Backpacking
Mahoosuc Notch (Hadley Moreau photo)
Here you will find a full list and description of the different Backpacking trips we offer. Click on the drop-down boxes to learn more about the awesome Batesies who will lead them!
Carter Ridge (Intermediate Physical Activity)
Carter Ridge I Leaders: Lilah Lesniak and Ossie Heard
Heelllllllooooo!!!! ‘Tis me, Lilah! I hail from the one, the only, the best city on EARTH, Phiiiiilllllyyyyyy (sko birds) But seriously, love that place ( ♡ ͜ʖ ♡) You may be wondering why I am leading a backpacking trip as there are simply no mountains in Philly, but I have been hiking and camping in upstate New York and Maine all of my life. I’m a rising sophomore at Bates and (hopefully) an American Studies/Rhetoric double major with a minor in Russian! You can always find me at the Commons cereal wall, as I eat cereal for AT LEAST one meal per day; multiple people have noted that they have yet to see me in Commons eating anything besides this delicacy, ever :’) Otherwise, I’m usually either in biking around Bates and Lewiston or eating Trader Joe’s takis way too loudly in academic buildings. Where to even begin with my magnificent co-leader Ossie…he is my next door neighbor (Rand 4 babyyyy), my knight in shining armour, fellow Mid-Atlantic-er, my bff, and the most incredible STEM/humanities/lean green bean diving/track star, beautifully multifaceted liberal arts student/HUMAN Bates has ever SEEN <333 We’re BEYOND PUMPED to not only spend the most amazing four days backpacking and hanging out with you guys in the Whites, but also the next THREE years with you at Bates!!!! WOOOhoooo! We’re SO excited to meet all of you guys in August–see you sooooon!!!
Hey what’s up, Ossie is the name and AESOP is the game!! I’m from the one and only dirty Jers (New Jersey), the garden state will forever be my favorite. When I was a kid, my family and I would go on hikes in various national parks and reservations in New Jersey and in and around upstate New York. I love camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and recently mountain biking. I’m a rising sophomore and one of the reasons why I wanted to lead an AESOP trip was because I experienced so many fun new things in four days. I tried mountain biking for the first time as my AESOP trip and it was dope. I’m prospectively majoring in biochemistry, minoring in psychology, and getting a GEC in African American studies. I went to high school at Deerfield Academy where I learned how to dive, ran track, and danced year round. I am on the diving and the track team here at Bates. I love to bike, play cards, read, eat, and most definitely hike with my fellow AESOP trip leader Lilah. Lilah is one of the best people I’ve ever met, her deceivingly calm demeanor does no justice to what lengths she will go for the people she cares for. She is the best neighbor, radio show host, interior designer, co-Trader Joe’s takis lover, tea connoisseur, friend and co-leader anyone could ask for. She is the yin to my yang, and a force to be reckoned with, I truly believe Carter Ridge I couldn’t get any more epic. You ready to let the good times roll?!
Carter Ridge II Leaders: Sarah Delany and James MacDonald
Helloooooo there! James and I are so excited to romp around the woods with y’all! James is a senior Econ major from Quincy, Mass, and is one half of the dynamic duo that is the Carter II leadership crew! My fearless, hilarious, and amazing co-leader and I are stoked to go backpack up some hills, down some hills, up some more hills, and maybe down a few more hills with y’all! Outside of his hours spent grinding hard on the third floor of Ladd, James is on the men’s ultimate frisbee team (O WHAT? O WHIP!) and is the arts photographer for The Bates Student, and can often be found in the depths of Coram soul-searching and editing photos instead of doing econ problem sets. He loves fangirling over New England sports teams, discussing his favorite potato options in Commons (waffle fries>curly fries), and actively preventing Bates students from knowing what his hair looks like. We’re super excited to eat wayyyy too much Annie’s, catch some great sunsets, and experience the greatness that Carter Ridge has to offer!
