It sure felt like winter yesterday... the snow flurries started near Kingfield and the four (!!!!!) cars in the AT parking lot had a nice coating of the white stuff. Despite the light snow and the wind, there were spectacular views of the Bigelow Range through the leafless forest (Cranberry, the Horns and Little Bigelow were visible on the ascent and descent, only the very highest elevations remained shrouded). No biting insects, enhanced views; I love this time of year in the mountains! (It is time, though, to pack away the camelback and break out the nalgene insulators).
Heading south on the AT toward the Crockers, after gaining elevation initially the trail flattens out. Hang a left (east) at the Stoney Brook Mountain Chamber of Commerce kiosk (not staffed in the off-season ) for the short whack to the Smuckers jar at the wooded summit. The Chamber decided to build near the trail now that this area might be opened to development (just imagine the money making opportunities) Won't dozens of 500' structures sited throughout this area on the highest ridgelines intensify the desire of all outdoor-lovers to visit this area??? The landscapes where most of us live and work have been altered forever by development and sprawl... so we'll certainly feel more at home in the new and improved Redington-Black Nubble Industrial Zone.
This was truly a wonderful half day hike in a magnificent part of Maine; it was difficult, however, not to be angered and saddened by the possibility of this area's degradation.
Heading south on the AT toward the Crockers, after gaining elevation initially the trail flattens out. Hang a left (east) at the Stoney Brook Mountain Chamber of Commerce kiosk (not staffed in the off-season ) for the short whack to the Smuckers jar at the wooded summit. The Chamber decided to build near the trail now that this area might be opened to development (just imagine the money making opportunities) Won't dozens of 500' structures sited throughout this area on the highest ridgelines intensify the desire of all outdoor-lovers to visit this area??? The landscapes where most of us live and work have been altered forever by development and sprawl... so we'll certainly feel more at home in the new and improved Redington-Black Nubble Industrial Zone.
This was truly a wonderful half day hike in a magnificent part of Maine; it was difficult, however, not to be angered and saddened by the possibility of this area's degradation.
