ACC Maine Hiking Camp - Day 4

Old Speck

September 17, 2014

Today we did a full camp trip to Old Speck. All but one person got up at 05:00 and we hit the road an hour later for nearly a two hour drive to the trailhead. We split into two groups because of the number of people. Jim hiked with Lynne, Sharon, Paul, and Cedric, up the Appalachian trail while Don, Deb, Cathy, Na, Patrick, and I took the Eyebrow trail. This was steep. A few exposed sections had cables and via feratta type steps and ladders which was fun. We traversed across the Eyebrow cliff top and looked straight down at the parking area below, as well as the fantastic views of the peaks to the north. At the junction with the AT we were planning to wait up for Jim's group, however as I was just about to call on the radio, we could hear them coming up the trail. My group sped ahead, but agreed to meet at the junction of the spur trail for the final ascent to the summit. As we climbed through many leprechaun forest groves, we saw many AT hikers and also several nice views of the mountain we were climbing. We reached the junction with the summit trail, which had a magnificient lookout ledge. We had a short break with some food and then Jim's group arrived where we also let them have a refuelling break before all eleven of us shuffled off to the summit. It was easily won and we explored this area, relaxed, and climbed to the top of the firetower for 360 degree views. After a long lunch we began the descent. My group scooted ahead to each lookout and then waited up for group two. We continued in this fashion all the way down, so we could stay together without really hiking together with a massive unweildy group on the trail. We finished the hike in 6.5 hours and then drove to Rangeley for supper prior to returning to the hut.

Approaching Old Speck on the drive.

The Eyebrow awaits our ascent.

Some metal steps aid the climb.

Looking down at the parking area from the top of the Eyebrow.

Cathy having fun.

Climbing through the leprechaun forests.

Me and Sharon on the fire tower summit.

Cathy and Lynne.

View from the top.

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