Baxter Peak, 3/12

[blaze]

Two nights spent at the Abol Campground; summited Saturday 3/12 via the relocated Abol Trail. It's a skating rink on the Table Land. We made it to the top in spikes, with considerable caution and good luck, but we passed on heading over to Hamlin as we had hoped to do. Even on moderate grades, with crampons, a bad step could lead to a loooong ride with an unhappy ending.

The lower section of the "relo" still has deep snow which will be soft when temps are above freezing. We saw numerous postholes, but the snow held firm for us that day.

The upper slide has very little snow left. Choose your poison - either abuse your microspikes, or bare boot it and do your best to avoid the remaining patches of ice. Bit of a pain either way. =)

A terrific weekend. I feel very fortunate to be able to share this experience with good friends. Will post more photos soon.

 

[blaze]

Here are a couple more images, and links to the gallery and slide show.

Abol Beach

Fran, on the relocated section of the Abol Trail

Truth in Advertising

sunbeams, shot while descending

Stump Pond

It was a great trip. Thanks to Carmen, John, Fran and Jerry.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Great photos as usual. Amazing how much less snow there was only four days later. Even less today as I saw the sign replacement photos on the BSP FB page.

Tim

 

[DayTrip]

Looks like an absolutely awesome trip. I can't wait to get up there for the first time this June.

 

[hikersinger]

A pretty formidable challenge, and exceptional experience, in any conditions. Thanks for sharing!

 

[TwinMom+1]

Blaze - did you just hoof it up the relocated Abol trail because it was winter? - the BSP web site is showing Abol is not yet reopened. Was considering it for the NE67 finish although not til Aug. thanks.