Date: 2014-09-13
From: Horns Pond

To: West Carry Pond
Miles today: 17.9

In which I totally enjoyed my day and had some expected surprises.My game plan this morning was to get up and moving early in order to get over S. Horn, Bigelow and Avery Peaks before the rain came in. Mission accomplished! My walk was pretty incredible and motivated by the need for water. Straight out from the shelter was a 1000 ft. climb in 0.8 mile. It warmed me up quickly, that much I can say. It also was of the peak I stared at in awe while I ate my dinner in the shelter last night. It was very beautiful and peaceful while being a little intimidating at the same time. Thankfully there were beautifully manicured stairs up the mountain which offered peak-a-views until I hit the summit. Only a little rock climbing was required which also was a bonus.The summit was gorgeous as clouds were settled into and covering the valley below. The mountains were blue tinged with smoky white clouds the sky gray above with the sun trying to peek out at times. Except for the gusting and howling winds the forest was very quiet. I only heard an occasional squirrel, no birds singing. There also was plenty of moose poop scattered about the trail especially in the high peaks. I kept hoping that today would be my day to see a moose in Maine, not in the plan though so I just kept walking.The summit to Bigelow mtn. west and Avery were exposed ridges with some good rock climbs. I really enjoyed those as the descent in particular weren't terrifying. The wind was really gusting and it was raining briefly. I had to stop and steady myself against the gusting winds. I really would have liked to spend more time just sitting on top and taking it all in. There were beautiful views of Flagstaff lake below and I believe I was also looking back at Saddleback. It was very mystical up on top and serene and so lovely and cold! I didn't linger long on the peaks because it was cold.Did I mention it got down into the 20s last night?! Yup, it was cold and the only way to stay warm in the wind today was to get off the exposed ridges and get down back into the somewhat sheltered forest and just keep walking. So that's what I did. This was my longest hiking day since before the Whites as a matter of fact and it felt good to do that! I'm sore and feeling the miles right now but it was great to be able to hike some miles.After the three peaks there was a long descent and another up and over Little Bigelow to Flagstaff Lk where I intended on camping but I pushed on to W. Carry Pond with Figure 8 and Bilbo Baggins and Peter Pan. The rain began at 1630 right after I opened my mouth to say "I'm glad the rain has held off....". Oops.I passed Genesis hiking SOBO and she mentioned trail magic at the shelter in the form of baked goods! Well, that got me kicked into overdrive and I cruised on to the shelter which seemed to take an eternity. I finally got here around 1800, set up in the rain, cooked dinner, ate cookies and have now climbed into my awesome tent for the night to listen to it rain. It's the most wonderful time of the day. Ok, besides hiking first thing in the morning.Time to rework my plan for tomorrow since I hiked longer that I expected today.PS--Just a note about The Bigelows...The forest was really beautiful and very green. Everything was covered in soft, spongy moss-the huge boulders, fallen logs and standing tree trunks. Some of the rocks even had ferns growing out of the top of them. It looked like hair on top of a head. There were pine trees covered in lichen and a brown swatch of trail with rocks, roots and mud through the woods. It was very peaceful and gorgeous. Very still and serene and safe feeling.The ferns were dancing in the wind as if waving as I walked by. I really liked the feel of The Bigelows hiking through on those quiet, unspoiled still mornings even with the gusting wind roaring through the trees. That too is an amazing noise. Red squirrels were chattering acting all big and bold as I walked by them, flushed out a few grouse who scared the crap out of me and made my heart race. I wasn't expecting them.There was just something raw and wonderful yet comforting and amazingly peaceful about the Bigelows, majestic, edgy, soothing, comforting. Even the crisp air was welcome. The 360* views from the peaks of the lakes below and mountains surrounding were really fantastic. For me this was a happy place where I felt alive and happy to be. The views and experience of this special place is forever etched in my mind and on my heart forever.