Date: 2018-08-28
From: ME 27 (Hostel of Maine)

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 10.4

DAY 175When we woke, we still weren't sure what time we would get a shuttle out. We didn't want to pick too early of a time last night as we were not sure how we would be feeling. Headed down for what we thought would be a continental breakfast and found Melanie had done it up right! There was coffee, tea, orange juice, fresh orange slices, bagels, hard boiled eggs, but also an amazing French Toast Casserole. Perfect way to start the day.We packed up and when Justin returned from an earlier shuttle we were ready to go. We are still not feeling great, but decided we should move on rather than zero.Today was all about the Bigelows, and the weather was perfect with blue skies and a light wind. We started with a gradual climb and passed ponds and bogs as we headed up the Horn. Just before the final climb up to the summit of the Horn we stopped at the view to have lunch. We stopped at Horns Pond Lean-tos to fill up on water, Crush was already there and directed us to the water source. Mary stretched while I filled our water bottles.Did the steep climb up over Horn where we had spectacular 360 degree views back to Horns Pond in the south as well as north to West Peak. We made a short descent before starting the climb up Bigelow West Peak. As we neared the summit of West Peak the trail became a rocky, narrow ridge and the wind really picked up. Because the wind made it difficult to walk, we decided to walk up the trail that allowed us to "hang on" to the ridge rather than try to stay on top of the ridge where the wind might "blow us off". We heard some hooting and hollering from above, and then soon joined a southbound hiker at the top. As we looked back we could see Crush wobbling his way up being buffeted by the wind. The 360 degree views from the top were spectacular, looking back nearly the entire length of Flagstaff Lake as well as South to Sugarloaf and the Crockers. The views were made all the more exhilarating with the wind pummeling us from all sides. Took a few pictures and then quickly made our way toward Avery Peak. Avery Peak is the final 4,000 footer for Northbound hikers until Katahdin.Avery Peak has an old stone foundation that protected us from the wind so we sat down to enjoy a snack. I quickly searched for "Avery's Machete" that I had found on my 2011 hike, but I couldn't seem to find it this time. The views here were just as stunning as West Peak, and certainly some of the best views of our trip so far.We had hoped to make it to Little Bigelow Lean-to as we knew there was a possibility of swimming there. However, as we neared Safford Notch it started to sprinkle. Later we took refuge under a large boulder overhanging the trail during a brief downpour. When the rain let up we decided to head for Safford Notch Campsite where we found an empty tent platform to set up for the night. This is a well used campsite and the mice were pretty brazen here. As we at our dinner the mice were running from under the platform hoping to get some of our food crumbs, unfortunately for them hungry thru-hikers don't tend to drop much of their food.We were both still feeling under the weather, and after a couple of tough climbs today we were ready for bed. Hung our bear bags and climbed into our bags for the night.Uploaded a video that shows how windy it was...