It was a beautiful day when I got up earlier than usual and had a nice breakfast: three eggs, four turkey sausages and some toast. Chick Magnet and I left home around 7:00 am and arrived in the Lincoln Woods parking lot by 7:35 or so. By 7:40 we were on our way down the Death March* that some people call Lincoln Woods. The weather was cool, and within 45 minutes we were on the Black Pond trail. By the time the clock said 9:15 we were already through bushwack #1. It was muddy in a few spots, and I tossed some sticks down to help other hikers stay dry (and also to protect the trail).
It wasn't long before the first of three river crossings showed. This was an easy crossing despite all the rain. The second river crossing: not so much. I actually tossed my pack across the river just in case I slipped and fell in. I didn't want to risk my phone getting wet. I did make it safely across and I managed to stay dry, though my Hydroflask ended up with a fat dent on it. The dog bounced right through the strong current of the river. Thankfully, crossing three was easier and by 10:00 am we were at the bottom of Brutus. I was pleasantly surprised by our quick time.
Seventy minutes later we were on a herd path wondering what everyone else on the top of Owls Head wonders: which spot is the summit? There's a solid quarter mile surrounding the summit that runs flat, with no defined peak. It bolstered Chick Magnet's mood, though as her fur dried in the sun like a little tomato.
Down was obviously even quicker, and uneventful in the good way; Chick Magnet and I completed the hike by 2:15. On the grid, this was #211 and my fourth month on the top of Owls Head. Next time will be in early October.
*Death March is a term used colloquially in the hiking community, and has no affiliation to grave events that have taken place historically.