Posted on

Oct 15-16, 2022: Moosehead Lake Surf & Turf

Participants: Adam Chase, TC Ron Chase
Adam and I had fabulous weather for the Moosehead Surf &Turf that included climbs of Mount Kineo and Little Kineo Mountain. Initially, I was looking for a two-day forecast with light winds. Unfortunately, several Chowderheads couldn’t make it on short notice. We launched from Kineo Landing in Rockwood and had an easy crossing to the foot of the mountain. The views of southern Moosehead from Indian Trail were phenomenal. The trail surface was wet due to heavy rains the previous day, so we decided to descend on the Bridle Trail. That was a mistake as the heavily eroded path was a virtual stream. From there, we paddled north along the island to Hardscrabble Campsite on the northwestern tip. After
setting up camp, we explored nearby Farm Island where there are three additional campsites. On Day Two, the lake was mirror calm for our crossing to Moosehead Public Lands on the east shore where we quickly found camp roads that led to the trailhead for Little Kineo Mountain. For a remote mountain, the trail was in exceptionally good condition. We encountered a series of steep ledges before reaching an overlook with an expansive view of central Moosehead. Soon after, we arrived at a rounded open ledge that is the highpoint. The calm conditions continued on our return to Hardscrabble Point and then Rockwood. Two hikers on Mount Kineo were the only people we met during our entire trip.

Posted on

Sept 8-9, 2019: Donnell Pond Surf & Turf

Participants:  John Brower & TC Ron Chase

The weather was too good to stay home and John answered my urgent call for a Donnell Pond Surf & Turf Trip.  The Donnell Pond Public lands are one of the best kept recreational secrets in Maine. Consisting of 14,000 acres of forested lands that include several rugged mountains enveloping remote ponds and lakes, they offer an extensive trail system and scenic campsites accessible only by water; perfect for a surf & turf.  John & I met at the Donnell Pond boat landing in Franklin on a sunny calm day. Completing a 3 mile crossing, we set up camp on sandy Schoodic Beach. The turf portion of our excursion began by hiking the Black Cliffs Loop Trail that starts and ends at the beach. Leaving the loop trail at a junction above the cliffs, we followed a hilly path to spectacular East Peak where we experienced expansive views of Tunk Lake and Mount Desert Island.  Returning to the beach, we spent an idyllic night camping while enjoying a brilliant sunset during the evening. The following morning we were first on Schoodic Mountain to enjoy one of Maine’s premiere views; Frenchman Bay and the majestic peaks of Mount Desert Island from the summit. Light winds facilitated an easy paddle back to Franklin. We both agreed it didn’t get any better. Stay tuned for the newspaper column and blog which tell the rest of the story: http://rchase.bangordailynews.com/