Date: 2003-08-20
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Frye Notch Lean-to 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful weather today. And that meant beautiful views! Today was an awesome day. The sleeping weather last night was great, and except for a recurring dream about being in a muddy cave, I slept pretty good.The first mountain, Old Speck Mountain, had some great views. I like the mountain tops in the morning. Everything seems... fresh. And no hot sun, and usually no rain. Just right. Hotdog and I spent a little bit of time up there, taking pictures and such, before moving on. It was a long downhill to Grafton Notch, but it was rather pleasant: not too steep; not very rocky. Just right.Just before the parking lot at Grafton Notch, we came across some Dr.Pepper in the middle of the trail. Trail Magic! Dumb&Dumber and Spock had told us as we passed them on the trail that there was some "nectar down the hill" but I wasn't sure what it was until I saw the sodas. Mmm mmm good! We sat in the parking lot, drinking our sodas and taking a break. Jollies, a NOBO, passed us there, and we headed out of the Notch shortly after he did.We planned lunch at Baldpate Lean-to, about 7mi from Speck Pond, and when we arrived there, Thirsty Boots was there having lunch as well. We chatted and ate, and discussed going past the next shelter to a stealth campsite near some waterfalls. We decided to reserve that decision until we reached Frye Notch Lean-to, about 3-1/2mi from Baldpate.Baldpate Mountain was awesome! The west peak, which we climbed first was great, but the east peak topped it by far! The summit was covered in rock, solid sheets of rock, and provided views in all directions. There are lakes and ponds everywhere! It is just beautiful from up there! Once again, I could look back and see the AT. I just love that. Thirsty Boots, Hotdog and I sat on the summit and just looked around. It was quite windy, but the sun was shining, keeping me warm enough to stay a bit. After 15min or so, and after the sun hid behind some clouds for several minutes, we decided we'd head on.With the wind whipping pretty strongly, and us hiking on an open rock face, it was interesting hiking. It was fairly steep too, so I was glad it was dry out. I don't care for the slanted sheer rocks, maybe because I keep falling down while trying to walk down them. I fell today, and two days ago on slippery sheets of rock. It was fun... since I didn't get hurt, I mean. Still, it was beautiful.When we got to Frye Notch Lean-to, Thirsty Boots had already decided to stay. Hotdog and I were debating, but gave in to relaxation and parked ourselves. It was 4pm, and our day was done. I felt good today, as far as energy-level went, but we thought 10 miles was enough for today.I'd like to get into the habit of just hiking until I want to stop, usually around 6 or 7pm. That would give us more miles in a day, but right now, I'm happy with what we've done. We've been at the same shelter as Thirsty Boots since Gorham, and it's been fun. He has a lot of knowledge about these mountains, and a lot of love for them. It's not very often that we are with the same people or person for several days in a row, and I like it. I know there will be a time when the miles will come easier than they are now, even though today was a relatively easy day. A lot of people are in a hurry to get the miles behind them, but I'm happy with what we've done so far. I've enjoyed it, the views, the swimming, the relaxing. It's all good.With Thirsty Boots, Hotdog and I at this shelter are Tom (just Tom, a section hiker) and Walkabout (the Aussie we stayed at Carter Notch Hut with). There are also 3 young guys tenting nearby. It's not as cool tonight as last night, but I don't think I'll roast tonight. I can hear Frye Brook nearby, which probably means I'll have some water-related dream again. It just makes it more interesting, I suppose.