Date: 2015-08-09
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.4

We both had a great nights sleep and awoke to the smell of bacon cooking downstairs.   Earle had gotten up early and was busy making breakfast for us. And what a breakfast it was! We had waffles with fresh blueberry compote, bacon, peaches, and homemade biscuits with homemade jam. We both ate until we were stuffed. Then Earl and Marge both insisted we take the rest of the bacon and some biscuits and banana bread with us on the trail. Of course we couldn't say no. So off we went to drive to the trail head.    We arrive and started the days hike. Lavander was going to hike a bit this morning to see how she felt being back on the trail. The trail started off with a climb but it was a nice trail and steady climb. Soon we had a couple miles done and Lavander decided she would hike the whole 10.4 miles today. Now we just had to figure out how to get back to the car. We called Earle and Marge and the said they would shuttle us back to our car. So on we continued hiking. We still were climbing but the trail continued to be pretty nice. A bit muddy in spots bit all in all, not so bad.    We had hiked about 4.5 miles and were nearly at the top when we saw Shepard coming south bound on the trail. He was slack packing south and Not Swedish, Sam Wise, Fozzie and Trix were heading north.   Shepard was going to pass off his car key to the other group and they would drive south to pick him up when they reached the other road crossing. But we decided Shepard could drive our car north to the next road crossing where we wanted to get off for the day. Thus, saving us time not having to be shuttled back to our car and Shepard didn't have to wait for the other group to bring him his car. A win-win for everyone. We said our goodbyes to Shepard and then we were on our way.    About an hour later we made it to the shelter and we stopped for a break. Not Swedish, Fozzie and Trix were at the shelter taking a break and shortly after Sam Wise arrived. We had a good time talking about today's trail and the upcoming sections we have yet to do. Everyone is getting excited about being so close to the end. I know we still have 250 miles to go but it doesn't seem that far now.    Our break was soon over and it was back to hiking. We had the hardest section of the trail coming up. There was a 1500 foot descent down to the notch followed by a steep 1500 foot climb right back up to the top of Mt. Moody. The descent was steep and rocky at times but we made it down rather quickly and Lavander felt good about the hike so far.    Then started the climb. It was really steep but fortunately the trail maintainers had made stone steps up a lot of the climb. There were a few rock scrambles but several of them had rebar hand holds making the climb easier. Once we made it to the top we stopped at a view point for a break. The rest of the group soon arrived and everyone stopped for a break also. So the six of us enjoyed the view and each others company for about half an hour.    We only had another 2 miles to go now to reach the road and it was all downhill. So it was time to get going and before we knew it we arrived at the road crossing where Shepard was waiting for us with our car.   We talked to Shepard for a bit. Then, Sam Wise, Not Swedish and Fozzie soon appeared. We all took a break by the side of the road. Trix soon appeared and joined us. As we sat there, we talked about the end of the trail. We sort of became sad as we know all of these hikers want to finish by Aug 21. So, it is unlikely we will see them again. In the past week, we have been with Fozzie and Trix and two different people thought they were our kids. So, we took pics of them just in case we don't see them. We certainly wish we could summit Katahdin with them. But, that probably is a big wish. We said goodbye for now and left them. We went back to The Cabin where we packed our packs for tomorrow, showered, did laundry and relaxed. Soon a great dinner was ready. What good food we had. We had barbecued chicken, homemade potatoe salad, fresh squash and zucchini, tossed salad and rolls. Then we had fresh baked brownies and ice cream for dessert. We ate till we were full. We relaxed with Earle and Marge. They are a great couple, Bear and Honey.