Start: Piazza Rock Lean-To (AT mi 1974.5) Stop: Poplar Ridge Lean-To (AT mi 1983.4) Today’s miles: 8.9 miles. Total AT mileage: 958.7 miles
Once I set my mind to being ok with taking my time, I knew I was only going to hike close to 9 miles today. I could have pushed it farther, but I didn’t see the point. I got up when I wanted to, sometime after 7, took my time packing and eating breakfast. It poured down rain overnight-me and all my belongings stayed bone dry! I’m loving David’s tent! I think I’ll be placing my order soon.
The trail’s terrain was no longer “Maine Easy” today. It turned back to the rough and rocky scrambles.. just toned down a slight notch. It started off with a rough and steep climb up Saddleback Mountain. It wasn’t awful, by any means.. it was just long.. and viewless thanks to the cloud coverage from the recent rain. Luckily, it wasn’t still raining.
After Saddleback Mountain, I went down and then right back up to The Horn. On the back side of the horn, I ate my lunch on a rock in the misty clouds. And ate my fair share of blueberries. They were slap everywhere! And delicious. They made my tuna tortilla almost bearable. I really have to figure out a better lunch plan. I hate those little packets of tuna, chicken, and salmon. But peanut butter gives me heartburn. Such is life.
While I was eating, I swear 15 people had to come from one direction or another. I had barely seen anyone all day, and now poof, they all appear. I took my time and uploaded yesterday’s post. I had spent the morning and through the afternoon listening to that audiobook.. so I was still listening during my lunch, pausing it only to speak to people passing.
The downhill of the horn was steep and painful on my knees. It was sometime during that downhill that BlessedBillygoat appeared. He had been hiking southbound, but said he decided this morning to turn and hike back north again. He’s got more energy than I do for all that. We made it down the horn to a campsite to get water, and to my surprise, Runway, Tinman, and Sling were there doing the same! Along with Firewalker, a NOBO I’ve crossed paths with multiple times over the last few weeks.
We were all headed to the same campsite. They headed out and I took my sweet time getting and filtering my water. I finished the book and wanted some quiet to process it all. We had another up and downhill, over Saddleback Junior, and I took it super slow. In my way of thinking, it was only 2pm, so there was no point in getting 3 miles done quick and just sitting around cold in the clouds. It’s chilly today.. even still, I saw another snake.. looks like they’re starting to make their daily appearances!
That little mountain was small but mighty-steep that is. Up and down. And rough. My knees were screaming by the time I got down. Then it was a calm walk into camp. I was there by 4:15. I got a good spot by the shelter to set up my tent. Thank goodness, because while it started with only 2 in it, there’s now 6. And they are loud. Thank goodness for earplugs.
I ate dinner with the group I got water with earlier. Runway was telling me about Maine Roadway, a hostel in the next town we pass. I went ahead and called to reserve a private room. They apparently fill up easy, so I wanted to make sure I had somewhere to go.. and they pick up from the road at the trail 🙂 I’m loving these hostel pick ups, taking all the stress and worry out of trying to hitch to town.
I hung around and chatted a bit with everyone until close to 7 when I decided I was too cold to sit out there anymore. I retired to my tent to write and snuggle up with my quilt and my liner. I’ll try to make myself stay up a little longer, so I sleep better.. but it’s getting tough to keep my eyes open. Once my phone is all the way charged I might just roll over and close my eyes.
Goodnight, y’all. Tomorrow will be another day of ups and downs, too. Maybe they won’t be so scramble-y.
Start:Poplar Ridge Lean-To (AT mi 1983.4) Stop: Stealth Site (AT mi 1996.5). Today’s miles: 13.1 miles. Total AT mileage: 971.8 miles
Well, my waking up nicer business ended this morning. The 4 section hikers that showed up yesterday woke up loud as hell this morning. Sling, Tinman, Runway, and BlessedBillygoat all got up quietly and snuck out of camp by 6.. the other 4 decided that everyone else must be up, too, because they were loud as shit yelling to each other and talking. I literally had to do some deep breathing to not scream out a good “STFU!”
I waited until I heard them leave before getting up and packing. I was so annoyed that my good sleep was interrupted that it took me some time to get over it. I was pretty much grumpy the entire time I was in camp. I ate my breakfast and then was hiking by 7:30.. the time I had originally decided I’d get up.
I took that as a sign that I’d probably need more time to hike today. It’s the longest of the 3 days before the hostel.. so, I guess I shouldn’t be so irritated with those early LOUD risers. I just find it so rude. Anyway, officially letting it go now, as I write this LOL.
The trail was both a mixture of beautiful forest with calm trail and full on “what the hell?” The first part of the day had a slow, long climb that wasn’t too bad, truthfully. It got my blood pumping and the sweat pouring, but ups are much easier these days compared to downs. I only have to focus on my breathing going up.. coming down requires focus on each step, knees, ankles, feet, pack..
