As we step away from the Jeep, we are at the trailhead of Big Spencer Mountain.
It’s a two-mile hike to the top of the Mountain. The reports are that the 360-degree view is well worth the climb. We shall see.
Our walk takes us along an old Jeep trail. The trail aided the fire tower attendants, who for years sat at the top of the mountain with binoculars looking for smoke.
From 1905 until 1991, the Maine Forest Service used manned mountaintop towers for fire detection.
Many of the mountain trails we hike today had their origins as access to fire towers.
As we started our hike the trail rose slightly with a moderate incline. It was not hard walking as it was a washed-out jeep trail that was almost 6 feet wide.
A great way to start our journey.
About a quarter of the way in the Jeep trail ended, at that point it became a more typical walking trail. A narrow foot path with vegetation and rocks on the outer edges. Although there were some steep areas, for the most part it was an easy climb.
We knew by the elevation we had to cover (1900 feet) that eventually this ease of travel would end. About halfway up we broke open onto a small grassy plateau, the plateau had a picnic table, fire ring and an outhouse. It was a great spot to take a break.
The views were beautiful!
The day was crystal clear with almost no clouds or haze and temperatures in the mid 60’s. It was perfect for hiking.
After we had admired the view, a view that went on for as far as you could see, we got back to business.
Behind us jutting high into the sky was the rest of the mountain. We had barely made it halfway! We could tell by the near vertical slope before us that our challenge had just begun!
Within five-minute travel from our grassy plateau the trail took a pitch upward that would not ease for at least another mile.
Our path went from a gravel walking trail to something that more resembled a rock-climbing adventure in Yellowstone!
A trail so steep at times you could reach straight out towards the mountain and touch the rocks. There had been 4 ladders and 2 ropes installed because the terrain was just too steep to climb in places.
We were clearly facing a climb more difficult than either of us had ever attempted.
After a short way, we stopped to talk about our plan. Both of us were feeling the effects of too many ice creams and too much time on the couch and not enough exercise.
Through our huffing and puffing, the sweating and heart racing I asked the question. Should we turn back?
Now Lisa was clearly exhausted,(so was I) and we were only a little over halfway. THE EASY HALF!
Nope! She said quickly, Let’s just slow down, take our time, and get to the top!
We had driven 3 hours to get there and she was determined to make it to the top.
So, on we pushed. Slowly, methodically we continued to climb the side of Big Spencer Mountain.
Each step was planned and executed with caution. One wrong step and well…. You know.
We found ourselves only going about 75 to 100 feet at a time and then needing to stop and rest. Hearts racing and lungs straining to catch up.
The more we went up the prouder I was of Lisa. She was clearly more tired than she had been in a long time.
Some stops saw shaky knees and trembling hands, yet any talk of retreat was quickly met with defiance.
I didn’t come this far to quit now; I am going to see the top! She said
And see the top we did. After about 2.5 hours we finally broke through the tree line onto the crown of the mountain.
It was spectacular!
Clearly the hardest trip we have ever taken!
Our effort was rewarded with some of the most beautiful views we have ever seen! Well worth the effort for sure!
I labeled this story “prove that you can’t” for a reason. Some would challenge that it should be “prove that you can” but that was not how I was rationalizing it as we pushed upward.
The idea came to me as we ascended the steepest parts of the mountain. Had I known how hard it was going to be we would have never made the attempt.
We would have missed the outstanding views. We would have also missed the satisfaction of finishing the trek and attaining our goal!
I had major knee reconstruction in 2006. Ever since that time I have refrained from many of the things I love to do based on my belief that “I can’t do that” “It will be too much for my knee”.
We all do that. We all make excuses why we can’t do something for fear of failing at our attempt.
The fear of looking bad or having to say we didn’t make it! We failed! Something no one likes to say.
I can’t do that, I am too out of shape.
I can’t climb Katahdin I am too old, and my knee couldn’t take it.
I can’t ski anymore , I am too old and my knee!
I can’t hike the Appalachian trail that’s for young people!
I can’t
I can’t
I can’t
We all have our list of the things we label “I can’t”.
I decided when I got to the top of Big Spencer mountain, an accomplishment I was sure (before today) I would not have been able to do, that from now on, I am going to “prove” that I can’t do something .
Instead of sitting on the sidelines assuming I can’t do it. I am going to prove I can’t.
My new assumption is I can do ANYTHING until I prove I can’t!
My guess is there will be many things I will be able to do that I never thought I could. Getting to the top of Big Spencer was one of them…… DONE!!!
Sure, there will be things I won’t be able to finish, trails I will turn back on. Adventures that prove to be too much. I know that.
But instead of sitting on the sidelines and assuming I can’t do it and missing the adventure completely. I am going to PROVE that I can’t.
That way at least I will know for sure what my limitations are.
For my efforts I will have the memories of the attempted adventures, not as failures, but as journeys that in and of themselves, will be memories well made.
The only truly failed adventure is the one you consider doing, the one you wish you could do, but the one you never take that first step on!
That is the only truly failed adventure.
Everything else is memories made, no matter the outcome!
I challenge everyone who got this far in my ramblings to
“Prove what you can’t do” and cherish the results!
I know I will!
