Date: 2015-08-30
From: Caribou Valley Road 1982.3

To: ME27 2001.0 miles
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday, August 30th   This morning, breakfast was at the Looney Moose Caf© just 2 minutes walk from the Spillover Motel in the Village of Stratton, ME. While the Iceman and 3D were discussing the hike, and road access to the trailheads, a gentleman from the next table, hearing the discussion, walked over and sat down. He was a retired ranger of the Bigelow Preserve and proceeded to help the Iceman, as his knowledge of the area and logging roads was vast. Right after this chat, Sue, another local, who in the past owned the Stratton Motel and shuttled hikers around the area, walked into the Looney Moose. She was just the person to talk to since she knew all the shuttle operators in the area, and could recommend those that knew the logging roads as far north as Monson; the town to stay in at the end of this week. Information now gleaned from local folks, it was back to the Spillover to wait for Shane to take the Iceman and 3D back to Caribou Valley Road so they could complete the last 3rd of the hike that started at ME4 in Rangeley, ME. By the time the hikers got to the AT, which was about 1/2 mile from where Shane dropped them off, it was 9:15am. The hike began with a climb up Crocker Mt., and they made it to the South Peak, elevation 4,040, by 11:00am and the North Peak, elevation 4,228. by noon. The total vertical was only about 2,500 feet. This day was one of the easiest hikes since entering New Hampshire, one month ago. The Sherpa had seen several posters, around town, announcing the annual "Ice Cream Social" at the "Dead River Historical Society" from 1pm to 3pm, Sunday. It was a 20 minute walk from the Spillover to the Historical building, and a beautiful day to take a walk, so off went the Sherpa to see what an "Ice Cream Social" was all about, since this was her first.   (See photo's in the photo section). This area of Maine is called the "Dead River" because a river named the Dead River runs for almost 43 miles throughout this area. As the Sherpa approached the small white building that housed all of the old records, photographs and memorabilia of the towns inhabitants, going back to the early 1700's, she noticed a tent set up on the front lawn and heard music coming from where a group of folks were sitting. There was "Charlie", well known in these parts for his singing and guitar playing; and what a talent he has. After checking out the "museum" it was time to mingle and have some ice cream. An hour or so went by and as the Sherpa was demonstrating, to Debbie, a local woman, around 60ish, how she keeps track of the Iceman, she realized that he and 3D were, at that very moment, stepping onto the ME27 where she was to pick them up. Panic set in, but Debbie came to the rescue and drove the Sherpa back to the Spillover to get her car so she could quickly race off to get the hikers. It was 2:30 now and at the ME27 there were 3 other hikers who needed a ride to the Stratton Motel. All 5 climbed into the car, with backpacks and poles piled in the trunk. The Sherpa dropped 3 off in the Village, 3D off at the motel and the Iceman and Sherpa went to thank Debbie at the "Social". It was after 3 when they got back to the motel and at 5:30 crossed the parking lot to dine with 3D at the wonderful "Coplin Dinner House". Today the Historical Society raised over $100.00 at the "Social" not including donations, given at the door, to view all of the old and interesting exhibits on display. Mary, who is in charge of the Historical Society, said that the turnout today was very good.