Date: 2006-07-20
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

An interesting night at Gentian Pond last evening. I got to see a Moose and her calf out in the lake as the sun was setting. Too far and too dark for a photo, but a definite sighting.   The father and son who were sectioning, added a little excitement to the evening also. They were using their liquid fuel stove and it went out. So the Dad ¢pumped it up¢ and when he ignited it again, the whole thing went up in flames. The fuel canister was burning and the whole area was aflame from the ¢pumped up¢ liquid fuel. He stomped on the flames only to succeed in setting his own foot and leg on fire and we all doused him and the flames off before any significant damage was done ¢ except to his pride.   Two groups stayed at the shelter ¢ one camped out, but the other from Boston University asked permission to stay in the shelter. There was plenty of room, even with six of them, the Dad and son, Brian and myself.   I awoke at 5AM to get an early start on a long day of hiking for me, and was on the trail by 6AM. After a small up and down, the main business of the morning commenced with a steep climb ¢ using all extremities, hand, rocks, roots and fingernails ¢ up Mount Success. It was a tough climb, but doable by just taking it one step at a time. After Mount Success, the trail was still difficult but not as steep, and soon I was in MAINE! My last state!! Only 281.4 miles to go.   A steep ascent to Carlos Col Shelter where I arrived at 12:15AM, having covered the first 5.2 miles in respectable time. I tanked up on water at Carlos Col and then set out for what I had been told was a very pleasant 4.4 miles to Full Goose Shelter. I had however badly miscalculated.   It is indeed a very nice hike going over three mountains, Mount Carlo, The East Peak of Goose Eye Mountain, and the North Peak of Goose Eye. Much of it is above the tree line with spectacular views in all directions. The stuff indeed that should have brought out the full experience of hiking on the ¢stray sod¢   The problem was that it was up and down three mountains, and each ascent and descent was steep, rocky and unyielding. It was tough going and detracted a lot from the enjoyment of the perfect vistas on a perfect day. It took me until 5:45PM to get here to the shelter ¢ 5.5 hours to cover the last 4.4 miles. Another reason for me to continue to start hiking as soon as I can see the trail in the mornings! I think that my energy just disappears after 9-10 hours of hiking.   The father and son are here ¢ they passed me when I went in for water at Carlos Col, and I saw them at the top of East Goose Eye when I got a signal and spoke to all at home. There is also another SOBO section hiker here, and the logbook is full of dire forebodings of the upcoming Mahoosic Notch - ¢The toughest mile on the AT¢ ¢ which awaits me in the AM.   Met a lot of south bounders today ¢ BJ Bean, sectioning south, Heavy Foot on his way to Gorham ¢ one day for him that took three days for me ¢ Ketchup, full of happy thoughts, and Lumps and Two-Step, both in great spirits and very attentive to my story of Two-Steps namesake and the famous vial of Vit I. I also met Yo-Yo, about my age, SOBO, who told me that it took him four hours to get through the notch!   I twisted my left knee again as I came down from North Goose Eye ¢ still OK to walk on with Vit I q 4 hours and the knee brace to help.      I realy tried to do too much today. I learned that every mountain ¢ no matter how beautiful ¢ still has to be ascended and descended.   Good cell signal and everything is OK at home. Saw a new bird here at the shelter and was told that it is a Canadian Jay.Thought for Today ¢    To fully appreciate beauty you need to be well rested!