Grafton, NH (USA)

After work, I drove over to Enfield so I could volunteer with the Medical Center Adaptive Sports Team again.  However, when I arrived at the Mascoma Beach (where I thought the kayak event originated), I figured out that they were actually meeting at Grafton Pond (about 20 minutes away).  I raced over there and arrived just as they were getting ready to leave the landing (1635).  Fortunately, there was a enough time to join them and we ended up paddling around the lake with for about 1.5 hours.  I used one of the NEHSA boats - it was much nicer than my own... The weather was beautiful and it felt good to be on the water again.  We were done just after 1800 and I raced back to Lebanon so I could attend the (tail end of) our monthly Knights of Columbus meeting.  Great day for a paddle!

Maine Hiking Trip - Day 5

About a month ago, I made an ill-advised decision to try to hike a long section from the AT Trailhead at East B Hill Road in Andover.  It was too hot, there was no cover (leaves) and the terrain was too challenging for such a distance.  Today, I decided to return to the section with a new strategy: I planned to hike into the middle using the Frye Brook Trail.  Our day started at 0500 - I got a shower, ate a light breakfast and cleaned up the RV.  We left for Dixfield at around 0600.  My dad got gas in town and I got a free (birthday) hot chocolate from Dunkin Donuts.  After that, we continued west on US-2 until we reached Rumford.  We took ME-17 to the north and then used ME-120 to reach Andover.  From there, we took East B Hill Road and looked for the parking area for The Cataracts.  Once we located it, my dad dropped me off (0730) and I hiked into the woods with beautiful (clear, 50s) weather.  The blue blazed trail was apparently an abandoned AT route but someone had recently restored it for use in accessing the Baldpates. This was the main reason the trail was so appealing to me - I wanted to cut in close to the summit of Baldpate East Peak and this got me the closest.  The climb on the old trail was actually pretty descent (some mud and steep spots) and I was glad to reach the AT a bit ahead of schedule.  I needed this advantage because I had a very strenuous mile to hike to the top of the climb… For almost an hour, I struggled up a slippery slope of granite covered in moss (SOBO).  In some places, I was sure that I’d fall and break something so I crawled over the rocks.  And the bugs were vicious up there!  Even after I reached the “bald” and was able to enjoy some spectacular views, I figured out I still had another half mile to reach the summit sign.  Somehow, I made it there and was extremely pleased to be able to reconnect with a section I did last year.  But then my heart sank with the knowledge I had to backtrack through the treacherous mile I’d just completed.  Slowly and carefully, I reversed course (AT NOBO) and made my way back down to the Frye Brook Trail junction.  I later realized this caution used up lots of valuable time.  Fortunately, the trail improved after that and I was able to make up a bit of time - I descended nearly 2000 feet in the process!  Along the way, I encountered the only other person I saw all day - I think he was a birder because he tried to engage me in a conversation about a “rare bird call”.  I politely feigned interest,  mostly because I was concerned about my pace and remaining energy, and kept pressing onward.  Just a bit after this, I (literally) stumbled across a green snake that was chasing a huge toad.  Ah, the wonder of Nature!  I stopped for a break at the Frye Notch Lean-to and then began a big climb up to another ridge (Surplus Mountain).  Like so many other choices made by the Great Trail Designer, I really didn’t see the reason for this PUD - however, I was later pleased to see a great view of the Baldpates from the ridge.  After this, most of my hike was a long descent to Dunn Falls.  There were many places where the vegetation made it almost impossible to see the trail - it also made finding my turnaround point on the section (from the last hike) hard to locate.  Actually, I didn’t bother too much about this, knowing that I’d be able to claim success when I reached the road… I had to use my hiking poles in a few places (for balance) and ended up bending one of them beyond its capability (I think that pole lasted seven years, though).  A bit later, I ran out of water… Somehow, I made it to the falls with enough energy to climb back up to East B Hill Road (whew) and was glad to see my dad’s RV at the AT Trailhead (1400).  Logged around 12 miles in 6.5 hours - not a bad day!  Because the day had really drained me, my dad indulged my taking a break for a long while.  As a result, we didn't get on the road again until after 1445.  Once moving again, we drove north on East B Hill Road until we intersected with ME-26.  We then drove south through Grafton Notch until we reached US-2 in Farmington.  Ana was quiet almost all the way and didn't try to get in the way of my dad's driving...  We continued west to Gorham, where Dad lost his hat out the window as we drove through town!  Fortunately, he was able to retrieve it pretty easily ("that's my favorite hat!").  We next drove west, across several tough hills, until we could turn on to NH-115.  I'd hoped this would be easier to use than my normal route (via NH-116) but I'm not sure things turned out that way...  We continued south until we intersected with US-3.  My dad mentioned that he wanted to try to eat dinner at Jesse's Steakhouse that evening but then said he first wanted to stop to feed the dog and get gas.  With this change of plans in mind, I took us onto NH-141 and I-93, which we followed to Littleton (US-302).  Once there, we stopped for a bit for a rest and to get gas.  It was almost 1800 by then and I warned my dad that Jesse's would be really crowded in another hour.  For this reason, we talked briefly about getting dinner at Applebees.  Unfortunately, there was a line to be seated and my dad wanted to keep going.  We drove south to Woodsville and continued further on NH-1, all the way to River Road in Piermont.  We then got on NH/VT-25 and crossed the Connecticut River.  After that, we drove all the way home via US-5.  It started raining on the way but my dad really liked this route and was in good spirits by the time we reached Norwich/Hanover.  By the time we arrived at Jesse's (1930), we found the parking lot packed with people (Dartmouth Graduation Weekend?).  A bit annoyed, we gave up the whole idea and, after my dad picked up a frozen dinner at Irving, drove to my apartment.  I first unloaded the RV.  A bit later, my dad and I ate dinner inside my condo.  Before I knew it, he was ready to go (he wanted to drive south to stay in a trucker parking lot near I-89) so we walked out to say goodbye.  I felt a bit sad that the hiking adventure had to end...  But I’m about 15 miles closer to finishing and eliminated some tough Maine sections.  Hoping to return soon! AT Today = 4.2 miles / Grand Total AT = 1952.3 miles / AT Left = 233.0 miles

