Astro on the AT 2019

StalkingTortoise · Jun 26th 2019, 1:10pm

LIhikers wrote:

Astro wrote:

LIhikers wrote:

With Astro jumping up to Stratton already I guess there's little chance of Kathy and I running into him.
We'll head south out of Monson on July 2nd.

I won't make Monson until July 4 or 5th.

OK then, keep an eye out for a couple in their 60s hiking with a large dog.Sounds like well run into each other between Caratunk and Monson
I'm looking forward to meeting you, someone from the AT Cafe :!:

Send me a PM after you finish and start heading south. I'm pretty close to I-81 as it crosses the Susquehanna. Beer's on me in exchange for hiking & travel stories.

Astro · Jun 26th 2019, 8:30pm

CoachLou wrote:

Boy I hope I have that sky when I walk up to Madison on the 4th

You deserve it for your birthday.

LIhikers · Jun 26th 2019, 9:05pm

CoachLou wrote:

Boy I hope I have that sky when I walk up to Madison on the 4th

Lou, I thought you and Andy were going to be in Maine this summer.
I was hoping to run into you two.

Astro · Jun 26th 2019, 9:09pm

Day 7
Caribou Valley Road to Hwy 27 8.3 miles
Shuttle dropped me off where I had to get off last year with my torn meniscus in my right knee. Had to walk a mile again to get to the AT. Was lot more pleasant than last time.
Climbed both South and North Crocker Mountains. Including the dip between them around 2500 feet in elevation gain. Plenty of rocks, but the wet slippery ones are the worst. Passed the 2000 mile marker.

CoachLou · Jun 27th 2019, 10:28am

LIhikers wrote:

CoachLou wrote:

Boy I hope I have that sky when I walk up to Madison on the 4th

Lou, I thought you and Andy were going to be in Maine this summer.I was hoping to run into you two.

On 14 August we have space at Carter Notch Hut. Depending on the weather we will enter the Wild River wilderness on Monday or climb the AT from Rattle River....and come back Saturday the 17th.

CoachLou · Jun 27th 2019, 10:28pm

Also, Rafe will be at Carter Notch with us on the 14th, but I’m not sure of his plan otherwise

Astro · Jun 29th 2019, 2:18pm

Slowly making my way through the Bigelow's. Lost a day moving my car to Shaw's in Monson. Did not feel comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks in Stratton. Should be a give some reports in a few days when I make it to Caratunk.

Traffic Jam · Jun 29th 2019, 6:17pm

Astro wrote:

Slowly making my way through the Bigelow's. Lost a day moving my car to Shaw's in Monson. Did not feel comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks in Stratton. Should be a give some reports in a few days when I make it to Caratunk.

You’re doin great!

Astro · Jun 29th 2019, 8:34pm

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

Slowly making my way through the Bigelow's. Lost a day moving my car to Shaw's in Monson. Did not feel comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks in Stratton. Should be a give some reports in a few days when I make it to Caratunk.

You’re doin great!

Thanks!
Way it is raining right now, my tent is going to be a little heavier tomorrow. :thumbdown:

LIhikers · Jun 30th 2019, 8:49am

Astro wrote:

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

Slowly making my way through the Bigelow's. Lost a day moving my car to Shaw's in Monson. Did not feel comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks in Stratton. Should be a give some reports in a few days when I make it to Caratunk.

You’re doin great!

Thanks!
Way it is raining right now, my tent is going to be a little heavier tomorrow.

The rain in Maine falls mainly on ....anybody who's out in it.
Astro, I hope the body is holding out better this year.
We'll be heading south out of Monson on Tuesday July 2nd.
Look for an old couple with an old dog.

Astro · Jun 30th 2019, 11:58am

LIhikers wrote:

Astro wrote:

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

Slowly making my way through the Bigelow's. Lost a day moving my car to Shaw's in Monson. Did not feel comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks in Stratton. Should be a give some reports in a few days when I make it to Caratunk.

You’re doin great!

Thanks!Way it is raining right now, my tent is going to be a little heavier tomorrow.

The rain in Maine falls mainly on ....anybody who's out in it.Astro, I hope the body is holding out better this year.
We'll be heading south out of Monson on Tuesday July 2nd.
Look for an old couple with an old dog.

