PeakDancer
New member
I finished my New England Hundred Highest list on Sunday on the South Horn of Bigelow. 
Strangely enough, it was the second time in just over a year that a hurricane threatened my plan to finish a list. Last year Irene changed my planned finish date of the NE67 and it was looking like this could happen again with the NEHH. Luckily, weather turned out great all weekend.
Headed up to Maine on Saturday morning with my friend Matt, who only had the Bigelows left to complete his NE67 list. We planned it so that we could do a loop over the Bigelows and South Horn in order to finish both our lists together.
We had beautiful, unseasonably warm weather to hike East Kennebago Saturday, and the drainage ditches in the road were actually improved from my last time up there. Unfortunately, we still ended up doing a 2 mile road walk each way as I didn't know how rough the road would be beyond. Turns out my car would have easily made it a lot further.
Walking up the road, we met a few hunters who asked if we were hiking E Kennebago, informed us that it was opening day of deer season, and then advised that we would probably be okay if we didn't "go into the woods". Not sure how else they thought we would get there! The thought of being mistaken for a deer was enough to make Matt whistle, sing and talk loudly most of the hike.
Although we did hear quite a few gunshots, none were close, and we had no problems making the summit. After I signed my last register for #99, we enjoyed the warm day with some warm apple grog before heading down.
The forecast for Sunday was less than promising as clouds from Hurricane Sandy were supposed to be rolling in and threatening to obscure the views. It was a chilly start in the morning but an amazing sunrise was a great way to kick off the day. Only a few other cars at the trailhead, and in fact we only saw 2 other hikers all day.
Took the Fire Wardens Trail up the Bigelows, added layers and winter hats at the col, then headed up Avery peak. We really lucked out with the weather, the only clouds were high, the winds light, and the views were amazing. We even got some unexpected sunshine a few times during the day.
Headed over to West Peak and celebrated Matts last NE 4k with some fun pics, then continued on the AT to the South Horn.
Finally! My last NEHH peak!!! I hugged and kissed the summit sign, then broke out the champagne. Of course, the last peak deserved a summit dance wearing silly hats as well.
We really took our time and enjoyed the hike, spending a lot of time on the summits, talking, laughing, and just enjoying the views, nature, and a perfect day hiking.
Clouds started rolling in and the temperature dropping so we headed down past Horns Pond and took the Horns Pond trail back. What a great trail that is! (Much nicer than the fire wardens trail.)
We finally got back to the after dark and realized we spent nearly 10 hours hiking a 12.5 mile loop! Unfortunately, a 5 drive home after made for a very late night but what a great way to finish my list with a good friend.
https://picasaweb.google.com/113624...outhHornHike102912?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Strangely enough, it was the second time in just over a year that a hurricane threatened my plan to finish a list. Last year Irene changed my planned finish date of the NE67 and it was looking like this could happen again with the NEHH. Luckily, weather turned out great all weekend.
Headed up to Maine on Saturday morning with my friend Matt, who only had the Bigelows left to complete his NE67 list. We planned it so that we could do a loop over the Bigelows and South Horn in order to finish both our lists together.
We had beautiful, unseasonably warm weather to hike East Kennebago Saturday, and the drainage ditches in the road were actually improved from my last time up there. Unfortunately, we still ended up doing a 2 mile road walk each way as I didn't know how rough the road would be beyond. Turns out my car would have easily made it a lot further.
Walking up the road, we met a few hunters who asked if we were hiking E Kennebago, informed us that it was opening day of deer season, and then advised that we would probably be okay if we didn't "go into the woods".
Not sure how else they thought we would get there! The thought of being mistaken for a deer was enough to make Matt whistle, sing and talk loudly most of the hike. Although we did hear quite a few gunshots, none were close, and we had no problems making the summit. After I signed my last register for #99, we enjoyed the warm day with some warm apple grog before heading down.
The forecast for Sunday was less than promising as clouds from Hurricane Sandy were supposed to be rolling in and threatening to obscure the views. It was a chilly start in the morning but an amazing sunrise was a great way to kick off the day. Only a few other cars at the trailhead, and in fact we only saw 2 other hikers all day.
Took the Fire Wardens Trail up the Bigelows, added layers and winter hats at the col, then headed up Avery peak. We really lucked out with the weather, the only clouds were high, the winds light, and the views were amazing. We even got some unexpected sunshine a few times during the day.
Headed over to West Peak and celebrated Matts last NE 4k with some fun pics, then continued on the AT to the South Horn.
Finally! My last NEHH peak!!! I hugged and kissed the summit sign, then broke out the champagne. Of course, the last peak deserved a summit dance wearing silly hats as well.
We really took our time and enjoyed the hike, spending a lot of time on the summits, talking, laughing, and just enjoying the views, nature, and a perfect day hiking.
Clouds started rolling in and the temperature dropping so we headed down past Horns Pond and took the Horns Pond trail back. What a great trail that is! (Much nicer than the fire wardens trail.)
We finally got back to the after dark and realized we spent nearly 10 hours hiking a 12.5 mile loop! Unfortunately, a 5 drive home after made for a very late night but what a great way to finish my list with a good friend.
https://picasaweb.google.com/113624...outhHornHike102912?authuser=0&feat=directlink
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