Got a nice early start at 6am, but had to turn back due to one of the guys forgetting the keys to our vehicle posted at Roaring Brook. Back on trail at 6:45. Great hike up Abol, which turned out to be a real bruiser over the last 3/4 mile up. Underestimated how tough it would be. Hike from Thoreau Spring was easy, but were surprised by a black bear coming up behind us. He took off when a few more people came down the trail. Summit of Baxter around noon. Hiked over to Hamlin Peak and down Hamlin Ridge, which was way tougher than I was told it would be. We were pretty gassed at that point and finally dragged ourselves off the trail around 8:40. Long day, but it was beautiful weather, so it was worth it.