Dates ........ Friday, August 30, 2002
Miles ........ 7.3 miles
From ........ Crocker Cirque camp
To ............. The Hopson's Widow Walk B&B - ME Rt. 27, Stratton, ME
Weather ... Light shower overnight, Cool A.M. 43 degF, partly cloudy day warming to 70's

Friday, August 30, 2002

Crocker Cirque, Crocker South 4010' and North 4228' Peaks, Stratton ME Rt. 27

It was a cool, wet morning, thanks to last night's light shower. It rained just enough to wet the trailside brush but not enough to soak the ground. We had breakfast and broke camp. Sly and I started out together, about 7 AM, but planned on parting. At first, he did not intend to stop in Stratton since he wanted to increase his daily mileage, so this would probably be the last day we saw each other on the trail. I doubted I could or would keep his strong pace but knew I could keep tabs on him from his shelter register entries.

As we climbed above the cirque, its bowl shaped depression became more evident. It was a fascinating geographical anomaly, which aroused my curiosity enough to look up and research when I got home. Climbing up Crocker's south slope I could look back and see yesterday's challenge - Sugarloaf Mountain - and its rock-strewn talus slope descent. Wow! We climbed down THAT???

Crocker Cirque viewed from south slope of Crocker Mt.

We climbed the South Peak of Crocker first, then descended the saddle and climbed the higher North Peak where Sly took my photo. I ran into another pair of those flaky Spruce Grouse on the trail. I had to shoo them out of the way. They have absolutely no fear of humans - hence the name Fool Hen.

A moderate to difficult descent dropped us into the valley. On our way down we had the good fortune to run into Mina again. Her car was parked right on Rt 27. Since she could give us a ride right into town, Sly decided to join me for a restaurant meal and then catch a ride back to the trail with Mina. We were in town by 11:30 that morning. I had a great double burger smothered in sautéed onions and mushrooms with a plate full of fries and homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert. That would do for a light off-trail lunch.

I checked in at the Widow Walk B&B. The Hopsons were expecting me and were very kind and hospitable, opening their lovely Victorian home to me. Jim Yeich had stayed there on a few occasions in the past and they welcomed news that Jim was a friend and hiking / biking buddy of mine, and that he was doing well, still putting on AT and other adventure slide shows. After checking in and getting settled in my beautiful corner room overlooking the spacious yard and river, I trotted off to do laundry, buy some supplies, pick up my mail drop at the post office and make some phone calls. Back at the B&B, I put my sandwiches together and made supper with my purchases. I watched TV news with them and petted their beautiful dog and cat. Once again I was made to feel like one of the family.

The hostel, B&B and off-trail experience for almost all of my hikes have been wonderful and a most pleasant association with the adventure of backpacking. It was great being able to eat as much of anything I wanted, knowing I would burn it off the next day. A hot shower, soft bed and meeting nice people were further pleasantries that added greatly to the trail experience. The Hopsons were sweet, wonderful people.

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