After a quiet night at Moose Brook, we got up early (0600) and got ready for a day of AT hiking! We departed the campsite and went to breakfast at McDonalds in Gorham (0705). My dad didn’t like the ordering kiosk so I got the food for him (he still wasn't happy, though...). We ate our food outside at picnic tables. Afterwards, we drove to the Stony Brook Trail parking (on NH-16). My dad dropped me off at 0745 so I could climb up to the Carter-Moriah Ridge. It was cool (60s) and overcast with a light breeze. The trail was well marked with blue blazes and wasn’t very steep until the last mile. As a result, I easily covered the 3.6 miles and reached the AT by 0945. While I was taking a break at the junction, two young guys (NOBO Thru hikers) passed and we talked briefly. They mentioned that they had really enjoyed the Whites but were glad they were over. I also learned that the two of them had met each other on day two of their AT journey and had hiked together ever since; they cited their mutual encouragement as the reason they’d come so far... They continued north and I followed (slowly). When I checked the miles that I had left in the section, I figured out that I’d made an error in my calculation of miles I’d have to hike (11+ instead of 10) but this also meant that I’d log more new AT miles. With this news, my spirits lifted and I began a steep climb up Mount Moriah (4049 feet). The views during the ascent, especially those to the south, were tremendous - I could see all the Carters, Wildcats and northern Presidential peaks. The breeze picked up but it felt good. When I arrived at the junction of the Carter-Moriah Trail and Kenduskeag Trail (both AKA AT), I realized the descent was about to begin without me crossing 4000 feet or seeing the Moriah summit. This forced me to decide whether to skip the side trail or use it to gain about 50 feet of elevation and bragging rights on another NH 4000 Footer - I chose the latter option and have no regrets! I ran into the two Thru hikers again there and then followed them downhill towards civilization. For the next few hours, there really weren’t any views, only the image of steep slabs of granite as far as the eye could see. I carefully managed each step and didn’t fall down, thankfully. Before too long, I reached the junction of the Rattle River Trail (AKA AT). All the navigating and trail changing can sometimes be confusing but I didn’t get lost this time… I only saw two other hikers: one old guy (SOBO Flip Flopper) and a recently-retired electrician named Mark (NOBO Thru). I caught the latter about halfway down the nearly 3500 foot descent and hiked with him to the road. Along the way, we discussed his hike (amazing stories) and he asked me for my thoughts on the Mahoosuc Range (I held nothing back). By the time we reached the Rattle River Shelter, a place I’d last visited in October 2014, the steepness and rockiness of the trail had subsided and we then made great time to US-2. We arrived at around 1415, much earlier than I’d expected, but my dad was waiting. I’d covered around 11.5 miles total and finally closed the loop on a partially marooned section. Now I’ve only got about eight miles of AT left to hike in New Hampshire! Mark needed to resupply in Gorham and didn’t have a ride so we offered to take him. I always like to think I’m a bit ahead on trail magic but I am always glad to pay it forward, just in case... We drove into Gorham to drop Mark off at the Gorham Inn (next to Chinese Buffet). After that, we stopped at Cumberland Farms to get free drinks I'd earned - unfortunately, they were out of stock... Instead, we ate sandwiches I’d made for the trip. Meanwhile, it started to rain... This made me re-think my original plan of hiking in the area the following day. Instead, I asked my dad to drive us further north on US-2 and he agreed. On the way, he told me about how he'd explored Gorham and Berlin and was "unimpressed." We talked to Mollie, who was very interested in our trip. A bit later, we stopped for dinner at Burger King in Farmington (1730) - that was only after we found out KFC / Taco Bell was closed except for Door Dash (due to a staffing shortage)... To make sure we didn't have any surprises beyond that one, I called ahead to Solon to make campsite reservation. With that out of the way, we ate in restaurant. Afterwards, we continued north to the Kennebec River (via US-2, ME-4, ME-234, US-201A) and checked into Evergreens Campground at 1900. Since it wasn't a weekend, we were practically the only people there. We got a pretty campsite, with hookups, on the River. After that, we relaxed in the campsite, read, got showers - before going to sleep, we had a rousing debate. We went to bed at around 2230 - a light rain continued in the background... As a result of our re-position, we are in a good spot for a possible hike in the Hundred Mile Wilderness tomorrow! AT Today = 5.4 miles / Grand Total AT = 2015.6 miles / NH 4000 Footer #20 of 48
