I’d hoped to get on the road for a three day weekend but the weather didn’t cooperate on Saturday. Things looked good the next day, though, so I packed my backpack with a plan to hike a section that was too long for a single day out/back. I left my condo at 0615 and got gas at Irving in Hanover (0625). Took I-91 to I-93, crossed into New Hampshire again then got off the Interstate at NH-18. Used that road to reach US-2 and followed it east until I got to Lancaster. Switched to US-3 and then used NH-110. Got on NH-110A and followed it until I reached NH-16. Took that road to NH-26 and continued northeast on NH/ME-16, all the way to Rangeley. Near the end of the trip, used ME-4 to get to the AT Trailhead (arrived at 1000). Talked to a young couple who were planning to climb Saddleback (opposite direction) - they ended up being the last people I saw for the next 24 hours. Headed SOBO into the trees soon afterwards. Temps were already in the 70s but there was plenty of overhead leaf cover. Still, I knew I needed to carefully monitor my water intake and this was harder than normal because I couldn’t carry a lot (limited pockets for water bottles). Fortunately, there were several places to filter/refill - this took a lot more time than I’ve stopped in the past but built in some breaks that I needed. For the first five miles, I made good time, despite lots of rocks, roots and mud. Where there were viewpoints, I was treated to spectacular vistas. Soon, I was able to stop and check out the Little Swift River Pond Campsite (my intended overnight location). In order to complete the rest of the section, I still had about four miles left (and the backtrack) before I could stop, though, and reluctantly continued south. At this point, my energy and hydration levels were lower than where I felt comfortable so I stopped several times in the shade and ate snacks. The bugs (mosquitos, noseeums and black flies) were relentless! No matter how many I killed, more jumped in to join the feast… The last part of the section involved a large climb and a steep descent to the Old Houghton Fire Road (where I turned around in 2014). In order to successfully finish my day, I had to dig deep into my psychological tool bag. The backtrack started well and I was able to cover a few more miles before my body began to protest. Another thing that made my hike difficult was the large number of downed trees in the area - they were annoying on the way out but depressing in the other direction… Thinking back, the hike reminded me of several “first long hike of the year” situations. I kept plodding along as the sun started to drop behind the high peaks to the west and arrived back at the Campground at about 1830. I’d covered over 13 miles and was quite relieved to be done. There was plenty of water, a privy and some nice campsites - definitely a good place to stay. Got tent set up, ate my dinner and read a little while waiting for the sun to set. I also tried to hang my bear bag but couldn’t find a good tree branch. Normally, I’d be hesitant to keep food in the tent with me but I didn’t really have any other option. Went to bed (2100), crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t meet a hungry bear... AT Today = 8.9 miles / Grand Total AT = 1934.6 miles
