To celebrate the summer solstice and my 48th birthday, I completed this route unsupported but accompanied by by faithful little trail dog, Gracie (who is also celebrating her first birthday). I carried all the gear, food and water both she and I needed for the adventure.
The weather was a solstice gift. It has been raining for weeks across Maine, but we experienced a brief day of sunshine and blue skies. As soon as we climbed above treeline, the views were spectacular as were the delicate alpine flowers. White-crowned Sparrows took the lead on a soundtrack of alpine birds.
On the hike up, I didn't meet anyone but on the way down crossed paths with numerous smiling thru hikers and day hikers.
This is one of my favorite mountains in Maine, and I had tried for the FKT in late May wasn't fast enough. Newly arrived from New Mexico, my legs and brain weren't used to the roots, rocks, mud and crazy steepness of classic Maine trails. So, I purchased a copy of the Maine Mountains AMC guide and filled my June with as many hills and little mountains as I could find close to home. This time up Saddleback, my legs felt stronger, and the roots, rocks and bog bridges felt a little more like familiar friends.
I feel grateful for the experience, especially with the company of Gracie dog. She was a master at running through mud rather than wasting time going around it; I took a lesson from her and am in awe of the time savings. LOL. This was her first FKT, and I look forward to many more with her at my side.