I slept in the rain and woke up in the rain. This was one of the few times this entire trip where I had to pack my tent in the rain. It was an early morning as I had to hike 0.4 miles up the trail for breakfast at Harrisons Pierce Pond Camps. This breakfast was a must. It was 12 "patriotic" pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, and coffee. This type of breakfast has been going on for over 25 years for hikers. Patriotic is due to the apples, raspberries, and blueberries in the pancakes. At breakfast, I met Yogi and Moontime. They are a young SOBO couple from Birmingham. I passed my info on to them and told them to call me once they finished. I'll take them out to celebrate.
Breakfast was late getting started so I didn't make it on the trail until after 9. I had to rush up the trail in order to make it to the Kennebec River. This is the one place on the trail where you have to take a canoe across. A volunteer ferries hikers across all summer, but only during certain parts of the day. I made it with about 30 minutes to spare.
After the river, I dropped my pack and rain into the next town. I had to make it to the post office to pick up my bowtie. I had been bouncing it forward after I accidentally put it in one of my mail packages.
I dragged on the remainder of the day. Merf, who I had just met a few days earlier, joined Sam and I for the rest of the day. The plan was to hike 22 miles, but we were all too exhausted. Plus, it was getting late. We cut the day 4 miles short. That was nice, but it makes the next day 4 miles longer. Again, I went to bed listening to the thunder coming in.
I was hoping Sonic and Riverdog had stopped too. However, they had pushed on. Hopefully they will be in town tomorrow.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 3 - 17.3 / 2,023.9
As I noted in an earlier post, I found out today that my Nanny (my grandmother) passed away last night. She was a woman of dignity and grace. I will cherish the time we spent together, and how I could always joke around with her unlike anyone else. She had a special way of how she said Brian with a little southern flair. The small things I will always hold dear. She will always have that place in my heart and will continue to watch over me like all grandmothers do.
To be honest, I didn't make notes for this day. As I try and go back to type this blog entry, I can't remember too much about the hiking part of the day. I do remember hiking to the edge of a beautiful lake. The water was very pristine and the houses along the lake were remarkable. It was along this lake that Samurai, Riverdog, and I decided to take a break. I knew my Nanny was have some complications. However, I got this feeling that I needed to turn on my phone. Strange since I probably wouldn't get a signal in this part of the world. I turned on my phone and had a signal. I saw a few texts and voicemail notifications. I knew something was up. I called my sister, and she told me the news. It was really tough to hear. I took some time just sitting on a rock soaking it all in.
After some time, I called my sister and mom. We discussed everything. Together, we decided that it would be best for me to continue to finish my hike. I think Nanny would want me to finish with the group of friends that I have made along the way.
I had a few more miles from the lake. I hiked by myself for the most part. I think I needed the time to reflect. The end of the day brought me to Pierce Pond. The setting was great, but it was tough to find a good tent spot. I just didn't want it to rain. Soon after I got in to my tent I heard thunder. I decided to just lay there and count the seconds between lightning and thunder. I did this for the whole storm as it came in and then moved on. By this time it was late for me so bed time was pretty quick.
To be honest, I didn't make notes for this day. As I try and go back to type this blog entry, I can't remember too much about the hiking part of the day. I do remember hiking to the edge of a beautiful lake. The water was very pristine and the houses along the lake were remarkable. It was along this lake that Samurai, Riverdog, and I decided to take a break. I knew my Nanny was have some complications. However, I got this feeling that I needed to turn on my phone. Strange since I probably wouldn't get a signal in this part of the world. I turned on my phone and had a signal. I saw a few texts and voicemail notifications. I knew something was up. I called my sister, and she told me the news. It was really tough to hear. I took some time just sitting on a rock soaking it all in.
After some time, I called my sister and mom. We discussed everything. Together, we decided that it would be best for me to continue to finish my hike. I think Nanny would want me to finish with the group of friends that I have made along the way.
I had a few more miles from the lake. I hiked by myself for the most part. I think I needed the time to reflect. The end of the day brought me to Pierce Pond. The setting was great, but it was tough to find a good tent spot. I just didn't want it to rain. Soon after I got in to my tent I heard thunder. I decided to just lay there and count the seconds between lightning and thunder. I did this for the whole storm as it came in and then moved on. By this time it was late for me so bed time was pretty quick.
August 2 - 15.3 / 2,006.6
It doesn't fail. I was not motivated to get out of bed when in town. I knew it had to get done though. Once the local general store opened, I was heading across the street. Resupplying wasn't too bad here, but there were a few things lacking that we usually get. After the resupply, the four of us were standing by the street trying to get a hitch. The owner of the other general store walked by and offered us a ride. Without hesitation, we accepted.
