The Russell Pond Trip
In 2003, Angelika and I headed into Baxter State Park for four days of hiking and camping. The trip changed dramatically when I broke my leg about halfway into the hike toward Russell Pond—and still had to hike the remaining miles to the lean-to and then hike all the way back out of the park.
Baxter State Park, 2003
A Four-Day Backcountry Trip with Angelika
In 2003, Angelika and I planned a four-day hiking trip into Baxter State Park in northern Maine. Our route would take us deep into the park toward Russell Pond, one of the most remote backcountry areas in Baxter.
We had also reserved a lean-to at Nesowadnehunk as part of the trip. The plan was to spend several days moving through the park, staying in simple backcountry shelters and enjoying one of the wildest landscapes in New England.
At the beginning, it was exactly the kind of trip I loved: long trails, deep forest, mountain views, and the feeling of being far away from roads and ordinary life.
The Hike to Russell Pond
Halfway In, Everything Changed
About halfway through the hike toward Russell Pond, I broke my leg.
We were already miles into the backcountry, with no road nearby and no simple way to call for help. Turning around would still have meant hiking several miles, and the nearest lean-to was ahead of us.
So I kept going. I hiked the remaining few miles to the lean-to on a broken leg, carrying my pack and trying to manage the pain one step at a time.
At the Lean-To
Reaching Shelter Did Not End the Problem
Making it to the lean-to was a relief, but it did not solve the larger problem. We were still deep inside Baxter State Park, and I still had to get myself back out.
There was no quick rescue waiting at the shelter. The accident had changed the entire trip, but the only practical way forward was to keep moving when I was able.
Angelika stayed with me through the ordeal, and together we had to rethink the trip around the injury and the long distance that remained between us and the outside of the park.
The Hike Out
Walking Out on a Broken Leg
After reaching the lean-to, I eventually had to hike back out of Baxter State Park on the same broken leg.
Every mile became an exercise in patience, pain management, and determination. The terrain that had seemed adventurous on the way in became a serious obstacle on the way out.
It remains one of the hardest things I have ever done in the outdoors. I had no choice but to continue, and somehow I managed to make it out under my own power.
Looking Back
A Trip Neither of Us Could Forget
What began as a four-day wilderness adventure became a test of endurance and a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in a remote place.
I still remember the beauty of Baxter—the forests, ponds, trails, and mountain country—but I also remember the pain of every step after the accident and the long effort required to get out.
These photographs preserve the good moments as well as the difficult ones. They bring back a trip with Angelika that became unforgettable for reasons neither of us could have anticipated when we started down the trail.
Photo Gallery
All photographs from the Baxter folder are included below. Select any image to open the original full-size file.