That is why I am taking it so slow, want to get at another 100 miles. On top of Little Bigelow, but so cloudy/foggy I can't see a thing. But at least it isn't raining right now.
You have seen the pictures so you should recognize me. Looking forward to it.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 3:43pm

Day 8
Hwy 27 to Horns Pond Lean To 5.1 miles
Yesterday I moved my car up to Shaw's in Monson where I felt much more comfortable leaving it for 3 weeks. I got shuttled back by a really nice retired guy named Gary. Had a conversation and the nearly 2 hours flew by. Today's climb was much milder than the Crockers or what would follow in the next couple of days. Also helped that it wasn't raining. Two shelters and I stayed in one with 3 retired school teachers from Knoxville, TN that have been section hiking for the past 29 years. They started out with 5, but one passed away from cancer a few years back, and another had several body part replacements (hip, knees) so his wife shut him down.

And no that is not one of the shelters. Just an old retired one.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 5:58pm

Day 9
Horns Pond Lean To to Stafford Notch Campsite 5.3 miles
Rained last night and more during the day making all of the rock scrambles even more difficult. One of my hardest on the AT, much rather do 20 in the south. Climbed South Horn, West Peak, and Avery Peak, and went down to Stafford Notch. Worst part is that the clouds/fog blocked what should have been beautiful views. Did at least get pictures of the Myron Avery monuments.

Some of the boulders at Stafford Notch were as big as houses. And the cold coming from underneath them was like air conditioning. Had to walk under a cave to get to the campsite. The campsite had good water and was just me and a SoBo woman in a hammock.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 6:18pm

Day 10
Stafford Notch Campsite to Little Bigelow Lean To 4.9 miles
Rained during night but fortunately stopped and wind blew my rent dry by morning. Another rainy day with no views from Little Bigelow Mountain. Got a few as I got lower later in the day. Rocks were wet and especially the long slanted slabs 50 to 100 feet. I slipped and fell many times. One time some young NoBo hikers were coming up behind me and saw me fall. At first they asked if I was OK. When I said yes one said it looked smooth and another said graceful. I told them unfortunately I had plenty of practice. I didn't tell it still hurts. I am accumulating a lot of bruises and scratches. I will be glad when the rain stops.
Raining pretty hard so I decided to stay in the shelter tonight. Looked like there might be 10 trying to stay in shelter for 6, but 3 set up there tents and 3 more NoBo's headed out when the rain let up.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 6:20pm

This should be a picture of the tubs. Was cold and raining so I passed, but some of the younger hikers tried them out.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 6:31pm

Day 11
Little Bigelow to West Carry Pond Lean To 7.7 miles
No rain today and more level, even like a trail in some places. Set up tent near shelter. While mostly SoBo the NoBo hikers are starting to pass me more and usually around a dozen at each shelter with at least half in tents.
Met SoBO father and son from PA. The father is even slower than me and the son is a little frustrated because he knows he could be doing 15-20 mile days. He is carrying all of their food and I believe they started out averaging 3 mpd.

Can you believe the ADA makes you put wheelchair ramps on new privys :rolleyes:

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 7:03pm

Day 12
West Carry Pond Lean To to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps. 10.4 miles
Nicest extended section trail I have found in Maine. But rocks still wet from rain last night and I slipped and did a face plant. Felt blood rolling down and was afraid I had broken my nose. Fortunately just bruised and cut. Probably leave a scar. But my glasses should cover it. The way I feel now is if I had been in a fight. And if I won I sure would hate to see the other guy.
Walked by some beaches. Still playing find the rock to step on under the mud, using my pole to tap on them like a blind man with his can.
Interesting sign showing Benedict Arnold as a hero. Got a shower and bed to throw my sleeping bag on and pancakes in the morning. Ran out food since Bigelow's took longer and had grits for supper. Dining room was well decorated.
Water flowing over the rocks right aside my cabin.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 7:33pm

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).
Interesting foot bridge with the three logs. Lots of waterfalls but the more powerful ones view obstructed by trees. Fun riding the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. You can see the white blaze on the canoe floor.
Unfortunately with so many NoBo's and SoBo's together (plus holiday tomorrow) there was no room left so I had to set my tent up in the yard. Great to get another shower and laundry. Unpacked my maildrop, the only bad thing about going into town and resupplying is that you know your pack will be heavier heading out.

max.patch · Jul 3rd 2019, 7:51pm

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).

jeff and dorothy hanson created and ran mountain crossings at neels gap from 1983 to 2000; eventually selling to winton porter. dorothy was a 1979 thru hiker, and after she finished her hike she created a quilt which had a panel that showed her favorite memory from each state.

her picture for maine was a giant stack of pancakes from harrisons camp.

having seen the quilt, and knowing the backstory, i couldn't wait for breakfast at harrisons. turns out that the morning i was there (september 22) was the first day that season that the camp had no paying customers. so they didn't open that day and the harrisons took the day off. everyone at the shelter was sooo disappointed.

as i understand it, the only thing that has changed about the breakfast over the years is the price. i would have gladly paid the $4.25 that it cost at the time.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 7:56pm

