Summer Solstice 2013

As planned (kinda) I spent the day walking some miles.  Originally I asked Alison and Jim to work together to drop me off in Stratton so I could traverse the Bigelow range (from Cranberry to Little Big) and then pick me up on Long Falls Dam road.  After the epic journey of the final Outing Club trip of 2013 and tons and tons and tons of logistics, I wanted no part of further planning or stress about time.  So instead, I opted to do a loop in the Bigelows that would allow me to visit South Horn and West Peak - along with some miles in between.  I could park my car in one place and return to that same place.  I could leave when I was ready, be done when I was done.  It worked incredibly well.  I was on trail my 11:10 - and my first destination is that peak (on the right) - hidden by the spruce tree poking up.  This is taken from the Stratton Brook crossing.

Couple of small snafoos.  Frickin dogs "ran away" or ran after something and were gone for a long time.  I tried something new - continuing on - not calling them - making them nervous (hopefully).  After 40 minutes of not seeing them, I sat on a rock and waited ten full minutes.  Then I called and called.  Dixie came back - her tongue was huge.  (This photo is of her, upon her return.  So she and I continued on.  I thought P must be close).  Fool.  We hiked to the junction where I would be taking a left.  He was still not with us.  So again, I sat and I waited.  He did not show.  I walked BACK toward the car 20 minutes and then he came up the trail.  I put him on the leash and kept him on it for about two miles.  So he definitely added at least two miles to the hike.  I did not get too frustrated.  The point (for me) of the solstice is to be outside all day.  Well, I was outside. 

I stopped for an orange here - beside this stream that runs out of Horns Pond.  Miss Dix did what she does - sat pretty right near me - and just watched.

Remember that peak?  This is from there, taken from South Horn - looking down on Horns Pond.  The two shiny squares to the left of the pond are the two lean-tos at the Horns Pond site.  I have spent a Summer Solstice there once.

Looking from South Horn to where I am headed - a couple of miles to West Peak - you can see the long ridge of Little Bigelow on the right.

Almost to the summit - Dixie waits for me and Phoenix.

Near the summit of West.

Summit of West - looking toward the Horns.

Dix and P-nix on West Peak.

From the summit of West - looking back at the Horns - I had been standing on the one on the left (South Horn).

From West, looking toward Avery Peak - just about to head down to the Col.

In the Col - this is a CCC lean-to that was built in 1936.

Myron Avery - you da man.  Times ten.

After heading down the Fire Warden's trail (we stopped at 4:15 so the dogs could eat their supper I had packed over the miles) and were almost back to Stratton Brook Pond.  The peak to the left is West Peak - had just been there.

Stratton Brook Pond - Sugarloaf to the left - Crockers to the right.

A beautiful day outside.  15+ miles of hiking, a swim in the Sandy River in Strong - an excellent dinner with Jim (veggie burritos) and a good night's sleep.

And now my friends, we are on our way to winter - days get shorter from here.  I celebrate Summer while it is here, but winter wins for sure.  This day though, if summer days could be just like this one (and not like the predicted 90 degree 100% humidity shit that is on the way), I may not love winter as much.  Ahh, who am I a kidding.  I would.