Car break ins/vandalisms near BSP??

[Trekkin]

Hello kind climbers. Recently posted about a canoeing camping trip on the Penobscot, and how my car was broken into in the Whites a few years ago. (two separate threads). Was wondering if BSP was far enough out of the way to not have to worry about break ins or vandalism. It's a 10hr drive from CT to the take off point, and I'd much rather have a comfortable car with me.....but not if there's a good chance I'd be coming out to a busted window/stolen stereo, etc.

So. Has anyone heard or experienced vehicular vandalism in this idyllic getaway area, or is it generally considered to be safe? (and I hate to sound paranoid, and realize I do to some degree, but having fallen victim to this once before my stomach is already falling at the possibility). Thx very much for any replies, as always.

Trekkin

 

[el-bagr]

As long as there are humans, there will be bad humans.

This spring there was a rash of vandalism at the Abol Bridge parking lot -- winter access for skiers and sledders to the Baxter area. I understand windows were broken and tires slashed. (Spencer, did you see that?) I'm operating under the assumption (unverified) that the motivation is anger or mischief, not necessarily profit from theft of valuable items. (On the other hand, there was a rash of camp breakins last summer in Central Maine, and the police said oxycontin money was the motivator.) I also don't know if there's any correlation between geo/socio/economic factors and risk -- e.g. an F150 from Maine with Millinocket pinstripes is untouched, while the Audi from Connecticut is trashed -- but I suspect that may be a factor.

As a note, the West Branch takeout/putin isn't too near BSP, in the local sense.

 

[Trekkin]

Thx greatly for the speedy reply el-bagr. Appreciated. Do you think that the remoteness of the put-in spot makes it a safer parking area? Aside from the incidents over the Winter (which I find just astounding, truly) have you heard of any other incidents? If any other locals wanna sound off it'd be terrific.....just trying to gauge the risk/comfort ratio, and think this is a good way to go about it. Thx again.

 

[spencer]

I reported on the mass break-ins at Abol last winter. I think it was in February, but you can find my report under Trail Conditions.

several car windows were smashed and some stuff (although not everything) was stolen. This was the first and only time I've heard of it there, although I wouldn't be surprised if its happened before.

I'm glad I have Maine license plates!

spencer

 

[Artex]

There are campsites and a ranger's building adjacent to the Roaring Brook parking lot, which should make that area relatively safe.

 

[SherpaKroto]

I would guess that IN the park is about as safe a spot as you'll ever find. Every car coming in registers its license plate.

In the nearby BSP area, not so sure, though I've never really heard of a lot of problems at Maine trailheads.

 

[spencer]

Sorry... I should have said, Abol Bridge, the main winter trailhead.

You'd have to be a real moron to break into a car in the park (e.g. Abol Campground).

 

[twigeater]

That's it...all you have to do is park at Roaring Brook and drag your canoe to the put in on the West Branch...

I've never experienced trail head vandalism anywhere in Maine in any season, but I hear about it occasionally. These days I'm pretty good at taking out my own truck windows...LOL

 

[Artex]

Trekkin' - are you canoeing the Penobscot, or going into Baxter itself?

 

[Trekkin]

West Branch of the Penobscot for 5-7 days. I've decided to take the Jeep (which I don't worry about, at all), instead of the Subaru, which is sort of a project car. Thx everyone for the feedback, but I came to the conclusion that driving something I'd worry about the entire time is counter productive.

 

[Artex]

Have a great trip! Post a trip report when all is said and done. I've been wanting to kayak in that area for a while.

 

[Fitz]

No guarantees, but..

There is a large parking area at Lobster Stream on the West Branch. I left an Explorer there with 2400 miles on it for 4 days, and god forbid ...Massachusetts Plates. (I can't help it. I'm livin in Exile).

I had no problems, although I did find a spike in my tire (vandal? doubt it). Flats are very, very common in the North Maine Woods, make sure you have a decent spare.

 

[Trekkin]

I also think the Wrangler is a better match for the dirt roads we're sure to enounter en route. The Subaru is 450hp and while it's reliable, and fun to drive, it would be near impossible to replace if taken. As drool worthy as a 550 mile trip in it would be, it's not worth the risk of something happening. I'll lament my choice the entire time we're travelling and applaud it the entire time we're in the woods.....that sorta decided it for me. Thx again everyone!

I'll take lots of pics and report back upon our return!

 

[SherpaKroto]

Trekkin, make sure to take Rt 295 at exit 52 (Flamouth Spur) North. It will save you about 15-20 minutes. On return, take exit 103 in Gardiner. Have a great paddle!

 

[Trekkin]

SK - thx a LOT for that tip.