And on the 9^th year, the sun shone!

CVOA HIKES BAXTER

CVOA dodged the raindrops this summer during its annual weekend at Baxter State Park as clear skis gave hikers spectacular views from Katahdin and South Turner.

“Finally!” said CVOA President Pete Weston, coordinator of the weekend of camping, hiking, canoeing and fireside socializing in Maine’s premier state park.

Some 20 members of the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Club converged upon the Bear Brook camping area Aug. 8 for the annual outing. The site was reserved thanks to the efforts of past president Neal Trask, who made the trek to Millinocket last January to reserve the group tenting area.

It was the 9^th annual trek to Maine’s highest mountain.

Half the group met for lunch at the Schoodic Inn in Bangor while Pete and Judy Fitzpatrick Weston climbed North and South Brother .. the last climb in their quest to scale all of Maine’s 4000-foot peaks.

After setting up camp, CVOA members gathered around the fire pit for Baxter BBQ Chicken, salads, breads and desserts. On hand were the Westons, Peggy and Glen Bickford, Linda and Paul Trueworthy, Pam and Pappe Labbe, Bruce Hanke and Elaine Fitzpatrick, Rick Young and Cindy Estes, Jan and “Duff” Doherty, Betsy Chapman, Rick Chenard, Nancy Perry, Jerry Lemieux, Sue Strommer and Bill Haefele.

By dawn, most of the campers were up and off. Pete, Judy, Duff, Rick Young hiked the Cathedral Trail to Baxter Peak across the Knife Edge and down Helon Taylor while Rick Chenard met them at the top via the Saddle Trail. A second group … Bill, Sue and Betsy .. hiked up the Saddle to Baxter Peak and returned via the same trail.

A larger group tackled South Turner, a shorter climb with a steep last mile that offers views rivaling those atop Katahdin. Hiking in that group were Peggy and Glen, Linda and Paul, Jan, Nancy, Jerry, Bruce and Elaine.

Pam, Pappy and Cindy hiked a section of the Chimney Pond trail from Roaring Brook.

After hiking, there was swimming at Abol Beach, canoeing and kayaking on Daicy Pond and park exploration.

Saturday night featured a CVOA “Souper Supper” with chili and chowder, salads and breads, pulled pork sandwiches and desserts.

CVOA members swapped stories and photos around the fire pit. A collection of photos from a half dozen CVOA photo buffs can be seen by clicking on the CVOA Photo Album link on this web page. Look for the Baxter 2009 album.

“A great time,” said Rick Chenard.