Heyyyy Bobkittens!!! My cool, black bear loving, crocs repping, Patagonia wearing friend Sarah and I are super stoked to embark on this journey of a lifetime with you all! Well, more like an awesome 4 days of hiking with amazing views and even better mountain trails. Now for my partner in crime, she hails all the way from Glen Ellyn, Illinois (to spare you the google mapping, that’s the suburbs of Chicago). Legend has it that she stole and rode the Cubs’ mascot all the way from Illinois to Maine and found Bates purely on natural instinct and the sweet smell of Commons food! Sarah can often be spotted on Garcelon Field playing ultimate frisbee, snow or shine, with the NATIONALLY ranked Bates Cold Front. An absolute warrior both on and off the field, who better to have leading you through the Maine wilderness?! She’s also super friendly, and down to earth, so I have to brag for her. She’s an Environmental Science major with a Music minor, and she’s in a group designing a public hiking trail along the Androscoggin! Lastly, fun fact, Sarah has befriended almost all of the dogs on Bates campus. With that said, start off your Bates experience the right way and come hike Carter Ridge with us!
The Carter Ridge is located on the border of the Wild River Wilderness in the White Mountain National Forest. The ridge is know for its incredible 360 degree views of the White Mountains. For the majority of the trip, groups will follow the Appalachian trail as it goes over several mountains including Carter Dome, Mount Moriah, and Mount Height. Uphill hiking for the first day will put groups near the ridge. The second day will be spend hiking along the ridge and enjoying the beauty. After the ridge, it’s all downhill. Carter I and II share the same itinerary but head in opposite directions on the trail. A trip of moderate difficulty with views that are well worth it!
Mileage: 18.3 miles
Grafton (Intermediate Physical Activity)
Grafton I Leaders: Dan Tepler and Liz Casey
I’m Dan Tepler! I’m a rising Junior, which means that I’m in the midst of grappling with the fact that I’m entering my third decade of life and am halfway done with college, so that’s been good. I keep busy mainly by playing on the men’s Ultimate Frisbee team called Orange Whip, but I also work at the District Court here in Lewiston (the true hub of justice), am a reader for the College Guild (a prison education nonprofit), and am a research assistant for my Politics professor. Around campus, you can catch me disappointing my parents by not going to Hillel all that often, wasting ungodly amounts of time in commons, or walking around trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue. I absolutely love to backpack, chill around a fire, and do all the sorts of things that AESOP lets us do while we’re out frolicking and getting to know each other. Needless to say, I’m CRAZY amped for the trip.
Heyo young cats how’s it hangin?! My name’s Liz and I’m a rising junior! I was born and raised in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and have spent much of my life taking advantage of everything the beautiful Granite State has to offer. At Bates I specialize in teaching youths about the past (history major, education minor). But when I’m not pouring my heart and soul into my studies, I enjoy tossin’ disc with the Ultimate Frisbee team, savin’ lives as a member of Bates EMS, shreddin’ the slopes at Sunday River, and hangin’ with the finest kiddos in all of Maine at various Lewiston elementary schools. My favorite drink is blue Powerade (but only from the fountain on the LEFT side of Commons it’s better forreal), I’m good at handstands, and according to Buzzfeed, the dog breed that most closely aligns with my personality is the Great Dane. I heard a rumor that Grafton I has the best views out of every AESOP trip so you should hurry up and sign up before it’s too late! Get stoked for the best 4 days of all of our lives, my good friend Dan and I simply can’t wait to meet you!!
Grafton II Leaders: Ceci Gichner and Henry King
Hola Amigos! My name is Ceci Gichner class of 2022! Congrats on coming to Bates, I can’t wait to welcome you home by adventuring with you guys! A little about me, I am from Maryland (yes I am addicted to Old Bay), I am on the ice hockey team, involved in outing club, ultimate, and shred club! When I’m not in the rink or in Commons eating I can be found hiking, slacklining, climbing, or skateboarding around campus. I have the sense of humor of a five year old boy and I love laughing (even at my self). My first language was spanglish and my favorite shoes are heelys and crocs #nevergrowup. I can’t wait for the memories to come, see you this fall!
Hey there kiddos, how’s it going? My name is Henry King and while Ceci may have the sense of humor of a five year old boy, I am quite literally a five year old boy. My favorite things include walking around in Crocs, playing in the mud, building things, playing ultimate, arm wrestling people, and most importantly telling dad jokes to anybody who will pay attention. I grew up in Vista NY, have 3 siblings (2 brothers and a sister) and probably the coolest dog I know (his name is Apollo and sometimes he wears sunglasses). I can’t wait to meet you all when you get on campus this fall.
