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Dec 5, 2022: Mount Blue

Only Nancy Chase signed on for what was originally a hike on Burnt Mountain. After some discussion, we decided to climb Bald Mountain near Weld instead. Unfortunately, our attempt to climb Bald was foiled by tiny Wilson Stream that was overflowing its banks. Mount Blue became our third choice. It was my idea so I get the blame. Decades since we’d hiked Mount Blue, we struggled to find the trailhead in part due to poor signage. The first two-thirds of the hike went well. However, at about an elevation of 2,700 feet, we encountered a difficult icy section that continued to the summit. Thanks to our micro spikes, we successfully negotiated up and down the ice; albeit at a snail’s pace. It was very gusty at the top so parkas were necessary. Since our last visit, the old dilapidated fire tower has been replaced by a new structure with an observation deck; a welcome improvement. The hike to the summit of the 3,187 foot peak with 1,774 feet of elevation gain seemed longer than 3.2 miles. Maybe the signage is wrong; or, it could be old age.

Participants:  Nancy Chase and TC Ron Chase

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Feb 7, 2022: Mt. Blue XC Ski Class II-III

Trip Leader: Kenny DeCoster. Participants: Gary & Suzanne Cole, Ken & Susan Gordon, Paul Peters, Troad Richmond and TC.

As winter was melting away in southern Maine, 7 of us took advantage of the new snow up north in Mt Blue State Park. We formed two groups. One group skied the long loop around Center hill and Hedgehog Mountain. The second group explored the loop trails in the western part of the park. The variety trails offered something for everyone. The trip was delayed for two days because of the polar vortex, so we had warmer temperatures but very cloudy skies. The snow conditions were great and we had most of the park to ourselves. A glorious ski. We all met back at the heated yurt and shared stories and yummy homemade and homegrown treats. This seems to have become an annual tradition, so y’all come out and ski next year.

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Feb 13, 2021: Mt Blue State Park

mount blue xc ski

Participants: Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, Ken Gordon, Gary Cole, Brent Elwell, Ron Chase, TC: Kenny DeCoster

Living in southern Maine doesn’t give me a clear picture of how the snow is behaving up north. I hear meteorologists constantly talk about flurries in the mountains, but how does that translate into track quality? Ken Gordon assured me that the snow would be perfect. So 7 chowderheads braved the forecasted -“frigid” temperatures – on Saturday morning and socially distanced in the state park’s parking lot under sunny skies and light wind – a regular winter day. On the trail, we quickly shed layers climbing the back of Center Hill. The persistent cold had preserved the snow over the last weeks and the skiing was excellent. 

I was surprised that we were the first group to break trail to the top of Hedgehog Hill. The reward was a glorious sun-bathed view of Webb Lake, Tumbledown, and Jackson Mountains. After lunch, we each picked our own way down the hillside leaving it cobwebbed with ski trails crisscrossing between the trees. I haven’t learned to switch from gloves to mittens after stopping for lunch, and my hands froze on the long downhill stretch off of Hedgehog. From the bridge over Houghton Brook, we saw otter tracks in the snow and an access hole in the ice. A rare treat. We met more skiers this year and had to watch out for snowmobilers at trail crossings for the first time since I’ve started leading these trips.

We introduced Tom and Laurie to the 10-mile loop trail. And even though some of us had to work to keep up, nobody took a wrong turn or got left behind. It’s tricky to plan XC skiing when the winter schedule is posted so far in advance. But I got lucky. As Brent said at trail’s end, “Best snow conditions ever.” Lucky Ron has more snow on the way for his trip next weekend. Stay tuned.