Clarke's Bushcraft and Survival

The Baxter State Park Trip: Part Two August 2013.

                                                                                    The Hike:

We went for a five mile hike, and the scenery was beautiful.  Colleen got many pictures of the wildlife, the ponds, and the mountains.  The first pond we came to had a cow moose grazing in the water.  It just ignored all the tourists and hikers and just ate.  Colleen and I got about a dozen good pictures, and moved on.  Later on in the hike another moose crossed our path just ten yards in front of Sean. I have never seen Sean's eyes ever looked so shocked in my life.  Colleen and I went off the trail, and got some really good pictures of the moose.  We took pictures of the moose until the wind changed direction, and it noticed us.  The moose's head came up from feeding, and looked at us.  A voice in my head said, "Time to go".  I whispered to Colleen, "Lets go".  Colleen initially wanted to stay and take more pictures, but I was insistent.  We backed away slowly and quietly.  Standing less than 25 yards from an animal like that is something I will remember for the rest of my life. 

Time To Go.

Me Getting Started Down the Rapids

The Rapids:

Later in the day we went swimming in the rapids.  The rocks in the stream were worn smooth by the flowing water.   Going down the rapids was like riding a natural water slide.   Sean and I both loved it.  The water still freezing cold in August.  Sean and the other boy wanted to get out of the water while in the strong current, so we had to make a human chain to get them out.  No one was in danger
they just wanted out of the water without going further down stream where the water was calmer.

Human Chain

Time To Go Home:

Sean was torn between going home and going brook trout fishing, but could not decide which he wanted to do. As a result we did not spend another night at Baxter.  It was a wonderful trip and I want to repeat it.  Sean regretted going home early and would like to go back.  We are all in better shape now, and would like to go back and hike to the top of Mount Katadin the next time we stay.  If you have a chance to visit Baxter State Park please go and see it.  You will not regret the trip.  Until next time keep your knives sharp and your powder dry.

Me In The Rapids