What better way is there to explore your new home than to see Maine’s expansive wilderness from the top of a mountain? On the western half of the Grafton Loop Trail, you will summit Stowe Mountain, Sunday River Whitecap, and the 4170-foot Old Speck Mountain and experience the beautiful landscape that Maine has to offer. This trip that takes you up a steady incline for three out of the four days also offers some challenging sections of trail that will be well rewarded once you are standing at the top of Old Speck looking at the beautiful views. Grades are mostly easy to moderate with a few short steep pitches. Sharing the trail with AT thru-hikers and sitting around the campfire at night calls for some new and exciting friendships to be made. On the eastern half of the Grafton Loop Trail, you will summit both West and East Balpate and Puzzle Mountain. Grafton II is slightly longer than Grafton I but are similar in challenge and beauty.
Mileage: 20.1 miles/21.5 miles
Pemigewasset (High Physical Activity)
Pemigewasset I Leaders: Phil Gulick and Maggie Barton
The first time I hiked with Phil, he would not stop talking about his love of loop trails. It seems that he was born for Pemigewasset 1. Standing 6’4” (or 6’6” if you include his hair) Phil’s enthusiasm knows no bounds. This tall drink of water hails from Burlington, Vermont where he is well known for devouring 6 Cornish hens in one sitting. But don’t let his strong physique and love of nordic skiing, chemistry, and the Adirondacks scare you. The sounds of his voice will lull you to sleep and the beat of his enormous heart will wake you up in morning. The only thing Phil loves more than Camp Abnaki where he spends his summers is bagging peaks with Batesies. If you want to start out your Bates career with beautiful views and even better people- sign up for Pemigewasset 1!
Maggie Barton was born in a small New Hampshire town, possibly around Hanover or Lebanon but nobody, including herself, is totally sure. During the summers, she works as a White Mountain Hut caretaker, arguably the most coveted job on the eastern seaboard, or maybe even North America. Maggie is the best mom you WILL EVER HAVE, guaranteed. She enjoys making healthy salads in commons (which she subsequently complains about due to their poor taste), being loud, stealing Phil’s shoes and tossing them far away, and thinking sociologically. When Maggie was younger, she used to participate in competitive turkey wrangling derbys, due to the copious amounts of wild turkeys found in her hometown. She also once decided to run 83.8 miles from her hometown to the top of Mt. Washington in the middle of winter, carrying 50 pounds of bricks over head. This is Maggie’s idea of a ~good time~ Needless to say, she is very jacked. Maggie and I bonded on our AESOP last year over our shared love of Vietnamese cuisine, storytelling and the great outdoors. Pemigewasset is an incredibly beautiful part of the Whites, and Maggie is arguably the best AESOP leader of the century. We cannnnnnot wait to meet you all! SIGN UP FOR PEMIGEWASSET 1!
Pemigewasset II Leaders: Owen Bailey and Amelia Ingersoll
Hi! Welcome to Bates Class of 2023 let’s goooooo!!!!!!! My name is Owen Bailey and I am so excited for you all to join the AWESOME Bates community and to get to know some of you in the wild White Mountains of New Hampshire! I am from the one and only Concord, Mass, only the sickest town ever!!! I am known around the small town of Concord as the shift manager at our local ice cream store and for having the cutest dog in the world, Roxie. Here at Bates you can find me in the chem lab blending hot dogs, at the hockey rink, chowing down on reese’s peanut butter cups in my room or grinding out my homework in the basement of the library. I am planning on majoring in chemistry and spanish. When I’m not nerding out, I enjoy watching Game of Thrones, looking at memes of Game of Thrones, quoting Game of Thrones or just thinking about how sick Game of Thrones is. A few other things I like are skittles, Fargo (the movie not the show), Dunkin Donuts coffee with 1 cream and 2 sugars, corned beef hash from commons, riddles, watching skiing videos, strictly using the font comic sans and of course hanging out with my fellow AESOP leader Amelia!!!!!!! AESOP was a huge highlight of my time here at Bates so far, so get ready for an INSANE four days!! Written by Amelia :)
