Page 2 - Ron Chase News Today

"After years of exploring them, I thought I knew all the trails and summits in the Camden Hills," Ron Chase writes.

Randy Charles Chase

The state is filled with trails and woods roads that are groomed for cross-country skiing. Here are some highlights.

Both the trails and whitewater are secreted away in a wilderness area between Interstate 295 and Cathance Road in Topsham.

Rangeley Lakes Trail system is situated at the foot of Saddleback Mountain and receives copious amounts of snow each winter making it a favorite winter sports destination.

"Mountain hiking now puts more stress on my arthritic joints than any other outdoor activity. Thus, Nordic skiing has become my favorite winter sport."

By Ron Chase Stormy weather ruined our plans for a western Maine mountain hike.  My son, Adam, and I had intended to climb lofty Number 5 Mountain in a remote wilderness area southwest of Jackman.

Despite several tentative plans to climb the barren summit last winter, we were unable to make the necessary arrangements to overcome the obstacles.

By Ron Chase Last winter, my son, Adam, and I completed a very stimulating climb of Mosquito Mountain near Moxie Pond in western Maine. From the summit, we enjoyed a spectacular view of Moxie Bald Mountain, a peak that dominates the opposite side of the pond.

Mount Blue proved a more difficult hike for Ron and Nancy Chase, who encountered ice up and down the trail.