Maine Hiking Trip - Day 4

Our stay at Cathedral Pines Campground was very restful!  We both woke up at 0500 and I got another shower.  I then took some photos and caught up with some internet I'd missed while my dad got ready.  We didn't leave the campground until almost 0700 and then my dad wanted to stop for gas and coffee.  As a result, we were not on the road until almost 0730.  We drove south towards Rangeley on ME-16 and checked out Reddington Road (north of town) to see if we could access the AT there.  It turns out that we couldn't because of the Navy SERE School signs that said "no trespassing".  Undeterred, we then continued into town and switched to ME-4.  From there, we drove up to the Saddleback Resort and I went inside for information about climbing the mountain.  Unfortunately for me, they also didn't have a chair lift running...  However, they gave me good intel about getting to the AT.  Armed with these instructions, I said goodbye to my dad (0900) - he went back into Rangeley to wait while I was hiking.  The climb to the summit did not appear to be as difficult as the one I'd previously prepared for at Sugarloaf.  I started uphill just after 0900 and used Green Weaver, The Pass, Grey Ghost and Tri-Color trails to get to the top.  Altogether, I didn’t think the ski-hill climb was too bad - it was mostly just mind over matter.  When I got to the highest point on the Resort, I found a little trail that continued on towards what looked liked the summit.  Though it was a bit windy, the weather was awesome and the views were tremendous!  I was going to start down to ME-4 (where my dad said he’d pick me up) but then realized I was not on the actual top of Saddleback!  Instead, I saw that the AT continued north, through the “saddle” to reach a higher peak.  Figuring I should be able to claim I climbed the whole mountain, I walked about 0.3 miles to the trail sign and then started towards Georgia (SOBO).  While walking across the rocky, nearly treeless “bald”, I could see landmarks, in a 360 vista, from the Whites to the beginning of the Hundred Mile Wilderness.  Spectacular!  During the time that I was in the vicinity of the Resort, I saw a lot of other people coming and going - I think most were bound for The Horn (a mile north).  But after I left the top, I started meeting lots of other hikers like myself.  The first woman I passed was a wealth of knowledge about all the nearby peaks.  I talked to her for a while and she even gave me some of her maps!  I next encountered a young lady who was decked in all kinds of AT gear - I thought she was a Thru hiker but she turned out to be the Ridge Runner for the section.  I talked to her for a bit and then proceeded towards the tree line again.  After this, I didn’t spend any more time socializing (out of the 8 other people I passed in the descent, only one was a Thru hiker).  Instead, I had to use all my mental capacity, muscles and energy to keep from falling on the steep, rocky, muddy, rooty and frustrating trail.  At times, literal creeks of water gushed over the already slippery rocks and I could barely stand up straight - sometimes, I resorted to a crab walk.  After a few miles, the steepness slackened but the rest of the difficult conditions never did.  I tracked around some pretty ponds and also got some nice views of the mountain ridge from where I’d come.  I passed a blue blazed trail that tracked through a series of huge rocks (“The Cave”).  Eventually, I reached a major shelter/camp complex (right near the Piazza Rock) but I didn’t stop because I was ready to be finished by then.  With two miles to go, I could already hear the traffic on ME-4 but I never got a break from the obstacle course this section felt like... Because I’d already hiked the last 3/4 mile in 2021, I finished up my day with a "re-tread" before I was in the AT Parking Lot (1330) after 9ish miles. My dad was waiting with a cold drink and some food and I was able to get a nice rest in the cool breeze coming through the area.  Overall: tough terrain but great views.  Very glad I hiked this separately from the other 16 miles I have left towards the north.  Using Saddleback trails to start or finish that hike will be just fine! After I felt like myself again, we cleaned up the RV and drove south to Farmington.  After getting on US-2, we stopped for a long break at the Walmart again.  While there, I searched for a place to stay and I found one that looked promising: the Mountain View Campground, just north of Dixfield (on ME-142).  A bit later, we drove there and arrived at around 1700.  The place was totally different from the other campsites we'd seen recently.  For one thing, it was really just a big field and we were parked right next to other guests.  Still, the campground had a warm shower, live musical entertainment and, at around 2100, a big fireworks display.  Before bed, I did some more reading and managed to stay awake until 2200.  Crossing fingers I’ll get some more miles tomorrow! AT Today = 5.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 1948.1 miles