HEY what’s happenin’ first years!!!!! My name is Amelia Ingersoll and by the time you read this I’ll be leading a 6-week canoe trip in Northern Ontario. Aside from being an overall nature adventure FIEND, I spend most of my time deciding between watching Fight Club (for the 5th time) or Stranger Things, ripping slopes at Sunday River, or eating my favorite meal: rice, corn, and nutritional yeast in Commons. I am chock full of interesting fun facts about my home state, Vermont, which makes 900,000 GALLONS of maple syrup each year. Actually did not know that until I read VT’s Wikipedia page, but am very glad that I did. Three phrases to describe me would be as follows: vegetarian, Darn Tough socks, and blueberry muffins from Dunkin Donuts. I listen to strictly Wilco (props to you if you know them) and violently dislike Oasis (???) and Coldplay (?????????), so go to Owen if you need any music suggestions. My aesop trip was an amazing experience and I am SO stoked to share yours with you. GET PUMPED FOR AESOP!! See you in August!! Written by Owen \(._.)/
Pemigewassett explores the largest Wilderness in the White Mountain National Forest, spanning from Franconia Notch all the way to Crawford Notch. The section of trail you will be hiking runs over some of the highest and most scenic mountains in New Hampshire outside the Presidential Range. You can watch the sunset from the summit of Garfield, take a dip in Ethan Pond, and spend some quality time up in the alpine zone. Stopping at AMC’s Galehead and Zealand Huts for lunch, breaks up the challenging trail. The steep climb to the summit of South Twin Mountain is worth the struggle because the views from the top are gorgeous. Next, you will find your way through the maze of boulders to the summit of Mount Guyot, one of the more remote peaks of the White Mountains. Guyot offers a panoramic view of the entire Pemigewassett Wilderness and on a nice day, you can even see as far as the Presidential Range. You won’t be disappointed if you choose Pemigewassett as your trip!
Mileage: 22.5 miles
*Pemigewasset Wilderness I & II share the same itinerary, but are run in opposite directions.
Baxter Bushwackers (High Physical Activity)
Baxter Bushwhackers I Leaders: Madison Liistro and Jason Lu
Hellooo newest members of the Bates fam! I am Madison Liistro or Mads for short, also a senior at Bates College majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. In my lovely 3 years here at Bates I have also been a junior advisor with Jason (Frye House 2017-18 <3) played club field hockey, participated in the College-Access-Mentor-Program for middle schoolers in the Lewiston-Auburn area (L.A., if you will) and failed miserably at racing for our club ski team. This past year I was one of the captains of our club Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team— go Coldfront!! (currently on the lookout for class of 2023 recruits…) I also serve on our Emergency Medical Services team at Bates. Additionally, I spent this past spring semester abroad in Valparaíso, Chile, working on my Spanish and eating more bread than I even knew existed in the world. As Jason said, the two of us have, ~at the least~ the ability to return you all to Bates post-AESOP in-tact. We are absolutely amped to take ya’ll through the Baxter wilderness, hopefully summit the most iconic mountain in Maine, cook some good food, and welcome you all to the best next four years of your life. See you soon!!! Love, Mads
Hello! My name is Jason Lu, I am a senior at Bates College triple majoring in Economics, Mathematics, and Street Basketball. At Bates, I have participated in a variety of different activities. In the past, I have played rugby (for a hot sec), ran track (for an even hotter sec), and was a Junior Advisor. Currently, I sing for the all-male a Cappella group the Manic Optimists (which you should 100% join!), play Club Squash, and help people in the Math and States Workshop. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside or on a court, and canned beans. I co-lead an AESOP with my dear friend Mads (Pemi II gNg let’s go) and am super pumped to co-lead another one with her! We have a pretty clean track record (came back with e x a c t l y the same number of people we left with) and will hopefully keep that streak alive. See you all soon, and welcome to the Bates community! -Jason
Baxter Bushwhackers II Leaders: Sophie Gerry and Chris Sargent
Hey there Bobcats! I’m Sophie Gerry and I am just too excited to lead you during AESOP!! We are going to have too much fun bushwhacking through Baxter and summiting the highest mountain in Maine!!!! I am a senior here at Bates and an Art major. I hail from Williamstown Mass, arguably the art capital of the United States. I spent a large part of my youth gazing upon artwork done by Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and so many more. Their landscape artwork got me excited to get out and explore the vast wilderness of Massachusetts and beyond. I have become an extreme backpacker. I am working my way towards backpacking on all seven continents. You will all be in good hands because I am a trip leader for Overland Summers. I am a veteran trip leader and have been in charge of about 100 campers over my years. I have seen it all!! I took my love of backpacking and art to the next level by spending my last semester in Florence, Italy. I spent my time exploring Europe and drawing what I saw! I have been looking forward to leading this trip since my freshman fall. I love Bates and am excited to share it all with you! I can’t wait to meet you all and make it the best week of your life!! <3 <3
