Snowman Says: On the AT, Rt. 27 to East Flagstaff Rd.

July 6, 2008 | Miles: 8.0
Start: Rt. 27, Stratton
End: Avery Campsite

I hate, hate, hate getting up early. My body just doesn't respond. It's not pretty. So, I started off the day before six really, really cranky. As I slowly wake up, I become more human and palatable. By the time we drove the 2.25 hours to the trailhead, I was ready to go. We drove to the end of the hike to leave our car for the end of the trip and met Sue from the Stratton Motel who had agreed to give us a ride to the beginning of the hike on Route 27.

We started hiking just after 9:30 and things were fairly uneventful. We had a steady 2800' or so climb on the menu for the morning, but it was fairly easy. Sure, we were sweaty and working, but what else would you expect. We stopped for lunch at Horns Pond Shelter and ate on the shore of its namesake. One of the many camp/kid groups we would see on this trip had stop at the Pond for a swim and while they more than altered the tranquil setting, they certainly provided entertainment. Picture 14 year-old boys swimming and you get the idea.

After lunch, we climbed some more and took the side trail to North Horn. Great views and well worth it. The main trail goes over South Horn, which also provides great views. Needless to say, great rewards for the morning's climb. The trail descended from South Horn, meandered along the ridge and eventually climbed West Peak. (None of the peaks have Bigelow in their name, the ridge itself is just called Bigelow Mountain.) Once again, terrific views from what would be the high point of this trip, 4145'. Above treeline, the wildflowers were all in bloom: mountain azalea, labrador tea, diapensia and others. Good stuff.

We descended West Peak to Avery Memorial Campsite and set up shop for the night. It was only 3:30 and we could have continued a few miles to another campsite, but for some reason it never really occurred to us. Besides, the setting was pretty nice at 3800'. The water situation wasn't so nice, as D had to squeeze in between two rocks in order to pump the water. I took a shift, but it was tricky since I'm not 4'6". The real issue with the campsite was the bugs. The black flies were among the worst I have seen, and we spent as much time as possible hiding in the tent. Luckily, the temperatures were relatively cool, so we didn't sweat to death. We also had to eat dinner in the tent. We had Backpackers' Pantry meals: Wild West Chili with Beans. Let's just say that being trapped in the tent after Wild West Chili with Beans is potentially life threatening.

At about 8:00 we were finally able to be outside to "get some fresh air" without getting eaten alive thanks to cooler temps, and we headed north on the AT on the side of Avery Peak to watch the sunset. It was gorgeous, and we show you if we hadn't forgotten the camera. By 9:00 we were in the tent and sleeping thanks to the earplugs I found in my pack...we were sharing the campsite with another group of 10 teenage boys.

July 7, 2008 | Miles: 8.7
Start: Avery Campsite
End: East Flagstaff Rd.

Teenage boys don't get up early. In fact, when we left camp at 7:30, there still wasn't any movement from their tents. The temps had dropped overnight and we had a cool and breezy ascent to Avery Peak, which was beautiful first thing in the morning. Despite the gusty winds, we hung out on top for a while, and I took about 4,000 pictures before we started our descent. Since most of yesterday was up, most of today was down. What was up from yesterday were the heat and humidity. Not unbearable, like our death hike in the Mahoosucs, but definitely noticeable. I noticed because I was completely drenched with sweat.

Eventually, we reached Safford Notch for a snack break at around 9:15. We didn't stay long as the mosquitoes had replaced the black flies as the blood sucking machines of the day. BTW, do not purchase Cutter Skinsations insect repellant. It's gross. The smell is just awful. It smelled worse that I did. Oh, and it doesn't really work. Other than that, it's a great product.

After our break we began the meandering climb to the ridge of Little Bigelow Mountain. It was only about 1,000 feet up and fairly mellow, but less than an hour after our snack break I had to stop. I totally bonked. It was strange. I sat on a log, ate a couple fig newtons and pumpkin seeds, and then we started again. I guess I had expended all the "fuel" from the Wild West Chili with Beans.

We wandered along the top of Little Bigelow for about 3 decades. It went on forever...and ever...and ever. Eventually, we reached the "summit." which is really the north end of the ridge. (Based on my altimeter, I'm pretty sure it's not even the high point.) We stopped here for lunch. We could look back at the entire length of hike, which was a great way to wrap up the trip.

It was all downhill from here, as we dropped of the ridge towards Flagstaff Lake, which was ever-present in the views both days, and our car. We stopped briefly at Little Bigelow Shelter for water and a privy break, but cruised for the most part. After passing a group of 15 or so French teenage girls, who laughed at my skirt...um, kilt, we reached the car at about 1:30.

We headed up the road to Round Barn Campsite to cool off in Flagstaff Lake before hitting the road for the 2.5 hours home. All in all, a great trip. Mellow, great views, good times. Definitely a place we'll get back to...well, once this whole AT thing is done. Just a couple more trips left this summer.