|
Trail: AT over Old Blue & Bemis Peaks from South Arm Rd to US 4, Rangeley Date Hiked: 6-3 through 6-5-07 Conditions: Wet, wet, wet! The trail was more like a stream and bog in many parts. Made for some wet boots, lots of caution and some bushwacking. Only a few small patches of snow/ice. Worst area of blowdowns started south of Bemis Peak until before Bemis Mtn Lean-to. Otherwise, only a few blowdowns but easy to get around. Bemis Stream crossing OK. Special Required Equipment: Flotation device! :-) Seriously, poles very useful for navigating all the boggy/stream areas of trail; waterproof shoes and gaiters useful.
Comments: This was a wet, wet, wet three days. It made for rough going, as the rocks and roots were really slick. On day #2, after Bemis Mtn Lean-to, coming down over Bemis Peaks 1 & 2, the rocky ledges were ridiculously slippery. Bemis Stream "ford" was pretty easy. I think that navigating the rest of the trail, which was more like a constant brook or bog or mud hole, was worse than getting across that stream! Despite the rain, we enjoyed the nice ponds and spring wildflowers. Saw tons of moose poop, but no moose... Bemis Mtn and Sabbath Day Pond Lean-tos in good shape. Despite the sogginess factor, we had a good three days out! You can see photos at: Submitted by: Sparkplug & Snowman |