Hey!! I’m Chris Sargent and I’m stoked to be leading you through the rugged woods of Baxter State Park this fall! I am a senior geology major here at Bates College. My love of rocks stems from the fact that I am a child of the Teton Mountains. I was born on the summit of the Grand Teton and I received my primary education from the woodland animals of Yellowstone National Park. During my high school years, I took to the road and made my way to New Hampshire where I learned to send it down the ski slopes like a true jerry. Even though I now consider Connecticut and Maine my home states, I will never forget my childhood in the western wilderness. Three fun facts about me: I love the smell of balsam fir, I can knit a mean beanie, and my ice cream order is black-raspberry and cookie dough with rainbow sprinkles on a sugar cone. Psyched to meet you all and chill in Baxter together!
Baxter State Park has some of the wildest and most spectacular terrain in New England and includes Maine’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin. Following a rigorous schedule and strenuous days of hiking, this trip is open to experienced hikers who want to challenge themselves and accomplish the feat of summiting Katahdin. Traversing the ridge between Pamola Peak and Baxter Peak, this trip takes you up Knife Edge, the most famous trail to the summit. You will be sure to catch a glimpse of everything from this 5267 foot peak and you won’t be let down by the views.
Mileage: 23 miles
Saddleback (High Physical Activity)
Saddleback I Leaders: David Sparks and Alex Cullen
What is up Bobcats! I want to start off by applauding you for taking the time to read a little bit about me and my partner Alex. My name is David Sparks and I am a rising senior who was born and raised in Simsbury, Connecticut. Bates is like a second home to me and before long I think you’ll all find this to be the same for you. At school you’ll be able to find me grinding labs in pgill the night before they’re due, flossing my teeth on the way to class (dental hygiene is too often overlooked), and hanging in Commons for hours on end. When I’m not at Bates I can occasionally be found at the local bowling alley, SHREDDING down Sunday River, or chilling with the boys at Pedro O’Hara’s, an extinguished Lewiston treasure, on Wednesday nights for trivia. All in all, Alex and I can’t wait to see your smiling faces around campus come September, and we are PUMPED to be leading you on Saddleback 1 this year!
Hollaaaaaaaaa Bobcats! I’m Alex and I’m a rising Senior (whattttt???) at Bates! Welcome to the fam! I’m super stoked to be leading Saddleback 1 this August and to meet all of you wonderful people!! I’m a double major in English and Environmental Studies with a Spanish Minor and in spirit of that I’m currently studying abroad in the beautiful Valparaiso, Chile. I hail from the great state of New Hampshire and love to hike, ski and adventure in the White Mountains. I like to do all those things at Bates too when I’m not working in the Communication Office, writing essays or playing Settlers of Catan! I’m obsessed with dogs and I have a weird superpower where I can find four leaf clovers everywhere. I LOVED my AESOP experience on Rock Climbing 2 and am still super close to my aesop amigos! It’s one of the best things about Bates and you’re going to have a phenomenal time!!!
Saddleback II Leaders: Tucker Pierce and Dylan Simon
Hellooooooooo young bobcats! Tucker here. I hail from the not so very distant town of New Gloucester, Maine and am a junior here at Bates College. My academic passions made me a History major, so if you want to know the dates for any event that ever happened I am your guy. When asked about my favorite food, I respond “I love it all.” In my not so free time I am a nordic skier here at Bates, but I also love to alpine ski recreationally. I fill my free time with hiking, running, and dangling my roommates on the ice. If you come on Saddleback II with me and my fearless co-leader Dylan, I promise good times, good laughs, and a groovy adventure in the Maine wilderness! See you in August!
