We winded through the last Bemis peak (there were, like, TEN of them) and slowly descended down the north side. We ran into two really nice day-hikers named Kim and Kevin from Massachusetts and talked to them for a few minutes about all things AT before the steep climb up to route 17.
What a beautiful day!!! There was a bench on the side of the road that was perfect for lunch. We sat, ate, and stared off into the amazing landscape before us. Heaps of poofy clouds, bright sun, beautiful lake. It was really nice. Our plan for the day was to make it to within a few miles of route 4 (the road to Rangeley) and to get picked up by Scatters' mom, Donna, in the morning. She would be dropping off Tripper, Wizard, and On The Loose in the morning - they'd stayed last night and were slack-packing today - so she could take us back.
Soon after we began to hike after lunch, Boss and I realized that we could probably make it all the way to route 4 by 5:30pm today. We would have to hurry a bit, but the terrain wouldn't be too bad. We'd already called Donna to make arrangements for the morning, but perhaps a change-of-plans call was needed...? We made the call and committed to making it to the road by 5:30. We left route 17 at 12:45pm. It was 13 miles to route 4. We had just under five hours to get 13 miles. Mission go.
We pushed it, and most of the afternoon was a bit of a blur. It's amazing how the promise of a bed, shower, dinner and seeing friends can light a hiker's fire. It was another beautiful day, and the temperatures were cool. Great hiking weather. Conditions were perfect.
After avoiding TONS of moose poo piles all over the trail (but no moose?!), we took a quick break at the Sabbath Day Lean-to to treat some water and keep going. I definitely would like to try to get back to that little spot one day. There was a small beach into the pond, and the area was gorgeous. If it had been hot and if there was tons if time, it would've been so nice to go for a swim!
We hiked on and were making good time. There were a few bumps (that burned my legs badly!), but the terrain was mostly downhill. A few steep sections, but most of the trail allowed us to keep a quick stride. The mud slowed us down at a few spots, too, and we both got a few wet steps, but we kept flying. We ran into Parachute and Bond and their two dogs a few miles before the road. Hadn't seen them in a while.
Down down downhill, then we hit the road. And there were three hikers waiting for a ride from Donna - Tripper, Wizard, and On the Loose! Hey guys!! I hadn't seen them since before I left the trail for the wedding. We caught up a bit before Donna drove up, packed us in the Jeep, and took us grocery shopping. Nice to finally meet Scatters' mom.
We drove up to the house on the lake, and it was beautiful. What a wonderful getaway spot! All the hikers got cleaned up and threw laundry in, while Donna finished up dinner. Her friends Bob, Joann and Aunt Margaret arrived when the appetizers were served, and we all chatted about how good dinner smelled. When it was served, it was amazing. Apricot/prune stuffed pork tenderloin, green beans, spinach/artichoke quiche, rice, bread, salad, wine, and great conversation about things OTHER than the trail. It was delicious and a lot of fun. Donna sure knows how to entertain and how to wow her guests!!
After a group clean-up session, dessert was served, and it was delicious as well! Aunt Margaret made a strawberry pie and a strawberry/rhubarb pie, and there was strawberry Gifford's ice cream to go with it. Yuuuuum! So stuffed.
The five hikers were exhausted by 9:15, and we couldn't help but head to bed. This place is amazing, and I can't wait to enjoy a zero here tomorrow. Boss and I definitely deserve some time off after pushing to get here a half day early. I just wish Scatters was here to hang out!
(17.7mi 8st)
-- Posted from the trail...
Location:Rangeley, Maine
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