14 July 2019, Sunday
We are up early, eat breakfast, strike camp and are on the trail by 8. A new trail to the Goose River just opened about two weeks ago. It is a lovely shady trail through the woods, much nicer than the old trail which was more an ATV road. The only downside is that the trail is now about 12 km long. Previously it was 7.4 km. On the upside, the myriad stream crossings all have brand new sturdy steel and wood bridges. No more rock hopping. And the high tide trail up and over Rossiter Brook is now the main route to the 0 km marker for the Fundy Footpath. After arriving at the back country campsites on the Goose River we have another 1.2 km to go the the footpath.
Once on the Fundy Footpath we find ourselves ascending steeply on a narrow, pine needle cushioned path. It is strenuous but “do-able.” We finally reach the top of the ridge where the trail continues gently rolling up and down. Thus far we have seen only three people all day – two young women returning from Rose Brook where they spent the night, and one mountain biker riding in to see Goose River. The women warn us that the last 500 meters or so descending to Rose Brook are very steep.
As we traverse the ridge we view Martins Head from Edwin’s Peek, an opening in the trees allowing the first view of this major landmark along the footpath. As I walk I also flush a partridge who tries to distract me from what must be a nearby nest by making lots of noise and walking along on the ground. The noise ceases as soon as I am past the area.
O and I finally reach the steep switchbacks leading down to Rose Brook. The trail here is very narrow with long step-downs from slippery roots. In places the switchbacks seem to go back up instead of leading us downward. Complicating matters, O and I are by now very tired. It takes us almost two hours to carefully descend, considering each step to avoid mishaps. We finally arrive at Rose Brook at 5:30. O and I set up the tent, then O starts supper while I arrange the sleeping system and filter some water. There is a group of 6 young people camped on the beach. O and I have chosen a site at a small clearing under a spreading pine tree. We plan to chat with the other hikers after dinner, but just as we finish cleaning up from dinner a thunderstorm rolls in and we all disappear into our tents.
O and I are concerned that if the rest of the descents along the path are equally steep we may have to turn around. We hope to hike a bit further tomorrow and then reach a decision.