Date: 2012-08-08
From: Camp near Carlo Col Shelter

To: Grafton Notch - Jane Kent's cabin in Norway ME
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Grafton Notch - Picked up by Jane Kent - staying at their house in Norway Maine - 14.1 milesI was up at 5:30, but didn't leave until 6:20. By the time I hiked back up to the trail and got started for real, it was 6:30; later than I wanted. I have a hard 14 miles to do today. Up I went, since the trail goes uphill of course. First climb no problem, second climb is Goose Mountain, a hard one. Goose Mountain has an east, west, south and north peak. The trail crosses 3 of the peaks, all except the south peak. To climb Goose, you go up steep rocky slopes using a ladder and rebar foot holds. It is difficult, but the view is rewarding. Afterwards, I went down to Full Goose Shelter where Chesty and Skunk Ape were resting. I sat outside the shelter since some of the people were sick here last night. I already knew I would be late for meeting Jane and her family by 4-5:00. So I texted her and told her I would be late, but I that I didn't know what time yet. After resting and eating, it was 1 1/2 miles to Mahoosuc Notch, 'the hardest mile on the trail'. I started out. The trail quickly changed to huge rock boulders, all laying on top of each other. A struggle soon ensued. I had to climb up, over, down, around, and even under boulders. It took me 2 hours to go 1 mile! I fell 3 times and had to take my pack off twice to get through. I had to stop and evaluate each step, each hand hold before continuing. Each move was tricky and risky. One time in particular, I was glad I had my backpack on. I was trying to climb a boulder with poor foot holds and slipped off. I fell on my back on other boulders below. The pack saved my back from very likely serious damage. Then I came to the next challenge. The trail goes through a cave with a small opening. Too small for me and my pack. I had to hand my pack to someone on top, and then crawl through. It was tight even for me without my pack. After getting through, they handed my pack back to me. Then I continued on; more boulders to negotiate. By the time I completed it, I was worn out from both the exertion and the anxiety of traversing such a difficult and risky stretch. It was 1:00 so I stopped to eat and rest. The very next thing is a challenging climb up Mahoosuc Arm. A steep long climb on sheer rock; very tiring. By the time I reached the top and went 0.9 miles to Speck Pond Shelter, I was beat again. Even though it was 3:40, and I still had 4.5 miles to where I was supposed to meet Jane, I had to stop to rest, eat, and get water. It was 4:00 before I got started again. Now I had to climb Old Speck Mountain. It was steep, but fortunately it was only a mile. When I got to the top, I texted Jane that it would probably be 7:00 before I got there. She said OK. I started the long descent. About 1/2 way down, I saw Jane and her family hiking up to meet me. It was a happy and pleasant surprise. After hellos, we all hiked down to Grafton Notch together, talking with Jane and her family all the way. It was 7:03 when we reached the parking lot. They drove me to their summer cabin in Norway, Maine. It is a very nice, quiet cabin right on a lake. Her husband's mother and father, Jim and Carol, actually own it, and they were there making a wonderful dinner for everyone. We ate steak and fish with beans, potatoes and rolls. It was great. Thanks Jane and all of her wonderful family: husband Jim, father: Jim, mother: Carol, daughter: Nicole, son Pete, and nephew Douglas for inviting me to your cabin, feeding me so well, and giving me a comfortable bed to sleep in. You are all very nice, friendly, and wonderful people.