We grouped up at Lincoln Gap at 0830. A perfect morning weatherwise ……little to no humidity, temps cool….everyone in high spirits. A light cloud layer, which promised to move out late morning. We reached Battell Shelter , had a snack, H2O and headed up Abe.

There we were heartily greeted by Marla Davidson, the summer Green Mountain Club caretaker for that area. Her ” BoO ” is her tent platform adjacent to Battell Shelter. Immediately, she impressed us all with her enthusiasm and knowledge of the area, even though she had been in residence for about 3 weeks. Her appointment to that area is to provide stewardship duties as well as trail maintenance on the summit and trails in the North and South directions of the Long Trail. She asked us if she could join us……..bien sur !!!! She added an excitedly , educational and very positive bent to out hike North. Thanks Marla for all your efforts.

A break and view break @ Lincoln Peak , we headed for the ski shack @ Castle Rock. Snacks, H2O and a few stories had us headed off again. By this time we were experiencing full sun and nice temps. Never did get too hot as , except for the summits, we were largely sheltered from the sun by the welcomed overstorey of the trees. Lunch @ Mt. Ellen……..on the ski lift near the bullwheel. A great view North up to Starks’ Nest , top of the single chair @ Mad River Glen, Camels’ Hump, Burnt Rock, The Allens’……just a great view……oh, the Dacks too. Was a bit too hazy to see Mt. Washington clearly, but we could make out the Franconia Ridge and Moosilauke!!

Marla headed back after our break @ Starks’ Nest. We readied ourselves for the push down to App Gap. With all the rain in the previous weeks, the trail was mostly in great shape. Thanks GMC, for the ladders and REbar steps!! We all arrived @ App Gap around 1730. Had lemonade , beer ( Long Trail, of course !!! ) and pretzels as apres. As usual, what a great, diversified group. Thanks everyone for coming!

Participants: Sheri & Rich Larsen, Tom Collins, Bill Reese, Ruth Hare, Alan Finn, Pete Saile (leader).