I ate my lunch at the top of Lone Mountain. It was uneventful but sunny. So I dried my bandana in the sun and ate some snacks. I couldn’t force myself to eat the tuna. I just couldn’t. While I sat, a SOBO hiker came through and sat and chatted with me while he waited on his partner to make it there. I enjoyed the company, chatting about what’s to come for each of us and all that. Then Steak appeared. I assumed he was ahead yesterday when Luau and Proton passed. He and Scout had stayed at a stealth site back a ways. After chatting with him a bit the two of us carried on.. him light years ahead of me within about 2 minutes.
The terrain from the top of Lone Mountain didn’t turn down, instead it meandered through the woods for the prettiest part of today, with views popping up here and there down short side paths. It was 2 miles of heaven. It also looked like the type of terrain you’d spot a moose in, and there was quite a bit of poop, but no luck. I passed Steak when he found a sunny spot to hang out his tent to dry. He had the Zpacks Triplex (same as David’s except bigger for 2 people), but it got a bit soaked last night where they camped so he wanted it to air out better before making it to camp.
I carried on and passed a shelter without going down to it. Then it was a steep uphill climb to get to the Sugarloaf Mountain. Once I made it to the sign, there was a blue blazed trail saying the summit was up about 150 yards.. a man happened to be coming down it as I was crossing it and made the comment, “it’s socked in up there, can’t see a thing. I wouldn’t waste my time if I were you..” Little did he know, I wasn’t going up that side trail either way.. but I felt better about my choice knowing the views weren’t there.. hahaha
I passed another SOBO hiker and paused to chat him up a bit. Everyone seems super friendly today. Some days people just pass with a “happy trails” and nothing else, today people wanted to talk! And you know what? That was fine by me! I did, too! I wasn’t listening to music or a new audiobook.. today I just soaked in all that was around me. And it felt fantastic. This guy was the one that told me the stealth sites I’d see once I cross the river at the bottom are nicer in his opinion than the camp site a mile afterwards. The campsite was my original intention.. but I saw on my app about these stealth sites, too.. so now that he confirmed it, I had a new goal: one mile less than the campsite. While that means a mile more tomorrow.. eh, whatever, I’ll deal with tomorrow.. tomorrow. 😉
So I started the descent to the river. It started out nice and smooth-ish.. a few rocks and roots every few steps but not every step. Then it opened up to a cliff with the view of all the surrounding mountains and the river down below. At first, even here the trail was ok. I was wondering how in 1.3 miles I’d end up all the way down there at the water.. shortly there after, I figured it out.
HOLY HELL it was straight down! It felt scarier than Madison in the dark to me! The rocks looked freshly “rock slid” off the mountain. Like I was seriously worried that one step on the wrong rock would send the whole cliff side down to the bottom, me with it. The dirt even looked different-dry and almost sandlike.. unlike the wet mud dirt of every day prior. Maybe that’s why those rocks are still standing? Who knows? I don’t, but I do know I was very worried about my safety coming down that thing.
Luckily, I safely made it to the bottom, hearing rushing water for almost 15 solid minutes before reaching it. I crossed over and knew the search was on for a tent spot. I didn’t have to look far. There was a slanted one to my right, one right ahead with roots.. I kept going-a man was set up with his tent a little father on the right, and then to the left: perfection! There’s a fire ring with logs for sitting, and then just beyond, a nice flat spot for my tent. Out of politeness I made sure the man was ok if I set up here, if he said no I don’t know what I would have done, because this was destined to be home tonight regardless.
Before putting up my tent, I looked around and made sure there would be enough room for Steak and Scouts tent if they decided to make it here today. Technically, my spot would be better for them.. but I snagged it anyway since it was flatter. They’d still fit just off to my right a little bit. It was 5:45 when me and Mr. Man walked back to the river to get water. Once we did, I stayed and bathed before coming back and changing into my camp clothes.
I finished unpacking and then filtered water and made dinner. A ramen bomb. He came over to ask some questions about everything.. he’s doing a gear shakedown to see how he likes everything and what he does or doesn’t need for his section hike of the 100 mile wilderness at the end of the month. He seems super excited and had loads of questions.. all of which I was happy for because it was keeping me from crawling into my tent with the sun out.
Finally I cleaned up and we did retire to our tents. Around 8pm I saw a hiker pass my tent. I recognized the hair but wasn’t completely sure, so I yelled out a, “Scout, is that you?” Lol it was and we chatted through the tent for a few. I already have my pants off, letting my rashy business dry out/do what ever it does with hydrocortisone cream on. She told me 2 of her friends had the same thing happen to them after staying at the cabin, so I think I’ll call Hopper tomorrow when I get to town just to let her know, they may want to change their detergent, because TownLegs told me she got a rash after washing there, too.
Anyway, I asked if they had enough room for their tent in the spot next to me.. and that if not, I’d be willing to swap spots with them if they’d help me gently move my tent over there without completely unpacking the inside. She said she’d let Steak decide once he got there, but either way I didn’t need to move my tent. They are so dang nice. He showed up and said they had plenty of room next to me to set up. So they started doing all their chores. I still haven’t moved from my bed. Something tells me I’ll have to go pee before too long though.. I accidentally chugged a lot of water after dinner lol. The body wants what it wants! I just don’t want to have to put my pants back on.