Howdy Hey little freshies, my name is Dylan and I’m a five foot two chiller from the great West coast: San Francisco, California. I can’t drive, surf, bike or ski but I sure as heck LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEE hiking. My favorite trail snack is dirt covered crispy apples, and my dope co-leader Tucker and I will fearlessly lead you through the woods of Maine. I’m an enviro major and an education minor, and I couldn’t be more hyped that you chose Bates College. I love to take long walks on the beach and want all of you reading this to sign up for Saddleback 2, the greatest trip offered. Catch y’all on the flippidy flop. Peace…Dylan ‘21.
The traverse of Saddleback’s ridges is known to stand out as one of Maine’s premier mountain ranges. Saddleback Mountain, part of the New England 4,000 footer list also includes Saddleback Junior, and the Horn, which provide spectacular views in all directions. Saddleback I starts at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, the third highest peak in the state of Maine, and ascends to the summit, which offers unmatched views of the area and surrounding mountain ranges. Saddleback II begins at Piazza Rock and on the second night, the two trips have the opportunity to share stories around a campfire. This trip offers students to hike nearly twenty-four miles on the Appalachian Trail and experience the beauty of the mountains and valleys of Maine.
Mileage: 23 miles
*Saddleback I & II share the same itinerary, but are run in opposite directions.
Mahoosuc (Highest Physical Activity)
Mahoosuc I Leaders: Amanda Kaufman and Brad Ravenelle
Helloooo Bates 2023!! Amanda here!! Before I tell you all why AESOP is gonna be the best adventure you’ve had yet, here’s a lil about me: I hail from a teeny tiny rural town known as Somers, Connecticut. Here at Bates, I’m a junior double major in psychology and gender studies. I also enjoy running in circles and over things for fun on the track team. Now enough about me and back to your regularly scheduled AESOP programming. I am beyond excited to lead y’all around the Maine wilderness with my fierce and fabulous co-leader the one and only Brad Ravenelle. Start off your time at Bates exploring some of the most challenging but most rewarding (Annie’s mac and cheese just hits different after conquering a glacier-carved gash) sections of the Maine and New Hampshire wilderness. So my fearless bobkittens, mark your calendars, secure your man-buns (@Brad), and get ready for a backpacking trip filled with ups, downs, glaciers!?!?!?!, Brad and I’s shared love of old Ke$ha music, BONDING, and most importantly fun or as thesarus.com says tomfoolery, jocularity, recreation, buffoonery, merrymaking, whoopee!
‘Sup y’all! I’m Brad and we are so excited to welcome you to Bates and spend AESOP with you in the beautiful Maine wilderness! I’m a born-and-raised Mainer, growing up in Portland and spending a gap-year in Fort Kent before finally finding myself here at Bates where I am a junior majoring in History and minoring in Religious Studies. Some will tell you that my one true love is skiing and while I am a member of the Bates Nordic Ski team, I am also known around campus for rocking a man-bun, eating exclusively out of bowls in Commons, going barefoot in the library and wearing solely earth-tones. My fearless co-leader Amanda and I cannot wait to explore the Mahoosuc area with all of you; its going to be a great four days of climbing mountains, sleeping under the stars and experiencing all the beauty that Maine and New Hampshire has to offer with your fellow AESOPers! Hope you are all as excited as we are!
Mahoosuc II Leaders: Maggie O’Shea and Will Green
Hiya Folks!
It seems you may be intrigued by exploring the great ole’ white mountains, baggin’ some peaks, and eating some mac n’ cheese! If this indeed the case – look no further. Mahoosuc two is the trip for you! (Especially cause that phrase has a nice rhyming ring to it!) Certainly the awe-ful (that is full of awe, not the bad kind of awful) whites may draw you into this wonderful wonderful trip but it is my dearest pal William (Bill-dizzle as we say) Green that will provide the joyous days and slumbery nights. Here is a poem I wrote about about how great Will is: Roses are not red, Nor are they blue, No, on this trip they will be Green. It is Mahoosuc trails on which we will tread, And it is Will’s wit and joy that will help us through, Get ready for this fiend. Truly Will is a really excellent human bean (Green Bean? Too many color jokes), and I can’t express enough how lucky I am to get to lead with him, and how lucky we all are to get to travel this trail together. He brings excellent knowledge about Mahoosuc 2 (as it was his AESOP when he was a new arrival!) along with that smarts that will help us through AESOP and Bates, the calm under any type of pressure no matter the radical vert we are climbing, and the joy that is simply contagious. Come join us on Mahoosuc 2- Woohoo!
