Weather forecast for this weekend was, again, really good. Anticipating some good AT mileage, I departed Hanover at around 0730. I used I-91, VT/NH-25, River Road, NH-10, US-302, NH-116 and US-2 to reach Gorham. Got a gas fill-up at Cumberland Farms (0925) and then continued on US-2 to Shelburne. Weather and parking lot availability were looking when I reached the trailhead for Peabody Brook Trail (0945). I was walking in the woods less than 15 minutes later. The weather was good (high clouds, cool temps) and I’d hiked this trail before. So it was completely devastating to somehow miss a trail sign and end up lost in the first 30 minutes. I’d been tricked by shorter grass and a well-worn trail and ended up walking about two extra miles (wasted time = over an hour) before I was back on the correct trail. Was quite annoyed at this setback - although I encountered a family on my way back to the right place and saved them a lot of walking after admitting my mistake. For the next hour plus, I paid for the navigation error as the temps rose and the sun started blazing. As a result, the only thought in my head for most of the climb up the ridge was that I wanted to call it a day. Fortunately, I ignored this impulse and eventually (three hours after I’d left the car) reached the Mahoosuc Trail. Due to all the extra walking and lost time, I reset my goal to walking just over two miles to the Gentian Pond Shelter. This ended up being a good decision because the trail conditions were quite bad - VERY muddy, slippery and overgrown. I continued plodding along, though, but started to dread the backtrack... I passed one lady hiker (SOBO Thru?) but didn’t see anyone else all day. After my seemingly interminable climb to the ridge, the AT walk (NOBO) seemed to go very quickly. I had to leave the main trail to visit the shelter but this turned out to be a good thing since I discovered that the Austin Brook Trail was another route to North Road in Shelburne. I paused for a break on the porch of the shelter and really enjoyed the views and gentle breeze there. A bit later, I started downhill… The trail was initially very steep but, after a mile, I came to a huge field of clear-cut (lumbering) carnage. Somehow, I managed to stay on the trail through the wasteland - one of the AMC trail signs reminded me of the image of the US Flag on the Moon! Eventually, the trail returned to the woods and I later reached pavement again. From there, I walked about two miles to my car (arrived at 1630 after over 13 miles). This was definitely one of those “lemonade from lemons” days - I’m not tremendously happy that I walked about 11 miles just to get 2 AT miles - but every little bit helps. Hoping I can avoid getting lost if I hike again in the morning... After getting cleaned up, I drove back to Gorham and ate dinner at McDonalds (1645). Next, I drove north on NH-16 (talking to Mollie on the way) to Mollidgewock State Park. I had enough time to do some more paddling on Androscoggin River - saw some amazing "cotton candy clouds." Finished with my kayak after dark and then headed to the back of the campground to find my campsite. Set up the back of my car again (rather than using my tent) - this is getting to be a habit! Spent the evening reading, relaxing and planning for the next day. Bed at 2130. Hoping to get another great-weather day tomorrow! AT Today = 2.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 2005.8 miles
