a trail to self discovery...

I have attempted Isolation twice before this one. First time almost a year ago, it was fall and the ground was a bit wet and leaves had fallen off the trees and covered the trails. It was a last minute decision that morning to hike Isolation when out attempt at the Carter Moriah Traverse failed. We headed up Rocky Branch Trail form Route 16, about 4 miles in we were turned around when we heard the loud noise of breaking branches. Second time around was a few months after the first attempt in the winter. Figuring it would be much easier in the winter and not nearly as swampy. It was, right up until the trail just stopped. Rocky Branch in the winter is not used after a certain point because most others will take the Engine Hill Bushwhack. I knew little about it, and saw a gentleman who seemed to know what he was doing, and he most certainly did. So, I decided to follow him and his foot steps bushwhacking for a few good miles before we met again and he was headed in the direction we just ...

On Thursday September 19, the phone rang the radios fluttering with talk. A man fell off the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. I quickly packed up my gear and extras with the MW State Park Rangers and another co-worker of mine and hit the trail. We made it down and had him med flighted out. After 5 hours of doing everything and anything we could to help him, we were just about back to the summit when we heard on the radio, he didn't make it. Unfortunately, he had multiple compound fractures and a head injury. He stepped to the edge of the trail and fell. There is much to say about this. For now I will say never test the nature of the beast. My thoughts and prayers are with those friends who had to watch it all unfold in front of their own eyes, and the family and friends he has left behind. On another note; I just got back from Baxter State Park. Where we had planned to summit Katahdin. I had followed the weather reports right up until the day we arrived. Unfortunately, it was not wo...