Date: 2012-09-13
From: Perham Stream Logging Road, ME

To: Rt. 4 Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke early and drove following directions we had discussed with the waiters and using the map. We saw a moose along the way. We got to where there was a sign saying not to go any further. So we had to retrace our steps to a road crossing where directions were described in the AT Parking Guide website. We eventually found the 1.5 mile road access and began walking to find the trail. Dave walked ahead since he was faster but after about 3 miles of walking and at the crest of the mountain, he started back toward me. Since we couldn¢t find the trail, we figured we¢d have to consult with Sue in Stratton for the next hike. We walked slower while I took pictures of different foot prints, mostly moose. Suddenly, Dave said, ¢what¢s that?¢. And he had found the AT white blaze path. We had just not seen it. So he went off at 10am and hoped he¢d be finished the 15 miles between 6-8pm. So I¢ll go hang out at Rt. 4 trailhead about 6pm.As I was walking back to the car, suddenly I came upon a tent upside down, which we hadn¢t seen on our way up the road, and called out to see if it had blown away from someone. Joe Fore introduced himself saying he was drying out his tent. He said he had tented overnight on the hill, which we also hadn¢t noticed in our hurry to find the trail. He¢s from Hot Springs, NC, and said he and his wife decided to move to Maine because she¢s from the area and he likes it so much. He¢s hiking around 10 miles a day now and expects to finish at Katahdin by the end of September.When I got back to the car, I tried to follow the directions back and had to improvise using the map. It took me about an hour to get back to Rt. 4 AT trailhead. I picked up two thru-hikers who we had met earlier¢Suds and Mr. Breeze. Gave them a ride to the grocery store. Invited Mr. Breeze back to stay with us overnight on the futon in the living room. Had some lunch, walked to the beach and got wet, then rode in the kayaks on the lake. After dinner we went to IGA to use the cell phone. Peace had left a message that it was 4:50pm and he was on top of Saddleback Mountain. He estimated he¢d be back around 730-830pm at the trailhead. So we sat by the lake until we went to meet him at 7:15pm. After it was totally dark and he wasn¢t there yet, I decided to start walking to meet him in case he needed any help. I put on my headlamp and started walking, and singing, and calling his name so if he was anywhere nearby he¢d know I was there, and also to warn any bears and moose that I was around. I finally ran into Peace after an hour. I was so happy to know he was okay.Peace made good time on his way up the trail and had some challenging times on Saddleback Junior coming down on some treacherous spots. He thought Saddleback would be easy, but found it wasn¢t. He said the views from the top were spectacular of mountains and ponds all around. He ran into several hikers: Texas Pete, Perch, Robotic and Clockwatch, Hillbilly, Bandana, Lost, Cool Pants, Bob, Dream Walker and Bojangle.Peace ate dinner at 10pm. We saw the stars, heard loons, had a bath and went to bed. Looking forward to another day off and I know Peace is.