Date: 2005-08-21
From: Moose Mtn. Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Foggy morning, but we were ready to hike. Today was going to be a day of climbs. Steep climbs and we are dealing with the no water situation again. Didn't figure we'd run into that this far north but it is an issue. The 43 mile stretch, from Hanover to Glencliff is supposed to be a rough one for water. The first big climb was up Holt's Ledge. It was still foggy at the top when I go there but Mouth, Touk, and I sat there for awhile. Our patience was rewarded because the fog started to clear and we had a good view. Part of Holt's Ledge is fenced off because it is a peregrine falcon rookery. We didn't see any falcons which is too bad. From there we headed toward what was supposed to be a water source. We got to the Lyme-Dorchester Road but did not see the sign for water. We saw a building up the road and decided to see if we could get water there. We thought it was a house but it turned out to be a ski resort which was good because we were able to get water and use the bathroom. As we walked back we were laughing about how easy it would be to hitch back to Hanover for lunch. We got back to where we left our packs when a car pulls up. It was Blister Sister, dropping off a hiker. Believe it or not, she was going back to Hanover and then leaving there later that afternoon. Our joking turned into reality and the six of us ended up back in Hanover for lunch. While we were eating we saw Epic and Free Radical, both of whom couldn't believe we were there. We laughed and told them the story. After lunch we ended up on the green, playing 4 square, while waiting for Blister Sister. Mouth has been packing a 4 squae ball for quite awhile and many games have been played. Competition is fierce and friendly plus a lot of fun! We got back to the trailhead around 4:00 with 11 miles left to hike and a big uphill. Night hiking was dfinitely going to happen! The climb took us up Smarts Mtn., a 2100 foot climb. The group spread out because of the different paces. I took a break on one of he false summits and Touk followed soon behind me. We sat there for awhile when Gypsy came up. Touk took off but Gypsy and I decided to do the rest of the miles together. We reached the top of Smarts Mtn. and climbed the firetower. What a great view! If we had arrived a half hour later we would have seen an awesome sunset. We did contemplate staying there but decided it we make for a long day tomorrow. We pushed on and darkness fell. The headlamps came out and we continued on. I know I have said it before but I'll say it again. I like hiking with Gypsy. We have some great conversations as we walk and I love listening to her stories. We walked down Smarts Mtn. and then back up again. This up took us to Eastman Ledge. Headlights went off as we stod and hecked out the sky. It was a great sight. The moon had not risen yet but it was still pretty bright. We left there and continued on our merry way. We finally made it to the shelter, at 10:30! The latest I have hiked on the entire trip. Everyone was asleep so we quietly got ourselves situated. What started out as a normal trail day turned into a hell of a fun day! The side trip back to Hanover was one of those things we will always remember and the night hike is something that will stay with me for a long time.