Doubletop Mountain in Baxter State Park, draped in fresh snowfall. A unique perspective from a remote location only accessible in the winter season by snowmobile or XC skis. A challenging mountain, yet so rewarding. Viewing this in the winter is nearly impossible unless you’re able to get into the backcountry with navigation.
Driving home from work one day and this young bull steps out in front of my vehicle. Lucky for me, I wasn’t speeding, and I was able to slow down safely to be able to capture a photo. Looking back at the photo, I realized this moose was standing in a pedestrian crossing! In the north Maine woods, you can’t photoshop this! The road I live off of is a known gauntlet for moose/wildlife during all times of the year.
Coming home from classes one day last winter I saw such a clear view of Katahdin. So clear, that I could see The Chimney cut out so well through the snow. “The Chimney” is arguably the hardest part of Knife Edge. It’s a V and is 40′ straight down on both sides of the V after Pamola Peak before asceneding Knife Edge (the route I climb). I thought this sunset photo was crisp and warm at the same time.
My spring season is largely consumed with teaching school-aged children how to be stewards of the land while participating in an aerobic activity (paddling). Most days after work, our guide staff will load boats on the trailer and head to a remote watershed location to discuss the upcoming summer season, and take in the epic Katahdin sunsets. On this trip, one of our amazing guides from Argentina was with us on her final evening in Maine. It couldn’t have been more epic.
I find as a Guide that my downtime between fall and winter is arguably the most boring due to nearly no outdoor stimulation for recreation. The hiking season begins to dwindle, and I am eagerly awaiting to strap on my XC skis or hit Sugarloaf for some downhill skiing. Seeing boats covered in leaves brings a somber aesthetic into my life.
My full-time 9-5 job as a Marketing Manager straps me to my desk, while my other part-time job of a recreational guide throws me in the field to be able to market my products. It’s a win win, and I get to eat lunch in a much cooler place than most people. This summer I reached 100 guided Katahdin climbs since 2017. I am more than likely at ~120 climbs if I include non-guided ascents.
