Mount Cardigan and Lodge

 I have really been thinking about my hiking goals. It is a lot of mental health for me so the issue of not hiking enough, or the right mountain for a list or my speed is really counterproductive for it's true purpose. I had to work a 12 hour and then a 16 hour over night shift so this weekend was very fluid and as it turns out that made for an excellent trip.
I was able to secure a bunk at the Cardigan Lodge and be one of only 5 or so souls staying there. They have a caretaker to check you in and give you a tour but there is no meal service. We were directed to bring towels, sleeping bag and food to cook ourselves.
Again, exactly what I needed. I don't think I would have enjoyed a bustling full house.
I walked in and met a very friendly host who allowed me to unload some food in the fridge and claim my bed so I could get right out on the trail at 11am.

 The trail started with a nice woodsy walk. I love the birds chirping, the sound of water and the smell of decaying leaves.

 I had done some homework and read that I should not take the Holt trail to the summit but use the Holt cut-off. While the host was talking to another hiker about it I stopped to listen.When I inquired about not using this trail her answer was-It will take 4 hours to get anyone out there to rescue you. Just don't do it.  Well all righty then!  

Somehow with all the trails and ski trail signs I missed the cut to over to hike past the High Hut. There is a hut that can be rented through the AMC and you hike in all the supplies. I wanted to check it out and bring some info back to the Cape Cod Moves group but I missed it.

This was the mild snow condition on the way up. You could step around or slip slide over the sections as they were few. I had microspikes but they would have taken longer to put on and take off. The trail has lots of water and mud and when you did encounter snow or ice it seemed extra slippery due to the melt.

As always the work is always worth it. Once out of the woods this picture below is definitely as sight. As I made my way up and up the wind also kicked up. This in turn cranked up my fear of heights a bit. The key is not to look back over your shoulder and just keep moving up.

The caretaker did say that doing this route in the opposite direction was popular as people like "the money shot". Due to the  fact that I like to not do what everyone else is doing I stayed with my counter clockwise plan.

I will admit from the Summit and over to Firescrew I did a lot of stopping and rubber necking to catch all these great views.

The descent was nice with a bit more snow and ice. I tried to bushwhack around a steep icy section only to end up on my ass and wet but I can laugh at my self pretty well.
I am happy to report after 2-3 full boot deep steps in mud the new Keens preformed great. Socks were still dry when I returned to the lodge.

My plan was to spend some time out on the deck looking at the stars without out all the "city light" but unfortunately after going into town and finish the best lasagna dinner I have ever had I was in my bunk at 6:30. The week caught up to me quick.

I was awake early and packed up wishing I had more time but wanting to hike some more before it was time to do grown up stuff again. As I was leaving this guy was just sitting on the power line across the road. I nearly slammed on the brakes as his head swiveled and I think he even glared a bit.
I got a couple quick shots before he flew off into the woods.