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).

jeff and dorothy hanson created and ran mountain crossings at neels gap from 1983 to 2000; eventually selling to winton porter. dorothy was a 1979 thru hiker, and after she finished her hike she created a quilt which had a panel that showed her favorite memory from each state.
her picture for maine was a giant stack of pancakes from harrisons camp.

having seen the quilt, and knowing the backstory, i couldn't wait for breakfast at harrisons. turns out that the morning i was there (september 22) was the first day that season that the camp had no paying customers. so they didn't open that day and the harrisons took the day off. everyone at the shelter was sooo disappointed.

as i understand it, the only thing that has changed about the breakfast over the years is the price. i would have gladly paid the $4.25 that it cost at the time.

$9 for pancakes, $12 with sausage and eggs, $40 whole breakfast, cabin, and shower

max.patch · Jul 3rd 2019, 8:06pm

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).

jeff and dorothy hanson created and ran mountain crossings at neels gap from 1983 to 2000; eventually selling to winton porter. dorothy was a 1979 thru hiker, and after she finished her hike she created a quilt which had a panel that showed her favorite memory from each state.her picture for maine was a giant stack of pancakes from harrisons camp.

having seen the quilt, and knowing the backstory, i couldn't wait for breakfast at harrisons. turns out that the morning i was there (september 22) was the first day that season that the camp had no paying customers. so they didn't open that day and the harrisons took the day off. everyone at the shelter was sooo disappointed.

as i understand it, the only thing that has changed about the breakfast over the years is the price. i would have gladly paid the $4.25 that it cost at the time.

$9 for pancakes, $12 with sausage and eggs, $40 whole breakfast, cabin, and shower

did they live up to their reputation?

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 8:09pm

I believe a cell tower broke during the winter on Sugarloaf so service has not been good out here. Today I am using WiFi. So you may here from me for 4 or 5 more days when I make it to Shaw's in Monson.
I should meet LIhikers (Paul and Kathy) in the next few days. :thumbup:

IMScotty · Jul 3rd 2019, 8:26pm

Great pictures. Looking at them I can almost smell the moist dampness of the Maine spruce forest.

Astro · Jul 3rd 2019, 8:53pm

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).

jeff and dorothy hanson created and ran mountain crossings at neels gap from 1983 to 2000; eventually selling to winton porter. dorothy was a 1979 thru hiker, and after she finished her hike she created a quilt which had a panel that showed her favorite memory from each state.her picture for maine was a giant stack of pancakes from harrisons camp.
having seen the quilt, and knowing the backstory, i couldn't wait for breakfast at harrisons. turns out that the morning i was there (september 22) was the first day that season that the camp had no paying customers. so they didn't open that day and the harrisons took the day off. everyone at the shelter was sooo disappointed.

as i understand it, the only thing that has changed about the breakfast over the years is the price. i would have gladly paid the $4.25 that it cost at the time.

$9 for pancakes, $12 with sausage and eggs, $40 whole breakfast, cabin, and shower

did they live up to their reputation?

Yes, but of course I was hungry and also pretty happy from getting to take a shower the night before for the first time in almost a week.

hikerboy · Jul 8th 2019, 1:29pm

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).
Interesting foot bridge with the three logs. Lots of waterfalls but the more powerful ones view obstructed by trees. Fun riding the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. You can see the white blaze on the canoe floor.
Unfortunately with so many NoBo's and SoBo's together (plus holiday tomorrow) there was no room left so I had to set my tent up in the yard. Great to get another shower and laundry. Unpacked my maildrop, the only bad thing about going into town and resupplying is that you know your pack will be heavier heading out.

I stayed at Harrison's a few years ago, was treated to some leftover vegetable lasagna for dinner the night i got there, along with the amazing breakfast the following morning.

Astro · Jul 8th 2019, 2:27pm

Quick update:
Had the pleasure to meet LIHikers (Paul and Kathy) a few days ago! Made it Monson yesterday and checked the Gorham weather and two sunny days so drove straight to Pinkham Notch. Took shuttle up to Mt Washington this morning and now taking a break at Mt Jefferson as I head up to Madison Hut for the night.
When I get down tomorrow head to Maine to knock out Andover to Rangeley. That will just leave me Pinkham Notch to Andover and the 100 mile wilderness to finish next summer when my right knee should be a lot stronger.

jimmyjam · Jul 9th 2019, 10:06am

hikerboy wrote:

Astro wrote:

Day 13
Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to Caratunk House B&B 3.6 miles
A dozen pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast. The pancakes were patriotic 4 each of raspberry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue).
Interesting foot bridge with the three logs. Lots of waterfalls but the more powerful ones view obstructed by trees. Fun riding the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. You can see the white blaze on the canoe floor.
Unfortunately with so many NoBo's and SoBo's together (plus holiday tomorrow) there was no room left so I had to set my tent up in the yard. Great to get another shower and laundry. Unpacked my maildrop, the only bad thing about going into town and resupplying is that you know your pack will be heavier heading out.

