Date: 2015-08-06
From: Andover, ME

To: 1,955.6 campsite, ME
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

*From this point on, journal entries will be kept to a minimum [insert applause here] as opportunities to drop into towns to recharge gadgets become more scarce.No shortening of today's hike will be necessary, however, as it passed in a blur. I enjoyed a good night's sleep in the bunkhouse of Pine Ellis Hostel and was up at 7:00am. The guys and I slowly got ready, I downed a couple cups of coffee, and we were shuttled back and on the trail by 8:45am. We fell into our line wit Rabbit leading, me second, Huey next, and Yoohoo in the rear. Minutes after beginning the hike, Rabbit peeled off to delayer and I was off. Not meaning to necessarily lose the group, I soon found myself alone like Forest Gump. Running on a coffee high, I made the decision to ride it out for as long as it'd take me. I was soon cruising at a 3mph pace and would so so for the majority of the day, stopping only a few times for quick breaks, to exchange a few words with passing hikers, or to pee.The day began with a gradual ~5 mile climb up Wyman Mountain which I completed in under 2 hours. I stopped at Hall Mountain Shelter briefly for a breather, but otherwise kept pushing. Next would come a steep descent into Sawyer Notch before rock-hopping across a creek and immediately beginning a ~1,400ft climb in .8 miles up Moody Mountain before descending straight back down the other side. I took my first real break in Sawyer Notch, chatting with a SoBo hiker as I downed a Snickers and M&M's. A hiker that I passed yesterday morning, and again minutes before reaching the notch, appeared and offered me a bottle of grapefruit juice. Just the unexpected boost I needed to carry me up the ~2,200ft climb over ~3 miles to the top of Old Blue Mountain.The majority of the afternoon would be spent hopping mud puddles, failing to clear mud puddles, avoiding exposed roots, failing to avoid exposed roots, and zigzagging around countless piles of moose droppings. I eventually reached Bemis Mountain and then Bemis Mountain Shelter which was our intended goal for the day at ~19 miles. I sat for a bit, downing another Snickers and M&M's, while 5ive discussed law with a SoBo hiker. With it only being 4:30pm and me growing bored, I decided to continue on. I reached Bemis Mountain Second Peak a little over a mile later where I walked along the flat, exposed summit offering views of the lush Maine forests and large lakes. I took a quick break in order to allow myself to tear through a blueberry bush like a horse who'd gotten loose in the grain bin. After composing myself and avoiding the temptation to tent along all the blueberry bushes, I continued on. As I looked out towards the virgin forests around me, I felt as if I were the only person in Maine. Had someone told me I was, I would've easily believed them, only to be disappointed a mile or so later when I'd pass a SoBo heading up the mountain I was descending. Oh well.I finally reached ME 17, a busy road for Maine standards. Just off the trail was a scenic overlook where I figured I was in luck with hitching a ride into Oquossoc ~11 miles away. Over an hour later of no luck, a nice man named David pulled up and asked if I needed a ride. After informing him that I was only in search of food and had no idea regarding where I would be camping, he happily said he'd return me to the trail after I got some food. He whisked me into the tiny town of Oquossoc to a general store offering cold drinks and a hot grill. I quickly grabbed 2 Coke's, 2 Reuben's, 2 Snickers, a bag of Cheetos, and a banana and felt satisfied with my dinner. David returned me to the trail as we discussed the local area, moose sitings, etc.. After dropping me off, I decided it was A) too dark to continue, B) too cold to continue, and C) unsafe to continue into a section of woods that David said 2 hikers had seen bears yesterday smelling like Reuben's and Cheetos. Sitting on a bench along the road overlooking the large Mooselookmeguntic Lake and quickly fading sunlight, I sprang into action looking for a suitable spot nearby. I found a patch of flattened long grass just off the trail about ~30ft below the road. The road is very little traveled during the night so I feel safe and otherwise as if I were in the woods once my rainfly was closed.It's just about 10:00pm and the first vehicle in nearly an hour just rolled by. I have 2 Reuben's, a banana, and a Coke in my belly. I'm currently working on the remaining Coke and Cheetos. If for any reason a bear finds me tonight, do know that I was happy and checked out feeling on top of the world after a hard-earned day.Here's to blueberry fingers, 23 miles, and what a good meal can do for your spirits.