It looks like we might finally have this “walking without a big load” thing down to a science. Sassy got her pain/anti-inflammatory meds yesterday and we are all freshly fortified with an ice cream infusion of strength so we are on our way to our most ambitious day in a while. To outsiders, we might look like a “dawn of the dead” crew hobbling along the trail, but to ourselves, we are more like the fantastic four (apparently, even I forget that I’m here—I have quickly become the fifth wheel in the group). Being an acquired taste even in the best of circumstances, I am still trying to keep a low profile in the hopes that I will have people to walk with all the way to Katahdin.
Gloria dropped us where we left off the day before yesterday, at the bottom of a gap which is South Arm Road. This means we get to spend the first 3 miles climbing 2200’ to the summit of Old Blue Mountain. Today is a special day unlike any other we have experienced to date on the trail (not that just being on the AT isn’t special enough on its own). Today is Bear and Sassy’s wedding anniversary.
When we started hiking with them way back in Massachusetts, they had told us they had been married for 14 years. I do remember details irregardless of what Bunny might say. Coming upon an overlook with a bench, I declined the seat deferring to the much older married couple in our party (I’m not sure if people are aware that I am, as usual, the youngest member of our tramily). With youth, comes the responsibility of showing respect to one’s elders. I offered them the bench to enjoy in their golden years and followed up with a hearty “Happy 15th anniversary.” Bear said thanks, but said this was just their 14th anniversary. My head was spinning. Our whole relationship has been based upon lies from the beginning. Who are these old people I am hiking with?
Old Blue had turned out to be a bust for views being completely surrounded by short trees. If we sat down, the views were completely blocked, that’s why this bench and overlook after the summit were so special. After our break where these strangers hogged a bench forcing Bunny, Good Chip Norris, and I to sit on the ground soiling ourselves in the process (I can only speak for myself when I mention the soiling was from the dirt and not from built up internal intestinal forces…as usual, GCN was sitting a little by himself so I must assume intestinal issues on his part).
I must point out something about GCN at this point. I’ve noticed that he is starting to dress like me. Dark shorts, red shirt, glasses, and a bandanna around his head. I don’t know if I should be flattered or concerned. Is he committing crimes along the trail and is trying to frame me for his deeds? Is there about to be a great “Payday heist” where I am being set up to be the fall-guy? Or am I like the little brother he never had? Maybe he’s missing being a member of a tight group where he can dress like everyone around him. Or maybe the ladies of Pine Ellis have been coming on too strong for him and he’s trying to take advantage of their failing eyesight to pass their attention off to me—he’s talking of his wife more and more of late and how he is missing her.
The rest of the day’s hike was pretty easy after the first steep climb. We stayed on top of a ridge bobbing between 3000’ and 3500’ for the next 7 miles. I know I was dead set against slack packing, but I do think I’m beginning to feel a bit better after a few days of lighter loads. Bear and Sassy had been debating about stopping before the Whites until we all started hiking together. Knowing that there were other people in their same age demographic (even though I am younger, but age doesn’t really matter, but I AM younger despite my old man hobble) gave them the desire to finish the trail. They probably would have continued on even if we hadn’t hooked up, but misery really does love company. Sassy also needed the break for her knees. GCN has been having knee problems for years so he also welcomes the lighter loads.
We did run across some unexpected magic as we dropped down to Bemis Mountain Road. This late in the year, we are not expecting to run across people still out supporting hikers. Most of the people we were hiking with early on are probably finishing right about now or have finished in the last couple of weeks. Even with eating town food every day while slack packing, it’s still a pleasure to get free food along the trail. I know the ATC doesn’t really like people giving food to hikers. They consider it akin to feeding wildlife. The Forest Service has been known to run off angels performing “hiker feeds.” This proved to be very disappointing back in NH when we were in the area of the omelette guy. I don’t even like eggs but I would have been willing to eat a free omelette.
All that was left after the magic was a small 1000’ climb up to Route 17 in the remaining mile of trail. Bunny and I were starting to drag compared to the old farts in the group showing that our age advantage isn’t worth much (other than bragging rights). We could hear everyone hanging out on the road “ewwing” and “ahhing” but we had no idea why. When we got merged onto the road we understood. Route 17 runs above Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the sun was starting to set. It used to be, people would ask me what my favorite state was on the AT. I would refuse to pick saying that each state had something special to offer (even New Hampshire). Now, without a doubt, my favorite state is Maine and it gets more so with each passing day.
Gloria’s timing was off a bit today. We were on the road for a full 5 minutes before she showed up. I guess we can cut her a bit of slack since it’s almost an hour drive from the hostel. These ladies have really made the difference for our hike here in Maine. We were all hurting and having doubts about being able to finish in time without having to flip. I’m not saying we are 100% yet, but we are definitely getting better and we owe a lot to Gloria, Naomi, and Ilene at Pine Ellis Hostel.
EFG