My Experience at the Bradbury Squall

Magoo Runs in Her First Snowshoe Race

This January, I did my first snowshoe race. I ran in the Bradbury Squall. This is a 3 mile snowshoe race through Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine.

Frosty and I drove down early, so that we could stop at L.L. Bean to drool over gear. We left with a wish list of items we hope show up at our local Bean outlet.

Once at Bradbury Mountain State park, I checked in and got my bib. I used the port-a-potty then put on my snowshoes. Most of the runners participating in this event had racing snowshoes, either their own or borrowed ones. The Squall had some loaner Dion racing snowshoes available to registered racers on a first come first serve basis.  Even though my snowshoes are not racing snowshoes, I wore them for the Squall. I had on my Tubbs Flex ALP snowshoes.

I walked over with the group to the starting area. I had on my warmth layers pre-race to ward off chills. I brought a bag with me to put my winter coat in to leave at the start/finish line area. There were close to 100 people in the race. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 80.

The race was challenging in a great way. I had only run with snowshoes a couple of times before the race. I had practiced snowshoe running on my backyard trails which are flat. The Squall’s race course was not. I had only run road races previously, so this was my first trail race.

The Squall’s course had small rolling hills throughout. It is a trail, so there is uneven ground, rocks, etc. I think trail racing terrain may be easier in snowshoes, but maybe not. I look forward to finding out someday. I have only run training runs on trails and they are smooth road-like trails.

My first goal was to finish. I thought this goal was attainable unless I got hurt. My second goal was to not go over a 60 minutes. I wasn’t sure if I could do this. When practicing at home, I went over an hour by just a couple of minutes each time. When I got out on the course racing, I worried that goal number two wouldn’t happen. The terrain was harder than my training course.

I pushed myself to go at a steady pace. Not too fast, I didn’t want to burn out. But I did want to push a bit. After the first mile, I was hopeful when my Garmin watch vibrated and said I did the first mile in just over 17 minutes. I was hoping for just under 20 minutes. But, I was not familiar with the course and worried about what obstacles would be coming my way and how they would impact my time.

I was having fun pushing myself. Being physical, enjoying the outdoors, the camaraderie of a shared experience with the other runners. I was thrilled when after the second mile my Garmin told that I had done another lap at just over 17 minutes. My third mile ended up being just under 15 minutes!

The area around the finish line was so crowded and my eyesight is not great (thus my trail name – Magoo) that I was really confused as to where the finish line chute was. But I saw it a bit before I was directly on top of it.

I was in the group of the last 10 people to finish, but I was so thrilled! I met my goal of finishing the race. And I smashed my time goal. I shaved nearly ten whole minutes off my target time of 59 minutes!

These types of events are so inspirational for me. I love seeing the active senior runners. There was an amazing group of women in their sixties that kicked my butt. I may never be that fast, but I hope to be that active. And the 80-year-old man who finished in just under 65 minutes… holy cow! May we all be healthy enough to do what we love at 80!

The post race festivities looked so fun. They had hot drinks and soup. Prizes for the winners, and I think some random drawings as well. The prize table looked decked out! I would have loved to win some Darn Tough Socks. Frosty would have enjoyed winning the Baxter Beer. But we couldn’t stay and enjoy the festivities. : (  We had to hurry home to watch the Patriots battle the Jaguars in a play-off game.

My Garmin said the course was 3.09 miles with 138 feet of elevation gain and 133 feet of elevation loss.

Note: Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged.

Gear Used:

Magoo:

Tubbs Flex ALP snowshoes, Buff merino wool neckwear, Apana running mittens, Smartwool Running Socks, Costa prescription sunglasses, ancient ear band, OR gaiters, Danskin Now leggings, Danskin Now long sleeve tech. shirt, and old sneakers

Snowshoeing on Little Moose Mountain

Icicles Hang from Rocks on Little Moose Mountain

Little Moose Mountain is a favorite snowshoeing trip for Frosty and me. Every time we go the snow conditions are different, but it is always fun and challenging (especially at the end before our turn around spot). Our last trip was on March 11th.