While in the car, the guy mentioned that a family friend of theirs hit a moose last night. I told him I saw a sedan with a smashed up windshield. He said that it is not uncommon for someone to hit 8 to 10 in their lifetime in this area. We got to the trailhead by 10. The first few miles were very easy, and those were followed by a steep climb. The air was still. The temps were fairly hot. That combination didn't help with the climb.
During the climb, I came across Horns Pond. There I met Otis, a ridgerunner. I spoke with him for a while before heading on. He gave us a heads up about the upcoming parts of the trail and told us where to find water in the next few miles. I left Horns Ponds and climbed up and over the two peaks of Bigelow Mountain. Bigelow is the last mountain over 4,000 feet until Katahdin. The view from each of the peaks was pretty spectacular. It was to hazy to see Katahdin in the distance though. I didn't stay on the peaks too long as a storm was just a few miles away. The last place I wanted to be was on an exposed peak.
The climb down from the east peak was met with the 2,000 mile mark for this hike. It was a good feeling to know I had made it this far. Sonic, Riverdog, Samurai, and I took our fair share of videos and pictures. We also took a snack break there before heading down the rest of the mountain. Once at the bottom, we turned and started our ascent right up Little Bigelow. There were quite a few false summits on this one. I also think all of us felt we were climbing higher than what our maps and guidebook had.
Finally, we made it to the shelter. Good tent spots were limited so I ended up setting up my tent part way on the path to the privy. I headed to bed knowing we had a possibly of rain coming in.
While in the car, the guy mentioned that a family friend of theirs hit a moose last night. I told him I saw a sedan with a smashed up windshield. He said that it is not uncommon for someone to hit 8 to 10 in their lifetime in this area. We got to the trailhead by 10. The first few miles were very easy, and those were followed by a steep climb. The air was still. The temps were fairly hot. That combination didn't help with the climb.
During the climb, I came across Horns Pond. There I met Otis, a ridgerunner. I spoke with him for a while before heading on. He gave us a heads up about the upcoming parts of the trail and told us where to find water in the next few miles. I left Horns Ponds and climbed up and over the two peaks of Bigelow Mountain. Bigelow is the last mountain over 4,000 feet until Katahdin. The view from each of the peaks was pretty spectacular. It was to hazy to see Katahdin in the distance though. I didn't stay on the peaks too long as a storm was just a few miles away. The last place I wanted to be was on an exposed peak.
The climb down from the east peak was met with the 2,000 mile mark for this hike. It was a good feeling to know I had made it this far. Sonic, Riverdog, Samurai, and I took our fair share of videos and pictures. We also took a snack break there before heading down the rest of the mountain. Once at the bottom, we turned and started our ascent right up Little Bigelow. There were quite a few false summits on this one. I also think all of us felt we were climbing higher than what our maps and guidebook had.
Finally, we made it to the shelter. Good tent spots were limited so I ended up setting up my tent part way on the path to the privy. I headed to bed knowing we had a possibly of rain coming in.
August 1 - 13.5 / 1,991.3
I was woken up by people talking at 5 am. I guess that is what I get for setting my tent up near the shelter. I was in and out sleep for the next hour. It was definitely a morning in which I didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. Weird for a town day too as usually I am up, going, and trying to get to town as quick as possible.
Almost everyone was gone by the time Samurai and I left camp. Right out of camp, we had a climb that went up pretty quickly. The decent was even steeper. My knees are getting banged around from the downhills so I wasn't too pleased with this one. Plus, it was loose gravel at points and that just made it more difficult. The two of us made it to the bottom of the decent in one piece. We decided a break and an early lunch was needed. The setting was a nice river and large rocks. Monkey caught up to us, ate a snack, and moved on. After our break, we climbed up and over South and North Crocker. I caught up to Monkey on top of South Crocker, but he did stick around. I told Samurai I would wait for him at the top so I decided to go and check out a side trail going to a viewpoint. It wasn't too much of a view at all. I could only see the top of another mountain and a few ski runs. I briefly spoke with a couple while there. They were impressed by my distance so far, but the woman reminded me of what was to come. I kinda just gave her a laugh.
