What a great night's sleep at the White Wolf Inn last night, and now a beautiful, cool day to cross the Bigelows--the final big mountain range before the end of the trail. In perfect suit, it was also the perfect day to cross the monumental 2000-mile mark with friends Chris and Anna.
ME 27
Hiked again today with Chris, Anna, and their dog Beau up and over Spaulding Mt., past Sugarloaf ski resort, and up and over the Crocker Mts. down to the road that leads into Stratton, ME. We struggled for a hitch more than any other time I can remember, but we finally got a ride in for resupply just as the sun went down and the temps started getting quite cold while we waited.
Sluice Brook
A late start today after a breakfast with the Beliveau family, and Chris, Anna, and I were off on a big climb up to the exposed alpine summit ridge of Saddleback Mt. Blue skies all day today for us to enjoy along with views of surrounding lakes and Maine forest. A few tough ups and downs later, we found a great spot to camp for the night next to the sound of Sluice Brook just a few feet away.
ME 4
Finally, an easier day of hiking with most of the miles being pretty flat. I happened upon a nice cooler of trail magic soda this morning, but it was nothing compared to the trail magic I got with Chris and Anna after walking through rain until we hit a road crossing this afternoon. A guy standing there next to his pickup offered us not only a ride into town for resupply, but also a place to stay the night at his family's home in Rangeley.
Bemis Mt.
Nothing much exciting today, just a beautiful sunny day with one big climb off the bat and another short-mileage day to keep easing my body back to recovery from whatever sickness I had. I feel good and rested after one more night in Andover, and I'm here for the night with Chris, Anna and Beau, Ramblin' Man, Capt. Hook, and Sparrow.
South Arm Road
Still on the mend after my cold, so I decided to take a shorter day and head back to stay at the Andover Guest House for one last night where it should be a bit quieter with everyone else back on the trail.
East B Hill Road Zero Day
A much needed zero-day of rest, eating, movie-watching, and healing from my cold thing.