Mount Bigelow and Manhanock Pond
⛰ Mount Bigelow
When you hear "serenity now!", what's the first thing that comes to mind? 🤔 (Frank Costanza's hand in the air to cope and manage his anger and stress. Seinfeld.) Ok.. what's the second thing that comes to mind? Mine is this:
This is one of my serenities. This is one of my coping mechanisms. This is one of the things I do to be able to talk to myself uninterrupted. Climb a mountain and be mesmerized by the view and then go back to my car and feel achy the next day.
Mount Bigelow is located in Franklin County and Somerset County in Maine. The mountain is named after Major Timothy Bigelow who climbed the rugged summit in late October 1775 "for the purpose of observation." It has several summits the highest of which is the West Peak at 4,145 ft. I did not climb that one. Instead, I climbed the next highest which is the Avery Peak (Myron H. Avery Peak) at 4,088 ft. According to Strava, I hiked 10 miles (exactly 10 miles!), gained 3,125 ft. in elevation and did it in 5 hours and 3 minutes.
Even before I get out my car, I had a feeling that it will be a good trek. A moose was blocking the road. It stood there long enough for me to take a few pics.
Then I started to ascend. Along, somewhat rocky but beautiful ascend. The forest was alive and very green.
And then you get to the top. This is when it hits you. I did it. I am here. I reached the summit.
The view was spectacular. Blue sky, green mountain, clear mind.
This was in June, a couple of weeks before the anniversary of my dad's passing. I know he would have loved this view. I know he would have loved this hike. I know he would have love to have spent time with me. I know I do.
And then the descend. Need I say more?
On my Instagram page, you'll see #serenitynow on almost all of my Instagram posts. When you feel like you need to clear or calm your mind, search for #serenitynow.
🛶 Manhanock Pond
Manhanock Pond is a warm shallow water in Sangerville, Maine. It' perfect for fishing and kayaking because boats are not allowed in this water. Nothing really spectacular about the pond. It's a nice, relaxing way to spend an afternoon weekend.
Where to next, Puu?
Maybe some fireworks, maybe some camping but definitely more kayaking!
In the meantime, check out my store to see more images like this! Or maybe follow my Instagram page. Or maybe get some free stock photos. Thank you internet!
"“Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory."
- Ed Viesturs
