Date: 2007-09-03
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: East B Hill Road, Andover
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night before I went to bed, I considered the possibility of taking a quick morning dip in Speck Pond. The very chilly temperature this morning nixed that idea. It was tough just removing myself from the warm confines of my sleeping bag. Even though Speck Pond Lean-to is one of the highest elevation shelters on the trail, my hike out was an upward climb. I had no complaints however, since the cool morning air was ideal for hiking.I reached 4180 ft. where there was a loop trail that went to Old Speck Mtn. I passed on the side trip to Old Speck and continued on, where the trail eventually descended, after about 5 miles, to Grafton Notch. This area has a large parking lot near the trail head and seems like a popular jump off point for day and section hikes. I sat at a grassy area under the shade of a few maple trees, eating some snacks. The temperature has warmed up and is now bordering on being too hot.I wanted to reach the small town of Andover, ME, where I plan to stay the night at a place called Pine Ellis Lodge. I will pick up a food drop there that Kathy mailed out. Andover was still 10 miles by trail, so I knew I needed to start hiking. Right away I was faced with some steady climbing as the trail gradually brought me up to Baldpate Mtn. Baldpate Mtn. is another one of those mountains in Maine that is comprised of multiple peaks, the West Peak (3662 ft.), the East Peak (3812 ft.), and Little Baldpate (3450 ft.).It took a lot of work, but once I got up to the partially open summit of West Peak, the views were great. I could see the East Peak and it was quite a site. I believe Baldpate probably received it's name from the huge expanse of open rock leading up to and across it's summit. I did notice with a bit of concern some grey clouds to the west, but they did not appear to be storm clouds. I descended a short distance and then started climbing the East Peak. Most of this climb, right to the summit, was on the bare smooth rock I had seen earlier from West Peak. Some of the climbing was very steep and a bit scary, since the wind was really picking up now, and I kept feeling I might not get a good grip on the steeper areas of rock. I kept a low profile to avoid being blown off my feet. After some anxious moments, I got to the summit and descended and ascended once more to hike up and over Little Baldpate.By the time I arrived at Frye Notch Lean-to for lunch, I was definitely in need of a break. Sven and Ufda were finishing lunch there. We all discussed how at this point of our thru hike we were feeling as though we had already passed our fitness peak, and agreed that our bodies were on sort of a downward slide. Hiking through the Whites and now the rugged trail in Maine, has taken its toll on us. Later, Mojo and Big Shanty showed up, and we all started hiking the remaining 4 miles to Andover. I kept pace with these younger hikers for a while but eventually dropped back to a more comfortable pace for me.When I reached East B Hill Rd. I was exhausted. I could only think of reaching Pine Ellis. The road looked isolated and not a good place to hitch the 8 miles to Andover. Fortunately a local in a pickup truck picked me up after about 10 minutes and drove me right to the front door of Pine Ellis. I am staying in semi bunk room. It is a small room on the second floor of this large Maine country home. I have one of the 4 single beds, and it looks quite comfortable, better than the usual bunk house. After a shower and a load of laundry I walked a convenient 5 minutes to the Andover General Store and Diner, and had a very large calzone for dinner. It was a tough day today so this soft bed is quite nice. Good night all.