Date: 2018-08-18
From: Imp Campsite into US 2

To: Rattle River Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

Crazy BritSounds easy just a little 8 mile hike, well we left the Imp Campsite and Shelter, we elected to sleep in the shelter because of the storm, we didnt want to get our gear wet, no rain in the evening but when we got up at the ungodly hour of 4:30am it had started to rain.So we packed our gear made coffee, the dawn light was late today the sky was so overcast with the storm about to roll in that we started out at our usual time of 5:30 and had to use our headlights for at least a half an hour. Stupid Yes, but we need to get off this mountain before it gets real bad.We started up the trail first David led then I took over, it was a scramble up over boulders. At first it was so hot, we took off our wet gear. It was only a slight damp drizzle because of the low cloud, then it started to rain hard then harder, we got on our rain gear, by then we were soaked thru.The good thing was under our rain gear with our sweating climbing it was like wearing a wet suit, nice and warm. That is until we stopped for a drink or something to eat, then it got real cold, real fast.We went over at least 6-7 false summits each time getting blasted by Horizontal rain, beating on you, trying to make you trip on the Slippery granite, as the rain got harder so the trail got worse, with water and mud filling all the voids in the rocks where normally there would be flat places to place your feet.Its at times like this that you forget about keeping your feet dry. The main thing is feet and trekking pole placement, this is paramount to your safety, water may be pouring down the trail, but your safety comes first.Although the conditions are bad we are making good time and are on the last summit ready for our descent, when a young guy comes bouncing up the trail. He is doing the Continental trail from Quebec to Key West, Oh My!!!!! Big Balls, he has a single pole a very small pack and goes by wishing us luck. ????We start the descent its like always, Slippery Muddy and outright Bloody dangerous.Still we make it down ok in fact the last 2 miles are by The White Mountain standards very smooth, we get to the Main Highway and walk up to the Hostel. This is a great place and is used as a model for all the Best Hostels.We check in, boots and poles are left outside, packs are brought in and hung on hooks. You can then pick loaner clothes, have a shower, and only until you are clean are you allowed into the rest of the house, as it should be.We are issued our bunks, have Coffee and left over pancakes. Now we are waiting for my Good Friend Bob Revo From the UK Sail loft where I used to work, to come for a visit. I call Bob he is a hour away so we get a bit organized and await his arrival.I cannot believe he is driving across Maine to visit with us here, I walk out the door and there he is with his son Kyle, last time I saw Kyle he was a young boy, now he is a grown young good looking man.Big hugs, still find it hard to think that they have driven for over 2 hours to come here to visit with us, OH!!!!! Good boy Bob he has brought some beer in a cooler. We have a beer while we chat, Bob explains that they only have a couple of hours as his Dad is on his own over in their house in Maine.What can they do to help us, Well a trip to Walmart is on the cards so we can replenish our food stock, but first its time to eat. We find a home style restaurant and in we go, Burgers and Beer, and Bob picks up the tab, thanks Bob my turn next time.On to Walmart do our shopping and then back to our Hostel, time for photos and Bob and Kyle drive back over to the coast in Maine where there summer home is, its times like these that you value your friends, thanks Bob and you Kyle.Time now at the Hostel to Chill out watch a movie, get my Journal done, have a beer and say goodnight to you all.Anyone can walk on the flat, but its so cool to walk on the Edge up to your ankles in mud and water, at least I think it is!!!!!?????Gone thru the 300 miles to go today, should have mentioned it before but I forgot still we now have only 298.3 miles to go before we stand on the top of Mt Katahdin.