Maine Hiking Trip - Day 3

After nearly 18 hours of rain, the clouds parted and I felt ready to venture into the Maine woods.  Fortunately, we’d spent the night near the AT Trailhead on East Flagstaff Road (Somerset).  We were both up by 0500 and got the RV packed up for the drive.  My dad drove me farther up East Flagstaff Road, dropping me off at the Safford Brook Trailhead (0700), and I got started hiking early!  Just as I did last Fall, I used this trail (2.2 miles) to reach the AT in the middle of the Bigelow Range.  This time, however, I started my AT hike NOBO (east on the compass).  Everything was drenched - and it didn’t help that I’d worn pants that weren’t the better, wicking kind... I was also in/out of clouds - end result: I was soaked for most of the hike.  When the clouds moved with the high winds, I got amazing views of Flagstaff Lake and Sugarloaf.  Otherwise, I spent my day concentrating on the ground - there were plenty of treacherous rocks, roots and muddy spots.  Oh - and I stepped over green snake at one point; that sure broke up the monotony!  White blazes were rather scarce and I kept having trouble following the trail.  Eventually, I missed a turn and, by the time I realized it, had wasted some valuable time going the wrong way... Oh well!  On the plus side, I was excited to encounter a SOBO Thru along the way and, later, a young couple who had their NOBO Thru tags.  I also passed 10 other hikers during the 6+ miles on the ridge - this was a nice change of pace after so many hikes without meeting people lately.  Following a long climb to the summit of Little Bigelow (3K’), I started a long descent to the Lake.  At times, I was afraid I’d fall because the trail was essentially a series of wet granite slabs laying on strange angles.  Every step felt like I was walking on a frozen lake.  Somehow, I avoided a nasty spill and reached the famous Bigelow Lean-To, which has some natural water “tubs” and an interesting privy.  But, by then, I was growing concerned that the hike was taking much longer to finish than I’d expected.  As a result, I didn’t end up stopping at all.  We could chalk this perception up to a trail reroute that might have been done since 2014 (my AT Guide said hike should be 8.5 miles but my pedometer showed almost 11) but I don’t know.  Regardless, I did feel pretty good to be finishing when I reached my dad again (1200) - he was waiting on East Flagstaff at the parking lot where we spent the night.  After I got cleaned up, we drove south to New Portland and used a parking lot I've stopped at before to access the internet for the first time in 18 hours.  While there, I found a campsite near Sugarloaf Mountain that seemed like a nice place to stay and so we continued west on ME-16 until we reached Kingfield.  We then got on ME-27 and drove to Carrabassett Valley.  The campground didn't end up being where I expected so we stopped at the Ski Resort on the way so I could get information about whether they'd be running the gondola during the coming weekend.  They told me they planned to open in July ("after the black flies stop getting in our faces during the ride").  This meant that it would be hard to get a hike in the area the next day.  Since my dad had already tole me he didn't want to use his RV to climb the Caribou Pond Road, that also ruled out an easy climb of the mountain...  We continued north on ME-27 until we reached the Mountain View Motel and Campground, where we'd planned to stop for the night.  The owner said our little RV was too big for the sites but recommended we try getting a spot at the Cathedral Pines Campground north of Eustis.  