Plane Crash on Chairback Mountain (Day 158)

It rained off and on for most of the night, but it wasn’t too cold when I crawled out of my sleeping bag this morning. After a quick breakfast of a protein bar and some Aleve, I was on my way.

Barren Mountain and 2100 Miles!

I immediately began climbing up Barren Mountain, the first half of which I completed yesterday evening. It was lucky that I happened to be looking down at my feet while walking, or I likely would have missed the 2100-mile marker. Although I technically had less than 100 miles to go at camp last night, this feels more real. There won’t be a 2200-mile marker, since we will summit Mount Katahdin before then.

At the top of Barren Mountain, there was a small fire tower, but the views were completely socked in. It’s been misty and rainy since we entered the 100-mile wilderness, and I hope that a day of sunshine is on the horizon.

Chairback Mountain Range

I didn’t stay too long, as there were more mountains to climb (there always are). While crossing the wooded summit of Chairback Fourth Mountain, I passed the debris of an old plane crash. Apparently it happened back in the 80s, and both the father and son who were on board survived. Looking at the wreckage, it seemed incredible that they lived and were then able to hike out on their own.

After leaving this site, the trail then summits Third Chairback Mountain, which provides better views. For some reason, the second peak of the Chairback Range is known as Columbus Mountain (which made me wonder why the other peaks don’t get their own names). Finally, the trail took me over Chairback Mountain, the primary and easternmost peak in the range. From here I could clearly see Whitecap Mountain in the distance.

The steep rock scramble down the northernmost side of the summit felt reminiscent of what I’d dealt with for all of New Hampshire. I had to move slowly to stay on top of the rocks instead of slipping a leg between them.

Pleasant River 

Toward the end of the day, we forded Pleasant River. It was wide but not terribly deep, though it still required changing into my sandals so I wouldn’t soak my shoes. Despite the rainy weather, it’s actually a very dry year. The water level is much lower than usual, and I’m grateful these crossings feel low-stakes.

Sitting on the opposite bank was Kevin, a ridgerunner I met on my second day on the trail. Apparently he also works in the 100-mile wilderness section, and it was funny to run into him again so far down the line. He gave a group of us the rundown on reserving a spot at Birches Campsite in Baxter State Park. I’m trying not to worry about the whole process, since I’m sure it’ll all work out. I just need to focus on getting there!