One of the Basin Ponds, with a view of Katahdin's "north basin"; our route goes up the left-hand ridge and then left out of frame.

Our route up Hamlin Ridge to the summit of Hamlin Peak (right distance), then left along the ridge (hidden) to Baxter Peak (center), then along the Knife Edge to Pamola Peak (left), then down the ridge to the left.

Hamlin Ridge trail climbs toward Hamlin Peak, at center.

A look back along Hamlin Ridge trail to Basin Ponds and our starting point in the valley.

David on the summit of Hamlin Peak, with Baxter Peak at rear.

Jon descends from Hamlin Peak toward the Saddle, heading for Baxter Peak at left rear.

Looking back from the trail up Baxter Peak, toward the Saddle and Hamlin Peak (center).

David and Jon on the summit of Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin!

David on the summit of Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin!

David flies his kite on the summit of Baxter Peak.

Looking back at Baxter Peak from the ridge to South Peak. The Saddle is visible at right middleground. "North Brother" peak is at center distance.

Jon looks down into the south basin as we begin to traverse the ridge around the cirque to South Peak at right and Pamola Peak at center.

The Knife Edge leads around the cirque to Pamola Peak at left.

Jon decends from South Peak as we begin to traverse the infamous "Knife Edge" to Pamola Peak. Chimney Pond at left.

Traversing the Knife Edge toward Pamola Peak.

David traverses one of the narrowest parts of the Knife Edge.

David traverses one of the narrowest parts of the Knife Edge.

David traverses one of the hairiest parts of the Knife Edge.

Pamola Peak seems close - from Chimney Peak - but there is a deep ravine between.

David descends from Chimney Peak, perhaps one of the most challenging bits of the ridge traverse.

Jon descends from Chimney Peak, perhaps one of the most challenging bits of the ridge traverse.

View from Pamola Peak to Chimney Peak (left), along the Knife Edge to South Peak (center left) and Baxter Peak (center right). Note red-shirt hiker descending at left.