Lyme, NH (USA)

The weather looked great today and I didn’t want to waste it!  Fortunately, my boss told me I could start the work day late so I headed over to the closest AT Trailhead (Lyme-Dorchester Road).  I noticed that there was an alternate way to reach the ridge (Smarts Ranger Trail) so I decided to use it for my outbound leg.  It was foggy and cool (low 60s) when I left my car (0845) and everything was still wet from the thunderstorms last night.  The trail was ok, in terms of terrain, but it wasn’t well marked.  For most of the climb, I wondered if I was going where I wanted...  Had a scary moment when I slipped and a small branch poked my eye!  After I fell down backwards, horrified, I realized it had snagged my eyelid - no apparent damage (and no lasting pain).  As I headed the AT junction, the dirt disappeared on the trail - almost every step was on a slippery, treacherous rock.  This was just a preview of the rest of my day...  After I joined the AT (NOBO), I still had to climb (steep, rocky) for another mile (using rebar handles in some places) before I reached the true summit of Smarts Mountain.  I was glad to see a nice Fire Tower there (near some good campsites) and I climbed to the top to enjoy the views and pleasant breezes.  I really didn’t want to go back down (but had promised my boss).  I used the AT for my backtrack and soon found myself in a real boulder scramble - I must have slipped or fallen about 20 times in two miles.  Was really worried I’d get hurt but finished the descent safely.  One funny thing happened on the way down - I was using a tree to steady myself and my hand came away with a huge yellow “splotch”.  Went back to check - I’d squished a slug!  In the valley, I met a father-daughter day hiking pair - they were wearing masks because they said they were “semi-quarantining” (at the parking lot, I learned they were from New Jersey).  Had a pleasant conversation with them and then continued.  The trail started climbing soon after this and it took a lot of energy to reach the first “roller” of Lambert Ridge.  Actually, this part of the trail was just a series of rock climbs/descents - and I slipped/fell a whole lot more times...  The trail was only marked on the rocks - I missed white blazes a couple of times and ended up bushwhacking before I realized I’d missed a turn.  The only redeeming quality was the great views back to the north.  I got to see Smarts Mountain in a whole new light!  Passed two guys (day hiking) and a trio of college kids with no gear.  Just before I reached the top of the last descent, I encountered a large group (10+) of young people on a picturesque cliffside.  They were actually right in the trail and didn’t seem inclined to move - as a result, I was treated to some serious Mary Jane.  Twenty yards past them, the air was clear and crisp (alpine smells) again.  Only saw one more hiking pair (mother and young daughter, conducting bio lesson near the trail).  Otherwise, I just kept plodding down until I reached the car (parking lot was pretty full).  Completed my hike after 7.5 miles at 1230 - felt good that I’d finished before the heat (mid 80s).  Headed home immediately to put in my hours for work.  Was glad for the break - thanks Boss!  AT Today = 3.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1620.56 miles