Taking his advice, we drove there and found a wonderful set up in amazingly tall pine trees and on the western end of Flagstaff Lake.  I got us a spot (1500) and we then drove back into town to get lunch.  We wanted to get a pizza at one of the restaurants but figured out that it didn't open until 1600.  Instead, we "settled" for the Backstrap Bar and Grill, which had an amazingly varied menu.  My dad got some pizza (he really enjoyed it) and I had a delicious Reuben - once again, we had leftovers.  At 1700, we drove back to the campground and I got a shower for the first time in three days.  We also explored the grounds and found a lot of nice amenities - as well as more amazing scenery.  I was feeling tired and, after resisting for quite a while, went to sleep at 2030!  With some extra sleep, I’ll hopefully be ready to get some more AT miles tomorrow!  AT Today = 6.3 miles / Grand Total AT = 1943.1 miles

Maine Hiking Trip - Day 2

When I'd checked the forecast before leaving Hanover, I saw that there was a chance of rain on every day of the trip.  So it wasn't surprising to find damp weather this morning...  Fortunately, there was initially (0600) no actual precipitation.  My dad and I got started out of the campground at around 0655.  Dad dad dropped me off at the trailhead (on Jimtown Road) for the Presidential Rail Trail at around 0655 and I started my walk to the west.  Meanwhile, he went into Gorham to get gas and breakfast.  Before the rain hit this morning, I logged another four miles of trail walking between Moose Brook SP and Pinkham B (Dolly Copp) Road.  Even though things went well for me, my dad had a lot of trouble finding the place to pick me up again.  I actually saw him pass the road while I was waiting at the trailhead. To save time, I decided to walk back to US-2 so I could flag him down when be backtracked.  Along the way, I believe I saw a moose (it was on the edge of a field and spooked back into the woods; later I saw a dog in the area).  Eventually (0830), I was able to make contact (phone) with my dad and guide him back to where I was waiting.  Once we were together, we drove the RV east to Gorham again.  By then, it really started raining and we had a wet drive all the way to Rumford.  My dad wanted a break for the dog, who was very whiny after I took her front seat spot.  So, I showed him where the McDonalds was located on the outskirts of town.  He couldn't get over how there was a fast food place there "in the middle of nowhere" but I assured him that the town was probably glad to have it.  I got a late breakfast (1010) and we rested in the RV.  My dad was getting concerned about the transmission fluid levels and wanted to visit a Walmart so we continued on US-2 until reaching Farmington.  For the next few hours, it rained really hard but we stayed dry in the camper (talking, reading, etc.).  Meanwhile, I checked the AT trailheads and forecast for the next day and finally decided that we should drive to a parking area I remembered at the southeastern end of Flagstaff Lake.  Back on the road again, we used ME-4, ME-27, ME-146 and ME-16 to reach the Long Falls Dam Road.  By the time we'd gotten to the (gravel) East Flagstaff Road, it had mostly stopped raining.  We parked the RV at the AT trailhead lot (no one else was there) and set up for the night.  We even put up the awning!  Dinner was leftovers.  For the rest of the evening, we talked/read in the RV.  When it was time for bed (2200) we found that, once again, it was dark and quiet for our sleep.  Perfect!

