Date: 2015-08-05
From: Baldpate Shelter, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 8.0

Up at 6:30am for no reason other than tired of being cold. My feet did remain toasty all night, a light condensation forming inside of the plastic bag I used for warmth, but the rest of me tossed and turned. I must have gotten enough sleep, though, for tiredness wasn't an issue throughout the day. I was close to completely packed up before the others began emerging from their tents so the first hour of my day would be spent waiting for them. I did retreat into the nearby woods for an early morning deuce and was confronted by an aggressive chipmunk who seemed angry with a fellow chipmunk before stumbling upon me in his territory. I stood there, pants around my legs and toilet paper in hand, hoping his mini grunts were for nothing more than show. Although I'm sure I could've taken it if it came down to it, it would've had an early advantage for sure.On the trail by 8:00am, we headed off in the cold morning and immediately began climbing ~1,000ft in the first .8 miles to the summit of Baldpate West peak, clouded over and void of any views. I continued on, pushing ahead of the group through the saddle between the west and east peaks, before reaching an expansive slab of exposed rock rising ~200ft into the low clouds above. Bent over as I climbed the 45-degree angled slabs while being battered by howling wind from the west, I managed to reach the top in little time. I stood just shy of the summit looking down at the wall imhad just climbed, the path only visible through the thick fog with the help of cairns leading into the abyss. I made my way to the summit and sat behind a small pine tree, offering minimal protection from the cold wind, and waited for 10 minutes for Rabbit to join. As light rain began falling we began making our way down the other side of the mountain, slowly half-stepping our way down the slick angled slabs. Eventually the trail leveled out and we began making better time. After ~3 miles and ~1,500ft of descent, Rabbit and I strolled into Frye Notch Shelter for a break. A blonde female hiker was still asleep in the shelter at 10:00am which we contributed to a late night. Yoohoo and Huey joined us soon after and we'd relax amidst the many splintered and fallen trees from what looked like storm damage in the recent past.With ~4.5 miles left until a road leading into Andover, ME, we pushed on, first climbing ~500ft before descending ~1,500ft over the last ~3 miles. My knees and feet ached, making me curse every step up and over large rocks. Since entering the White's it has been like doing 1-legged squats the entire way up mountains. Each time I've stubbed my toes or banged my knees/shins on boulders, I've wanted to pick up the rock and toss it from its beautiful vantage point into the dark forgotten valley's below. However, I then remind myself I'm but a simple passing visitor, having been an unfortunate soul to have had his pride ruined on the edge of one of its sharp edges. I simply bite my lip, sometimes holding back watering eyes, and push on. We eventually reached Dunn Notch with Dunn Falls running through it. Although a steady and calm stream where we hopped across, just feet downstream the water took 2 sharp cuts, once to the right and then the left, before plunging close to 100ft below. We stood at the top right at the point where it dropped and, although unable to appreciate the beauty of the falls from a traditional view, were able to watch its tumbling waters from a unique, birdseye view.We continued less than a mile farther before exiting toma road that would lead into Andover, ME. With a plan to go on for another small resupply and lunch, we eagerly awaited for half an hour for a vehicle to pass. None did. Finally a lady returned and said she was shuttling to the Pine Ellis Lodge, the local hike hostel. For $3 each, we climbed in and made our way ~9 miles into town. Andover is one of Maine's many versions of a 1-horae town, definitely not big enough for 2. With 2 small general stores, a restaurant, an ice cream shop, and 2 churches, there doesn't seem to ever be much going on in a place like this. It felt just right to me. We went to the Little Red Hen where we enjoyed the Hiker's Breakfast for lunch - 3 eggs, 3 French toast, bacon, and home fries. We then crossed the street to the general store where we paidma ridiculous amount for so little food. I paid just shy of $18 for 2 pop tarts and 8 candy bars. As we returned to the porch of the Little Red Hen to plan our return to the trail, dark clouds and general physical fatigue was enough for us to call it quits, even after only 8 miles of hiking.We were tipped off of good ice cream just down the street at Kate's Kones. Greeting us with a kind hello and friendly smile was Kate herself, a college student with her own icw cream shop. The ice cream was delicious and nicely priced from a scoop size-to-dollar ratio. We hung out for a bit, making small chat with Kate and one another, before finally deciding to make an appearance at the Pine Ellis Lodge. It's a good thing we did for we were the last 4 hikers to snatch up the last 4 remaining bunks. Yoohoo, Huey, and I got bunks in a separate bunkhouse along with 3 other hikers whil Rabbit is sharing an upstairs room in the house with 3 other hikers as well. Although the staff is friendly and the hostel has a comfortable, welcoming feel to it, I will say that a full house of hikers (~20 hikers) is too much with only 1 bathroom. The evening consisted of constantly waiting to jump in the shower when empty only to feel rushed knowing others were waiting. Anyways, we were able to shower and do a load of laundry included in the price of stay so I can't complain too much. The hostel owners are gracious enough to share their home with a constant revolving door of hikers in the first place.After an hour of just lounging around, we heard that the Little Red Hen had several specials for dinner tonight so we soon found ourselves sitting at tables enjoying lasagne, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, salads, and cold beer. After dinner, as if on repeat, we returned to Kate's Kones just before closing to enjoy another round of double scoop ice cream. My belly is definitely full tonight as I write these words. For what little Andover has to offer the rest of the world, it offered more than enough for a group or weary AT hikers.The goal tomorrow will be to reach around ~20 miles depending on terrain, weather, and overall strength. I can feel my body - my feet and knees mainly - beginning to go south on me since entering the White's so these last 2.5 to 3 weeks won't be easy. As we gradually approach the 90% completion point, and with Katahdin slowly reeling me in, I pray my body will hang in long enough to bring me home. For now, another warm night in a seldom, if ever cleaned, bed will hopefully do its part.Here's to cloud-covered summits, overpriced everything, and becoming 76 at 26.