Date: 2010-08-29
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch, ME 26
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Cpatain Slick, Red, McGuyver and I were up especially early with the anticipation of going through Mahoosuc Notch and then up Mahoosuc Arm. We had the shelter to our selves which gave us a lot of room to repack our gear. I wanted everything inside my pack put into a snug fit and have all the straps tightened. Fallen gear in the notch usually means lost forever. Mahoosuc Notch is said by some hikers to be the toughest mile on the AT. The trail enters the notch (a small opening between two mountains) with vertical rock face on either side. The trail goes up, over and under boulders covering the notch's floor.Everyone met at the west end of the Mahoosuc Notch Trail a little apprehensive of what was to come. If the feet don't move neither does the miles. So, I got up, slung my backpack onto my back and headed for the notch. My memory of the notch was limited from the '04 hike because I was thinking more of Lady Kritter enduring a hurricane at home and feeling guilty about being out here.The notch lived up to its reputation. House size boulders and larger at one time fell from the mountain's rock face and landed in their current location before me. I had to rock climb, rock hop and crawl through narrow spaces between the boulders. At several places I had to take my pack off and sling the backpack in front of me through the cave. 1 1/2 hours later everyone is on the other side of the notch with bumps, bruises and sore arms.The Arm was our next test of abilities to climb, one rock face after another. I was glad to have a bright sunny and somewhat cool day in the high 70's for today's hike. I was also glad not to be in nasty weather like I had last week slipping and sliding over rocks. I thought the climb was not as difficult as some southbounders led me to believe. I must be getting my climbing legs to say something like that.Number two challenge was behind me and I met the group at Speck Pond Shelter for a well deserved rest and story telling. The group decided to push on to Grafton Notch and hike halfway up Baldpate Mountain to Baldpate Shelter since it was only 3:00 pm and we were ahead of schedule.I was coming out of the trees onto a asphalt parking lot when I heard voices and saw a group of people standing behind a pickup truck. I recognized a tall slim man with white hair and beard and yelled, "Pipesmoke!" Pipesmoke's wife saw me, nudged Pipesmoke and said look it's Krispykritter. Hugs and slap on the backs were given as well as an explanation of what I was doing here. Along with Pipesmoke were the Roman Noddles. I hiked with both Pipesmoke and the Roman Noddles in '04. Pipesmoke wanted to know if we wanted to go to a Brewery down the road for supper. Hell yeah was the reply from four thirsty and hungry hikers. Pipesmoke brought us back to the Grafton Notch were we put together two picnic tables to cowboy sleep.Two major milestones of thru hiking southern Maine were now behind me and my stomach full of good food, I fell asleep with the glow of the moon in my face and the roar of logging trucks racing down ME 26.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe