dr_wu002
Well-known member
Dr. Wu finally made it out to Caribou Mountain on a nice, rainy Saturday morning. I knew long beforehand that I was the only human that I'd see all day but I had hoped to see some wild life. I even put my poles away (except for stream crossings), stepped softly and kept my best eye out but I saw nary a moosie or bear. There was plenty of moose poops (next time I'm getting pictures, dammit -- and maybe even a sample!), especially at the higher elevations, but I did not observe even a hoof of one of these creatures. Also, days before I was saddened to learn that all the wild Caribou from this area are dead.
Lack of wildlife notwithstanding, this was a great hike. The Caribou Mountain Trail from Rt. 113 is quite pretty and has about a dozen large and small waterfalls and cataracts. I wasn't expecting this photographer's delight -- I knew of Kees Falls but not the # of waterfalls that I saw. I even spied a few way off trail that looked worthy of investigation next time I return.
The summit is very open but obviously there were no views (only blowing snow) on this day. That's why I went there though -- you see, I prefer a mountain with large, sweeping views on a crappy day because I know I'll be back! Save the mountains with minor views for the nice, sunny day. Give me rain, snow and clouds when I'm above treeline instead. Always!
I'll be back -- what a great region the Caribou/Speckled Wilderness is. Nice, rugged trails, pretty streams and brooks (The Mud Brook was particularly nice to hike along while heading back down to Rt. 113) and well, the potential to see wildlife if you're quiet. I didn't see a single person all day and since this mountain isn't on anybody's list (except for the Wu-lists) I don't think it gets too much travel. I could be wrong. But I hope I see a bear or an eagle next time I return.
Here's some pictures...
http://community.webshots.com/album/340503919jhjUNL
-Dr. Wu
Lack of wildlife notwithstanding, this was a great hike. The Caribou Mountain Trail from Rt. 113 is quite pretty and has about a dozen large and small waterfalls and cataracts. I wasn't expecting this photographer's delight -- I knew of Kees Falls but not the # of waterfalls that I saw. I even spied a few way off trail that looked worthy of investigation next time I return.
The summit is very open but obviously there were no views (only blowing snow) on this day. That's why I went there though -- you see, I prefer a mountain with large, sweeping views on a crappy day because I know I'll be back! Save the mountains with minor views for the nice, sunny day. Give me rain, snow and clouds when I'm above treeline instead. Always!
I'll be back -- what a great region the Caribou/Speckled Wilderness is. Nice, rugged trails, pretty streams and brooks (The Mud Brook was particularly nice to hike along while heading back down to Rt. 113) and well, the potential to see wildlife if you're quiet. I didn't see a single person all day and since this mountain isn't on anybody's list (except for the Wu-lists) I don't think it gets too much travel. I could be wrong. But I hope I see a bear or an eagle next time I return.
Here's some pictures...
http://community.webshots.com/album/340503919jhjUNL
-Dr. Wu
