Date: 2005-08-11
From: Frye Notch Shelter/Campsite

To: Andover - E.B. Road "The Cabin"
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Frye Notch Shelter to Andover - E.B. Road "The Cabin"In the past 4.5 miles into town was a gloriously short nero. Although we did somehow manage to make it in about two hours. If I'd had to hike a single mile further I think I would have had to stage a sit in protest. Fortunately it didn't come to that, but my legs felt as though they might collapse below me every time the trail took an incline. Objectively speaking the trail was actually quite nice today. But, my body is beaten up and tired, so the short day couldn't be more welcome.Raz left the shelter early this morning with plans to call ahead to "The Cabin" hostel and arrange a shuttle for the 3 of us. We would meet him at the trailhead/road and wait for the shuttle together.We reached East B Hill road around 9:30 am and saw Raz there with his pack still on. He'd just finished writing a note letting us know that he couldn't get a signal and was going to start walking the 8 miles down the road towards Andover, hoping to get a signal soon. We began walking down the dirt road with Raz, sticking our thumbs out hoping, but unsuccessful, to get a ride from the one car that drove past. We kept walking for a little while. Gravity and I looked at each other and said "we know there's no way on Earth we're walking eight road miles into town. Let's just go back to the trailhead and hope for better luck with the next car that passes." We hoped that would be sometime today.As luck would have it, when we reached the trailhead again, there was a group of guys dropping off their cousin to do a section hike. Gravity asked if they were heading into Andover, and they said they could take a different route in order to give us a ride. So we hopped in, and picked Raz up when we got a mile or so down. The guys generously drove us right to the Cabin. Unfortunately, when we got there, they said that they were full up, no room at the Inn. I felt struck, unwanted left out - what do you mean no room? I thought there was always room for a couple more at a hostel. I thought the term "hostel" was one of those ironic ones - you know - you should be always welcome at a hostel. So we set our packs down and sat at the picnic table in the front yard to try to figure out what to do. I was very upset because the Brits, Red Rover and Old Yeller were all out for a slackpack and would be back for the night. We have been on their tail for weeks, but figured we'd never catch up to have a chance to see them again. Now, here they would be and we weren't going to be able to see them.As my spirits were sinking lower and lower, Wandering Bull and Bear came over and told us tat they'd figured out a way to make some room for us. Joy! And that's when the magic began. Bear took us up into the kitchen and pulled out container after container of leftovers for us to "do some magic and make disappear." We feasted on all varieties of concoctions involving garden fresh veggies, baked beans, grilled chicken, potatoes, pasta salad and iced tea. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.After satisfying our hunger, we showered and did laundry. Drove into town next where we saw Trip, Matt and Cory who we'd met way back in TN! Not long after returning from town, everyone started coming in from their slack. What joy to see so many familiar faces that we haven't seen in so long! We laughed and caught up. Then Red Rover showed me where all the "dress up" clothes are, and I found the dreamiest pink, full skirt strapless prom dress with pink and sliver feathers around the top. Who could resist that? So we girls each chose our dress of choice for the evening - mine of course the pink poofy feathered get-up. What an unexpected relic to childhood flouncing around in a fluff, pink gown. Gravity got some pictures with the dress and the backpack on and setting up the tent. Someone suggested it would be a great Katahdin outfit. I think I might step on the skirt though. Still, it was a tempting suggestion. Perhaps Honey and Bear will let me borrow it one last time.Danger