December 24, 2021
Start/end: by Bambi Ln, on Kennebago Rd
Miles: 8.77
Elevation gain: 2808′
After a failed attempt to drive out to the White Cap/Kennebago Divide trailhead (it wasn’t plowed after the 3-4″ snowfall on Wed night and I was already concerned about hiking when it was -10), I headed to Kennebago Rd instead. It felt like a safer option, being closer to other people and paved plowed roads. I’d determined the day before that the standard approach for East Kennebago doesn’t work in winter, since the dirt road isn’t plowed and is used as a snowmobile trail.
It warmed up to 22 for the heat of the day; I was relieved and enjoyed the temperature difference from the night before. It was a perfect bluebird day, and I was so happy to be able to see where I was heading in the daylight. Wayfinding for the top third of the climb to the summit was annoying but it worked out. I wore snowshoes the whole way and was glad of the heel lifts on the climb. I was feeling really good when I finished and wanted to try and fit in another hike. So I headed to Elephant, which was a mistake.
Transcending Mountains 