Frosty Snowshoeing up Little Moose Mountain

We got an early start and drove up to the Greenville area to the Moose Mountain Inn. We parked in the lot adjacent to the inn. There is a sign next to the trailhead.

Whenever we are on this trail in the winter, we seem to be breaking trail. Last winter we came here three weekends in a row and each time it snowed during the week. Sometimes, there are some tracks at the very beginning of the trail. On this day, the snow was moderately heavy/wet, and I sunk quite a bit leading the way.

Ice on the Rocks at Little Moose Mountain

I love the viewpoints along the way on this trail. They look out over different directions. These vistas make my soul smile. I love a good view! The windstorm this fall has blown some trees/branches across the trail. In at least one spot, a blazed tree was knocked over. It could be tricky in a few places to find the trail. But if you are snowshoeing in the mountains in the winter, you are probably a trail whisperer like Frosty.

This trip was particularly interesting because there were lots of animal tracks. I love seeing animal tracks in the snow. We saw squirrel, rabbit, and coyote. The snow was so deep the coyote’s body left a continuous trail snaking through the snow. If you looked down into the coyote trail, you could see the footprints. The coyote seemed to be following a rabbit/rabbit tracks. For quiet awhile, the coyote’s path followed and crisscrossed the hiking trail. We never got to see any animals though.

Coyote Trail

It was windy in exposed places, and we only had a couple of peaks of sunshine. As we got closer the summit, there were beautiful ice-covered cliffs with some hanging icicles. This section is steep and definitely takes an effort to get up. But it was easier than some of our trips. One time last winter there was lots of ice under the snow. The snow would shed off as you stepped leaving the ice. That was a lot more of a challenge. I always feel good after working to get up something.

 

Coyote Track

The trail doesn’t go to an actual summit. But you come to a sparsely wooded area with a view. Many of the trees here look shorn off at the top. The trail keeps goes on after this spot. It goes down to a pond, but this is where we turn around.

Frosty on Little Moose Mountain

The down was pretty easy. The thick snow would stop up your snowshoes eventually. It was a great day out on the trail!

Our mileage for this trip was 4.14 with an elevation gain of 966 feet according to my Garmin. Little Moose Mountain is the mountain formerly known as Little Squaw.

Winter adventures always seem to involve playing the layers game. As the temperature, wind, sun, and activity levels change layers need to be added and removed. So we try to be prepared with our clothing. You don’t want to get too hot and sweaty, but you don’t want to get chilled either.

Gear Used:

Frosty:

Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Poles, Limmers, LL Bean gaiters, Darn Tough Socks,  Tubbs Flex NRG, LL Bean Mittens, My Trail Co Backpack Light 50L, LL Bean wool shirt, 1/4 zip wool shirt, Stormy Kromer The SK Outfitter Vest, Buff merino wool neckwear, Buff ThermoNet hat,  Johnson Woolen Mill Worsted Wool Pants, and Aloha Eyewear Stone Creek MX1 Men’s Wraparound Bi-focal Sunglasses 

Magoo:

Stormy Kromer Ida Outfitter Vest, Buff merino wool neckwear, LL Bean hat, Apana running mittens, Darn Tough socks, LL Bean AT 38 Day Pack backpack (the link is the updated version of Magoo’s pack), merino wool leggings, Layer 8 wind pants, Cabela’s Women’s Ultimate Lightweight Merino shirt, Kodenor trekking poles, Kamik Greenbay 4 Boots, LL Bean US ski team headband, OR gaiters,  and Women’s LL Bean Packaway Mittens

Climbing Mount Kineo in Winter

View of Mount Kineo as We Walked across the Ice of Moosehead Lake

On February 24th, we climbed Mount Kineo. We got up early and headed for the Greenville region. We parked at the boat landing in Rockwood. I was glad the outhouse at the boat landing was open during the winter! The parking lot was filled with snowmobile trailers. There were a number of people ice fishing out on Moosehead Lake today despite the wind.

