Summer Solstice

Solstice. Equinox. Days and times I recognize, value and celebrate.

This year, on the longest day of the year, I loaded my backpacking pack with my backpacking stove, mess kit, water purifier, camelbak, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a book, a journal, some food for me and some food for Luna and headed to the Bigelows. I walked up the AT to the Horns Pond lookout (was there by 11 am) and read the first part of The Alchemist. From there I headed down to the camping area. At Horns Pond there are two shelters (both sleep 8), a caretaker and a bunch of campsites. I chose a campsite - the farthest from all the action (when I say action, I am kidding - there was no action -- did not ever even see the caretaker -- that is a GOOD caretaker in my opinion -- if I do not need you, please do not intrude on my time in the woods) - I chose the very last campsite, and again read more of The Alchemist. I finished the book by 3:30 or so (pretty underwhelming read) and headed up to both North and South Horn. I saw several people up there -- some from PA, a couple from MA and several South-Bounder thru hikers. The thru hikers looked rough -- hurting -- and I thought about the statistic of how many start (roughly 2,000) and how many finish (roughly 200-500, depending on the year, and the weather, I would think). The trail journals in the shelter had many fantasies related to Fast Food. One person thought they were going to get Fast Food in Stratton, ME. Ha. I thought yeah, 48 miles to the south there, friend. I remember the summer I lived up at Sugarloaf and waitressed for The Hotel -- people from away would get out of the car and come in and ask, literally, where the closest McDonald's was. "40 miles south." I got used to saying that. Felt like they should get their heads (and waistlines) examined -- but...anyway. I so enjoyed the top. Unlike today (where it is HOT (90+) and hella humid) it was cool up there -- fall-like -- I had to have a coat on. I sat there for a good, long time and thought and looked. Eventually I hiked down to my campsite, pumped water and made dinner (whole wheat pasta with pesto -- Ghiradelli chocolate squares for dessert). From there I brushed my teeth, spent some time down at the pond and then snuggled into my sleeping bag. I did not bring a tent and because the weather was good, I opted to not sleep in the shelter. So I slept "out" and it was awesome. The bugs were a little ruthless -- the mosquitoes in particular -- but they did relent eventually. I woke up several times in the night as the wind blew and was absolutely euphoric about the night sky. Once the moon set (and it never rose far in the sky that night), the stars were epic. I was so happy. I woke at 4am and was hiking by 5am. The woods were quiet at that time of the day and I did not see a person that morning until I was back on route 27, driving.

What I loved about the whole experience was the quiet. Aside from talking to Luna and a couple of brief conversations with the hikers on the trail, I was silent. And that was so nice. I also loved how long the day felt (as it should, being the longest day of the year). With nothing to "do" aside from read, walk, look, listen and eat a few meals, the day was long and lovely. My entertainment in the evening, after I finished my pasta and chocolate and brushed my teeth was watching the fish jump in Horns Pond. I sat there for quite a while, hoping for a moose (like the one who ambled down to the pond in the Mahoosucs when Alison and I were out back-packing), watching the sun set. The Solstices - both winter and summer - are my favorite. It was a good good good day. I so value time alone. Thankful for that.

And now, it sure does feel like summer. Don't complain about the heat. I heard last summer it rained a lot. Take the heat - love it. Now the deer flies, THOSE you can complain about -- they are OUT! Driving me off the river yesterday. Here's to freeze-pops, bathing suits, and chilling out. The days are now working on getting shorter, so live it up.