Feb 20-21, 2010 – Mt. Cardigan

Trip Advisors: Jeff Buffum and Norm Thibault

This trip is a 2.5 mile hike up 1500 feet to a mountain cabin on the side of Mt Cardigan and then a day or hikes around the top of the mountain. The cabin has a wood stove for heat, wood bunks with mattress pads, and a propane stove for cooking. There is no local water supply so we either carry it up or melt snow. The high cabin provides easy access to the summit and a number of other trails around Mt Cardigan. It should be noted that the cabin only sleeps 12 (we can have up to 14 with floor sleeper) so space is limited on this trip. For those who want to know more about Cardigan, visit the AMC website: http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/2005/mountcardigan.cfm

This is a winter trip by snowshoe with the initial climb in the dark by headlamp. The climb up to the high cabin is with full gear and as such, is not for those who may have health issues. This is a winter hike with all the environmental concerns: high winds, exposure, rain, snow, freezing rain, etc. As such, all attendees must have appropriate winter gear. See the scout website for a list of winter gear. There will be a prep meeting prior to the climb to go over what gear is appropriate and how to pack for the weather without loading yourself down with too much weight.

On the lighter side, the mountain is criss-crossed with backcountry ski trails. Scouts in prior years have brought along plastic sleds and made a number of fun runs. The views from the top can be spectacular and the views from the cabin porch are also great. In all prior years there has been a fair amount of snow on the mountain, although the peak is often clear of snow due to the open rock and high winds.

is criss-crossed with backcountry ski trails. Scouts in prior years have brought along plastic sleds and made a number of fun runs. The views from the top can be spectacular and the views from the cabin porch are also great. In all prior years there has been a fair amount of snow on the mountain, although the peak is often clear of snow due to the open rock and high winds.

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