There is a regularly scheduled 8 o’clock shuttle to take us back to the trailhead, but Papa Smurf said since there was just the 5 of us, he’d take us whenever we were ready. We opted to walk all the way to the other end of town (two blocks) and have breakfast at the gas station. Living large on the Appalachian Trail. This was not just a breakfast trip, but also a trail life changing event…we found hemp-bombs. For a while, the four of us (we can’t get GCN to join the flower power coalition) have been using CBD oil to combat inflammation, but we have run out and can’t find a new source on trail. These bombs should fill the void.
After we got recollected at the hotel, Papa drove us back to where he picked us up yesterday. We walked the half mile back to the trail only to find some magic waiting. There’s not a better way to start the day off than free food even if we have just eaten. We waited around to see if we might see a moose as we figured only a moose would have food this far from a road. He never showed himself.
Today is going to be a quick up and down over the mountains named for the hero of the area—Betty Crocker. It was an easy climb to West Crocker Mountain where we took our time enjoying the views on the crisp clear morning. It was only 42 when we got to the first overlook where we got a clear view of Sugarloaf Mountain. To our left, we could see the Bigelow Mountains which are considered the last tough section we will have until we get to Katahdin.
The cool air kept us moving fast today. In no time at all, we had gone over both Crocker Mountains (both 4000’—Betty and her man West). Coming down the north side we found another milestone; the 2000 mile mark. Whenever we get close to a 100 mile tick, I have Bunny watch Guthook closely so I can document the approximate exact moment. This one was right on the white blaze itself. After all the pain we have gone through these last couple hundred miles and my self doubts about being able to finish, it was very satisfying to see our accomplishment of making 2000 miles (I won’t even mention that Bunny has skipped 80 miles which we will have to make up after Katahdin; I’m just that happy).
The remaining 2.7 miles was all easy downhill which we covered in less than an hour (a very good pace for the old farts in our group). Chip called Seth, aka Papa Smurf, who promptly picked us up. Instead of heading right back to town, he asked if we minded taking a detour to look for two hikers at Sugar Mountain. Of course we agreed since it was early afternoon. We looked around for them only to discover that they had told the wrong location and were really at the gas station where we had breakfast. In the end, they ended up paying $30 to be picked up 1 block from the hotel.
We had a time boon getting through our mileage so quickly today. We decided to make use of this time by doing laundry, shopping, and eating ice cream. We haven’t done laundry since Pine Ellis about 6 days ago. Even though none of our stuff is really very dirty, we probably won’t get another chance before we finish the trail. We top off our last day of easy hiking with supper at Papa Smurf’s other restaurant/job across the street. Tomorrow we become hikers again.
EFG