So, there ya have it. The things that I think about. Oh! Before I forget! No snakes today AND today was the second day in a row of not falling! I’m a little scared to think what tomorrow brings.. haha It should be a really steep climb to the top of South Crocker mountain, a 300 ft decent and then a climb up North Crocker, with a 5 mile “ok” descent to the road crossing to get picked up for the hostel. So I’m told by my shakedown friend across the campsite from me. If he can do it with a 40 pound pack, I can do it, too! Hopefully a little faster so I have more time at the hostel!
Start: Stealth Site (AT mi 1996.5). Stop: The Maine Roadhouse Hostel (AT mi 2004.9). Today’s miles: 8.4 miles Total AT mileage: 980.2 miles
I got up at 6:35 and set to work packing. I felt this urgency, knowing I had two huge mountains to cross before I could get to town. I love the trail, but man, knowing a nice shower awaits you is more motivating than one would think. When I got out of my tent (I pack the inside first when I don’t have to rush out to pee first thing), Steak and Scout were already packed and eating their breakfast. By the time I got my tent down, they were headed out. I knew I wouldn’t see them again until I got to the hostel lol
I ate my breakfast and then headed out too, telling Mr. Shakedown man bye and good luck. He was just getting up and admitted he didn’t sleep well, guaranteed he won’t forget earplugs on his big trip!
The trail was uphill but not bad for the first mile, until I passed the original campsite I was aiming for yesterday. Then it was straight up South Crocker Mountain. It had rock steps and nothing was technically “too” steep, but it felt like it just kept going forever. Apparently this is the steepest and longest on the trail so far, people just don’t hype it up.
At the top, the trail leveled out a bit before heading down 300 feet into a valley between the two mountains. And then.. you guessed it, right back up North Crocker Mountain. That one didn’t seem as strenuous, although it too was steep. I had it in my head that once I got to the top of this mountain it was 5.2 down hill miles to town. I was just praying the downhill wasn’t as steep as the two uphills I’d conquered already.
The tops were anticlimactic. But also it was threatening rain, so naturally my views were nothing but white misty skies. That’s ok, it was so muggy I was actually hoping it would rain, just enough to cool me off some. It only sprinkled for a minute, long enough to take my pack off and put the rain cover on, get it back on and start walking again. Haha, oh well. If I hadn’t stopped, it would have down-poured.
The last 5.2 miles were mild! I was so happy and cruising down that mountain. Some spots I could actually jog a little. The chaffing rash I have started to flare up along my panty line with only 2 miles to go. I got to where I was walking bowlegged and trying to pull my undies away from my skin. It wasn’t my thighs rubbing, it didn’t feel like anything was actually rubbing at all, it was the material simply touching my skin. So, with 1.7 to go, I stopped and swapped my undies and shorts for my sleep leggings. It was instant relief.
I got to the parking lot and called The Maine Roadhouse. Jen said she was heading to come get me. About 3 minutes before she got there, the sky dropped.. and I was happy as hell for my umbrella. I huddled under it with my pack and waited.. and then a lady in a SUV whipped through that parking lot so quick! Lol She said she stepped on it when the rain started.
I’m in love with this hostel. Two friends started it, and this Jen (they’re both Jen) is from Georgia. She felt like home. I got a private room, and the bed is perfection in every way. The loaner clothes (what we wear after we shower but before our clothes are washed) are so damn comfy, too. I almost want to zero here just to keep wearing these pj pants. After my shower, Jen took me to the general store and post office. I sent some stuff home, got a pizza and drinks.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent sitting at a big table eating and talking. Runway, Sling, and Tinman were there, along with Steak, Scout, Luau, Proton, and their friends. Then Spaceman and NoRush appeared, too. Spaceman is thinking our rash is more of a chemical burn.. his hips look like mine, but like they did the first day, swollen and angry as hell. DirtyPasta told Hopper about the detergent, so hopefully they get a different brand.
I came up to my room around 7:30 and fell in love all over again with this bed. I tried to order me a duplex tent like David’s, but the camo color isn’t currently an option, so I emailed them to see if it will become one again or if I can special order it. The other colors seem more see through or too bright, and in a tent I prefer to leave the onlooker thinking it’s a dude inside and not me by myself. Camo does just that. While I have his and I’m grateful, eventually I will need my own.
I talked to my mom for a while and laughed and laughed. I’m so happy she’s coming to see me soon! It’s what’s motivating me to not move into this hostel and never leave. I miss her like crazy and she and I giggling on the phone like little school girls just makes my heart so much happier. I get sad thinking that not everyone has this type of closeness with their mom.. she’s literally my number one in all things. The thought of not having that relationship is heartbreaking.
Anyway, it’s off to sleep for me.. although I kind of want to stay awake to relish every second of this bed.. but that’s silly. My head seems to be swimming with thoughts today, so I have a feeling it’s going to take some time to shut it down. Hopefully not too much time. Sweet dreams, y’all.