See ya soon,
Maggie
Hey Bobkittens,
If you aren’t stoked enough about the possibility of hiking the mahoosuc range and hitting the notch I know how to raise that excitement level even more. On Mahoosuc 2 you are not only going to get to explore my personal favorite hike in the beautiful state of Maine (and New Hampshire, but Maine’s cooler), but you also get to experience this awesome time with one of the coolest girls at Bates. Anytime I do something with Maggie O’Shea, I know right away, no matter what we are doing it is going to be a great time. She always manages to bring a smile to everyone’s face, provide that spark every adventure needs, and is always willing to give supportive shoulder whenever it is needed. Maggie is one of my closest friends at Bates, and I know after AESOP she will be one of yours too. As a Senior Environmental Studies major and a rad outdoorswoman, Maggie brings experience, a passion for, and a knowledge of the outdoors, that will without a doubt make Mahoosuc 2 the best AESOP out there. If you aren’t stoked on Mahoosuc 2 now, I don’t know what else to say.
Best,
Will Green
This trip is crammed full of interesting highlights moving quickly from one to another including Old Speck Mountain, the precipitous descent of Mahoosuc Arm, Mahoosuc Notch, South Peak vista, and most of the Mahoosuc Range. After conquering one of the most difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail on either the second or third day, known as Mahoosuc Notch, where you will scale a glacier-carved gash, you will feel accomplished for sure! Crossing paths with other Batesies, you will have the opportunity to meet more determined hikers like yourselves and get to know your new classmates. The Mahoosuc Range provides a challenge to experienced hikers who are willing to push themselves and enjoy Maine and New Hampshire’s beautiful peaks.
Mileage: 23 miles
*Mahoosuc I & II share the same itinerary, but are run in opposite directions.
Franconia (Highest Physical Activity)
Franconia I Leaders: Lars Schuster and Kathleen Smith
Whats up AESOPers!!!?!?!? My name is bean and I am here to introduce you lucky cats to the one and only Lars Schuster. Lars loves bates more than life itself and he is so excited to share it with some funky fresh cats! Originally he hails from Simsbury, Connecticut but somehow a rocket ship launched him to Lewiston, Maine and that’s actually why he goes to Bates. Long story short, he is an alien. I have a sad story to tell, Lars actually NEVER WENT ON AN AESOP! When he was a freshman he was obsessed with an odd sport where they simply just run, and they run and run and then run some more and they run so much that they can’t participate in Aesop! Lucky for YOU lars has since hung up the running shoes and devoted his life to leading an AESOP (so what I’m saying is you are not going to want to miss this)! For the past 20 years of his life he has had an immense passion for the environment. That’s why Lars has maybe the oldest pair of crocs known to man-kind (YOU WILL SEE THEM ON OUR AESOP)! At Bates, Lars is an environmental studies major with a minor in sending it. That last part isn’t a joke. On any given day when lars isn’t hitting the books you can find him on a pair of skis, strapped into a harness on a giant rock wall, canoeing, sleeping in wooden structures, or just gallivanting outside. On a very real note, Lars and I have been friends since freshman year and I can genuinely say that he is one of the kindest most loving funky fresh individuals that you will ever come across. We can’t wait to meet you!
