Date: 2006-08-29
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 2.4

The lean-to filled up quickly last night. In addition to Pat and Brian ¢ on second thought, I don¢t think that they are married ¢ and dog Kathy, there was myself. Squarel, Huey ¢ NOBO thru hiker [his name is the start of the name of the State Fish of Hawaii, where he spent a lot of time] ¢ Tex [from Australia, don¢t ask me why he is called by the name of a USA State], Gaffer, who is 71 years old and started from a Taxi at JO-Mary Road today. He plans on hiking NOBO thru the 100 Mile Wilderness to Abol Bridge. Gaffer had slipped off one of the bog logs and went into the muck up to both knees. A very easy thing to happen to any hiker on the slimy logs, but an event that had bothered him greatly. Lots of talk and a fair bit of fun and laughter ¢ I particularly enjoyed talking with Tex.   A good night ¢ no rain, but cloudy, so no stars to be seen last night. I had the luxury of staying in my bag late, as the shelter began to stir and prepare for the day. Even though the early risers do everything that they can to be quiet, there is still a lot of noise and, for me at least, no question of further sleep. That is a lesson that I, as an early riser myself, need to remember.   Today dawned cold and cloudy ¢ ¢Just like yesterday only better¢ to quote the trail maintainers forecast ¢ and I started off on my leisurely hike at 8AM, almost time for a second breakfast on a normal hiking day. A smooth trail today, a few rocks and some muddy bits, but an easy hike.   Had no difficulties in finding the ¢grassy road¢ that leads here ¢ there are blue blazes all over the junction, so it is very difficult to miss. Just before the junction, I met with two SOBO hikers ¢ Candy Cane, who has blue hair, and Rhode Island Red, who has red hair. They are hiking companions of the duo that spent last night in the shelter, and to them I delivered the message that their shelter friends were waiting for them at the shelter.   As I hiked along the South bank of Pemadumcook Lake, coming towards me were ¢ Gator Girl, Marley, Chill, and Mystic the Nuclear Nighthawk. I was just overjoyed to see them. I was sure that they had already summated, but, as is so often the case, they were ¢just up the trail in the next town¢ They had stayed at White House Landing, and obviously enjoyed it, so much so that they spent an extra night there. They plan to summit on the 2nd and have no concerns that it is on the Labor Day Weekend.   Arrived at the boat dock and, as instructed, sounded one SHORT blast on the air horn. I had only to wait 10 minutes before Bill ¢ trail name ¢Bear¢ ¢ and his son Ben arrived in their motorboat. After a swift crossing of the lake I was escorted to my spot in the Shore Cottage, given a towel, had a shower, and, joy of joys, discovered a good cell signal here. Left a brief message on KT¢s home phone. No electricity here ¢ everything works off of propane gas, so my cell phone time will have to be brief ¢ but at least there is a cell signal.   Was soon joined by Tree Fender ¢ he held up a tree that was falling on his tent ¢ and have just consumed the deluxe version of Linda¢s ¢ trail name ¢Honey¢ [get it?] ¢ Famous One Pound Cheeseburger!   Very nice set-up here. There is a scatter of buildings along the shoreline of the lake. The main building is the kitchen, dining room and resupply area. They even have ¢Ice Cold Diet Coke In a Can¢ ¢ and a bunkhouse, private cottage and semi-private rooms. No electricity, no formal laundry, but there is an old-fashioned washtub, washboard, and ringer, [photo in archives] and a line to hang your stuff on to dry. And a great CELL SIGNAL!!!   I am all alone in the Shore Cottage now, sitting at the table and looking out the picture window at the placid surface of the lake, in what is now a rapidly improving afternoon. There is still an overcast sky, but it is much brighter than this morning. I have my cans of Diet Coke in an ice packed cooler ¢ Thank You Linda! ¢ my snacks, and the knowledge of a likely talk with KT tonight, so Life is Good.   So a good day ¢ there are none bad. A short hike, friends remembered refound, a boat ride, good spot to stay, good food, shower, Ice Cold Diet Coke, and a CELL SIGNAL!!Thought for Today ¢Just because people learn to adapt to changing circumstances, does not mean that the change is good or beneficial.