We got up at 6:30 again for breakfast. The big difference today is that Sassy joined us. Even though she’s not 100%, she is a go for today. Yesterday we had been told the shuttle back to the trail was at 9 so we planned on being ready to go at 9 today. When we stopped by the desk to make sure our names were on the list, they told us the last shuttle for the season was yesterday. I was floored. I knew that I had to step away from the counter because I wouldn’t have been able to remain calm. You’d think they might have mentioned this when a group of 5 thru-hikers extended their stay. No use getting mad. We would just unleash our secret weapon—Will Bear please come to the counter?
I actually felt kind of sorry for the counter person. They had no idea what kind of full Nelson mind maneuver was about to be put on them. I truly believe Bear is not only capable of talking his way out of a mugging, but he could end up with the mugger’s wallet, car keys, and gun with the mugger walking away, scratching his head, and feeling his ass to make sure he had stopped before full penetration, all the while smiling throughout the encounter. He’s that good.
Our packs were lined up on the porch waiting to go. I had been informed we could call for a shuttle driver that would show up around noon and take us back to the trail for a mere $60. We ended with a shuttle in less than half an hour that cost us nothing. I think Bear also got a partial refund for the room, souvenir key chains for each of us, and a complimentary 6 pack of beer (he could have gotten a pony keg but we are trying to watch our pack weight). All in all, they were ecstatic to see us leave and couldn’t wait until we were gone.
It was misting while we were waiting for the shuttle, but it had stopped by the time we were on the trail hiking. We all started with our rain gear on but quickly stripped it off as we ascended our modest morning climb. By all accounts, there’s not a lot of difficult hiking ahead of us until we get to Katahdin. Sure, we will have some tough days (the average age of our group is 56 but I’m not even 55 yet—have I ever mentioned that I’m the youngest of this geriatric hiking association?). For now, we just plan to take it relatively easy and plan to finish by the 9th or 10th of October. This will give us 5-6 days of leeway before Baxter State Park closes on the 15th.
The cool weather and steady, light rain of the last couple of days has had a fabulous effect on the forest colors. Right now, we are seeing much more color after our off day, but we are, by no means, at full fall color yet. It looks like we are going to enter the 100 mile wilderness at the height of the color explosion. As if I needed any more reason to love Maine. I’m sure I might have a different opinion if we were passing through during black fly season. It’s so beautiful here, I’m in a forgiving mood. I did like New Jersey and New York in spite of the heat. What the hell, Big Agnes, I’m putting you on notice that I forgive you for blatantly lying to me repeatedly.
We took a short side trail down to the shore of Pleasant Pond where we stopped for lunch. There was a pleasant little dock where we sat admiring the pleasant little cabins that dotted the far sire of the, aptly named, Pleasant Pond. All in all, it was very pleasant sitting in the sun enjoying our pleasant lunch. The only thing that could make it better if we could climb a pleasant mountain this afternoon.
What luck. After our lunch break, we did get to climb 1000’ up Pleasant Pond Mountain. We can see a lot of mountains ahead of us, but they seem so far distant that we don’t have many concerns for the near future. The area immediately in front of us looks relatively level and pond drilled. We should be spending a good portion of the time walking near pond shores which will give us the illusion that we might spot a moose.
After our Pleasant Mountain experience, we continued the afternoon with a pleasant downhill all the way to Moxie Pond. There was an half way decent stealth spot around a trailhead parking lot that we decided to take. The other option was to continue on and take our chances finding another site with the worst case scenario of hiking another 6 miles to the next lean-to. None of us were willing to risk another 6 miles.
Bunny and I found a spot higher up in the woods above Bear and Sassy’s tent. This had a couple of real advantages. If someone decided to come into the parking lot during the night, they will more than likely, harass them before getting to us giving us time to sneak out the backside of the tent and make our getaway. It also gives me a target for middle of the night peeing on their tent. I only said I was putting Big Agnes on notice that I was forgiving them, not that I have forgiven them.
We set up camp on the hill and then came down in the valley to have supper with those beneath us. Chip was already in his hammock on the other side of the lot. Before anyone criticizes us for having an escape plan, keep in mind that GCN was already well hidden out of sight. While we were eating, a truck went storming by on the road. On further investigation, we discovered several houses/cabins further down the road.
Sometimes it’s easier to humor Bunny than reason with her. It was still light when we finished eating, so she wanted to go moose hunting. I KNOW we are not going to see a moose, but I agreed to walk along the shore of Moxie Pond and give it a go. I think the colors have even intensified more today. We went about 1/2 mile in both directions along the pond and then back to the houses on the spillway. The only wildlife we saw was a pancake shaped snake apparently ran over recently by a speeding pickup truck.
It was dark when we returned to camp. The only light was the reflection off of our tent and the glow of GCN’s iPhone from under his hammock fly. I tried to creep up to Bear and Sassy’s tent to relieve myself one last time for the night but then I had a tinge of guilt after Bear had managed to get us a free shuttle today. I satisfied myself by just peeing as high as possible on the tree closest to our tent in the hopes of intimidating any bears sniffing around. I’m hoping his thought process goes something like “if pee is this high on a tree, I may not be the alpha predator. I’d better move on!”
EFG