This FKT has been on the list for a little while, and glad that we were able to do it before the snow flies. We opted for a later start given the overnight temps and wind - the day was cool and blustery, but sunny. First slog up Schoodic was tough getting our feet under us and staying with our feet under us given the copious leaf litter. This was a persistent hazard throughout the run, especially where deep and lying on top of ankle-twisting roots and rocks. It was a bit more of a mental and physical challenge than it might be in a different season given the careful footwork required. We had a three near misses in terms of getting off course, but last minute gut checks saved us each time plus having downloaded the very good route description from the first record (thank you!). Probably without the wayfinding missteps we would have brought it in under four hours. We each carried about 2L of water and ate 100-200 calories every 45 minutes - mix of bars and then gels towards the end.
Views on this route are stunning, especially from Schoodic and Tunk. It's a bit of a shame that the route doesn't include the east peak of Black Mountain and Wizard Pond section, however, which are perhaps the best views in the range and an interesting section of trail through some beautiful old growth spruce forest. Including these would make for quite a good, and more complete alternate route. The Catherine out and back was particularly fun running, and relatively free of leaf litter. After hitting the road we poured some gas on, but the climb up Tunk was a true slog after the rest of the trail, and the descent extra treacherous for bad footing on tired legs. A really fun day on a true Downeast classic, though, and we felt privileged and happy to be able to do it.