Date: 2015-08-03
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Bald Pate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

After the long day yesterday I was exhausted. When I finished writing my journal last night I fell asleep instantly. I didn't convince myself to start moving until a little before 7:00 AM, finally leaving camp around 7:30. The first order of business was the mile and a half walk to Mahoosuc Notch. I started the rock maze at 8:35 and finished right at 9:45. I've heard people say it could take 2-3 hours. I had a lot of fun with it and was proud of the 70 minutes. I did have to take my pack off three times to get under or between some tight spaces. Right after the Notch was the Arm. Mahoosic Arm is the real story between the two. 1600 feet in a mile and a half, most of it straight up slick rock slabs. I'm generally not thrilled to show off my rock climbing skillz but I'm glad they didn't fail me. Yes, the Z on the end of that was intentional. Because it's awesome.The downhill afterwards ended at Speck Pond. I could have gone to the shelter to make lunch but the view I found on the rocks was way better. Hot lunch and cold dinner work well for me. I love being able to pick good spots and good water sources. The places I camp aren't always ideal for cooking.The few SOBOs I had seen in the morning had been warning me about the climb up Old Speck. On the elevation profile it looked steep but short. As soon as I started climbing I figured out what they were saying. If you're behind me on the trail or planning a hike in the future here's a piece of advice for Maine: Don't be afraid of heights. The climb wasn't long but was straight up a rock face and completely exposed. I'm not afraid of heights and had to tell myself to not look down. Trees provide a lot of comfort that I hadn't realized until I didn't have any to rely on.But, I made it up then survived the 3.5 mile descent to Grafton Notch. The first thing I saw was a trash can. Honestly, a trash can was a highlight of my day. Especially when I'm carrying around a spent fuel canister.While sitting there I saw a family come out of the woods and asked a little girl how her hike was. She said it was hot but she had fun. Her parents asked me about my hike and we talked for a few minutes. They walked back to their car and I went back to my mileage guide. A few minutes later the two daughters return with a HUGE bag of peanuts, goldfish, and pretzels. These Maine folks know the way to a hiker's heart.Another lady popped out of the woods and offered me a ride to town. I declined since I'm looking to be out a few more days but it was an awesome gesture. Once I headed across the street and up to the stream I heard thunder and immediately regretted my decision.It was only a couple miles to the next shelter and I figured I'd attempt to beat the rain. For the first time in Maine the trail was fast. It was a 1200 foot climb but with thunder and lightning all around I had adrenaline on my side. I got sprinkled on a few times but I made the two miles in 35 minutes and jumped in the shelter. Five minutes later the downpour came. I figure the AT owes me this one. It's been storming for the last hour and a half.So, my plan was to.go 15.5 to Frye Notch but going over a mountain called Bald Pate in a thunderstorm seems like a terrible idea. I saw the top of the mountain from Old Speck and I can confirm that the top is bald and has a giant rocky dome. The twelve miles today were probably the hardest I've ever hiked. I'm good with the effort.Tonight I'll sleep in the shelter because wet tents are the worst. Hopefully I can get around 15 tomorrow. The terrain here is as difficult as advertised. Steep ups and steep downs all day. It's supposed to ease up after Stratton. I think it's about 80 miles away.Oh, shelters are called lean-tos in Maine. I don't know why either.