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| June
19, 2004 (Tim, Danielle, Fuzz, Heather, Steve - Total Distance: 8 miles)
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Our plan this day was to hike Sugarloaf and Mt. Spaulding. However, the wet start to the day almost made us change our plans. As we made our way up the Appalachian Trail we stopped several times to discuss continuing on or turning around. Knowing that it wasn't supposed to rain all day, and it was still early, we decided to press on. We figured at the very least we could bag Sugarloaf and hike Mt. Spaulding on another day. After a couple hours of hiking the rain slowed and we made it to the Sugarloaf spur path. |
 Danielle and Tim on Sugarloaf Click on image for larger view |
 Gondola on Sugarloaf Click on image for larger view |
The hike up the spur path to the Sugarloaf summit was about a half mile. The trail was in good shape and even had a nice view of the ridge toward Mt. Spaulding. Eventually we made it to treeline and could see the summit. The wind was blowing strong and it was still misty so after we took some summit pictures we headed to the gondola house to dry off and have lunch. It appears the gondolas haven't been used in years. The building was mostly empty, but there were some odds and ends laying around. Rumor has it AT thru hikers are allowed to camp in the building overnight. |
After lunch we put our packs back on and headed back to the trail. The rain stopped, but low clouds still hung in the valley. The Bigelow range across the valley looked spectacular blanketed by the clouds. We quickly made it back to the AT and continued on our way to Mt. Spaulding. What started out as a wet miserable day turned into a great hike with some awesome views. Back at camp we snapped a few pictures on the Bigelow range from the shore of the lake. Afterwards we enjoyed some beers by the fire. |
 Gondola house on Sugarloaf Click on image for larger view |
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