Baxter in Transition
In March I headed up to Chimney Pond with Mahoosuc Mountain Rescue with the goal of doing some ice climbing and training up on Katahdin. With the way the winter has been this year, we had some worries about the conditions leading up to the trip (and during it) but we managed to still explore up there.
We arrived to the park during a gloriously balmy day, the kind that isn't great for the ice climbing that we were looking to do. Basin pond was in much different shape this year, than when I crossed it last year. Again the rangers were able to give us a lift as far as Roaring Brook, but this year they were also able to bring our heavy gear up for us, so we had a nice climb in what felt to be around 50 degrees.
Upon arrival to Chimney Pond we set out to do some exploring to check the snow and ice conditions and to see if we would be able to climb.
After a scramble up Chimney Brook that threatened to leave our feet soggy we practiced self rescues below Pamola’s Fury. As we watched and practiced rescues, the flow of water down the sides of the mountain increased.
As we made our way up into the South Basin we could see things were looking a little thin.
On our way back down Chimney Brook the water level had noticably increased and even those who had boots with waterproof zips were being extra cautious. Upon arrival at the Pond we found the water level deeper there too. Some of us charged right across, others wandered about the shore.
As much of the ice had crashed down around us, and what was left was threatening to do the same, we started the next day with some practice building V-threads using blocks of ice around the pond while we waited for conditions to get nicer up high.
While we were practicing around the pond, the Waterfall route broke free and reminded us of how it got it's name. We decided that a prudent course of action would be to head up top and see where it's finding all that water.
The real reason that we headed up top was to work on replacing the summit sign.
Instead of carrying the whole toolbox up the mountain, we took advantage of the day to scout and figure out just which tools we would need.
With our mission up top completed I was able to enjoy a ski down the Saddle.
The next morning we recieved a present from Ranger Rob.
We dragged the new sign back into our lair to examine closely and pack it up.
Ranger Rob sent his protege Russ with us as part of Mahoosuc's Adopt a Ranger program.
Then the trek to provide Pamola warrenty replacement began in ernest.
Up and over the Saddle trail the sign went.
'Hey, your shifts over. Go get yourself cleaned up.'
One last picture.
Break time
I believe we had the signs swapped in around 15 min.
After a quick installation it was time to head back down.
Turns out that the 'Please stay on trail' signs are fantastic ski racks.
I found some variable conditions in the next gully South of the Saddle trail.
Pamola apparently approved of the new sign and cleared up for the evening.
With the trails down low melting out in the warm temps the next day was time to leave.
Basin Pond was frozen for us, but was a little worrisome for the snowmobiles to cross, so we used the wind instead.
After Basin Pond we were able to unload our gear onto a snowmobile and get a little more creative with our descent to Roaring Brook.
Soon after we arrived at Roaring Brook Ranger Rob roared up with his snowmobile loaded for exploration.
And out we went.
A last glance through the trees.
Thanks to Julek for contributing some of the photos for this post, and to Baxter State Park and Mahoosuc Mountain Rescue for getting us on the mountain this winter.
