North Brother , aborted Fort, via Marston Trail 8/18

Trail Conditions: From the Tote Road to the Col between the Brothers there is a mix of smooth good footing spots for long stretches interspersed with fairly steep and rough ascents.. Quite wet and muddy near the pond but most of the trail dry. Ascent to North Brother from the col badly eroded in spots.. a little boulder scrambling in others..Breaking in to the scrub the trail got better and it was a pretty easy scramble to the summit..one water crossing required good balance on a single remaining log..otherwise okay

Equipment needed: poles a help, wind protection for the summit

Comments: Day 1 as a few from OTHH head for Baxter to finish NE4ks
We had hoped to finish on Baxter tuesday so kept with our plan and did North Brother today..We eyed Fort but a nagging calf muscle directed us back down the mountain as we erred on the cautious side and kept clear vision on Group goal..the 4K's.. No question I will be back to Baxter to spend some time and gather up some more of the Goodies here...An impressive amount of flowers still around...bunchberries, turtlehead,mountain cranberries, asters and amazing fungi in the woods...Fantastic awe inspiring views of the ponds, lakes, and mountains of Maine...This place is big.....A good start to our adventure with Ginette, Grumpy Gran, Native Lady, and Silent Sam...