Sept 20

The Saddlebacks

Well, we kind of need to get back to that whole hiking thing.  Frost covered the ground this morning, as well as the car.  The calendar says we're still in the last couple days of summer.  It's not even autumn yet.  Wow.  That's Maine for ya'.  We need to hurry.  The white stuff could come down any day.  On the way out of town, we stopped at the grocery store for resupply, then headed back to the trail.  At the trail head, just north into the woods, there was a sign showing the mileages to various locations up the trail.  The MATC had posted an additional notice on a tree, warning hikers not to underestimate the terrain and weather traveling northward from here, toward the summit of Saddleback Mountain.  Apparently, this section is particularly rugged, and due to its elevation and latitude, freezing temperatures have been observed in every month of the year.  Sounds like fun.  After a couple of miles, we arrived at Piazza Rock lean-to.  This shelter has an interesting privy.  It's a large structure, with side by side toilet seats, and a cribbage board.  If two hikers were comfortable enough with each other, and were so inclined, they could take care of business and play a game at the same time.  We just got some laughs from it all.  We slowly made our way, up and up, passing several streams and ponds.  The next two miles became noticeably steeper, until we reached the exposed summit of Saddleback.  It was cold and clear at the top, with views all around of mountains and lakes, fall colors in the lower elevations, and the dark greens of conifers closer to the summits.  For miles and miles we walked along the exposed ridge of the Saddleback range, hovering around 4000 feet.  Over The Horn and down the other side.  Then a crazy steep bump up to the top of Saddleback Junior.  On the way down from Junior, the trail crossed a stream, but mostly, the water was trickling right down the trail, making the hike slippery and muddy, down the steep terrain.  We had taken several breaks along the way today, since the views were so amazing, and we got into camp at the Poplar Ridge lean-to right at dusk.  Tink was staying there to.  She had passed us while we took a zero yesterday, so it was good to see her again.  This was an older shelter, and a fairly wet, and muddy tenting area.  I was able to find a small, flat, dry spot nestled in some trees next to the shelter, where I set up my tent and cooked dinner in the dark.  Not an ideal location, but with it being dark now, and really cold, and with a stream crossing coming up, it would have to do.  Covered 11 miles today.  Not great, but it had been a nice hike, and at least we're back doing double-digits consistently again.

Climbing up to the summit of Saddleback Mountain.