Maine Hiking Trip - Day 1

My dad told me he wanted to assist me with my AT Hiking goals (like he did last Fall) and he arrived this afternoon at about 1300 in his RV (Crossman Camper).  I was a bit surprised to see that he'd brought Ana (his Black Lab) but they were quite a pair (very cuddly).  Before we could leave, I had to finish some work meetings and we didn't get on the road (after I packed up the RV) until about 1445.  We then drove into Vermont and continued north on I-91 until we reached VT/NH-25.  The RV had trouble with the big hills (max speed was less than 45 mph) and I wondered if we'd get very far... Just when things looked bleak for our progress, I had my dad get off at Bradford (VT-25) and we crossed back into New Hampshire.  Using NH-25 and River Road, we made our way to NH-10.  In North Haverhill, we stopped for ice cream (1545) at the newly opened Hatchland Farm building (my first time).  Once back on the road, we followed NH-10 to US-302 and then drove through Littleton.  My Dad really liked this place and said he hadn't realized a place like this was so close to other places he'd visited previously.  We used NH-116 to reach US-2 and then drove to Gorham.  My dad asked where we could stay and I suggested we check out Moose Brook State Park, which I'd recently recce'd.  We arrived to find it mostly empty and were able to pick a nice campsite (1800).  After that, we drove over to Gorham to get dinner at Road Hawg BBQ.  I had jambalaya and my dad had a burger - we both agreed that the food was really good and we even had some leftovers after we were done (1900).  In the RV again, my dad had trouble starting it - he had to bang on the starter with a hammer.  Fortunately, we were able to get it running and drive back to the State Park.  We set up camp for the night and I took Ana for a walk in the campground.  I then spent the rest of the night talking with Dad, reading, sampling my first can of Whaleback Mountain Ale and prepping for the morning.  We were both in bed (with complete darkness and silence) at 2230.  Bring on the hiking!

Enfield, NH (USA)

[teleworked early - went to UVAC in White River Junction for volunteer hours (120 minutes) from 0730 to 0930 - then went home again and continued teleworking - in the afternoon (1645), I drove to Enfield (Forward's Garage) and assisted the VAMC Adaptive Sports Team with biking event - met Fred, helped John (with Jason) and biked over 9 miles - after we were done (1900), I drove over to Sacred Heart to attend Father Jay's farewell reception (I missed Mass) - home by 2030 (rain)]

Grantham, NH (USA)

[teleworking in the morning - drove to Grantham to meet the VAMC Adaptive Sports Team at Brookside Park - got gas at Irving on the way (0945) - when I arrived at the trailhead, I was able to go hiking with the group for about 90 minutes - we used a special chair that allows us to assist a Veteran on his walk (he was on his feet most of the time) for over a mile on all kinds of terrain - I learned a lot of new skills today that will help me in my new volunteer role with the VA - afterwards, I headed back to town and continued teleworking]

Chandlers Purchase, NH (USA)

