Still Not Easy

Well, I’m out of New Hampshire and the White Mountains, but that doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing.  In fact, southern Maine is frequently considered the second most difficult section of the Appalachian Trail, after the Whites. The climbs aren’t quite as steep and bouldering, but they’re still high. Mountains include Baldpate, the Saddlebacks, and the Bigelows. When you tie in frequent rain, the daily hike can really be a grind.

Because it’s been so rare, clear views are more appreciated.  We were lucky to have a dry day to climb Baldpate – for views and because it’s a steep rockface that would be slippery when wet. That’s hiker NatGeo trekking up.

There were some great views from the top.

And, the Saddlebacks in the distance…

Day 77 – Speck Pond shelter to East B Hill Rd. (15 miles) 

Day 78 – East B Hill Rd to South Rm Rd. (10 miles) 

Day 79 – South Arm Rd. to Rt. 17 (14 miles) 

Day 80 – Rt. 17 to Piazza Rock shelter (15 miles) 

Critters on the Trail

Still no big game, but these are entertaining. First up is a little bunny that didn’t hide very well.

And a reasonably rare spruce grouse. Note the chick behind Mama.

And, a little red squirrel. When these aren’t chattering at you, they love to pose up close.

For Your Entertainment

The privy doesn’t get a lot of discussion in posts, or anywhere really.  This one at Piazza Rock shelter deserves special attention.

Yes, that’s a two-seater and, yes, that’s a cribbage board in between. I don’t believe that both are ever in use concurrently, but imagine the line outside while waiting for a cribbage match to conclude.

A Break In The Clouds

Just a few more photos when the sky clears.

Thanks for listening.