Date: 2014-07-24
From: Bemis Stream Campsite

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain has stopped and the weather changed to clear and cool. Yay Maine!Thin Mint was 1st then I left second about 6:30 in the morning. We came to our 1st ford of the whole trail, (all of them in Maine) it didn't look to bad so I decided to cross it with my shoes on instead of putting on my Crocs. Bad idea. Before I can even get my first mile in my shoes were soaked. Lesson learned.The only big climb of the day was in the morning up to ME 17 and a fantastic view of probably Moxie pond. I stopped and looked around to soak up the views and before long DaVinci passed. On top of the ridge hovering around 2500-3000 ft most of the day was decent trail with actual dirt to put your feet on instead of constant rocks. And of course the occasional moose poop that litters the trail. Speaking of moose, I stopped and took a break at Sabbath Day Pond Shelter for some homemade cashew butter and a granola bar. Right next to the fire pit was bones from a far passed moose. Supposedly there is a rash of dying moose up here in the northeast due to ticks. Not sure if this was the culprit or not for this particular death but none-the-less it seemed pretty gross.Little Swift River pond was next and it had a canoe that hikers can use to go out on the lake. I should of done it, but was excited to get into Rangeley. I was done with the 14 miles by 1pm. A great hiking day. The hostel, The Hiker Hut, was only .3 west off the trail and was offered 2 rides into town by the time I arrived. Didn't even try. I arrived at this "off the grid" place and saw Thin Mint and DaVinci packing up their resupply from the grocery store they already went to. Yes, they are that fast. I was disappointed that I missed the ride to the IGA and had to wait till 6. The owner Steve though was nice enough and asked if I can drive a stick. Sweet! He threw me the keys and off I went into town.I did my boring resupply at the IGA and headed into town for a quick glance of the town area of Rangeley. A unique small Western Maine town that is partially inhabited with tourist and hikers. Every north east town has it's ice cream stand, and this place is no different. I ordered a large coffee milkshake and downed it as fast as I could without getting a headache. I also wanted to check out The Grey Beast, which is another hiker hostel in town and right around the corner. Bunch of Nobos from Moaglee, Windscreen, Sunbear, and Napoleon among others were bathing in the afternoon sun pounding away at their PBR's and waiting for the free street concert that was setting up for play around 7. But I had to get the car back and enjoy my homemade dinner that is part of the gig at the Hiker Hut.A huge helping of fresh watermelon, and a plate of a rice concoction with sausage and tomatoes among other stuff as I ate in front of the fire pit that was roaring. Very yummy. There is no electric at this place as Steve and Cathrine cook over a propane stove and oven. Diesel, a NOBO came later and we were the only 2 hikers in for the night. I am going to ZERO tomorrow for my last one on the entire trail. Getting ready for the home stretch. SOTD, Barracuda, -Heart