25803).
SOBO hikers at the Pond said the Canoe Ferry was down for 4 days during the high water event but is up and running now.
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 13:50
Pierce Pond is one of the best spots on the AT. And Pierce Pond shelter gets my vote for the best-sited shelter on the AT. Unless they've moved it or something since then...
walkin' wally
06-28-2008, 17:08
The only plans for the Pierce Pond shelter area is a possible replacement of the privy this summer. The MATC overseer for that section is trying to organize a work trip.
Go swimming?
Looks like that might be a tad cold for me.
Go swimming?
Looks like that might be a tad cold for me.
Almost went swimming, not by choice though. The outlet is unbridged and running fast. The custom made Beaver staff I found along the trail saved me.
One of the hikers at the shelter jumped in for a few minutes, said it was his best swim yet.
Spent a good part of the day exploring off the beaten path about a mile below the pond down in the Gorge. There are a few more pics in my gallery of some scenes in the Gorge. The stream has gotta be a couple hundred feet or more below the rim in places. Steep...
ME Conditions
Mud, lots of mud, black goo. Gonna be awhile before this trail dries out, if it even gets a chance to.
No shortage of water sources though
Its getting busy out there. A number of camp groups passing through.
modiyooch
07-19-2008, 13:32
ME Conditions
Mud, lots of mud, black goo. Gonna be awhile before this trail dries out, if it even gets a chance to.
No shortage of water sources though
Its getting busy out there. A number of camp groups passing through.
hey woodsy, exactly which part of maine are you referring? Thanks, I'm headed that way very very soon.
_terrapin_
07-19-2008, 13:53
hey woodsy, exactly which part of maine are you referring? Thanks, I'm headed that way very very soon.
Hmmm. Summer's arrived in southern New England (actually, it arrived a couple of weeks ago) and it's gonna be seriously hot for the next few weeks, I bet. Scattered thunderstorms, for sure... but things will be drying out rapidly. Temperatures in Rangeley predicted to be around 80 for the next week or so. (intellicast.com)
hey woodsy, exactly which part of maine are you referring? Thanks, I'm headed that way very very soon.
I would expect much of the ME AT where it isn't solid rock or up high or steep to be similar to what I encountered in the High Peaks Region between Rangely and Stratton.
Warraghiyagey mentioned the area to the north of The Bigelows was a swamp for some distance, north of West Carry Pond in particular.
Things just haven't had a chance to dry out much yet and T-storms/showers (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=GYX&llon=-70.644583&rlon=-69.822083&tlat=45.075417&blat=44.255417&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=69&map.y=24)are in the forecast for much of this week throughout much of the state.
It's all doable, i found a stout staff beneficial in skirting the muck holes.
Bearpaw88
07-20-2008, 10:10
I have heard ME streams are swelling again.
Several people have mentioned the Little Wilson being particularly bad, and the mud in the Wilderness supposedly knee deep.
I haven't seen the conditions personally, but have gotten calls from ME.
Anyone in the area have more info??
:-?
Doughnut
07-20-2008, 11:38
I was there last week, I heard the horror stories about chest deep fords and raging rivers, and sink holes up to a tall giraffe's hind end, and saw none of it. I suspect after a good rain the rivers will rise (duh) but I never had any water above my waist.
However, the part of Maine I hiked, Caratunk to Abol Bridge, consisted of ALOT of bogs, rocks, and roots, and few blazes for me.
doughNut
I was there last week, I heard the horror stories about chest deep fords and raging rivers, and sink holes up to a tall giraffe's hind end, and saw none of it.
doughNut
What? You didn't hear about Bigfoot raiding hiker camps for food in the middle of the night up there? :D
Bearpaw88
07-20-2008, 13:04
I was there last week, I heard the horror stories about chest deep fords and raging rivers, and sink holes up to a tall giraffe's hind end, and saw none of it. I suspect after a good rain the rivers will rise (duh) but I never had any water above my waist.
However, the part of Maine I hiked, Caratunk to Abol Bridge, consisted of ALOT of bogs, rocks, and roots, and few blazes for me.
doughNut
Two to three weeks ago the rivers and mud were bad. Last week we had a longer dry spell therefore better conditions. Now all the rain.... rivers will rise (duh:))
I wanted to mention it because some of the NOBO's I met in NH somehow have no idea they will be fording potentially dangerous streams/rivers. How they over looked that information I don't know??
Glad I went north. I heard that the Pleasant River was knee deep midweek. That says mud to me...
I would enjoy an update, who's been feeding the bugs?
Blackflies are still feeding on the summits, didn't feed any cause i used some bug dope on em.
Ran into a few blackflies up north. Amongst the scrub, above technical treeline. Fully educated, they gnaw first. Smallish.
Plenty of mosquitos. And you were not joking about deerflies. Ground a few of those into the scalp. No minges yet.
I was prepared for the river fords, rain, mud, mosquitoes, and blackflies. Not a problem... What I wasn't prepared for is the rock climbs and they don't change with the season... Why didn't anyone mention that Maine is all about rocks? Don't ever talk about Pennsylvania!
Yeah, it can be pretty rugged in places. Not exactly a walk in the park.
Had just about enough of this clammy weather. Everything smells like moldy hay. Time for a dry spell.