Frosty Walking on the Ice of Moosehead Lake

We put on our micro-cleats and wind layers and headed across the lake to Kineo. The wind was intense! There were a couple of times that I felt like a cartoon character walking into strong wind, but not actually moving forward. Luckily, I had brought my face mask which really helped deal with the wind.

I was so happy to get to land as the wind was not as bad. As we walked along the edge of the land toward the trailhead, we had some spectacular views of ice on the rocks and cliffs. We decided to go up the Indian Trail.

Ice Hangs from the Rocks at Kineo

It was steep and challenging, but the views were spectacular. We put our ice axes to work in places as we climbed up. A few trees/branches were down from this fall’s wind storm, but not hard to get around.

Frosty on the Icy Climb Up

I was surprised to see snowmobile tracks as we neared where the Indian Trail joined the Bridle Trail. The snowmobiles tracks went all the way up from the lake to the top on the Bridle Trail.

Views across Moosehead Lake from the Indian Trail on Mount Kineo

While at the top, we took off our cleats and climbed the old fire tower. Incredible views from the top, but the wind was whipping, so we didn’t spend a lot of time up there.

Frosty Bundled up against the Wind but Enjoying the Spectacular Views from the Fire Tower Atop Kineo

We took the Bridle Trail down. While descending, we met a large group on their way up. They were with The Northwoods Wellness Collective. This group had children to seniors and seemed to be having a great time.

Magoo Checks out the Ice on the Rocks on Kineo

Coming down, for the most part was fast and easy. I even ran in one section. I find descending in the winter much easier on my knees than in the summer. The snow cushions the impact.

The gorgeous icicle covered cliffs had changed a bit since we went up. It was warming now, so they were crashing off. No walking under them as we walked by this time.

Looking up at Ice on Kineo

The wind had lessened for our return trip across the lake. That was a relief. We had our snowshoes strapped to our packs just in case we needed them, but that is where they stayed for this trip.

With the lake crossing, the total mileage for this trip was 5.16 miles.

Winter adventures always seem to involve playing the layers game. As the temperature, wind, sun, and activity levels change layers need to be added and removed. So we try to be prepared with our clothing. You don’t want to get too hot and sweaty, but you don’t want to get chilled either.

Gear Used:

Frosty:

One Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Pole, One Black Diamond Whippet, Limmers, LL Bean gaiters, Darn Tough Socks, Hot Shot Bomber Hat, LL Bean BOA Traction Footwear, LL Bean Mittens, My Trail Co Backpack Light 50L, LL Bean wool shirt, Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe With Grip, LL Bean windbreaker,  LL Bean Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket, 1/4 zip wool shirt, Buff merino wool neckwear, Buff ThermoNet hat,  Johnson Woolen Mill Worsted Wool Pants, and Aloha Eyewear Stone Creek MX1 Men’s Wraparound Bi-focal Sunglasses 

Magoo:

Stormy Kromer Ida Outfitter Vest, Buff merino wool neckwear, LL Bean hat, Apana running mittens, Darn Tough socks, LL Bean AT 38 Day Pack backpack (the link is the updated version of Magoo’s pack), merino wool leggings, Layer 8 wind pants, Cabela’s Women’s Ultimate Lightweight Merino shirt, Grivel Futura Ice Axe, Kodenor trekking poles, Neoprene Half Face Mask, LL Bean Fleece coat, Kamik Greenbay 4 Boots, ancient windbreaker, LL Bean US ski team headband, OR gaiters, LL Bean Women’s BOA Traction Footwear and Women’s LL Bean Packaway Mittens

Snowshoeing around Jordan Pond

Frosty Snowshoes around Jordan Pond Looking at Penobscot Mountain

Yesterday, Frosty and I headed down to MDI to go to Acadia National Park. We drove to Seal Harbor to enter the park and access the carriage roads. The road into the Jordan Pond House is plowed in the winter. The JPH had construction vehicles all around, so we drove past and parked at the next parking lot. The plowed section ends here.

