Rain came through Bingham overnight and dropped the morning temps into the low 40s - highs for the day were only expected in the low 60s. I was up early and, after getting breakfast to go from North Country General Store in Bingham (0705), I headed northeast on ME-16. When I checked Google and my NatGeo maps, there appeared to be a short (less than 30 miles), accessible route (via gravel roads) for me to return to Foss Pond (AKA Bald Mountain) Road. However, the road at the actual AT trailhead was missing from online maps - I knew where it was and “dropped a pin” nearby as I left the area with cell coverage, hoping for the best. Everything seemed to be going swimmingly until I got to mile 25. There, I came upon a huge piece of heavy machinery in the road - a bridge was missing! I’ve had enough of these situations so I didn’t such a setback didn’t phase me. Still, I must admit I wasn’t happy to have to backtrack over 10 miles to pavement and then drive all the way around (counterclockwise circle via Monson) the entire area. Then it occurred to me - my walk back from the same trailhead a few days earlier had given me actual intel of the road conditions so I only had to execute Plan B. It took over an hour but Nessie got me to my destination (sans GPS) and I was able to get my hike started by 0930. It was overcast, windy and still a bit cool (high 40s) so I layered up (2) before pushing west (AT SOBO) into Turkey woods. Like every other day of the trip, there were tons of rocks, lots of roots, many fallen trees, an un-bridged river to ford and plenty of mud. The Maine ATC did seem to have tried to make the section more pleasant - I was able to walk across a path of flat, even boulders in several places. Passed three of the Thru hikers I’d seen a few days earlier - I wondered what happened to all the other Thrus (4) who were with them earlier... Also passed a chatty lady with a small pack - I thought she was a section hiker like me until she explained how she was a slackpacking “Flip Flopper” (started in Shenandoah National Park). She was supported by her “pit-crew” (husband) and this allowed her to travel lighter and faster (and enjoy the trip). We exchanged information about the trail in both directions and I wished her well in her outdoor (and marital) adventure. Didn’t really see any wildlife but was constantly startled by grouses taking wing (*shiver*)... The section was mostly flat - the terrain guide said there was a gradual incline all the way to Moxie Bald Lean-To but I really didn’t notice this. After passing that landmark and the last glimpse of Bald Mountain Pond, the trail took a decidedly dramatic uphill direction. After so many days on the trail, though, this didn’t even really get me down - I was actually looking forward to seeing the views from Moxie Bald again! After about a mile of huffing and puffing, I reached a flat, rocky area with short, stubby trees - I was in the “saddle” between the two peaks of the Bald. Like a few days earlier, the views were tremendous - I’m not 100% sure, but I believe I could see the very top of Katahdin (70+ miles away)! It was warmer (high 50s?) up there so I layered down. However, the wind was heavy enough to make me hold on to my hat! I turned around at the Summit Bypass Trail (north end) and immediately started my backtrack. The downhill was much easier, obviously, and I got back to my car much more quickly. Didn’t see any people at all and just powered along so I could finish (I was a bit worried about the drive back to town). Was back at my car by 1445 after almost 12 miles - felt really good and was happy to have closed the loop on this difficult-to-access section. Started back towards civilization right away and, with a lot of careful driving, safely reached blacktop (whew!). Along the way (near the outskirts of Blanchard), I actually encountered the older couple from Cape Cod I’d met a few days before and we chatted some more about life in the Piscataquis Valley. Then I headed back to Bingham. Had hoped to only have to drive 50ish miles today but my odometer showed over 100 because of the bridge that was missing (sorry, Nessie). Ate a TV dinner in the room and then spent the evening reading and resting up for one more hike near the Kennebec tomorrow. Bed at around 2215. It’s been a great week! AT Today = 5.8 miles / G.T. AT = 1682.3 miles / AT Left = 503.0 miles
