DAY 26 – 10/10/2012 Baxter State park, ME (Trout Run Camping Area)
My first foray out in the dawn was frosty and special. Each and every blade of grass, leaf, blossom, pine needle, and every acre of Fall-tinged wildflowers were delicately iced with sparkling frost in the severe blue morning light. Even the now-trusty 4Runner was frosted. I wandered around quietly taking macro pictures to share until I had to retreat and make our first coffee.
David in the frosty rear-view mirror
We did move at our relaxed morning pace, had the truck unhitched and driving to a trailhead to start just before 10.
We selected a tough climb, circuit hike with a suggested turn-back spot to help us decide how much to bite off. Nearly the entire climb was talus, loose boulders, small cliffs and crags requiring at least three limbs climbing.
Jane “making” one of the harder bits
The valley was at 1000′ above sea level, while the top of what we ended up scaling was at 3254. The climb was perhaps the steepest at this end of the park and provided ample bouldering, scampering and ultimately whimpering until the summit of the main ridge gave us a view of the whole park South and the weather on its way in. “40 percent chance of showers” never stops us from starting what we hope to do each day. (Can’t tell you how many great rides, hikes, and overall trips we’ve had despite nay-saying weather forecasts.)
We chose to turn back for the bottom where we started (had hiked 4 point-some miles of the 10.4 we had intended), because the next 2 miles forward were the most exposed, above tree line portion where there has been snow and ice already this week. And so, settled for a SAFE and successful 8 mile, out-and-back instead of a questionable circuit into weather and late afternoon. We have youthful desires and energy, but no bull-headed “egos” to push us beyond the bounds of safety. We knew going downhill on WET or snowy rocks, particularly in the dark would not be smart. Arriving back at the car at 3:30 spent plenty of our energy as our rubber legs begged for rest and dinner.
“Here comes the weather…”
What an oasis is the Tramper. Radiant heat is immediate, we were never cold as OJ, peanut butter and jelly gave the energy to make our actual dinner.
– David
The Voyage of the Tramper 
How are your legs feeling today? Those boulders can zap it out of you. Another beautiful experience.
We got the burn. We feel we are laying a foundation for each next succession of the trip. Perhaps our “pushes” will get longer as we go? Poor Jane has to compare her hikes/bikes to mine. I treasure her company and don’t mind dropping to 10% less or slower than Id do on my own.
Maine in October? Woohoo! Sounds cold. Have at it. Great memories. I know that I am envious.
Thanks Mike. Miss ya man. We ARE having a wonderful time. WE envious of selves too, These ARE the good old days. We knew it all along.
Hi ya’ll from down south,
Sounds like so much fun. Maine in the fall is just breathtaking. I have to say… we miss you guys. The old neighborhood is just not the same without you.
Kristen
Aww, thanks, Kristen! We miss the neighborhood, too. Could you text me Billy’s address? David wants to send him something. Billy was so nice and supportive during the Tramper renovation. He gave us a really cool old oil lantern that we use every night! Text me at 410-952-7975.
Those trees are amazing! You guys are seeing so many beautiful places!
When we looked at those pictures on our computer, we said “oooh”, “ahhh” and “wow”!