Orford, NH (USA)

Yesterday's busy/fun inspired me to get on the road early again - I reached the parking lot for the Kodak Trail (at the end of Quinttown Road) by 0800.  In the parking lot, I encountered two people who were arguing over their map and they asked me to be the "tiebreaker".  Fortunately, I was able to help them (AT question).  I thought they’d join me but they were doing a two car shuttle to the south and I was headed north...  Made it back to the AT quickly (it continued as the Kodak Trail) and started NOBO up the south slope of Mount Cube.  It was overcast and warm (almost 70 F) - an odd mix for so early.  The climb was punctuated by rocks, roots and mud - definitely not a gentle experience.  The views from the Eastman Ledges were a great teaser for later in the day but I was too busy huffing and puffing.  Passed two weekend backpacker guys as I approached the Hexacuba Shelter but was otherwise alone.  Oh - except for the many inchworms that hitched rides from me (they dangled down from above - hope the ticks weren’t watching).  After several tough rock scrambles, I came out on to a huge rock face with tremendous views towards Hanover (breathtaking).  There was a young couple there, resting, and I learned they were Thru hikers (from Houston).  They told me about their many logistical difficulties due to COVID-19.  After getting forced off the trail in March, they resumed their hike in June but found it too hot for comfort in Virginia.  So, they got a ride from Roanoke, VA to Hanover so they could summit Katahdin before the end of September.  We shared AT Intel and I realized later we’d talked for more than 30 minutes - my clothes had completely dried in the breeze.  I continued climbing and soon reached the top of Mount Cube.  It was windy and cool there and I headed back downhill immediately.  While I was in the open on another “bald”, it started sprinkling but I was soon back in the trees.  Passed the young couple again, since they had resumed their climb.  Stopped a short time later to eat a snack and met another Thru hiking pair (two older guys) who said they’d taken a two week break in March but had been hiking since then (no breaks or shuttles).  Learned that they had begun to hate pizza (“it’s all the restaurants/stores/hostels have”). Resumed my descent and saw evidence of the sun a few times - even with the clouds in the way, it heated temps up into the low 80s.  Passed a solo Thru hiker (didn’t talk much) and a family of four with backpacks (out for an overnight adventure).  I made it back to the road soon after and met two local guys who had a very nice dog.  They told me about another hike in the area (they’d just done it) and shared all kinds of other hiking and paddling suggestions - very friendly people!  Reached my car by 1230 after between 7 and 8 miles (pedometer, guide and signs all disagreed).  Lots of socializing with the hiking world today!  Felt good to know that I’d made such a big dent in this area since Friday - almost ready to tackle Moosilauke...  Decided not to kayak today on the way back (via NH-10) but still finished the weekend on a high!  AT Today = 3.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1627.56 miles