Sam and I hiked the last 6+ miles down to the road for Stratton. Again, I didn't think my knees were going to make it. I got to the road and was taken back to find Ringleader, Lightning, Felo, Riverdog, and a SOBO all just sitting beside the road. Some had been there for over an hour trying to hitch. Felo said that the lady running the hostel in town was on her way. She showed up in a Land Cruiser and had her dog with her. I believe the dog was just there to take up space. It was a poodle and looked just like the lady. Or maybe the lady looked like the dog. Either way, I got a kick out of it. The lady thought that she was going to get seven of us in there with all or gear too. I asked if she would come back and pick up Sam, RD, and myself. She responded by saying she was going to charge us for mileage. I told her that was fine since we really didn't have another option.
The three of us waited as the rest drove off. Sonic and Monkey showed up in the mean time. The lady returned, and the five of us all piled in. Again, she had the dog. Once in town, Sonic, RD, Sam, and I went to the only place open for lunch/dinner. This town didn't even have a stop sign and the gas station is only open when the owner feels like being there. Anyway, the four of us grabbed a bite to eat. I was sitting there and mentioned how it would be funny if the one grocery closed early on a Sunday. Someone pulled out their trail guided and noted the store closed at 5. It was now 5:03. Samurai ran across the street to verify. Yes, it was now closed. My plan was to resupply, get back to the trail, and hike two miles to a camp ground. That plan was now going to change.
Sonic was already going to stay in town so the three of us joined him. We got a room at the place we were eating. We were told the room had a flat screen. It did, but the lady failed to mention it was a 14 inch television. We had no other choice though. The good thing about being in town is that I got a shower and was sleeping in a real bed. I would probably still prefer my air pad and sleeping bag to most beds. This room was nice though. I spent the next few hours relaxing. I made a few phone calls, and we split some drinks. If you were wondering, I did get a pint of ice cream from a store next door. Cherry Garcia hit the spot.
I was talking with my friend Manoj when I saw a car drive by. The whole front windshield was smashed in. I was almost certain it had just hit a moose. It was a sight to see.
I wanted to get to bed early. However, it was midnight before I finally turned out the lights and television. Maybe I will have better luck getting out of town the next day.
Almost everyone was gone by the time Samurai and I left camp. Right out of camp, we had a climb that went up pretty quickly. The decent was even steeper. My knees are getting banged around from the downhills so I wasn't too pleased with this one. Plus, it was loose gravel at points and that just made it more difficult. The two of us made it to the bottom of the decent in one piece. We decided a break and an early lunch was needed. The setting was a nice river and large rocks. Monkey caught up to us, ate a snack, and moved on. After our break, we climbed up and over South and North Crocker. I caught up to Monkey on top of South Crocker, but he did stick around. I told Samurai I would wait for him at the top so I decided to go and check out a side trail going to a viewpoint. It wasn't too much of a view at all. I could only see the top of another mountain and a few ski runs. I briefly spoke with a couple while there. They were impressed by my distance so far, but the woman reminded me of what was to come. I kinda just gave her a laugh.
Sam and I hiked the last 6+ miles down to the road for Stratton. Again, I didn't think my knees were going to make it. I got to the road and was taken back to find Ringleader, Lightning, Felo, Riverdog, and a SOBO all just sitting beside the road. Some had been there for over an hour trying to hitch. Felo said that the lady running the hostel in town was on her way. She showed up in a Land Cruiser and had her dog with her. I believe the dog was just there to take up space. It was a poodle and looked just like the lady. Or maybe the lady looked like the dog. Either way, I got a kick out of it. The lady thought that she was going to get seven of us in there with all or gear too. I asked if she would come back and pick up Sam, RD, and myself. She responded by saying she was going to charge us for mileage. I told her that was fine since we really didn't have another option.
The three of us waited as the rest drove off. Sonic and Monkey showed up in the mean time. The lady returned, and the five of us all piled in. Again, she had the dog. Once in town, Sonic, RD, Sam, and I went to the only place open for lunch/dinner. This town didn't even have a stop sign and the gas station is only open when the owner feels like being there. Anyway, the four of us grabbed a bite to eat. I was sitting there and mentioned how it would be funny if the one grocery closed early on a Sunday. Someone pulled out their trail guided and noted the store closed at 5. It was now 5:03. Samurai ran across the street to verify. Yes, it was now closed. My plan was to resupply, get back to the trail, and hike two miles to a camp ground. That plan was now going to change.
Sonic was already going to stay in town so the three of us joined him. We got a room at the place we were eating. We were told the room had a flat screen. It did, but the lady failed to mention it was a 14 inch television. We had no other choice though. The good thing about being in town is that I got a shower and was sleeping in a real bed. I would probably still prefer my air pad and sleeping bag to most beds. This room was nice though. I spent the next few hours relaxing. I made a few phone calls, and we split some drinks. If you were wondering, I did get a pint of ice cream from a store next door. Cherry Garcia hit the spot.
