Date: 2008-09-17
From: Bemis Stream

To: Rangeley -Gull Pond Lodge
Miles today: 14.1

I was back on the trail just before 07:00. The N.H. Boys were still asleep, no doubt they were up late partying. I still can't get over the good time Superman & Squirrel provided last night? Thanks again, that was too cool.I feel a little weak this morning and have a bad headache. Each step seems to rock my clock, jarring my head into throbbing pain. The trail seemed to go by slow and very monotonous. The mud, roots and rock seemed to be messing with me all day. I'm definitely not at the top of my game today.Eventually, the trail came to Hwy 4. I crossed and started walking the 9 miles west into Rangeley for a resupply. There was a road crew doing work up ahead. They would periodically stop the sparse traffic in order to move their heavy equipment around, then get things moving again. After walking about a mile a pick up truck stopped and drove me the remaining 8 miles to the IGA in Rangeley. I did my resupply, glad that it is done first thing, then headed back to the road to walk on into town. My hands were full, I would occassionally turn around facing traffic as I walked, but no thumb.An elderly couple in a clean white Cadillac, with white seats and white carpet, stopped and asked me if I needed a ride? I thanked them but said I was too dirty to ride in their car. The lady said she has leather seats. I stowed my gear in the trunk and away we went. She asked if I was hiking the AT? When I told her yes, she said she had just read Bill Brysons book "A Walk in the Woods" that her daughter gave her.In all her years, she has never picked up a hitch hiker but chose me to do it for the first time today, because she just knew I was hiking the AT.Never too late to be a trail Angel and give trail magic.They drove me through the small town of Rangely to the outskirts, helping me find a hostel to stay at. I had them turn around and drop me back in town at the post office. I had seen several hikers milling around there as we passed earlier. I knew everyone, we talked and some headed out while others were still deciding what they were going to do.As luck would have it, the owner of the Gull Pond Lodge Hostel was parked right there waiting to shuttle this crew, once they made up their minds. I introduced myself and met Bob O'Brien. He was a kind gent and extremely patient. He drove me a short ways out of town to his place and dropped me off. I settled in, showered, repacked my food bag then went outside.I sat at a picnic table just looking out onto a secluded lake. It was peaceful and relaxing. I was already starting to feel better. Soon Bob returned and a neighbor who had previously hiked named "Nyquill" joined us as well.Not long after, a car pulled up that was providing a shuttle and out stepped BullDog. Hey buddy, good to see you. Now there were 2 guests staying here tonight. After bulldog stowed his gear we bagan talking about dinner. I had originally planned to treat Bob tonight, however BullDog and I ended up splitting his bill.We ate in town at the Red Onion. Good food, good choice. As I sat looking out the window, I saw Sprite & Freckles walk by. I went out and learned they were staying down the street at the Rangely Inn. They were on their way to take pictures of the sunset as it dropped into the lake.We would meet up tomorrow at the P.O. We are forwarding some food up ahead to a woman who will cache our food drop at a remote access drop in the 100 mile wilderness. Not bad when you consider it's a 30 mile drive each way on an old logging and forest road to get there. But this will equate to less weight carried, ensure we have good vittles and make the walk all the more enjoyable.So from my bed here at Gull Pond Lodge, good night.