Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to---June 29th

True to what Red Beard had told me, the morning trail was generally flat and muddy which made for dirty shoes but fast progress to Piazza Rock.  The climb to Saddleback Mountain wasn't bad and on the southeast flank before reaching the peak, there were five hikers sitting on the rocks, catching glimpses of good views as low clouds and fog gathered round, broke apart, and then as quickly closed in again.
Pushing on towards The Horn, rain began to fall and while I was descending on the far side's steep, rocky terrain it turned into a downpour.  By Saddleback Junior, the moisture had worked itself out of the clouds and the sun, acting coy, popped out for brief appearances.
Poplar Ridge Lean-to had been an option as a stopping point, but the "baseball bat" flooring, while interesting, didn't entice me to stay.  Besides, the sun had gained enough courage to show its shining face for good, I felt strong and at 3 p.m. it was too early to call it a day.
From Orbeton Stream there was very manageable trail following a series of cascading streams as it worked itself higher towards Spaulding Mountain.  At the shelter, I met a fellow northbounder, Ali Baba, a couple of young Sobos, and blessedly no mosquitoes.  Had a nice chat with Baba before hitting the hay at the end of a pretty good day.

Clouds/Fog Sweeping In
Skies Are Clearing