Date: 2009-09-23
From: Horns Pond Lean-To

To: Wild Camp North of Bog Brook Road
Miles today: 12.5

Wow! (I think I said that yesterday) A warm night. A just shorts night but also a I didn't sleep well night. I don't get it, I'm knackered but I still can't get to sleep until 11 p.m. Then with a short day planned I intended to sleep in but I couldn't even mange that - stirring at 6:30, out by 7:15. Out into the cloud (boo-hoo).It didn't lift over South Horn, where I stopped for breakfast; it didn't lift over West Peak, where it was blustery going; it didn't even lift over Avery Peak, where I snacked on the trail and bumped into Medicare Pastor.No views this morning then although it was mild and below tree line it could even be described as quite toasty, allowing me to strip down to just a t-shirt.The path down seemed to go on and on but eventually I emerged below the cloud and could enjoy some restricted views although, looking back, the clouds did seem to lift briefly over Avery peak. Even with some views the trail seemed purposeless: meandered on, looping here and ther, and arcing around rocks. It was slow work and the arrival of Safford Notch Campsite was a welcome relief.By now I was toying with going a little farther than planned today although it would depend on my feet. They were hurting with more than a hint of a hot spot or two; the result of sandals, socks and damp feet. In the circumstances it would be appealing to call it a day early but that would just defer the miles. Pushing on might cost my feet today but spare them tomorrow. There is no right or wrong answer and I would just have to play it by ear.Little Bigelow was good and bad. 'Good' as there was smooth relaxing walking to start and even when the gradient increased it was still fine. 'Bad' as the ridge went on and on and I could never be sure if I had reached the East Peak or not. Was I ahead of schedule or behind? I stopped, rested and went on. It went down then it went up again. I saw the high point of the ridge ahead - I had been behind schedule. Even then the high point wasn't East Peak and this 'not getting a fix on your position' was becoming frustrating but then who could I blame, I was the one who decided not to take a map.I arrived at the shelter around 3:30, spoke to Jerry and rested my feet. I was going to go on, then the rain started and I was going nowhere, then the rain stopped and I was on the move again. Indecision, indecision but also a man happy with either outcome.It was still early and with only a couple of miles in mind I strolled along keeping at eye out for a spot I could call home. There were no obvious campsites at any of the 'usual suspects' (near roads and streams) and although I went a little further than I had intended I eventually settled on a cramped but perfectly acceptable spot at 5:30.Mission accomplished - 2 miles closer to my goal and feet, if not quite pristine, in perfectly fine fettle.With only around 2 weeks left on the trail I settled down to ponder plans for the hundred mile wilderness. Six, seven, eight days? All were possibilities. All had attractions. All had downsides. It would depend on the weather, the terrain and how much food I wanted to carry.   Lying here I was leaning towards 6 days. It felt right. Or was I just wanting to put the whole thing to bed? I didn't know and so I simply rolled over on tonights bed of soft flat earth.