Day 31 - 7/9 - Back over 4,000 feet

West Carry Pond Lean-to (165.4) to ME 27 - Maine Roadhouse Hostel (188.4)

View from Little Bigelow Mountain

From the elevation profile on my map, I knew today was going to be a tough day. I got up early, ate some oatmeal and packed up quickly to be on the trail by 7. I started the day with Little Bigelow, which I really think is a misnomer. Yes, it’s smaller than the actual Bigelow, but 2,000 feet of elevation gain in 3 miles didn’t feel particularly small. One bright side of climbing out of the forest, however, was the first bit of reception I’d had since the previous morning. I stopped for lunch, Nutella on tortillas, and then descended to Safford Notch. Then it was right back up another 2,000 feet, in just two miles this time, up to Avery Peak.

Looking back at Little Bigelow from Avery Peak

My initial plan for the day was 23 miles to a hostel, but the steep slopes of the Bigelows had me doubting if that’d be possible. I was reassured when I reached the top of Bigelow just after 3 pm, with ‘only’ 8.5 miles to go, almost all downhill. It seems just thinking any part of the AT will be easy is enough to jinx it because, from nowhere, a thunderstorm rolled in and drenched everything. On the summit, there had been open skies, and 15 minutes later, I was drenched, and the trail was becoming treacherous. Descending on roots and rocks isn’t great in general, but with the wet I had to take my time just to stay upright. After 12 and a half hours of hiking, I finally reached ME 27 and called the hostel. Jen, one of the owners, picked me up, and we stopped by a general store. I bought a burger and soda and a sandwich for the next day. Once at the hostel, I devoured my burger and headed straight for the showers. I collapsed into bed, warm and dry and very grateful for an actual mattress.