It's not ALL about the rocks, we also have the ankle busting roots, blood sucking insects and knee deep mud... :D
It's not ALL about the rocks, we also have the ankle busting roots, blood sucking insects and knee deep mud... :D
Hey! you forgot to mention some of the most spectacular backcountry views anywhere on the AT!(so I've been told) If you can get up them thar rocky mountains :D
You're right Woodsy, the views were the best I've seen anywhere on the AT. I'm glad I did the 100 miles I did. I just wish I wasn't so afraid of those rocky climbs when I was hiking alone... Maybe what I need is a slow hiking partner lol...
Blissful
07-23-2008, 21:36
It's not ALL about the rocks, we also have the ankle busting roots, blood sucking insects and knee deep mud... :D
...and nasty red squirrels that steal you blind when your back is turned.:)
Hey! you forgot to mention some of the most spectacular backcountry views anywhere on the AT!(so I've been told) If you can get up them thar rocky mountains :D
That's true, the view from Bigelow is probably why mountains were invented in the first place...
Course there's the canadian jays up there that will also rob you blind, along with the mice and the squirrels... ;)
Flood warnings (http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/?m=real&w=map&r=me)up in western and s.western areas of Maine for rivers and streams.(look for the black dots on map.). Deluge # 2 this summer. Could be some rough sledding for hikers. Rain expected to continue overnight, heavy at times.
Tornado warnings in two western counties here, have passed.
Can you say wicked weather!?
walkin' wally
07-24-2008, 21:15
ayuh, wicked weather all right.
High Life
07-31-2008, 19:48
heavy rain has caused a possibly dangerous landslide on moody mt.
I will be on a recon mission as i leave andover tomorrow
will keep you posted
Took a hike into Pierce Pond (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25801) this week and did some blueblazing along Pierce Pond Stream. (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25802)
Last time through here I bypassed some of the scenic blueblaze trails and wanted to check them out.
Bugs were not too bad with a little 30% deet repellent.
Plenty of water everywhere and the stream was roaring (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25803).
SOBO hikers at the Pond said the Canoe Ferry was down for 4 days during the high water event but is up and running now.
I bet this is quite excited today. Any volunteers to capture a picture?
I bet it sounds cool!
boarstone
08-08-2008, 22:18
:eek:Rivers up here in the "100 mile wilderness" are at FULL bank and I mean full bank. 4 hikers so far have been hauled out of the area, 2 at Cooper yesterday by the AT lodge and myself went in and got two young fellas from K.I. as they came off Chairback and are NOBO. I took them to Millinocket and the AT Lodge to recoup and plan their attack once the water goes down. They reported all water crossings to be very hazzardous swift and strong from Monson north to Chairback. It's been raining here ALL day and continues into the night. This will not help the water levels anytime soon. Any hikers out there in this area near or at a computer please check in if you've come off trail. Thanks!
Pretty much very high water conditions everywhere this morning.
:eek:Rivers up here in the "100 mile wilderness" are at FULL bank and I mean full bank. 4 hikers so far have been hauled out of the area, 2 at Cooper yesterday by the AT lodge and myself went in and got two young fellas from K.I. as they came off Chairback and are NOBO. I took them to Millinocket and the AT Lodge to recoup and plan their attack once the water goes down. They reported all water crossings to be very hazzardous swift and strong from Monson north to Chairback. It's been raining here ALL day and continues into the night. This will not help the water levels anytime soon. Any hikers out there in this area near or at a computer please check in if you've come off trail. Thanks!
Wow, me and two friends were scheduled to start today from Monson for a section hike of the 100-mile. On Wed., we decided to reschedule for mid-Sept but were starting to have doubts about our decision of that whereskarl guy blazed through in a couple of days. Sounds like we made the right decision though.
Will the rivers normally recede relatively quickly once we get some decent weather?
Yes. But.
All bets are off with this mess. Things are on the verge of spring runoff.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/me/nwis/rt
You can use this site to moniter water levels. Compare the mean with real-time.
I need a little dry time!
One more time and then a potential drier spell.
Flash flood watch (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/car/) for parts of NH and ME from NWS.
boarstone
08-10-2008, 15:42
....are back to normal was into K.I. and Jo-Mary today...:)
I can breathe again. Doors work!
But it does feel a tad fallish.
Anyone noticed a heavy amount of pine cones this year?
Maine Appalachians turned white above 2000'+- over the past couple days. Looking into the Saddleback area this morning is a pretty sight.
It may be a temporary color change or it may be permanent till spring.
warraghiyagey
10-23-2008, 09:17
Maine Appalachians turned white above 2000'+- over the past couple days. Looking into the Saddleback area this morning is a pretty sight.
It may be a temporary color change or it may be permanent till spring.
Warming the next few days. . . Cooter.:D
boarstone
10-23-2008, 20:29
Was up in LLPC (Little Lyford Pond camps) area up on the west side of Gulf Hagas Mt bird hunting, 5" of snow on woods road, see 2 seperate sets of BIG ole' bear tracks fresh in the snow heading for further up the Mt. toward Whitecap. No birds.
Does it take forever to get light these days or what.
Does it take forever to get light these days or what.
light? whats that? mights well live in Siberia :rolleyes:
Keep your headlamp handy with extra batteries for the next nine months.:D
Moon was pretty this morning.
Good advice on the headlamp.