Our plan was to hike up Penobscot Mountain. Once we left the carriage road that borders the pond and headed up toward a couple trailheads for Penobscot Mountain, we were breaking trail. There were cross-country ski tracks, but no snowshoe tracks. F.Y.I. for new snowshoers, if you are using the same trails as skiers don’t walk on the cross country ski tracks.

Icicles Hang from Rock near the Trail up to Penobscot

We started up the narrow, steep trail. Unfortunately, the path was post-holed. So our snowshoe teeth were hanging over the holes. The trail was so narrow, we couldn’t avoid the holes. We climbed up about a hundred feet. And although with effort it was doable, I wasn’t sure how going down would be. We decided to turn back and go around Jordan Pond.

If we had brought our micro-cleats and ice axes, we would have kept going. I wish it were easier to find information about current winter trail conditions in Maine. There is a website that has some information: http://newenglandtrailconditions.com/me/

Frosty Crosses Deer Brook

This site is a great idea. The NH information section is very active. I am hoping more Maine info starts getting shared.

Almost all of our snowshoeing was broken/packed, trail or carriage road. The only two parts that weren’t were the previously mentioned carriage road up to trailheads for Penobscot and the Deer Brook Trail down to the Jordan Pond Path.

Frosty on a Bridge as We Loop Jordan Pond Acadia National Park

The Deer Brook Trail was pretty. We had a super view of one of the old stone bridges and the stream looked cool. The trail crosses the brook then crosses back over. We had to search a little for the trail a couple of times. When hiking in the winter, this can happen. Some trails aren’t blazed well. In the bare ground seasons, the trail can be obvious, so some feel you don’t need as many blazes. This changes in winter. If you can’t find blazes, another clue to look for in areas that aren’t as obvious are trees that are missing branches (cut for the trail) on one side.

Water Ripples under an Ice Covered Rock

It was windy and the temp. was 21 degrees when we started. The sun peeked out a few times. Great snowy views! All totaled we did 4.48 miles.

Acadia National Park Bridge Crossing an Open Stream Flowing into Jordan Pond

After, we stopped into Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bar Harbor. The whole store was 25% off. In a future post, I’ll share the new hiking boots Frosty scored.

 

Waves Roll into the Edge of the Iced-in Cove — The Beavers Have Been Busy

Winter adventures always seem to involve the layers game. As the temperature, wind, sun, and activity levels change layers need to be added and removed. So we try to be prepared with our clothing. You don’t want to get too hot and sweaty, but you don’t want to get chilled either.

Gear Used:

Frosty:

Tubbs Flex VRT Snowshoes, One Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Pole, One Black Diamond Whippet, Limmers, LL Bean gaiters, Darn Tough Socks, Yama Pogies, LL Bean Mittens, My Trail Co Backpack Light 50L, LL Bean wool shirt, LL Bean windbreaker,  Stormy Kromer The SK Outfitter Vest, 1/4 zip wool shirt, Buff merino wool neckwear, Buff ThermoNet hat,  Johnson Woolen Mill Worsted Wool Pants, and Aloha Eyewear Stone Creek MX1 Men’s Wraparound Bi-focal Sunglasses 

Magoo:

Tubbs Flex ALP snowshoes, Black Diamond Trail Shock Trekking Pole, Stormy Kromer Ida Outfitter Vest, Buff merino wool neckwear, LL Bean hat, Apana running mittens, Darn Tough socks, LL Bean AT 38 Day Pack backpack (the link is the updated version of Magoo’s pack), merino wool leggings, Layer 8 wind pants, Cabela’s Women’s Ultimate Lightweight Merino shirt, Kamik Greenbay 4 Boots, ancient windbreaker, Costa prescription sunglasses, ancient ear band, OR gaiters, and Women’s LL Bean Packaway Mittens