10/3/05
Trip to Old Speck (ME) 4170’

7.6 miles 2800’ elevation gain

Kevin, Judy and Emma

Using the Basin Campground at the southern end of Evan’s Notch as our basecamp we drove north through the notch on rte 113 to rte 2, turning east to Bethel, Maine, then north again on rte 26 to the height of land in Grafton Notch and the parking lot at the trailhead for the Old Speck Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail. There is a great view of the “Eyebrow” from here. We had climbed the “Eyebrow” before on our way to Rangeley and wanted to come back to climb Old Speck. It was another perfect autumn day and supper and bed were only an hour away so we could take our time getting to the summit and back. now thankfully we were familiar with the Eyebrow Trail and chose not to take it this time as it climbs 1100 feet in 1.2 miles. The Old Speck Trail, although it also climbs steeply is not as drastic as the Eyebrow and proved quite pleasant as it wound along beside a tributary to the Bear River, the warm autumn sun filtering through the golden birch leaves above us, glistening on the wet rocks that seemed to chuckle as the water tickled their faces. We stopped briefly at a lookout on the Eyebrow to peer over the cliffs edge and southeast into the valley, but did not walk the full length of the trail above the cliff. If we had anything left when we came back down we would do this. Although the trail was steep, it was shaded and the conditions were perfect for fall hiking. I think I may have mentioned before how I like fall hiking the best. Eventually we came to a bald spot that stuck it’s head up out of the trees and afforded us a chance to look around. Here there was a group of four people and a dog taking a break. Dogs always break the ice and we sort of struck up a conversation. After talking toone man for a while I noticed his hat, a standard ball cap, but the wording on it caught my attention. Ecophotography. I knew this, now what was it? I couldn’t come up with it. “What’s that on your hat, Ecophotography?” “Oh, that’s me, my business.” “Oh yeah, I’ve been to your website. Wait, you’re....”
“Jerry Monkman” “ Wow, you’re Jerry Monkman, I am a big fan of yours. This is blowing my mind to bump into you out here.” Then the conversation turned to cameras and websites. I could have stood and talked to him all day, but Jude and Emma were anxious to move on as the other dog wanted to play and the folks were trying to relax before starting out again. So I grudgingly moved on, still reeling from the chance meeting. I mentioned my website and amazingly to me Jerry remembered it and visited it and sent me a very encouraging email. It is nice to be praised and ackowledged by people who actually make a living at photojournalism. So it was a great ego boost along with a renewed determination to complete the project and to do my best. Eventually we arrived at the summit, stopping at several spots to take in the views which were mainly north and west. There is a tower at the summit. I won’t call it a fire tower as it is not enclosed, merely a platform for observation, probably holding five or six people if they squeezed up there. Some trees are cut down to provide views to the east. We had a quick lunch, shared with Gray Jays in the shade of the woods around the tower, and by this time Jerry and his group arrived at the summit and we continued our conversation on the top of the tower, taking in the awesome views in all directions. Subjects ranged from megapixels to the conservation of the northern forests. Jerry, if you read this, we need to sit down and have a few beers after a fall mountain trek. We were both particularly impressed with the view southwest across the Mahoosucs to the Presidentials. There is an exceptional view from here of Mahoosuc Notch, said to be the toughest mile of the Appalachian Trail. Someday I hope to hike from Grafton Notch to Gorham, camping along the way. After a while I had to drag myself away and begin the hike back down. Again we stopped at the cliffs which form the Eyebrow and this time walked a ways along the trail which gave us different views of the valley from its sheer heights. From here we were able to watch as a Peregrine Falcon practiced his amazing freefalls, coming from above us and dropping like a lead shot below us along the cliffs at speeds which seemed to be near the sound barrier. I think he may have been young and still learning the precision moves he will use in the hunt. An incredible sight to top off an incredible hike and surpising chance meeting.