I was talking with my friend Manoj when I saw a car drive by. The whole front windshield was smashed in. I was almost certain it had just hit a moose. It was a sight to see.
I wanted to get to bed early. However, it was midnight before I finally turned out the lights and television. Maybe I will have better luck getting out of town the next day.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Prayers
Please keep my mom and family in your thoughts and prayers. I just found out that my Nanny, Mom's mom, passed away last night. I will always remember my memories with her. She is in a much better place and will watch over me as I continue.
After talking with my family, I am going to continue to hike on and finish. I will always love my Nanny.
Thanks,
BT
After talking with my family, I am going to continue to hike on and finish. I will always love my Nanny.
Thanks,
BT
Sunday, August 1, 2010
July 31 - 18.7 / 1,977.8
Bob gave Sam and I a ride back to the trail around 9. Hollywood was also with us. He carries this long stick as his trekking pole. I asked why he doesn't stash it in the woods instead of trying to get it in the car with him. He said it wasn't a problem. Then, two minutes later he struggles to get it in the car with him. Ahh, this is one guy on the trail who frustrates me.
Sam and I stopped two miles in at the first shelter to visit the privy. I met the ridgerunner who had hiked a few days with Lint on the PCT last year. Lint was planning to hang out with the guy this year, but the ridgerunner wasn't working when Lint hiked by. The shelter was also close to the 90 percent mark for miles. I can't believe I am getting this close to the end.
RD caught up to Sam and I while we were snacking on top of Sattleback Mtn. The three of us hiked together for the rest of the day. As we were climbing down Sattleback and The Horn, we could hear two girls arguing. We were over a quarter of a mile away and could hear every word of their argument. It ended up being Ringleader and Lightning. I guess they haven't been getting along for some time now.
After passing the girls, we climbed Sattleback Junior. We got our first glimpse of Katahdin some 150 miles away as the crow flies. It was cool to see it, but still just a little bump on the horizon. We cruised the rest of the day and made good timing into the shelter. It was nice to eat dinner and get in my tent at a reasonable time.
Lightning decided to hike on. Once Ringleader found out about an hour or two later, she too hiked out in search of her. I can't believe they are arguing this close to the end of their trip.
Sam and I stopped two miles in at the first shelter to visit the privy. I met the ridgerunner who had hiked a few days with Lint on the PCT last year. Lint was planning to hang out with the guy this year, but the ridgerunner wasn't working when Lint hiked by. The shelter was also close to the 90 percent mark for miles. I can't believe I am getting this close to the end.
RD caught up to Sam and I while we were snacking on top of Sattleback Mtn. The three of us hiked together for the rest of the day. As we were climbing down Sattleback and The Horn, we could hear two girls arguing. We were over a quarter of a mile away and could hear every word of their argument. It ended up being Ringleader and Lightning. I guess they haven't been getting along for some time now.
After passing the girls, we climbed Sattleback Junior. We got our first glimpse of Katahdin some 150 miles away as the crow flies. It was cool to see it, but still just a little bump on the horizon. We cruised the rest of the day and made good timing into the shelter. It was nice to eat dinner and get in my tent at a reasonable time.
Lightning decided to hike on. Once Ringleader found out about an hour or two later, she too hiked out in search of her. I can't believe they are arguing this close to the end of their trip.
July 30 - 17.7 / 1,959.1
I think this was one of the coldest mornings I have had since the start of my trip. I did hear from someone at the outfitter in town that it dropped to 39 in town. Therefore, it had to have been colder than that at higher elevations. It is crazy being so cool up here yet back home the temperature are way high. I'm glad to have cooler temps up here as it makes hiking much more enjoyable. It might get cool when I stop hiking or when I am being blown around on a ridgeline. However, that is better than feeling dehydrated all the time, sweating profusely, and chaffing.
I started out my morning with some great views. Maine had the best views by far. I wish I could constantly record what I am seeing. I will do my best with pictures though.
Nothing too much more to add about the day other than it was a pleasant hike. It was full of mountains and ponds/lakes. One lake has houses only accessible by float plane. I would love to have a house like that. Another lake had a few canoes laying right along the trail with some pfds. We thought about taking them out, but Sam, RD and I were all ready to get into the town of Rangely.
