We did this hike on August 19, 2007.
Saddle Trail
We took the Saddle Trail down from Baxter Peak so that we would not have to descend down the Hunt Trail. The first part of the descent was not too bad but it was more rocks so once again Python stopped for more vitamin I. At this point, Python's knees could still bend; but not for long.
After descending from Baxter Peak
The trail leveled off for a bit but since we were still above tree line, we were getting beat up by the wind.
Dirigo
When we finally reached the end of the level part of the trail, we looked down the mountain and saw a huge pile of boulders that we had to desend.
Saddle Trail
More freaking rocks!
Boulders on the Saddle Trail
We met a nice gentleman climbing up the boulders who told us not to worry because the descent wasn't very steep. Yet another liar! At least we finally got some relief from the wind.
Looking up at the Saddle Trail
The boulders were huge! We wound up sliding down the rocks on our butts.
Dirigo sliding down the boulders
It is a good thing we bought our rain pants at L.L.Bean because we can take them back if we ripped them to shreds on the rocks. Our butts, knees, quads, wrists, feet, shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow.
Chimney Pond Trail
It was such a relief to reach the Chimney Pond Campground! We took a short break to eat a snack and take more vitamin I. We walked out to Chimney Pond to admire the view and see how far we had actually descended.
Chimney Pond
As we continued our hike down the Chimney Pond trail, we came across some people looking at a moose in the woods. We heard branches breaking and snorting. We even saw some trees being bent. We waited about 10 minutes and still did not see anything. Then we saw his humongous rack!
Python finally sees a moose!
Python finally saw a moose in Maine (up close & personal)!
Bullwinkle approaches
Bullwinke side pose
Bullwinkle bending down to eat
Bullwinke side pose
At some point after we saw the moose, Python's knees would not bend anymore. When going down over the rocks, Python just did a controlled crash and caught herself with her hiking poles.
We are both wiped out by the time we cross the last bridge of the day but we had about another half a mile to go. But it will feel like 6 miles. We are looking forward to Biofreeze, Thermapads, Valium, Darvocet, and any other pain killer we can get our hands on.
Dirigo on the last bridge of the day
Everything hurts
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