Date: 2008-09-18
From: Rangeley -Gull Pond Lodge

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early, Bob was leaving to shuttle BullDog, Peregrin and Slow Going whom also arrived last night. I did my laundry and washed all the dirty dishes in the kitchen while I was waiting for his return. I Thought I'd save Bob the trouble.I woke up feeling poorly again, what is this, have I caught something?Bob returned and drove me to the P.O. He waited for us to mail our boxes then pick up the girls gear at the Rangeley Inn. While we waited for the P.O to open Bob helped a lady jump start her car.Before leaving the house, I couldn't find my treking poles. I searched all through the house and outside, under the bed and and along the trees, everywhere I had walked, retracing all my steps. I was really second guessing myself and going crazy in the process.I remember putting them into the trunk of the Cadillac yesterday, that is for sure. But I can't say with certainty, is that I took them out? I remember getting my pack and food for sure. Or maybe I left them in the grass at the P.O.?I searched everywhere and asked the Postal clerk if any had been turned in?No such luck. If I didn't know better, I would think that Maine has it in for me. I guess if you are going to have any misfortune, maybe it's better to have it all at once rather than spread out. Well, you never know when you wake up, what the day is going to bring? 1,956.2 miles and I lose my poles. I have learned a long time ago that at a time like this, don't ask what else can go wrong? Guaranteed you will find out and it won't be pretty? I'm just gritting my teeth and driving on. (FIDO)It is now 10:30, At the trail head was Goose and Hiker Dave. Bob was loading them up as we unloaded. We had had a quick reunion then bid each other farewell once again.The day turned cold, the climbs today going up Saddleback Mtn., the Horn, and Saddleback Junior Mtn. were over 4000 feet. I wore my gloves, tuke and neck gaitor most of the day. I found 2 sticks to hike with and snapped both today while descending down the mountains. Being royally pissed is a luxury I can't afford right now. This has been such a great trip, I'm trying to laugh at myself as this only adds drama and texture leading into the climatic end. I have learned already that the best hiking sticks in this area are actually from roots of a particular tree. The other wood seems to be all soaked and rotting. Finding the right size & weight poses the biggest challenge. Fortunately, they seem to grow above the ground and appear frequently, especially on the slopes. I use only the ones that are dead. I finally arrived to the Poplar Ridge Lean-To. I set up my tent just on the other side of a little creek, used as the water source. Here I met 2 ladies one of which was 75 yrs.old. She hiked back in 97 and her trail name was "NTO" which stood for "Not Too Old". She was humping her own pack and gear and had my instant respect. I know she was feeling it, but she had savvy and true grit.Another surprise was when Blazing Star & Mas appearred. The stayed in the shelter. We talked as long as we could during and after dinner, but it was really cold, so everyone soon found the comfort of their bags. I had briefly run into them the day we first arrived to Andover, however before that, it had been a while since we last saw each other, Maybe as far back as Boiling Springs?The temperature has steadily dropped tonight. I'm even wearing my gloves and covering my face with my neck gaitor as I sleep. So far my lighter bag is providing enough warmth. I hope I won't regret in not having my winter bag sent?Realistically, it is too late now. No matter what, I will have to deal with whatever comes. As I lay here waiting for sleep to come, I think of how good it feels to be out here, and how magnificent this entire trip has been. Although we all believe our selves to be free, and are, when compared to much of the world. I can however, honestly say, that it in these past few months, I have truly realized, tasted and lived it. Real Freedom, something I thought I already posessed? However, like so many others, I was never even close. There's something special about being snug and cozy in your sleeping bag especially when it is this cold outside. What a great way to live, if only for 6 months?