Date: 2003-08-22
From: Hall Mountain Lean-to 

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Duce Bigalow, Walkabout, Winging It, Hotdog and I were up a bit late last night talking, joking, and laughing. We didn't shut up until after 10:30, and I hope we didn't keep Thirsty Boots and Tom up. This morning, they said we didn't keep them up, so I don't feel too bad. It was quite funny last night. We were all the jokesters, throwing jabs and jokes at one another. I really wanted to sleep earlier than that, but oh well! We all just kinda clicked together, and had a good time.Of course, on the trail, we were in our own groups or as individuals, whatever the usual is. Tom left first, then Thristy Boots, then Hotdog and I (again around 7am!), leaving Walkabout, Winging It and SOBO Duce Bigalow at the shelter. It was a tough day today! We had a steep downhill leaving the shelter. Ugh! That was followed by a steep uphill. Huffnpuff! That Moody Mountain was a doozy! Near the summit, I stopped for a break, and shortly after I stopped, I was joined by Thirsty Boots, Hotdog, Winging It and Red. There wasn't much of a view but we sat there relaxing and snacking anyway. It was warm today, well into the 80s, making a hard day harder. We went down Moody, and Hotdog, TB and I took another break at the bottom, near Black Brook, filling up on water, and having another snack. Then we had to work hard again.The climb up was... difficult. It was steep at first, but had some more gradual parts too, which was nice. Nearly 3 trail miles and 2200' elevation later, I made it to the summit of Old Blue Mountain. I had to make an unscheduled stop and venture into the woods once on the way up. At the summit, I found Winging It, 3 SOBOs and their dog, and Tom having lunch. I gladly sat down and rested a bit. Thirsty Boots came along shortly and joined me, and not long after that, the others left. I had lunch, then Hotdog came along, so I relaxed until he was ready to go too.TB and Tom were considering going a bit past Bemis Mtn Lean-to today, but after those morning climbs, there were some second thoughts. I was unsure, and with 6mi to go, I was reserving final judgement for much later in the day. It was before 1pm when Hotdog and I left the summit of Old Blue. Luckily, the terrain to the shelter wasn't too bad. I was worn out already, so it wasn't to easy either, but I made it to the shelter by 4:30pm, and was glad to be there. Hotdog and I decided to stay. TB and Tom, who we'd passed during a break, came along and decided to stay as well. We'd heard there could be some bad weather tonight, but so far, it's just breezy and rather nice. I think there is a cool front coming through, which will drop the temps some and lower the humidity. That would be nice!Hotdog figured we had about 4500' of ascents today. No wonder I'm tired! I'm shooting for Rangeley tomorrow, which would be a 17-plus mile day. Supposedly the terrain isn't too bad. Not like today anyway. If it is like today, I won't make it. I've heard from SOBOs that it's not too bad, and TB said the same thing.I always feel good after a tough day. I am sore, achy and tired, but I feel good about it. I hope this supposed cool front clears out the skies so I can get a great view from Saddleback Mtn on Sunday. If it is clear, I might be able to see Katahdin from there. I would be so excited!!!But, miles to go before then, and a town stop, and visit from friends first. It's great to be out here!