Baxter State Park - Day 2

The Owl

September 19, 2016

The weather forecast is better for tomorrow, so we decided to push Katahdin back by a day and do a smaller objective today. Leaving directly from our campsite, we made quick time along the well built Appalachian Trail and in about twenty minutes came to the junction of The Owl. The trail here was very "organic", in that it was a lovely soil base, and not eroded in the least. It was also relentless in its ascent. We climbed on, stopping occasionally to take in the view of the Katahdin massif to the immediate east. The last 600 feet of trail turned upwards even steeper, and the scrambling began. Some huffing and hauling up the rocks ensued and we arrived on the summit with a great 360 degree view. The sky was overcast, but the ceiling was high enough that we could identify Baxter and Hamlin peaks, as well as North Brother and friends to the north-west. A slight inversion layer in the valley below made for an interesting scene, and we all marvelled that such a sight can be had in an Eastern mountain range. We relaxed for a while in the warm calm air and ate some lunch until finally we decided to go. The descent was just as relentless as the climb, but it did not take too long until we arrived back at the AT. We decided to go up and check out a waterfall which was quite nice, and then sat down for a second lunch here along the stream. I managed to redeem my littering of the balloon from yesterday by collecting a plastic bottle which was floating in the water. This was the only garbage we saw all a day. What a difference the trails here are compared to pretty much anywhere else that I have hiked in the world. On our return to camp after five hours on the trail, Debbie had the brilliant idea of trying to arrange a move to Roaring Brook campsite to make our day a little bit simpler tomorrow. She and Krista went off to talk to the ranger, Juliana, who managed to secure the last tent site for us via radio. We packed up and spent nearly an hour driving the tote road around to the eastern flank of Katahdin. We set up a tent camp here and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon to prepare for the big hike tomorrow.

The organic trail of The Owl.

Some easy scrambling a little higher.

A cool rock along the way. Maybe this is the owl?

Summit of The Owl, with Katahdin looming in the background.

Looking over at the Brother ridge.

Katahdin Stream Falls.

Our camp at Roaring Brook.

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