The Moose and the Supermoon That Wasn't

I am now firmly convinced that there is a direct, negative correlation between the degree of preparation and eager anticipation for an event and the likelihood that it will actually happen as planned - especially when it involves something as fickle as the weather! 

 

It all started early last week when I heard on the morning news that the moon's closest encounter with the earth (this year) was to happen on August 10th.  It was not going to be just another full moon, but it was to be the closest and largest "supermoon" of the year.   I am a sucker for cool and dramatic displays of nature so as soon as I heard about it, an idea was born!  I have seen a few supermoons in my time, but they have always been an unexpected surprise  - and I am usually in the most mundane place imaginable when they occur (imagine a giant orange moon, perfectly framed by power lines, as it rises over a grocery store...yea, not what I'd call picturesque).   But now consider this:  simultaneously watching the sun set and the biggest supermoon of the year rise from the top of a mountain - what could be more epic than that?   Umm...Nothing!!!   The very thought left me giddy with child-like excitement.   But I knew there was one very important variable that could make or break my plans - the weather!  So I quickly hopped on the internet to check the higher summit forecast for the weekend - it was still a few days out, but it was looking good!  Woohoo!!

 

It wasn't difficult to pick the perfect mountain for this adventure.  Mt. Moosilauke (aka "the Moose") met all the criteria - it boasts 360 degree views from the summit; it's relatively short and easy (good since I'd be hiking down in the dark); it is the closest to home of all the 4,000 footers; and, most importantly, I hadn't climbed it yet!    The more challenging task was finding someone to go with me.  I normally don't mind hiking alone, but I had to admit that I was a little intimidated by the thought of a solo moonlight hike.  My husband was my first choice for a hiking companion (and not just because he's got mad photography skills), but unfortunately he had to work.  So I asked my trainer (nope), some hiking buddies (nada), and my niece and nephew (a last-minute date with busy teenagers on summer break?  Ha!).  As a last resort, I started telling everyone at work about my plans, hoping to lure someone in with the promise of an exciting adventure.  And it was there that I finally found a victim volunteer!  With all the details worked out, everything was coming together quite nicely - or so it seemed!  But now I'm getting ahead of myself...(rewind).

 

The day of the long anticipated adventure finally arrived.   That morning I got a last minute 5 minute tutorial from my husband about how to use his camera and tripod (no inferior camera phone for this adventure!) and by mid-afternoon I was off to pick up my hiking buddy.  The drive up was fun and went by quickly.  

 

 

We arrived at the trailhead right at 5 PM.  The moon was scheduled to rise at 7:35 PM, leaving us about 2.5 hours to climb the 3.7 miles to the summit.  Some of the neighboring peaks were in clouds, but sky over the Moose was clear and blue! 

 

Here we are looking fresh and happy at the trailhead: 

 

 

 

As implied by the name, Gorge Brook Trail follows along a river.  There were several foot bridges to assist with the multiple river crossings.

 

 

 

 

As we hiked deeper into the woods, we left the Baker River behind, but the trail continued to flirt with a pretty moss covered woodland stream for another mile or so.

 

The beauty of the trail was further enhanced by cool lighting from the late afternoon sun streaming through the trees.

Lots of birch trees lined the path...

About 2 miles in, we encountered our first viewpoint.  We were a little disappointed to see the sky was starting to cloud over, but there were still pockets of blue so we were still hopeful.

But it wasn't long before we started to hear some distant rumbles of thunder.  And storm clouds...

The thunder seemed to be getting closer, but the sky above our summit didn't look quite as menacing.  There were even hints of the sunset.  By this point we knew were not likely to see the moon rise, but we still wanted to reach the summit so we soldiered on...

And then it started to rain.   We continued on for a little while, but it was very slow going.   My co-worker, who had never hiked before, was in a lot of pain from brand new hiking shoes.  She kept insisting that we keep going, but she was wincing with every step.  I knew we needed to turn back.  The last half mile was along a totally exposed ridge.  It was already getting dark, the storm appeared to be getting closer, and my friend was in so much pain that I didn't think she'd be able to run for shelter if it came to that.  So, with the summit in view, we reluctantly and somberly turned around and headed back down the way we came. 

It rained steadily as we made our way back to the shelter of the deep woods.  The wet rocks were slippery, making the descent even more tedious.  At first we hiked down in silence, both of us lost in thoughts of disappointment.  Then we passed the time by telling stories, and talking about life, love and religion.  LOL.  After about 45 minutes, the rain stopped and the sky began to clear.  We even caught a glimpse of the moon through the trees.  Of course, it had already risen high in the sky by that point, so it just looked like a normal full moon. 

Despite my disappointment over how the day had gone, I couldn't help but notice how peaceful the wilderness is at night.  I thought I would be on edge hiking in the dark, seeing bears lurking behind every dark shadow, but I wasn't nervous at all (that's a good thing too - since it took over 3 hours to descend!)  We finally arrived back at the car right around midnight - tired, sore and still a bit disheartened that our adventure was such a dud.  But as I drove home, I realized that, for me, this summer is all about stepping outside my comfort zone.  I've always been a very cautious person, which usually means I tend to play it safe and don't often take risks.  I will probably always be more cautious than not, but I decided back in June that I was going to try new things and seek out adventures.  Sometimes things just don't turn out exactly as I hope they will.  The important thing is to not let the disappointment stop me from enjoying life to the fullest. 

So....I hear there will be another supermoon in September.  Who wants to do a moonrise hike with me?  :)

P.S.  Yesterday (August 16th) I returned to Mt. Moosilauke to take care of some unfinished business.  I had already hiked the Osceolas that morning and I didn't have a lot of time so I made quick work of it.  I reached the summit in 1.5 hours and jogged most of the way down for a total round trip time of 2:37.  The Moose and I might be 1 for 1, but at least I got the last word :).