Date: 2004-10-02
From: Bemis Mtn. Lean-to

To: Rangely
Miles today: 17.7

Tonight I sit in a hostel in Rangely, Maine, after a good and bad day. I covered miles in a fog today¢¦physically and mentally. I¢m blessed to be where I am though. I awoke alone in the shelter at sun-up. I took my time to get ready, eat, fill my water, and write. When I had accomplished these tasks, I set out for the day. I started today strolling on a granite ridge that led me to the second peak of Bemis Mtn. Though no major climb was involved to get me there, it was the closest thing to a climb that I did all day. For my first 2 miles I sauntered on in wonder at the leaves, rocks, and trees around me. In what felt like only a short while I prayed, crossed a brook, and reached the crossing of Rt. 17, about 4.5 miles in. Usually road crossings are not highlights of the day, but this was an exception. As I hit the road near the crest of a small ridge I looked back to see foliage everywhere shining with gold and red glory. To the right was a gorgeous lake. I sat in awe and ate combos :-). The next 13.1 miles from Rt.17 to Rt. 4 were going to be ¢cake¢ according to many people I had talked to. Their review was correct. The trail rolled over easy grade with the largest obstacles being roots and mud. Minus one time dropping my foot 12 inches deep in sliminess, there was little excitement. After so many near mind-shattering mountains in the past week there was nothing. We passed what would have been beautiful pristine lakes, but I could see little due to a fog rolling in¢¦ahh. So I thought of home, walked, ate snacks, visited a shelter privy¢¦then I walked more. The air was brisk and the leaves beautiful, but that simply seems mundane to me now. Then my cool thought of the day hit me: I walk in such an enchanted piece of nature that a brisk beautiful autumn day is ¢mundane¢. WHOA! I smiled as I pushed on until I reached a lake 12.9 miles in. Then I saw the bad news: My backpack pouch zipper was broke and my Milky Way gone :-(.I survived the crushing blow, but I was tiring. Boy, I wish I had that sugar. For 4.8 miles I grinded on through nothing ¢tough¢ but with a misty overcast cloudy sky and terrain that seemed to be almost bland. I actually found myself wishing I had a tough climb for the day just for a change of pace¢¦never have I dreamed I would wish for tough climbs. At some unknown hour of early evening I reached Rt. 4 to Rangely. As I stopped for a snack I saw bad news #2: My new headlamp I bought in Gorham had also fallen out :-(. With no clue of the time and no light if it got dark I decided to hitch into town. Three hunters picked me up and gave me the 9 mile hitch. After 9 miles in a pick-up bed in Maine in October I was freezing. As I chattered the men drove off. Then I went to call the local hostel and saw bad news #3: I had no money in my pack. Bewildered, I called home and explained the situation to my parents. They gave me a credit card number and I prayed I could use it. I was cold, I had no light to hike, and no money for the hostel¢¦ ¢I hope he will take credit¢ I thought. Bob at the Gull Pond Lodge is awesome! As I called he told me A) That he did not take credit, and B) That he was picking me up anyway. As he picked me up I was in disbelief. He explained: I¢m an old guy (73?) and this is my hobby. He encouraged me that while my night was not proceeding perfectly it would all be fine. It was, thanks to him. Bob made me feel like a guest instead of a vagabond. I was invited in, led to my room, and encouraged to warm up with a shower. After dethawing I saw ¢Dapper Dan¢ chilling in the living room. ¢Dapper¢ is a clean-shaven hiker who I have run into a few times before. If I am correct, he is also a Christian :-). We watched some TV, ate dinner from the hiker box (we split soup and garlic alfredo), and then watched a video of Johnny Carson re-runs. Bob joined us and the 3 of us shared in laughter at Carson¢s antics¢¦Ahhh :-). I had no plan on being here this evening. I wanted to do at least 2 more miles. That said, I¢m blessed and happy. Bob gave me an old bike headlight to use as a flashlight. Tomorrow Dan and I will leave to do 19 miles. 13 the following day will take us to Stratton and keep us ¢on track¢. I cannot believe how I¢m blessed over and over again out here. Goodnight, BEATBOX   ttt