Sunday, February 7, 2010

Little Bigelow Hike January 2010




The AMC - Maine Chapter has developed a beginner winter hiking series for the 2009-2010 winter hiking season. A hike in this series on January 23,
2010, the 3.5-mile hike to the top of Little Bigelow, was led by Kit Pfeiffer (l.) and Laura Flight (r.), assisted by Wayne Newton and Jason Toner.




People gathered early in North New Portland to consolidate cars due to the limited parking at the East Flagstaff Road trailhead located in the BPL's Bigelow Preserve. Temperatures at 8:15 AM were in the single digits and once 'geared up' people were eager to start moving southbound on the Appalachian Trail to stay warm.


Although the trail was packed, there was about
15 inches of fresh snow on top, which made breaking trail a strenuous exercise. Somehow I always found myself near the rear of my fellow twenty hikers and a nice smooth trail on which to walk.




After about 1/2-mile of going up hill, we found the air
temperature increasing with elevation --- odd; which necessitated
taking off some layers.





Finally a rest & snack break at the Little Bigelow shelter.

The last two miles of the walk were through frequent glades which afforded views towards the east.
Stewart Mountain

Once at the top of Little Bigelow (3,040'), the sweeping views of the south & west came into sight.

Avery and West Peaks provided a stunning backdrop for photos of Laura Flight and Sarah & Matt Toner.

Panorama towards the East with Stewart Mountain in the Foreground.

It was a very clear day. After considerable discussion, it was concluded that the Whitecaps on the left and Katahdin on the right were visible in the distant horizon.


On the return walk back down, there were many full and partial views of Stewart Mountain. Some hikers mentioned the recently announced project by Independence Wind to erect 48 wind turbines (Highland Wind Project) on the mountains and ridges just to the east -- many of these 400-foot tall towers would be visible from Little Bigelow.


Matt Coello, Kit Pfeiffer and Tony Barrett looking out from various viewpoints towards Stewart Mountain along the Appalachian Trail northbound.



The Highland Wind project proposes 16 wind towers along the top of Stewart Mountain which will stand out in stark contrast to the sky.

These proposed wind turbines on Stewart Mountain are to be located about 3 miles away from the trail and would be the dominate feature seen when walking down from Little Bigelow.

The group arrived back at the trailhead before the 2:30 PM estimated arrival. What a great day for a winter hike.
All that was left was a channel through the snow marking the passage of the visitors to Little Bigelow.
Kit walking sweep down the trail.