Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Bigelow Range

"To those who would see the Maine wilderness, tramp day by day through a succession of ever delightful forest, past lake and stream, and over mountains, we would say: Follow the Appalachian Trail across Maine. It cannot be followed on horse or a wheel. Remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation, it beckons not merely north and south but upward to the body, mind and soul of man." - Myron Avery, In the Maine Woods, 1934.

Myron Avery was a native of Lubec, Maine and a graduate of Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School and a great visionary in the building of the Appalachian Trail The peak in the top picture is part of the Bigelow Range and named Avery Peak to honor him. This is the last 4000 footer that northbound hikers cross before Katahdin some 170 miles to the north.

Charlie and I woke early on Labor Day morning and drove north of Sugarloaf Mountain to the trailhead for the Bigelow Range. It was a perfect day for a hike in Maine with temperatures in the 70's and a breeze (make that wind) on the summits.

It was a long day of hiking and rock naps in the sun and absolutely unforgettable.

8 comments:

Jayne said...

What a great way to spend the day Beth. :c)

Ruth said...

What gorgeous scenery! You must be very fit (or sore) after climbing those hills. The weather looks perfect.

KGMom said...

What a gorgeous view. But hiking 4000 ft. on Labor Day? You are more ambitious than I/

beckie said...

The views are stunning, Beth! I think the part that I liked best was the 'rock naps'. Now that's my idea od moutain climbing. Great that you and Charlie had a chance to spend the day together doing what you love.

Pappy said...

Sounds like a grand time was had by all. Keep on hiking. We won't get lost when I come if you learn all the trails in Maine. Pappy

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

There's something really special about your outdoor posts- I do think you could put a book together of your hiking adventures. I've not heard of Myron Avery but I like the sound of him- that's a good start :)

Katie said...

That's a wonderful hike! That's the rewarding labor.

Kathie Brown said...

Oh Beth, this sounds absolutely wonderful! How I would love to do it. I am so sorry for taking so long to post about our walk but it is finally up. I hope to have it included as part of I and the Bird Edition #83. I am such a sequential person that I was trying to do everything in order but finally decided I wanted to get this posted before it was too late! I had such a good time with you. Are you seeing any snowflakes yet? (smile)