Have some catching up to do. Yesterday I could barely write, I was so tired. We pulled a 17+ mile day, over some of the biggest mountains yet, I think we might have pushed it a little hard, because today we had to cut our day short, due to tiredness. Yesterday's first climb, from Logan Brook shelter up to White Cap, was surprisingly smooth. The trails are well groomed, even a rock staircase so well constructed by the MATC [Maine Appalachian Trail Club] helped us up. The other mountains in that chain were pretty easy, as well, and we had great wather, so we decided to press on past Newhall and shoot for Chairback shelter. We descended into the valley, weathered a quick rainstorm that turned into a sun-shower, and then passed by, and found the Pleasant River ford. Water only up to our knees, the sun was coming out just was we waded in, it was very nice actually, and the cool water soothed our aching feet. We underestimated Chairback a bit, I think, it was beautiful but difficult hike, and when we got to the "top" we saw the craggy summit, towering over us to the right. It was getting late, around 7, and the sun was lowering in the sky, and we still had to get up and over. A Katahdinesque, steep scramble led us to the summit and an amazing view, but we didn't linger. The shelter was close to the top, just on the shoulder of Chairback, and we found it soon enough. We heard voices, so we knew we were closed; sure enough, after a final, steep climb through the woods we found it - Cosmo and Sam had arrived a couple of hours before, and greeted us. We talked about the day's challenges, cooked dinner, and crashed hard. We let Cosmo use Dana's bag (it sucks and we've been using [my Marmot Sawtooth 15] for the both of us). He was grateful, and put his tin-foil sleeping contraption way.
Today (the 18th) was another good weather day and we started with a tough climb up Mt. Columbus. The AWOL guide - which is great [and everyone out here is using it this year] - has comprehensive information about water sources, and we found a small spring to refill our water.. We hit Third and Fourth mountains, all tough climbing, eating Snickers to get us up. As we descended into Fourth Mountain Bog, we kind of hit a wall. The previous day caught up to us, and we decided to just get up to Cloud Pond and call it a day. It was a good climb and a little scrambly, and then flattened out to walk along the spine of Barren Mountain, through woods and bogs and rocky outcroppings. Thankfully, the sun had come out and our spirits were lifted somewhat. We found the sign directing us to Cloud Pond, and took a .4 mile trail down to it. Sawn-log bridges lead us around the wooded, buggy pond, to a few tentsites and a lean-to. So here we are, [Doodles and I] and some frog-researchers, who seem very nice. I'm in the tent, Dana is sleeping hard - it's about 5. Too many bugs for the lean-to, and Dana's sick of sleeping on wooden floors, so we're tenting. Gnats are bouncing off the outside of the tent, actually sounds a bit likes a light rain. The researchers told us that severeal days of good weather - 70's and sunny - is ahead, which is fantastic news. We've actually really lucked out with weather. I'm a little worried about tomorrow, I hope we feel stronger. We don't have too much food left, but if all goes well we'll be in Monson day after tomorrow. Tome to make a big dinner and rest - trying to stay optimistic, stay in the moment, and not worry about future events that may or may not play out. Not easy, for me, my brain is always coming up with things to worry about. But none of my fears have come true yet, on this journey, so I will attempt to enjoy the here and how, and take what comes in stride, hope for the best, and only worry when it's time.
No comments:
Post a Comment