So, today did not go quite as planned. We headed up the Helon Taylor Trail in a light rain, climbing up what was almost a creek bed with all the rain from the day before. The trail was challenging, requiring a fair amount of climbing on slick rocks, and was a steep ascent. We were doing well with the climb until the temperature started to drop. Losing feeling in our hands, we continued on, but the wind kept getting stronger and the temperature dropping. Finally about a mile after emerging above treeline, faced with difficult scrambles, sixty mile an hour winds, and being pelted by ice pellets, we decided risking life and limb wasn't worth it and turned around.
However, the day ended with a beautiful surprise, as we returned to Roaring Brook campground, took another trail to Chimney Pond, and were able to get a lean-to thanks to some other cancelations. The Chimney Pond campground has to be one of the most beautiful in the park, surrounded by mountains on three sides with a crystal clear lake in the hollow. A total surprise and one that would not have been discovered had our day gone as planned!
Tomorrow we will attempt Baxter Peak again, this time from an easier trail!
However, the day ended with a beautiful surprise, as we returned to Roaring Brook campground, took another trail to Chimney Pond, and were able to get a lean-to thanks to some other cancelations. The Chimney Pond campground has to be one of the most beautiful in the park, surrounded by mountains on three sides with a crystal clear lake in the hollow. A total surprise and one that would not have been discovered had our day gone as planned!
Tomorrow we will attempt Baxter Peak again, this time from an easier trail!
Knife's Edge, we were so close!
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