September 25th, 2022: Lincoln Gap Road to Stark’s Nest (8.7 miles)
After months of planning and waiting, I finally embarked on the second half of my Long Trail hike.
I drove up yesterday, dropped off my resupply boxes, and stayed at a motel in New Hampshire. After a good night of sleep, I drove to my parking destination at Rolf’s near the northern terminus, and waiting there was my shuttle driver who took me to Lincoln Gap where I began my journey anew.
I took a few minutes to look around, and remember all it took to get this far, and prepared myself, because the hardest was yet to come. I then put one foot in front of the other and started walking north to Canada once again.
Of course, the second I stepped on trail it was cloudy and quickly started raining. I was prepared for this, since the forecast called for rain for the next few days, but nothing kills morale like beginning a long hike in rain.
I began ascending up Mt. Abraham. Near the top, was the first Alpine Zone of the trip. The rain had stopped, but the wind was fierce, and cold. There were a few families at the top sitting down to eat, and they were with their young children. After taking a break myself, I heard the kids pleading with their parents that they were freezing and wanted to leave. I, too, was freezing, so I picked up and moved on.
The trail continued on a ridge over Mt. Ellen, the wind died down, but the rain picked up. There were a few ski operating booths I took shelter in to get dry and eat some lunch.
Since I was only going 9 miles to Stark’s Nest warming Hut, I made it pretty early in the afternoon. Starks Nest has the reputation of being one of the best places to stay on the LT, and I can confirm those rumors. It was huge, fully enclosed, and it had a rainwater barrel right outside the door which collects water. On a clear day, I’m sure the views are fantastic as well. I was just happy to be out of the rain.
I had it to myself, until two overnight hikers came in and decided to stay as well. After eating dinner, we found that the ski operating booth right next to the warming hut, had a heater inside. This was a savior because it warmed up real quick, and I was able to keep all my wet gear in that booth overnight to dry. Plus, I was able to sit in there and warm myself up a bit.
Once I went to bed, I fell asleep to sound of pouring rain. I woke to use the bathroom sometime in the night, and found that the thickest fog I have ever seen settled around Starks Nest, I could barely see a few feet in front of my face. Knowing full well how many horror movies begin that way, I did not wander far.
Previously: I’m Back, Baby!!!
Tomorrow: Montclair Glen Lodge