Date: 2018-08-01
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: South Arm Road - Andover
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

I got a jump on the day, setting out at 0630. It was a quick climb out of lean-to, followed by a 4 mile descent to Dunn Notch and Falls. There were some 25-100 yard stretches of the trail that were actually void of rocks, mud and/or roots. My feet appreciated these short stints of easy walking. After passing over the falls the trail began a 5 mile ascent to Wyman Mountain. The 2,000¢ climb was moderately steep for the first half. After passing by Surplus Pond, there were signs of moose all around the trail. The terrain got a little rough as the trail reached the summit of Wyman and continued down to the Half Mountain Lean-to. I stopped at the lean-to to water up, eat lunch and take a quick feet break. While I was eating, I heard a loud racket coming from the direction of the AT I had hiked up. I thought it was a hiker(s) until I heard it again. This time it sounded like a small tree falling into the thick vegetation. I also thought I heard some hooves striking the rocks on the trail. I quietly finished my lunch and put my shoes back on. Since I didn¢t hear an other noises I didn¢t bother walking back in the direction of the noise. Instead I started a difficult 1,500¢ descent to Swayer Brook. The descent was followed by a wicked climb up Moody Mountain. The trail rose just under 1,400¢ in .8 miles. At the onset I was stepping up 1-2 feet at a time. Although the backside of Moody was a fairly steep descent to Black Brook, it was much more tame. I guess Moody also has a split personality. Nonetheless, the ascent sure left me feeling Moody!My shuttle driver, Dave, was waiting for me as I crossed the brook and hit South Arm Road at 2:45PM. It was a 9 mile drive on the country road to the little town of Andover, ME. The town was first settled in 1789 by Ezekiel Merrill and his family who were transported there from Bethel, Maine in canoes managed by members of the local Pequawket tribe. The first sawmill was built on the East Branch of the Ellis River in 1791 and was used to provide the lumber for the still standing Merrill-Poor House. The town was incorporated on June 23, 1804 as East Andover, and then renamed Andover in 1820 when Maine separated from Massachusetts.Early occupations included agriculture and lumbering. As the town developed, factories made doors, sash, blinds, starch, cheese, boots and shoes, edge-tools, carriages and harnesses. It also had a tannery. Located on an intervale surrounded by mountains, Andover was noted for "its grand and beautiful scenery," with streams abounding in trout. After the Civil War, the town became a popular destination for sportsmen, especially fishermen. In 1960, Andover was selected to be site of the Andover Earth Station, completed in 1962. It was the location of the first live transatlantic television signal broadcast by satellite Telstar 1.David delivered me to The Pine Ellis Hostel, located on the edge of the very small town. After a shower and laundry I headed to the Andover General Store for dinner and a two day resupply. I just downed my first Whoopie Pie for dessert.Feeling pretty good after a Moody day!Peace and BlessingsNext StepElevation Data:Ascent - 4,275Descent - 5,130Grade - 12.2Weather:Day - 78 / Partly SunnyNight - 65 / Scattered ThunderstormSOver The Horizon: Saddleback Mountain, ME