On saturday Onestep and I bushwhacked this long east-west ridge just north of Rangeley. Most folks climb these peaks as single up and back hikes; but Dennis Crispo reportedly whacked this ridge 20 years ago, and we hoped to follow in his footsteps (all the way to #453, eventually). Starting at the locked gate on the east end of Flat Iron Pond Rd, we walked the road west to Rds 7 and 7A, north of Middle Spotted. An easy walk up the old logging road led to a suprisingly open, but steep ascent of the peak. Near the base we startled two bull moose with impressive racks. The periphery of the grassy summit clearing was littered with beer cans and empty plastic motor oil quarts, presumably courtesy of the snowmachiners who use a trail from the west. Because this peak was abused and accessible by "trail", we opted not to replace the register which we found soaked and illegible. Compensating for these negatives were a series of Red-tailed and Sharp-shinned hawks riding Spotted's thermals, circling overhead.
The first mile or so of the undulating ridge heading to the East Peak was open as well. Naturally, as we were congratulating ourselves on our superior route-finding skills, the middle mile turned to ****, wet and thick. The last mile or so we followed old skidder paths with a short climb through uncut forest to the summit. We enjoyed reading the log entries of the 20-odd climbers who had signed in since the late 1980's. Boreal chickadees checked us out first, followed by four Grey jays (always a treat). A short and sweet descent through raspberry and hobblebush brought us back to the road within 100 yds of the car (if you can't be good, be lucky).
Another great whack; enhanced by a good friend, perfect weather and unexpected wildlife sightings!!
The first mile or so of the undulating ridge heading to the East Peak was open as well. Naturally, as we were congratulating ourselves on our superior route-finding skills, the middle mile turned to ****, wet and thick. The last mile or so we followed old skidder paths with a short climb through uncut forest to the summit. We enjoyed reading the log entries of the 20-odd climbers who had signed in since the late 1980's. Boreal chickadees checked us out first, followed by four Grey jays (always a treat). A short and sweet descent through raspberry and hobblebush brought us back to the road within 100 yds of the car (if you can't be good, be lucky).
Another great whack; enhanced by a good friend, perfect weather and unexpected wildlife sightings!!
![Yellowstone National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kGuJ72qjL._SL500_.jpg)
![Grand Teton Day Hikes and National Park Map [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DB0jvRnbL._SL500_.jpg)
