Dates - May 25, 2014
Peaks - East Sleeper
Trails - Downe's Brook Trail and Kate Sleeper Trail
Companions - Dorothy & Sonsie
Gear - no need for traction - a few small patches of snow/ice up top
Bugs - not bad at all
Crossings - there are many, several of which require long legs, good athleticism, poles for balance, and/or cunning
Lost/Found - two black beanies, one with Harvard logo on front
Initially, the plan for this weekend was to drive all the way up to Baxter. Given the fact that Katahdin is still closed, we scrapped that and then planned on traversing Bigelow Preserve/Ridge/Peak. When the weather turned, we decided to limit it to day hikes. This is my last NE Top 100'er of the Whites with trails all the way to the top, aside from those near Waumbek/Cabot, so we opted for it.
Got a later start yet again and immediately got lost. Later learned that we missed the trail jutting off to the right near the "no camping" sign near the start, and we found ourselves walking up a sort of logging road. It didn't seem like a real trail, and it was heading in the wrong direction, so we finally decided to just bushwhack over to Downes Brook, which we could see on my phone and hear. Not a bad bushwhack at all. Soon enough, got to the brook and then crossed to the other side. It may have been on this first crossing that I turned around halfway across to see Sonsie paddling across, having fallen in. That's what she gets for following too closely.
Made our way up the trail/brook, encountering many crossing, several of which were relatively serious. Never anything unpassable, but several that would be challenging to those with shorter legs. A beautiful and moderate climb the whole way up with no real mud pits or blowdowns to speak of. Saw a big slide on the left (north-facing side of ravine) at one point, some beautiful flowers, cascades, and greenery. Saw quite a bit of moose droppings and possibly a pile of bear scat as well.
Made it to the top in just about 4 hours then stopped for lunch. Threw a frisbee for Sonsie a couple times then headed back down. No real time to waste because of our late start, and didn't want any night hiking.
Tweaked my ankle on a rock about halfway down but nothing bad enough to cause swelling. Also missed the turn off to go back down Downe's Brook Trail initially, but luckily realized it after a couple minutes and turned back to find it. Saw some buckets at a point. Ended with some long, flat, beautiful sections. All in all, a tough peak to get to in terms of distance, but an easy grade throughout, and an enjoyable hike. Saw a couple other people initially, but none higher up, so it appears we were the only ones to day hike to the peak?
Peaks - East Sleeper
Trails - Downe's Brook Trail and Kate Sleeper Trail
Companions - Dorothy & Sonsie
Gear - no need for traction - a few small patches of snow/ice up top
Bugs - not bad at all
Crossings - there are many, several of which require long legs, good athleticism, poles for balance, and/or cunning
Lost/Found - two black beanies, one with Harvard logo on front
Initially, the plan for this weekend was to drive all the way up to Baxter. Given the fact that Katahdin is still closed, we scrapped that and then planned on traversing Bigelow Preserve/Ridge/Peak. When the weather turned, we decided to limit it to day hikes. This is my last NE Top 100'er of the Whites with trails all the way to the top, aside from those near Waumbek/Cabot, so we opted for it.
Got a later start yet again and immediately got lost. Later learned that we missed the trail jutting off to the right near the "no camping" sign near the start, and we found ourselves walking up a sort of logging road. It didn't seem like a real trail, and it was heading in the wrong direction, so we finally decided to just bushwhack over to Downes Brook, which we could see on my phone and hear. Not a bad bushwhack at all. Soon enough, got to the brook and then crossed to the other side. It may have been on this first crossing that I turned around halfway across to see Sonsie paddling across, having fallen in. That's what she gets for following too closely.
Made our way up the trail/brook, encountering many crossing, several of which were relatively serious. Never anything unpassable, but several that would be challenging to those with shorter legs. A beautiful and moderate climb the whole way up with no real mud pits or blowdowns to speak of. Saw a big slide on the left (north-facing side of ravine) at one point, some beautiful flowers, cascades, and greenery. Saw quite a bit of moose droppings and possibly a pile of bear scat as well.
Entering Sandwich Wilderness
Beautiful Long Series of Cascades - Camera Doesn't Do It Justice
One of Many Crossings
Scat?
Hint of Ice
Toad
Made it to the top in just about 4 hours then stopped for lunch. Threw a frisbee for Sonsie a couple times then headed back down. No real time to waste because of our late start, and didn't want any night hiking.
Tweaked my ankle on a rock about halfway down but nothing bad enough to cause swelling. Also missed the turn off to go back down Downe's Brook Trail initially, but luckily realized it after a couple minutes and turned back to find it. Saw some buckets at a point. Ended with some long, flat, beautiful sections. All in all, a tough peak to get to in terms of distance, but an easy grade throughout, and an enjoyable hike. Saw a couple other people initially, but none higher up, so it appears we were the only ones to day hike to the peak?
