Date: 2005-09-22
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

I love it when we make plans to do one thing and then everything changes half way through the day. It all started when some of the crew decided they wanted to do the Gulf Hagas Trail, a side trail that took you past a 500 foot gorge and some waterfalls. It is called the "Grand Canyon" of the east. A couple wanted to do the entire 5 mile loop and some wanted to just do a mile in and then come back out. Others, like myself, were just going to by-pass it, purists that we try to be. Besides that, I have seen the real Grand Canyon and a 500 foot gorge will pale in comparison. Because of the variety of options and the length of everyones potential hike it was decided that we meet up again tomorrow night at Cooper Lean-to. I was the first one out today. Everyone else was having breakfast in bed but I wanted to move. My plan was to do 17 to Logan Lean-to setting myself up for an easy day into Cooper Lean-to. It was supposed to be partly cloudy today with a chance of rain tonight so I didn't feel like camping somewhere along the way. Involved in these 17 miles were four climbs, two being on the tough side, and the last of our real climbs until we climbed Katahdin. The first, Chairback Mtn. wasn't that bad and it offered some good views. From there the trail took on the "easy" side and I flew along. I passed Longhaul and a little later Hairball. We have been leapfrogging them for a couple of weeks now and will, most likely, summit with them also. Next came the river fording for the day, across the West Branch of Pleasant River. The water was low and moving quietly so the crossing was a breeze. I had changed into my "camp shoes" to keep my boots dry, or, I should say, drier than soaking wet. Man, was that water cold! Halfway across I couldn't get my feet to cooperate with my brain!. Swimming was definitely not an option. From there I pushed to the shelter. 9.9 miles in four hours. I arrived at 11:30 figuring on taking a long lunch and heading out again. Here is where things fell apart. After an hour and a half I still hadn't gotten the get and go to head out. Then Gyspy arrived. I was surprised to see her because she was one that was going to do the Hagas Trail. She changed her mind when she got there. We laughed and I told her I was contemplating not leaving where we were or if I did just going to the campsite two miles up. Then Mouth came in and he says we should re-evaluate the plan. By the time he got there I had already decided not to go anywhere and I told him I had already re-evaluated. Funny thing was, that was what his idea was going to be. Next Touk comes in. She hears we are staying there and she immediately drops her pack in agreement. Gypsy was still wavering but that convinced her to stay also. Four out of five, without a word of disagreement. Tink was the only one who went on the Hagas Trail and she went the mile in and mile back to the AT. When she got to the shelter she was surprised to see us but she did the happy dance when she heard we were staying. Pretty funny how five different plans can change and we all end up at he same place. Guess that's why we have been hiking together since Vermont. We spent the afternoon napping and reading and gathering firewood. When evening came we ate and started the campfire and sat around it talking. Lately conversation has been about the trail, best days, worst days, best hostels, best towns, people, etc. We are close to the end and are going over the past.