ASSAULT IN THE GULF

CVOA STORMS GRAND CANYON OF EAST

The swollen streams and rugged ridge of the "Grand Canyon of the East" proved no deterrent to the 15 members of the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association who hiked the 8.5 mile loop trail July 11.

"Wow," said CVOA President Pete Weston of the trek through Gulf Hagas, a series of waterfalls stretching along a canyon in the Great North Woods.

CVOA spent the weekend streamside at the remote Pine Camp, camping, barbequing, swimming, socializing around the fire --- and hiking the challenging Gulf.

"A great group and a great time," said Linda Trueworthy, one of the coordinators of the event.

The steady rains of June swelled the Pleasant River, which hikers must ford before setting out on the trail. No one was stopped by the knee-deep water or strong current .. although hikers cast a weary eye at the next obstacle: A log "bridge" that required some tightrope-style walking across the raging river below.

"Made it!" said Sandy Jamison, another trip coordinator, echoing the sentiments of each hiker at the other end of the traverse.

Hikers followed the Rim Trail past Screw Auger Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Billings Falls and Stair Falls to the Head of The Gulf, where they stopped for a swim and a picnic before heading back along a tote road reconnecting to trailhead. After forging the river one more time, hikers headed back to camp for another swim

Saturday night was a CVOA "Souper Supper" of moose stew and chicken chili, a lemon blueberry pound cake and assorted breads.

Friday night, there was a Baxter BBQ Chicken dinner, complete with the usual array of fantastic appetizers, salads, breads and deserts

."No one ever goes hungry," said Judy Weston.

It was CVOA's first trip to the Gulf -- and the first time many of the campers had seen the impressive falls that dot the route. Others, liked Bill Haefele, hadn't visited the Gulf since he went in the Boy Scouts. "It's just like I remembered it. It hasn't changed in all those years," said Bill.

Hikers include Pete & Judy Weston, Linda and Paul Trueworthy, Glen and Peggy Bickford, John and Charlotte Pease Bill Haefele, Christie James, Jeanne Pernice, Nancy Perry, Sandy Jamison, Diane Strasser-Karn.

Rising Sun Rushing Water Setting Moon PETE AND JUDY