Date: 2009-09-12
From: Chairback Gap Leanto

To: Cloud Pond Leanto
Miles today: 6.9

Since Kathy Preble said we could have rain today and tomorrow, I got up for a regular early start thinking I might try to go farther than I planned to get off the mountain before the rain. Ultimately that did not happen although right up until 3:30 I thought I might.I met a trail crew of 4 coming in to fix Chairback Gap Leanto. They will be making a new front and lowering the floor. That would be very good for short people like me. Not only did I have to climb up Chairback and then climb the steep hill to the shelter, I had to climb to get into the shelter.The view from Columbus Mountain was stellar. In fact, I climbed 4 mountains today, Columbus, Third Mountain, Fourth Mountain and most of Barren Mountain. This is called the Chairback Barren Mountain Range. The mountains here may not be high compared with the west and I descended and ascended only 300 to 750 ft between mountains but because of the terrain and the trail conditions the seven miles of today seemed very tough to me.The northern half of the 100 mile wilderness is relatively easy as there are no big mountains to climb. It is still challenging for me because of the roots, rocks and mud bogs.The day over White Cap was pretty fun. Chairback Mountain was difficult and today was just more rough trail, climbing steep pitches over roots and rocks, often needing hands as well as feet. The mountains and terrain are supposed to get tougher all the way south. Hmmm. It will be interesting to see how I do. My knee said it was getting sore today so I tried not to push too hard.I did enjoy the views from the mountain peaks I passed over today. Coming down 3rd mountain I met Sailor J. Going up 4th mountain I met Pudgie Fudgie and Mud Slide.I had a nice lunch with a view on top of 4th mountain.Between 4th Mountain and Barren Mountain there is a bog named 4th Mountain Bog. Interesting how you can have bogs nearly on top of mountains. Bogs often have split log puncheons to keep you out of the mud. They even had a sign at this bog to please stay on the trail so the rare plants can live.Well, I was tooling along on the split logs until a spot where there was no log, only a 6 inch sapling. I started across like I have done on many others but on this one I missed. It was not just drying mud, I went in all the way up to my hip. A thru hiker named Porter came along just then and helped pull me out. Thank you, Porter! Actually I was glad it was the left leg that went in. I don't know if I could have gotten out depending on the left leg to power me out. That mud was realy applying suction. I was fortunate to get out with my shoe still on. Well, that was an experience. I have to give a plug for Dirty Girl Gaiters here. No mud got inside my shoes although there was plenty on shoes, gaiters, brace and all.I don't think I harmed any plants as I stayed on the trail. Well, technically I stayed inside the trail, at least 2&1/2 ft deep inside the trail.I met Scuba, Porter's hiking partner shortly after. Also Sun Nuke and ? And not too long after that I was passed by SOBO Fox Trot, who knew my name from the PCT. He had just finished the PCT and decided to come do the AT SOBO to Harper's Ferry. Ah, youth! He flitted over the roots and rocks like a butterfly. It must be nice to have knees.I finally decided I was getting so tired that I was liable to do something foolish and get really hurt. It would be better to take my chances with the rain tomorrow.So I took the trail over to Cloud Pond Leanto. Cloud Pond is a very lovely little lake. Bryan and Kevin, 2 local Maine brothers are here in the shelter with me. The younger was about 11 or 12 and the older in late teens or so.I got cleaned up pretty well in the pond. Clean is relative out here. But I am no longer muddy and am reasonably clean.4 short section hikers from Texas and California are camped here and Joe KickAss is also here.And now it is dark and time for bed. I am glad I stopped here. And life is good.