The three of us plus Sonic made it to the road crossing by 4 pm. It was nice to have done almost 18 miles that early in the afternoon and with this type of terrain. There was another couple already there trying to hitch. We waited a few hundred feet away as we didn't want to steal a hitch or make it complicated for them to hitch. It was a few minutes before a pick up pulled over to pick them up. We went down to the road and asked the driver if he had room for us too. We also made sure it was ok with the couple too. He told us to get in, and all of us rode the 8 miles into town.
We got dropped off at the grocery store. Good thing because we needed to resupply. Bad thing because we were resupplying while hungry. All of us bought too much food for just a day and a half. My plan was to resupply and get back to the trail. However, I was persuaded buy the others to stay in town. I called a local motel. It was booked solid for a wedding. We were beside a peanut booth when the peanut guy told us that Bob, the owner of the local hostel, had just pulled into the parking lot. He was walking toward us when I introduced myself to him. I told him we were looking for a place to stay. He told us he had plenty of room. According to Beefstick's blog for two days before, the hostel had 18 people staying in the house and others were just tenting in his backyard only two days ago. Bob took some other people back to the hostel and then picked us up. We went to the hostel for a short time and then drive back to town for dinner. Sonic, RD, Sam, and I all enjoyed one of the local pubs. We went to hear live music, but the music didn't start until 10 or so. That would have been too late for us. We called Bob who came and picked us back up. The rest of the night we sat around and some watched a movie. Oh, I did eat some ice cream.
There was another guy there that I feel was taking advantage of Bob. This guy said he started at Katahdin, but he stopped at Bob's due to a heat rash. He wasn't hiking out until after Labor Day. We told the guy that heat is not a problem up here right now. Bob also said that the guy had run out of money. How does someone get 200 miles down the trail and not have money? This guy was just yoging. I tried to tell Bob, but Bob was cool with the guy being there. Hopefully the guy will leave soon.
Recently, RD and Sonic came across a guy who was telling them about Maine. The guy said Maine was just rocks, roots, and mud. So now when we trip on one of those, we say one of those words in a deep voice like the guy. Probably have to be out here to find the humor in it.
I started out my morning with some great views. Maine had the best views by far. I wish I could constantly record what I am seeing. I will do my best with pictures though.
Nothing too much more to add about the day other than it was a pleasant hike. It was full of mountains and ponds/lakes. One lake has houses only accessible by float plane. I would love to have a house like that. Another lake had a few canoes laying right along the trail with some pfds. We thought about taking them out, but Sam, RD and I were all ready to get into the town of Rangely.
The three of us plus Sonic made it to the road crossing by 4 pm. It was nice to have done almost 18 miles that early in the afternoon and with this type of terrain. There was another couple already there trying to hitch. We waited a few hundred feet away as we didn't want to steal a hitch or make it complicated for them to hitch. It was a few minutes before a pick up pulled over to pick them up. We went down to the road and asked the driver if he had room for us too. We also made sure it was ok with the couple too. He told us to get in, and all of us rode the 8 miles into town.
We got dropped off at the grocery store. Good thing because we needed to resupply. Bad thing because we were resupplying while hungry. All of us bought too much food for just a day and a half. My plan was to resupply and get back to the trail. However, I was persuaded buy the others to stay in town. I called a local motel. It was booked solid for a wedding. We were beside a peanut booth when the peanut guy told us that Bob, the owner of the local hostel, had just pulled into the parking lot. He was walking toward us when I introduced myself to him. I told him we were looking for a place to stay. He told us he had plenty of room. According to Beefstick's blog for two days before, the hostel had 18 people staying in the house and others were just tenting in his backyard only two days ago. Bob took some other people back to the hostel and then picked us up. We went to the hostel for a short time and then drive back to town for dinner. Sonic, RD, Sam, and I all enjoyed one of the local pubs. We went to hear live music, but the music didn't start until 10 or so. That would have been too late for us. We called Bob who came and picked us back up. The rest of the night we sat around and some watched a movie. Oh, I did eat some ice cream.
There was another guy there that I feel was taking advantage of Bob. This guy said he started at Katahdin, but he stopped at Bob's due to a heat rash. He wasn't hiking out until after Labor Day. We told the guy that heat is not a problem up here right now. Bob also said that the guy had run out of money. How does someone get 200 miles down the trail and not have money? This guy was just yoging. I tried to tell Bob, but Bob was cool with the guy being there. Hopefully the guy will leave soon.
Recently, RD and Sonic came across a guy who was telling them about Maine. The guy said Maine was just rocks, roots, and mud. So now when we trip on one of those, we say one of those words in a deep voice like the guy. Probably have to be out here to find the humor in it.
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