BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 16, 2021
My last winter trip into Baxter State Park 3 years ago was a disappointment. When invited to join a group of ice climbing friends for a six-day expedition to Chimney Pond beginning Feb. 1, the prospect of a final winter outing in the park was a strong motivator. The entire group tested negative for COVID-19. Two questions remained. What did Mother Nature have in store for us, and could this old man keep up with the kids? My primary goal was to ascend Baxter and Hamlin peaks of Katahdin. Surviving was a strong second. We soon had a warm fire going in the woodstove, a water supply was retrieved from Roaring Brook and seven of us relaxed in the comfortable cabin. Since a snowstorm was predicted to arrive the following morning, we resolved to be on the trail early, hoping to avoid the need to break trail in deep snow. ~ Ron Chase