What’s Up Y’all my name is Lars and I am stoked to lead AESOP with my friend, classmate, proverbial sister, and neighbor Bean! AESOP is an amazing introduction to Bates and will definitely be a time to remember. I can’t wait to welcome a new litter of Bobkittens to Bates Ballage and to show you guys what this amazing place has to offer. The first thing you should know about Bean is that her real name is Kathleen. While on the topic of names, Bean has a dog named Habachi and a cat named Kitty. Bean was born and raised in the great state of California. She grew up in San Francisco, but the call to the mountains prompted her move to Truckee to attend high school at Sugar Bowl Academy. Bean is an avid skier and grew up ripping both the racecourse and backcountry with her three brothers. Bean came east in 2016 and joined the Bates Ski team. After two seasons of punching gates, she decided to end her career as a racer and to explore the many other opportunities Bates has to offer. While she no longer races, she relieves her need for speed in other ways, and can regularly be seen wearing extraordinarily fast glasses. In Beans free time, she can be found hiking, shredding Sunday River or Sugarloaf, or skiing backcountry in the White Mountains. Bean expresses her true love for Bates through her work as a Tour guide, and is single handedly responsible for Bates’ record number of applicants. In the summer, Bean prepares for leading AESOP by working as a trip leader for Overland. Arriving at Bates, Bean had her eyes set on being an Art Major, but life is crazy, and Bean is now a Sociology Major. When Bean is not studying on the first floor of the library, she can be found rummaging on Mount David for Maine’s nefarious wild pineapple. (Bean’s love for pineapples is what most people look for in a marriage) While the snow might not be as deep as her hometown, I can say Bean has truly fallen in love with Maine and has fully taken advantage of all Maine has to offer. Since meeting our Freshman year, Bean and I have become close friends and have shared some amazing experiences together. Bean is one of the most down to earth, goofy, and fun people I have come across at Bates College and I look forward to leading AESOP 2019 with her.
Franconia II Leaders: Elly Beckerman and Alex Platt
Heyo Bobkittens, I’m going to introduce you to my amazing co-leader, Elly Beckerman. Elly is a sophomore at Bates and grew up in the only place in the continental U.S. that isn’t a state. Don’t be fooled though, she has more outdoor experience than your average cityslicker. It is rumored that Elly once survived a week long blizzard using only a roll of ginger biscuits, a jar of peanut butter, and a wool sweater for warmth. Elly studies Environmental Studies and Chinese, and true to her DC roots, dabbles in politics. Around campus you can find Elly playing playing ultimate frisbee, hosting an Eco Reps event, chilling in Commons (the majority of Elly’s day is spent here), looking at photos of baby pygmy hippos, in the dark depths of the cave that is Ladd Library, or at the climbing wall, all the while listening intently to NPR. Elly is so passionate about Bates College that she is actively considering getting a picture of Clayton Spencer’s face tattooed on her stomach. Wow. If that isn’t dedication then I don’t know what is. I can personally attest to Elly’s fun loving nature, superior cooking ability, and love of good conversation. I can say without a doubt that any time with Elly is time well spent. She is so excited for Franconia II and to introduce you all to your new home! This trip is gonna be wicked fun!! -Alex
Hiya Everybody! I’m so amped to introduce you all to my fabulous co-leader, Alex Platt. Alex hails from Groton, Massachusetts where he grew up in a treehouse that he built, teaching himself through books he borrowed from his local library and sustaining himself with mushrooms he had foraged around his woodland home. Here at Bates he is often mistaken for sasquatch due to his exceedingly tall frame and long flowing locks. Alex is a sophomore rhetoric major (he knows a lot of words!), and is involved in a whole boatload of clubs on campus, including the outing club, the sailing team, and the string band. Alex’s plethora of skills include being able to build or fix anything (like for real, not just with duct tape), reach every top shelf, make maple syrup, drive real good, make killer playlists, pick a banjo, and type a whopping 13 words per minute. All-in-all Alex is a massive sweetheart with a love for the outdoors rivaled only by his excitement for getting to know new people. We are both so stoked to meet you all this Fall and have an absolutely rad time on Franconia!! — Elly
This backpacking trip takes you through the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire summit-ing peaks and dipping into the valley to get a wide range of exposure to the wilderness. Located in the heart of the popular White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass that offers a trip full of adventure and excitement. Merging with a section of the Appalachian Trail calls for some steep inclines and experienced hikers. You will summit Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Lafayette, and Garfield and will walk the ridgeline to witness breathtaking views. Franconia Notch offers a beautiful hiking experience that is sure to be challenging yet rewarding.
Mileage: 32 miles
*Franconia I & II share the same itinerary, but are run in opposite directions.
Questions? Contact us at aesop@bates.edu