| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Blueberry Mountain, Shoal Pond, ME |
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 | Trails: |
White Cairn Trail, Blueberry Ridge Trail, Stone House Trail, Shell Pond Trail, Shell Pond Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, May 30, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at a modest sized parking area at the gate. The gravel road is in good enough shape for cars. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Rock steps. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Most of the waterbars have been recently cleaned and the trails are clear of blowdowns and well brushed, as has been true with all the CTA trails I've been on this week. They have also been signed and generally well paint blazed, although there could be more of the latter in places. There are occasional muddy spots, and Stone House had a couple of blowouts that could use a waterbar. An amazing amount of stone step work has gone into the White Cairn trail in one stretch. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Despite the unaccustomed heat Pepper stayed pretty comfy. Much of the hike is shaded, he had a lot of sip n dips, we slowed our pace a bit on the uphills and there was a breeze. He didn't even use the water I offered. |
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 | Bugs: |
On this hike an occasional black fly was all. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
After redlining Spruce Hill, with its rooty and rocky footbed, it was nice to get on these trails, although the heat was more of a factor due to time of day and aspect. The wind was nice though. Good views from Blueberry Mtn and some ledges on White Cairn. I was a bit unsure coming down Stone House and then walking the airstrip to Shell Pond since there are no signs/blazes pretty much the whole way and there was no obvious footpath, but it worked. I would suggest reading the AMC Guide ahead of time instead of just grabbing a map, as I have a habit of doing. |
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 | Name: |
Pepper and Me |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-05-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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