Ron Marquis in 1996

Ron Marquis on Sept. 11, 1996, at the 3,930 foot-mark on South Brother Mountain in Baxter State Park, Maine. (COURTESY PHOTO)

The recent tragedies that happened on the Franconia Range and the Kate Matrasova tragedy on the Presidential Range a few years ago were probably caused by the Summit Fever. This is the burning desire to reach a mountaintop even in threatening conditions. It is serious and has the potential to result in death.

These tragedies reminded me of an encounter I had with it on Sept. 11, 1996. I was on vacation from the mill and was able to reserve a campsite in Baxter State Park in Maine from Sunday, Sept. 8, to Thursday, Sept. 12; Fridays and Saturdays were taken.

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