Kahtadin Article in AMC Outdoors

Anyone else read the Matt Heid article in AMC Outdoors this month about his trip to Kahtadin last March. It gave a real perspective on what could happen, even to experienced hikers. Too often we read articles that just talk about the hunky-dory trips; it's good to see an article that not only shows that the trip wasn't perfect, but is also a mature example of turning back when appropriate.

Given that fact... it still left me with a desire to one day get into some good winter hiking.

-Stephen

Stephen, come on out! There is a lot of different winter hiking. Small peaks like Parker, Belknap, Wachusetts & the Holyokes are inviting & different than the higher peaks of the Whites or ADK's. The catskills tend to be in between,

Then there is BSP & Katahdin. Nothing else compares to it in the East in Summer & as the article mentioned, it's even more so in winter. Many of the summer hikes are technical climbs in winter, it's the 2nd largest area above treeline in the east after the Presidentials & your miles from the nearest road. With the access restricted, it's empty in comparison to PNVC or Franconia Notch on any winter Saturday.

The best books/articles though seem to come from less than ideal trips/results.

Touching The Void - Joe Simpsons near fatal fall & trek out

Into Thin Air - Everest 96

Not Without Peril - it's NH's mishaps not Dave M., Sherpa K. or Chomp's tales where all have fun & nothing bad happens

Annapurna - a Success but the story is gripping because of teh troubles teh group went through to get a couple of people to the top

Klev Schoening is a mountaineering legend not so much because of his ascents but for that one near tragic event & his ability that day to hold his entire party as they fell down K2 in what is simply known as "The Belay"

That said Matt's group did exhibit common sense & maturity at not pushing up Katahdin when their time window was closing in on them.