July 2 - Mount Agamenticus

Perhaps you're aware there's a heat wave plaguing the northeast. Seriously, Maine in the high 80s and low 90s plus 75% humidity can rival Texas' 100 deg and 50% humidity. Today, however, was the last day predicted in the 70s for the next 10 days...so...we decided to take a hike. Where better than Mount Agamenticus near York, ME. Certainly, this was no death defying feat, but it was a great way to get a better vantage point and see more Maine.

While the pictures that follow are not photographic masterpieces, they do tell an interesting story about Maine that has really hit home with us. Most of my life, Maine was just another US state stuck somewhere far up north and probably covered with snow most of the year. Wrong again, Lenny! Much to my chagrin, most of Maine is not as far north as most of Minnesota, and all of North Dakota, Montana, and Washington. And...it's so far east that Florida is like half way there from Dallas (longitudinally speaking). Yet another revelation is that Maine, while having very cold and snowy winters, is a warm, wonderful, wonderland for vacationers during the summer.

The photos that follow reveal how dense the flora is in "this here" part of the country. Unless you're actually "on the coast," you're probably touring in a tree tunnel. Maines' highest peak, Mount Katahdin is 5269'. So by comparison, at 692', Mt Agamenticus can hardly claim to be a mountain. After all, Mount Dallas and Mount Carrollton, TX are both over 500' above sea level. Forgive me...back to the photos and their revelations.

As you will see, and for as far as you can see, Maine is densely cloaked in lush, green trees. The air must be pretty clean up here with all the help from these forests. On a clear day, and today was not particularly clear, you can see forever 🎶 well into New Hampshire, and sometimes even Mt Washington 90 miles away. In the opposite direction, your view is of the Atlantic coast. No matter which direction you choose, you'll see miles and miles and miles of dark, green trees. It's quite different from mountain vistas in, say ... Arkansas, Kentucky or Colorado.

Remember - click the pic for larger image

Looking north into more Maine...faint peaks in the distance

No matter which way you look...trees as far as you can see

Natural rock formation along the "Big A" trail

No matter where you go...even on foot...inescapable construction

The trail that encircles the peak called, Big "A," continues about one (1) mile and is well groomed. If you happen to be hiking with an adventurous soul, like Miss Lizzy, you'll soon find yourself headed down some dense or rocky or narrow wildlife path like those that follow...

Hey...let's see where this goes...

...just follow the red dots on the trees

Fortunately, Lizzy had her cagy, cautious counterpart along, Leery Lenny to enlighten her that her chosen path lead to the bottom of the mountain while Gentle Jethro was passively perched up top! Fortunately, the adventure was rectified with but a mere heart-pounding ascent back uphill to the ridge. The next thing you know we were safely back in treacherous traffic and headed home to the Hill, ... Rocky Hill that is.

Well, folks...

...this may be our last outing before we head for home. We're taking a short breather to see if our townhome in Carrollton has melted. After a brief reminder of what Texas Julys are all about, we'll head on up to cool, colorful, Colorado.

It's great traveling' with ya'!