KATAHDIN
Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It is located within Baxter State Park, a wilderness-managed area. The mountain, being a mile above sea level, towers above the comparatively low Maine lakes and forests. Due to the northerly latitude, timberline is at about 3,500 feet.
Katahdin is most impressive from the south, a sheer-like granite fortress towering to the heights. It's shape is somewhat horseshoe-like with the open end heading northeasterly. There are 5 main peaks on the horseshoe, counterclockwise from the north they go: Howe Peak, Hamlin Peak, Baxter Peak (summit), South Peak and Pamola Peak. The most dominant and intimidating feature on Katahdin is the Knife Edge, an appropriately-named jagged arete only a few feet wide in places and a memorable traverse from South Peak to Pamola Peak.
CACHE
The posted coordinates will take you to an informational kiosk in a scenic rest area with fabulous views of Katahdin. Note, the rest area is only open May to October. The kiosk will provide you with information about the history of Katahdin and it is where you will find the information needed to solve for the final cache location.
N 45 AB.CDE W068 FG.HIJ
- A: First recorded ascent was in 180A
- B: Percival Baxter hikes along the Knife Edge in 19B1
- C: Teddy Roosevelt climbs the mountain in 1C79
- D: Last digit in the height of Mount Katahdin
- E: Elizabeth Oakes Smith was the first woman to climb the mountain in 184E
- F: Second digit in the height of Mount Katahdin
- G: An avalanche roared down the side of the mountain along the Abol Trail in 1G16
- H: Governer Baxter made his first gift of land in 19H1
- I: Third digit in the height of Mount Katahdin
- J: Katahdin Lake is added to Baxter State Park in 20J6
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.