The biggest logistical challenge facing me as I try to finish the last ~250 AT miles is correctly timing, assessing and reading the unforgiving weather in the White Mountains.  With such high elevations involved, a minor change in the temperature or wind could turn a pleasant hike into a near death experience.  Yesterday, I noticed that there was rain forecasted for all the AT trailheads I wanted to use but that today’s weather was likely to be better.  Of course, “better” is relative… I did manage to get a really early start (0600) on the road this morning, though, so I figured I had a fighting chance to carve out a few more miles in the Presidentials.  I used I-91, VT/NH-25, River Road, NH-10, NH-116 (continued into Franconia), I-93, NH-141, US-3 and US-302 (Mount Clinton Road).  Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Mount Washington Cog Railway Base Camp (hoping to ride up and hike down) the mountain was “socked in”.  The clouds appeared to be only above 5000 feet, though, so I decided to drive down to Crawford Notch to see if I could use one of the access trails there to get on the ridge.  The Crawford Path was one option I considered but I decided, in the end, to park at the trailhead for the Edmands Path (about three miles north) because the location gave me a chance to summit one of the 4000 Footers and also hike a little AT.  From there, I started hiking up the slope of Mount Eisenhower on a blue-blazed trail (0830).  Since I wasn’t sure what kind of weather I’d encounter, I was carrying two coats, microspikes and other winter gear… As I climbed the initially gradual grade, I started encountering people who had given up their climb - this concerned me because I’d thrown all my eggs in the basket of “maybe I can accomplish something on this trail.”  Soon, however, it became clear that I was prepared and that the “turn backs” hadn’t thought through the logistics.  I had to walk about three miles before I reached the ridge and found it was very cold (30s) and windy (30-40 knots).  But the sky was relatively clear (the peak of Washington was becoming visible) and there wasn’t any ice (whew).  I donned every warm thing I’d brought and carefully made my way to the trail junction for the Eisenhower Loop.  At this point, a young couple that had been leap-frogging with me during the climb told me that this was their 42nd 4000 Footer - I would have tipped my cap to them but I was too afraid it would blow away!  We climbed together to the top of Mount Eisenhower and were treated to 360 degrees of spectacular views.  Other hikers, coming from both sides of the peak, soon joined us.  If it weren’t so cold, I think more people might have stayed for a lunch break - but we all soon scattered off the top, looking for shelter from the elements.  Since I wanted to hike a few miles of the AT (SOBO, in the direction of Mount Pierce), I headed down a different way from the path I’d used to climb.  This got me into a large group of section hikers (from Massachusetts) who’d been on the ridge since the previous Friday.  Understandably, they were extremely happy to only have a few miles left before they could get a hot shower and warm bed.  On the other hand, they thought I was crazy to be doing one of my “out & back” day hikes.  To each his/her own… I had enough energy to make it to the Crawford Path trail junction on the north slope of Pierce (downhill almost all the way( before I turned around and climbed back up to the Eisenhower Loop trail junction (roughly two miles).  There were SO many people up there!  Throughout my hike on the ridge, I was treated to Jekyll and Hyde weather - sometimes I was hot and sweaty and other times I was REALLY glad for 3+ layers.  In my opinion, the walk on the AT around the base of Eisenhower was a worse route than the trail to the summit.  Through the years, I’ve learned that the AT is so (over?) travelled that it’s almost always a rock scramble - there is also almost no soil (except occasional mud) or any trees to use for a hand-hold.  For that reason, I’ve had to work very heard so I don’t fall and hurt myself.  By the time I reached the Edmands Path again, I found that I really enjoyed using the side trail (mostly better than AT).  Once I was back in the trees, I made great time to my car.  Only in the last 30 minutes did I realize that I hadn’t seen or felt any bugs all day - what a far cry from last weekend!  I was done hiking at 1430 and was pleased to have logged almost 11 miles on a marginal day. Afterwards, I drove home by almost the same route as the morning (except I used NH-141, NH-18 and Wells Road to reach NH-116).  Encountered some rain on the way.  Thought about visiting the new Hatchland Farm building but figured it out that it was closed.  Arrived home at 1630.  In addition to having a good hike today, I later learned that I only have 3.3 miles to hike back to the Edmands Path (I use the Cog Railway option again) and I’ll be done with the southern Presidentials!  Crossing fingers for some good weather in the Whites this Summer… AT Today = 2.2 miles / Grand Total AT = 1936.8 miles / NH 4000 Footer #13 of 48

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked in the morning - did some volunteering (mulching) at UVAC in White River Junction this morning (0800 to 1200) - got a lucky break between rain storms - drove home directly after that (teleworking again by 1215)]