Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-08-30

much like the ridgepole of a house
except that the height is tremendous
and a misstep is likely to mean
death. Many brave and husky
man has not been able to walk erect
across those dizzy heights. Mem
bers of the Appalachian club have
climbed mountains in all parts of the
United States, including the Rockies.
They told us there was no mountain
cast of the Rockies that could COM
pare with Mt. katahdin. One mem
Der said that he had heard much of
Katahdin but had always believed
the descriptions were exaggerated.
After going over the Knife Edge he
found there was no eXaggeration and
that this trail afforded real noun
tain climbing.
From the top OF North Peak we had
a beautiful view OF the North Basin.
Pamela and the country north and
east. After Photographer Bailey had
taken q panorama we returned TO the
head of the slide and descended to
chimney pond, reaching camp about
five o'clock.
Commissioner Parsons Wa especial
ly pleased with the days climb, for one
of the main objects of the trip was to
secure panoramic views of the noun
tain and the light conditions had been
generally favorable throughout the
day. Photographer Carl r. Bailey.
with the assistance of Wardens Rog-
ers, Smart and Flint. had carried his
heavy camera and equipment to all the
highest points and taken many views
from Katahdin's top. Among the pam
Dramas taken was one from Chimney
pond. of the Crater. South Basin and
!, 17ar from MnnlII11 g
Peak, of Pamela. the Knife Edge and
the lake scenery to the south and west
of Katahdin: another from the top Of
the Slide of the North Peak, country to
the east. Pamela, Knife Edge and
South East Peak: another from half
way up the North Peak, of Pamela.
South Basin, Southeast, Easterly and
Monument Peaks; another from near
the monument on North Peak. of the
North Basin. Basin pond. Katahdin
pond and mountains to the north and
east.
Friday four members of the party
returned home, but Commissioner Par
sons. the wardens and Photographer
Bailey remained till Saturday in order
to secure additional panoramas of the
mountain.
The katahdin Park Game Preserve
The land included in the katahdin
Park Game Preserve should be acquired
by the State and made State park. for
it would prove a valuable and profit
able investment beyond question. AS
members of the Appalachian Club have
asserted. there is nothing east of the
Rockies which can equal Mount ka-
tahdin. Such a scenic marvel should
not be left subject to the possibility
- Ia -.
owned and controlled by the State.
Every year more and more people
journey hundreds of miles to climb
Katahdin and acquaint themselves Of
it's wonders. The day our party was
on top we counted over so people at
the peaks or on the plateau. II the
State would acquire ownership Of this
region. improve the auto road in from
Millinocket clear to Depot Camps. or
possibly Basin pond, maintain or pro-
vide camps and supplies at Basin pond
and Chimney pond and improve the
trails up the mountain. there would
be hundreds of people visit this Won
der spot every season and Maine would
be advertised as never before.
Much credit is due the Great North
ern Paper Co. for the building of the
road in from Millinocket to Depot and
Basin Pond Camps, and for its courte-
sy in permitting the public to use it
freely. Before this road was built,
the trip up the north side of Katahdin.
through the South Basin. which is be-
You'd question the most interesting
and scenic side to approach. started a,
Stacyville and two or three days were
necessary to get in to Basin or CHM
ney ponds. Now one can go in from
Millinocket in day easily. Here is an
opportunity for Maine to do something
big-it shouldn't delay.