So today is the day. I have been dreading this day for about 8 years. I am going to tackle Owl's Head. I think I am finally prepared mentally and physically for this, the longest single hiking miles day of my life. The day calls for 18.2 miles but the plan is to shave some off by also hiking my first ever bushwhack via Black Pond.
I drove up last night so I could get an early start to the day. After work I drove up and set up camp at the Hancock Campground. I climbed In the tent at about 8pm and even outside of the sleeping bag I was sweating like crazy. It was only 70 degrees out but I don't know what was going on. I figured that after some time sitting in the tent doing literally nothing I would cool off a bit but nope... still sweating.
I got out of the tent and looked at the map a little. I was finally able to cool off a bit and get tired enough to go to sleep. I finally drifted off and had a restless night of sleep. I woke up in the morning with two numb arms. I must have laid on them for too long. I packed up and hit the trail about 6am.
I made great time on the trail to the Black Pond trailhead.
I worked my way up the Black Pond trail and spooked some sort of large animal. It sounded clumsy. My guess is that it was a moose. I hit the pond quickly which had a good view to Owls Head and another view to the Hancocks.
I worked my way to the West side and took a compass bearing and bushwhacked my way North. I had hoped to hit the Lincoln Woods trail but erred too far East and hit the stream. I bushed my way up and hit the junction of the trail and stream in no time.
I headed down the trail. It was fairly boring with occasional views to the stream. It was wet in places and I sunk my boots in mid a few times. I was able to make all the stream crossing dry and hit the cairn marking the beginning of the unmaintained Owls Head Path.
The path starts the real uphill climb of the day. It was fairly gentle at first and then quickly I hit the slide. The slide was dynamic. Rocks underfoot moved and I had to be careful not to kick rocks down onto other hikers. The climb seems to be the longest steepest section that I can ever remember doing. I did not get any exposure willies though so all was good when I entered the woods.
Even when entering the woods he trail was steep but I made good time even though I had to find the right trail a few times. There are a few places where the path ended on me and I realized I was on the wrong trail.
Finally I made it to the top.
Not really. I hiked .2 miles beyond the original summit to the newly discovered higher summit. I summited roughly 4:50 after starting. Only 4 more to go.
After a 15 minute break woofing down some food I started back. I met a group at the old summit and then about 20 more on the slide heading up. I was hoping to see people today. I made good time to the major river crossings and made the first one ok. At the second one I had no choice but to take my boots off and wade across in my water shoes.
I got to the car at about 3:20PM. The entire day took about 9:20.
I would do this hike again. The slide though challenging was fun for me and I am sure my son will want to collect his 4's at some point and I will want to help him.
Until next time.
