Date: 2018-07-09
From: Stealth site/Mile 1541.7

To: October Mountain shelter/Mile 1558.0
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

I was early early because I had an ambitious day planned. Almost immediately I had the first of the day¢s largest climbs of the day ¢ up Baldy Mountain. Like I have many times before, I said to myself ¢let¢s NOC out this climb.¢ [It refers to the slow/steady approach I used to tackle the long, seven mile climb out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It may seem such a simple proposition but until that point (150 miles) I would more often go harder and stop to catch my breathe, then go hard again, etc.  The climb out of the NOC really demonstrated an alternative and I think superior way to overcome tough climbs.]After he climb we were (again) on a rolling ridge line, which was generally pleasant hiking and which I took all the way to Upper Goose Pond ¢ a beautiful, large pond where the AMC has a cabin and provides bunks and camping. It seemed far too early to stop, but I had heard much about UGP and was tempted to stay even though it was a half mile off the trail.As I pondered this decision I came upon a beautiful pine grove next to the pond. The sun was out, but this grove was shaded. The pond was quietly lapping on the shore nearby and a wonderful breeze was keeping it cool and bug free. I decided there wasn¢t a much better way to enjoy UGP than right where I was. I coked a Trailtopia dinner and relaxed over a long midday meal/break. Another thru-hiker joined me and after a full hour I headed off ¢ all I was leaving behind was a bunk and morning pancakes, not enough to miss the chance to get in some more miles.October Mountain shelter, my destination now, was still another nine miles. Like the morning¢s start, the afternoon featured the day¢s other substantial climb ¢ we had just crossed over the Massachusetts Turnpike and apparently were switching ridges. The day was hot so before tackling this climb I stopped at a motel next to the trail to have a couple of cold drinks and to pack one out.Although I decided to also ¢NOC¢ out this climb, the trail up Becket Mountain was so well designed that I made it up easier than expected. I celebrated with a Mug root beer I carried up the climb. A couple day hiking was very interested in my hike and took my trash (soda can) down the mountain for me. From there I was mostly focused on knocking out the miles and not getting to camp too late.The afternoon was otherwise uneventful. The trail took us by Finnerty Pond (somewhat like Upper Goose Pond) as well as a nameless beaver pond. There were no views from any high points, not even the summit of Becket. There were a couple of steep, but short climbs on the way. I got to the shelter area by 6:45. Honey Legs, who had joined me for lunch, a couple from Wytheville, Virginia section hiking, a NOBO German couple and an elderly, deaf hiker shared the area with me for the night. It was still very warm and the mosquitos were ferocious. I setup my tent and got in quickly (I had cooked my lunch so I could snack in my tent for dinner.)BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...