Mainer, 73, aims for 500th climb of Mount Katahdin

MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — Climbing Maine's mile-high Mount Katahdin once is something to be proud of. Nelson Daigle's done it 462 times, and the wiry, gray-haired 73-year-old retired paper worker aims to make it an even 500. moncler jackets "I thought I had a lot (of climbs) when I had 50," Daigle said in his modest mobile home about 16 miles from Baxter State Park, home to Katahdin, Maine's highest mountain.

A Fort Kent native, Daigle came to the Millinocket area in 1955 and first climbed Katahdin a couple of years later. He's long enjoyed other outdoor activities as well, including jogging, skiing, snowshoeing and bicycling. classic moncler His obsession with Katahdin climbs began 17 years ago, and he's carefully documented each one in notebooks. Mostly, he climbs between May and October.

He's become familiar with virtually every foot of the trails. Daigle even cautions companions not to step in places where others have scattered ashes of deceased hikers, moncler women said seasonal park ranger Matt Martin, who has climbed segments with Daigle.

Daigle's favorite trail is the 10.4-mile Hunt Trail from the park's Katahdin Stream Campground, past the tree line and onto the Appalachian Trail to the summit. moncler men He's also walked countless times across the famous Knife Edge, the 1.1-mile ridge of rock that includes precipitous drop-offs. Park officials warn climbers never to attempt it in bad weather.

"I used to run across there," said Daigle, showing a photo of him on the ridge.Daigle said he's had to slow down a bit this year because he slipped and cracked a rib. His knees are wearing out, too. So are his shoes. moncler outlet"I go through a pair every year," said Daigle, adding that he buys the best at $480 a pop.Still, even they don't last. "Four months, and that's it."