I stayed at Harrison's a few years ago, was treated to some leftover vegetable lasagna for dinner the night i got there, along with the amazing breakfast the following morning.

Welcome back Hikerboy

Astro · Jul 10th 2019, 4:28pm

Heading up to Maine to knock out Rangeley to Grafton Notch. Probably a few more days before post more trip reports, but here are the pictures I took when I met up with LIHikers (Paul and Kathy).

Astro · Jul 10th 2019, 7:47pm

Let me try again on the LIHikers pictures.

Astro · Jul 10th 2019, 7:57pm

Pictures of LIHikers (Paul & Kathy).

Astro · Jul 10th 2019, 8:01pm

Paul and myself. Should have taken my hat off, maybe we would have looked like brothers.

Astro · Jul 14th 2019, 7:06pm

Made it from Rangeley to Andover. Plan to make it over to Grafton Notch. After that I plan to start posting more daily reports with pictures. I think I am a couple of weeks behind now, but I have pictures to help jog my memory.

max.patch · Jul 16th 2019, 10:00pm

andover -- infamous for that 8 mile road walk to town on a lightly traveled (at least back in the day) road. on the way back to the trail we waited 20 minutes and no cars passed, so we walked a mile, got a ride for a mile, walked 2 miles, and then a UPS driver took us the last 4 miles.

at the hostel i met scott grierson (maineak) who in 1991 competed against david horton in supported speed hikes of the AT. horton ran and grierson walked. horton walked to a new FKT time on 52 1/2 days. grierson finished in 53 days.

edit to add: i think LW may have been part of maineak's support team but don't quote me on that -- been too many years ago.

Astro · Jul 16th 2019, 10:07pm

Completed to Grafton Notch today. Caught a break since rain doesn't start again until tomorrow. Drive to VT in morning and try to knock out 7 miles in afternoon and pick up the other 10 Thursday. A great reason (excuse) to spend two nights at the Inn at LongTrail. :thumbup:

CoachLou · Jul 16th 2019, 10:12pm

Where will you be Sat/Sun?

max.patch · Jul 16th 2019, 10:13pm

Astro wrote:

Completed to Grafton Notch today. Caught a break since rain doesn't start again until tomorrow. Drive to VT in morning and try to knock out 7 miles in afternoon and pick up the other 10 Thursday. A great reason (excuse) to spend two nights at the Inn at LongTrail.

i love the inn at the long trail; stayed there when i hiked vermont in the mid 90's and returned later as a full price guest for 5 days when skiing killington.

Astro · Jul 16th 2019, 10:19pm

CoachLou wrote:

Where will you be Sat/Sun?

No, wife's family reunion in Ohio.
But that will keep me in good standing so I can come back next July to knock out Pinkham Notch to Grafton Notch and Monson to Mt Katahdin.

CoachLou · Jul 16th 2019, 10:27pm

I need Gorham to Grafton!!!

IMScotty · Jul 16th 2019, 11:36pm

Astro wrote:

Completed to Grafton Notch today. Caught a break since rain doesn't start again until tomorrow. Drive to VT in morning and try to knock out 7 miles in afternoon and pick up the other 10 Thursday. A great reason (excuse) to spend two nights at the Inn at LongTrail.

What is your Vermont section Astro?

Astro · Jul 17th 2019, 7:06am

IMScotty wrote:

Astro wrote:

Completed to Grafton Notch today. Caught a break since rain doesn't start again until tomorrow. Drive to VT in morning and try to knock out 7 miles in afternoon and pick up the other 10 Thursday. A great reason (excuse) to spend two nights at the Inn at LongTrail.

What is your Vermont section Astro?

VT 103 to US 4. Plan Snowden Peak to US 4 today, and VT 103 to Snowden Peak tomorrow. Assuming I can leave car around Ski Lodge.

Astro on the AT 2019

LIhikers wrote:

Astro wrote:

LIhikers wrote:

CoachLou wrote:

CoachLou wrote:

LIhikers wrote:

CoachLou wrote:

Astro wrote:

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

Astro wrote:

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

LIhikers wrote:

Astro wrote:

Traffic Jam wrote:

Astro wrote:

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

Astro wrote:

hikerboy wrote:

Astro wrote:

Astro wrote:

CoachLou wrote:

Astro wrote:

IMScotty wrote:

Astro wrote:

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