Date: 2018-09-27
From: Mahoosuc Notch West 

To: Blue Blaze Mt Success
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Big Kahuna cooked all of us breakfast this morning. It was delicious! Then he drove Hugs and I to our starting point. Papa Big Swig had a business call.  It was almost an hour drive to the blue blaze that would take us back to the A.T.  The Gambler by Kenny Rogers came on the radio and it made me think of dad. He loved country music, and he liked a little gambling too.  The blue blaze was 2.4 miles to the trail. That¢s 2.4 miles we cannot count on today¢s mileage. That¢s the price we pay for slack packing.  We hiked beside a stream a good distance, and eventually had to cross it. We knew this because it¢s the same blue blaze we exited from after hiking the Notch. However, after two days of rain this cute little creek had become a raging river! We could not step on rocks to get across. After some contemplation, off came our socks and shoes. I went first. The water was quite cold, but it actually felt good on these aching feet. I was across quickly, and Hugs was close behind. We used my bandana to dry our feet. With our socks and shoes back on we were moving up the trail in no time, but a few hundred yards up trail, we had to cross that same creek again! This time we were able to keep our shoes on. Soon enough the A.T. was under my feet and we began our trek up Fulling Fill Mountain to 3395ft elevation. The beginning of this UP was not any better than the Mahoosuc Notch. We did some serious boulder climbing. In a couple of places iron rungs were embedded in boulders to help us climb up. So thankful for the ATC and all they do for us! Once I was on my feet and walking, around  the path was nice. Sunshine was coming through the trees in places. It was peaceful hiking up there, and beautiful. Then I reached the summit. For fun I had timed myself. It took exactly 56 minutes. That¢s pretty good for me. I was impressed with myself!  It was windy and cold at the summit. I took some photos and decided to hike on to a lean-to. It was only 0.5 miles down and I would wait for Hugs there.  As I came to the lean-to I got a friendly ¢hello¢ from a hiker named Cordial. He had his gear and clothing laid out on a tent pad waiting for the sun to dry them. Cordial was caught in Mahoosuc Notch last night during the rain. He had to stay on a ledge overnight. Everything got soaked! It must have been extremely cold because he said he started making goodbye videos on his phone. By God¢s grace he was spared and in good humor today. Hugs arrived, ate her lunch, and moved on. I was still finishing my lunch. I shared a Twinkie with Cordial before moving on.  Climbing up to the Goose Eye peaks was challenging at times.  Once I caught up with Hugs, I took a moment to look behind me. I love to see where I came from. The thought of having been all the way up in those mountains feels surreal. I passed Hugs and began to systematically knock out the Goose Eye Peaks. First was North Peak at 3675ft elevation. One down! On to East Peak! The trek down North Peak was a little muddy at times, but not bad. Soon enough I took a turn and stared going UP Goose Eye East Peak at 3790ft elevation. It wasn¢t long before a rock slab that went almost straight up for about 50ft was in front of me. This is NOT good! The rock was wet and there was no footing. After several attempts I had to come up with a plan B, or I could be seriously hurt. Eventually I bushwhacked around the side and safely made it to the top. I waited up there until I saw Hugs. This area is dangerous and there was no point in her trying to maneuver that huge slab. Once she was up, the rest of the climb was gravy.  On to Goose Eye West Peak at 3870ft. This peak was a challenge as the boulder scrambles reminded me of Mahoosuc Notch. More of the same going down.  But down I went and crossed over the state line into New Hampshire. So long Maine, you were great!  I waited for Hugs at the state line and congratulated a few NOBO¢s as they entered Maine. What an exciting time for them!  Hugs and I started up Mount Success. About 3/4ths of the way up we took a blue blaze to make our exit for the day. It was another 2.4 miles we cannot count.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?