Date: 2017-09-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 56.0
Weather: clear sky

Sept. 6. Wednesday. 5.8 miles Last night it rained throughout the night. Woke to rain and hiked all day in the rain and fog. Today was one of the worst days as far as hiking goes. Not only did it rain all day but we also had to climb several Mts. and then go down the other side. These are NOT easy climbs. We had to use all fours to go up as well as come down. There were times Black Sheep and I had to wade through ankle deep water on the trail.Six miles into the day I noticed that there was an AMC lodge coming up down the trail a ways. Both Black Sheep and I agreed to go off trail 2 miles and hope we could get a room at the lodge. We arrived and we're able to secure a small cabin by the lake. The price includes supper,breakfast and a sack lunch. After laying out all our wet stuff to dry in the room. We headed up to the main lodge for a couple of beers and then supper. All and all it was very good. After supper I had a nice shower and am now ready for a good nights rest.Thursday Sept. 7. Zero day It continued to rain all night long. Had a great nights sleep and again woke to rain on the roof of the cabin. Forecast for today is rain all day. Black Sheep and I agreed to take a zero today, as the trail will be nothing but mud and water. It's also dangerous to walk on wet roots and rocks. I would prefer not to get hurt if possible. At breakfast, in the lodge, we decided to try to get a ride into Monson, ME. Where we could resupply and get some good food. When checking for a ride we connected with Brent, the manager of this lodge, and he offered us a ride into Monson, as he was headed that way to get some groceries for the lodge. He was glad to offer a ride into town some 30 miles away and we were glad to accept his offer. Once in Monson, we found a hostel called Shaws. After talking with the owner, Black Sheep and I arranged for a shuttle back to Millinocket, where Black Sheep left his car 10 days earlier. Also made reservations at AT Lodge Hostel to spend the night before my brother heads back to WI. Thanks to Black Sheep for hiking with me for the past two weeks. I enjoyed his company.Sept. 9, Friday. 7.8 miles Woke up at 6 am, packed up and drove to McDonalds for breakfast and then Black Sheep drove me back to the area where we left the trail on Wednesday. It started out as a sunny day and temp in the low 50s.We said our good byes at 8 am and headed two different directions. He headed Black to WI. and I hit the trail. It was a good day to hike till 1 pm when the rain returned. I put the pack cover on the pack and put on my rain coat and continued walking . It stopped after about 15 minutes and the sun returned. As I walked down a steep hill I came face to face with an old friend called Old School. We were both happy to see each other. We sat on the trail and talked for about an hour before we had to say good bye and get back to hiking. Shortly after leaving him it started to rain again only this time with a vengeance. It started out slow and grew to full blown storm with lots of hail. It poured for about 45 minutes. Time to get to a shelter and call it a day. Tomorrow should be better.?????