My AT Hike

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Day 10 To Poplar Ridge Lean-to

Big day with three big climbs totaling over 3000’

And it looked like a W. Up down up down up down

First up Saddle back Mt to 4120’

It was cold and windy

Then on to the Horn 3985’

And finally Saddleback jr 3655’

The descent was steep and rocky

Arriving at Poplar Ridge

I found a small monument to Géraldine Largay who got lost and does not far from the shelter in 2013. Her body wasn’t found until 2015

11 miles

89 miles this trip

1981 total

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Day Nine. Day in Rangeley

The forecast was for thunderstorms and since today would have seen me climbing to the top of Saddleback mountain I decided to not tangle with lightening on a ridge top and spend day resting in town.

Rangeley is a sporting resort... hunting... fishing... hiking. Etc

It a famous place.

The old Rangeley Inn is over 100 yers old.

The first t-storm rolled through at 7:30 am. Afterward I walked into town (half a mile) and had breakfast of bacon eggs and English muffins with good coffee and orange juice. And hot footed it back to the Hostel before the next line of T-storms rolls through.

Lunched at Sarges pub on an excellent hamburger and the best onions I’ve had in years.

Dinner was a Sarges again when I had a Cajun shrimp salads and more onion rings and Moosehead.

Met peak-bagger” Scott who is trying to hike up the top 100 peaks of New England.

Had two naps

Ready for the big climbs tomorrow (hopefully)

Day 8 To Rangeley

Got a ride from shuttle guy Dave to Rte 17. Started at 8:45. Rangely Lakes clouded in.

Today is supposed to be an easy 13 or so miles. I’ll hope to stay at a Hostel in Rangeley

Stopped to have a sit by Four Ponds Brooks

Then at the next big pond I got to canoe a bit thanks to kind people who walked it in.

Finished at 5:30 after one of the easier days! Angela (trail name Sherpa) shuttled me (its her job) to the hostel at Firldstone cottages.

Total AT distance. 1970 miles

Total for the day 13 miles

Total this tri 78 Miles

Monday, July 16, 2018

Day 7 To Maine Rte 17

I decided for a second day to just do a day hike from South Arm Road by Andover to Maine Rte 17. The folks at Pine Ellis Lodge shuttled me. I again only take what needed for the day. The “walk” would be 13.3 miles. I use the term “walk” loosely because all walking on the AT in Maine is a rock climb. I’m glad I did “varappe “ and Alpine climbing.

The day started cool and misty

Then later thunderstorms rolled in and soaked everything. I put on my rain jacket just for warmth since just the walking had soaked me.

The big news today is I saw my first moose on this trip. It’s amazing how quiet they are in the woods. (Sorry no picture)

Today there were three big climbs and three big nasty slippery descents

But then came out and gave light for good scenery.

Ended at ME Rte 17

Total this trip 64 miles

AT Miles 1957.3

Day 6 To South Arm Road

Today was supposed to be a “zero”. (hiker talk for not walking). But I decided to do day hike with just the essentials. I would go 13 miles to help make up for the lost miles from the day I did the Mahoosuc Notch. The sky was overcast and misty

Today would be much the same as before...

Rocks...and Roots

But as I started, I wasn’t feeling well. I’d done a typical hiker “sin” and eated two huge meals before going. In my defense the prime rib that I had the night before at the Little Red Hen in Andover ME was virtually the best I’ve ever had. And the biscuits and gravy for breakfast were amazing. Anyway I had a food hangover

By the day got better and I ended strong

Miles for the day 13

Miles this trip 51.5

Miles on the AT 1944.1