Date: 2003-09-17
From: Fourth Mountain

To: Gulf Hagas Cut-off Trail
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Today is for Tommy and Bridie Moore and all the friends in the Narraghmore Pipe Band. A long night as we waited for the dawn. Mothman had loaned me his fleece, which kept me warm. Frank never complained and was thankful for everything. Before 7, Glen and Adam, the two Rangers were with us carrying hot coffee more blankets and a lovely fleece for me. Soon the noise of the Navy helicopter could be heard as it flew over. The morning was bright and clear. The ¢chopper¢ hovered right above us and two guys were lowered with all the rescue gear. It was like something from the ¢movies¢ as they strapped Frank to the stretcher and whisked him away in seconds. The Rangers and Doug, Mothman and I had breakfast and were ready to move at 8.30 It was a wonderful experience and the speed and efficiency of the rescue team was very reassuring. Many lessons to be learned and a reminder that it is so easy to get injured out here. Glen, Doug and Adam wished me well, with a strict warning ¢not to be falling¢ on the mountain. Less than 30 minutes later, I was picking myself off the ground. I was climbing Fourth Mountain on a ¢steepish¢ granite rock when my left foot ¢lost traction¢. I tumbled down the rock, sliding to the base. My left thumb was sore, so too, my shoulders, but nothing serious. I picked myself up and this time, too smaller steps to the top. The day was beautiful with the sun shining in a clear blue sky. The views were spectacular. That¢s the way it is in the mountains. When I reached the top of Columbus Mountain (2325 ft.) I decided to bask in the sun, eat some food and dry out my tent and clothes. Siesta came by and we chatted. Starbuck had heard the noise of the ¢chopper and wanted the hear the full story. I was tired and the lack of sleep was ¢kicking in¢. I reached Chairback Shelter by 14.30 and was tempted to call it a day. But I only had five miles to show for the day. Starbuck was going to the next Shelter 10 miles away, but I considered this too far. Instead, I decided to walk till 6 and see where that might bring me. Mothman passed me on Chairback and we said goodbye. A long hard decent brought me down to Pleasant River, a wide river crossing with no stepping stones. Off with the boots and slowly I crossed in the ¢bare ones¢. It was almost 5 and I was anxious to find a camping spot. I walked another 2 miles before finding a spot near the Trail. It was a lovely setting, but I had little time to admire the surroundings. I cooked Pasta while setting up my ¢dry tent¢. In less than 1 hour, I had cooked, eaten, changed and was comfy in my tent. I had walked 11 miles and was ready for a good nights rest. Three days in the Wilderness and a little over 30 miles done. But I had time to spare. John & Eddie would not be arriving at Kathadin until 23 rd. Only one more day in the mountains and then it would be easy. So the experts tell us, but I had learned that there are no easy days on the Trail. But I was entering the last week and it¢s hard to believe that I was so close. I was asleep within seconds and enjoyed my spacious tent. I was glad to have carried my home all the way from Georgia.