July 4, 2009
Another rainy day. I don't ever remember having such a long stretch of rainy weather. With more strong thunderstorms expected this afternoon, I had limited options. I decided on Owl's Head even though I just hiked it last week. After all, it was a new month. I got a very late start today. After a long day hiking yesterday, I slept in a little. Then as I was driving through Bridgton, the road was closed for 45 minutes for a race. By the time I got to Lincoln Woods, it was well after 10.
I lacked motivation today, so I decided to see how fast I could hike Owl's Head. I've never timed one of my hikes down to the minute, but decided it might help today. I started from the east side of the suspension bridge at 10:26. As I crossed the bridge, I looked at the water level and speed. It was moving along pretty good. I had one water crossing that I was concerned about. Would I be able to get across Lincoln Brook? Unfortunately, I wouldn't know for sure for well over 2 hours. It might be a long trek in for nothing.
I met a couple hikers at Black Pond. I asked if they were coming from Owl's Head. Nope. Black Pond was there destination for the day. Next I bushwhacked up to Lincoln Brook. I wouldn't need to cross the brook for another hour but I checked out the brook anyway. It looked crossable. An hour later I reached the spot where I needed to cross. I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my feet dry. Although it really wasn't an issue since my feet were already soaked from all the water on the trail. I looked for a way across where the current didn't look to strong. The water was up to my knees, but I safely got across.
I almost missed the turn for the Owl's Head Path. I was looking for the cairn that I had seen last week. It was gone. Uh, oh. Looks like the ranger has been here. Being a wilderness area, no manmade structures or signs are allowed. In my opinion, this rule is taken a bit to far. I see nothing wrong with piling a few rocks together so hikers know where to turn. If you are not familiar with the trail, finding the Owl's Head Path can be difficult.
It took my 2:45 to get to the base of Owl's Head. Last week when I stayed on the trail it took me 3 hours, so I guess the bushwhack does save a little time. More importantly on a day like today it saved 2 questionable water crossings.
I headed up the slide. I found a nice spot and took my only break of the day. I enjoyed a grapefruit. As I ate, I watched storm clouds roll in over Lincoln and Lafayette. We were definitely in for a thunderstorm. I was on a good mountain for it. However, I did need to get off the open slide as soon as possible. I made it to the top of the slide just in time. The skies opened with thunder, lightning, rain, and hail. Owl's Head was definitely a good choice for the day. I made it up to the old summit. It had been "cleaned" by the ranger. Last week there was a cairn and a sign pointing to the true summit. They were gone.
I headed over to the true summit. I was surprised that there was no one else climbing Owl's Head today. I hadn't seen anybody since the two gentleman at Black Pond. Owl's Head is so remote and it was a bit eerie knowing I was the only one around for miles.
I was a little concerned as I headed down the mountain. The rain had stopped, but Lincoln Brook was already flowing pretty good and the storm made it worse. When I reached the brook, it sounded and looked a whole lot meaner than it did a couple hours earlier. It was a little tricky and I felt much better upon reaching the other side.
By the time I reached the start of the return bushwhack, I checked my watch. If I hurried, I had a chance to break 7 hours for my total time. Unfortunately, I didn't do as well on the return bushwhack, but I did make it safely to Black Pond. Once back out on the Lincoln Woods Trail I checked my watch again. I would have to run to break 7 hours. Fortunately, I was travelling ultralight today and with my food and water nearly gone I couldn't have been carrying more than 5 pounds. I ran most of the way back to the bridge. I got across the bridge and checked my watch. Total time for the hike 6 hours 58 minutes 30 seconds. Cool! I'm sure there is someone out there who has done it in under 6 or perhaps even under 5, but I was proud of my time.
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