Date: 2004-10-03
From: Rangely

To: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I just walked in from night-hiking under one of the most beautiful night skies I have ever seen. The majesty never ceases to amaze me. I walked with a new friend today: ¢Dapper Dan¢. With 3 beautiful summits, unending views, and tonight¢s splendor, I could not ask for more. We arose before 8 a.m., but moved slowly. There at the breakfast table I ate cereal and a favorite from home: a peanut-butter and banana toasted sandwich. Dapper & I sat and talked while Bob brought out coffee. After a donut, OJ, and a nice conversation we finally left the table to pack up around 10 a.m. As we packed Dapper Dan did a cool thing: He offered to pay Bob now, and I could pay him in Stratton. After numerous thanks to Bob, and a trip to the IGA where I bought a coke, we hit the trail at about 11 a.m. Dapper and I talked all day today. We talked about God, the trail, our trials, girls, and more. It was clear from the second we started that we had a lot in common. For the first time since walking with WalkSoftly I could walk with another guy and not be worried to ¢scare¢ him by talking about my relationship with God. We also both talked about the desire for a wife, but also wanting to be patient for God¢s will. I know ¢Dapper¢ gets teased for talking to women all the time, but I understand. We talked, walked, and laughed for hours today. The trail seemed to zoom by under our various discussions. At 2 miles in we hit Piazza Rock Lean-to. This lean-to is known for its ¢2-holer¢ privy with a cribbage board between the 2 holes¢¦disturbing. As we walked on I barely noticed as we began to climb Saddleback, then the top seemed suddenly near. As we crossed above tree-line I assumed we were near the acme. I was wrong. Saddleback has one of the longest above tree-line stretches of any mountain on the trail. We walked the exposed section of rock and scrub for what seemed a never-ending time. Finally after over a mile of teasing we reached the top. There we found a perfect blue sky and a stunning 360 degree view. In the distance we saw the faint figure of a mountain: Katahdin. From the mountains, to the lakes, to the leaves, to the sky; unbelievable!As we walked carefully down the slick rocky slope toward our next 4,000 footer, The Horn, we talked about girls. I¢ve been single for 3 years and am trying to be patient with God. Dapper Dan had a somewhat recent breakup (I¢m 25, he¢s 30). Still the topic was hilarious. Below are 5 tips we¢ve collected over the years (we claim no liability for failed usage :-)). 5.        Always have a chocolate bar in the fridge, never explain why it is there. 4.        If peeing at a girlfriend¢s parent¢s house ¢ sit and point! It¢s not ¢manly¢, but it¢s not ¢messy¢ either. 3.        Do not discuss weight!!!...(ever). 2.        Have random choices ready, such as always pick 1st in alphabet. For instance: Honey do you want to go to Burger King or McDonalds? ¢Burger King¢. Of course, you should actually think for ¢real¢ choices. Otherwise, just be decisive. 1.        Trust God and be confident! (not a cocky jerk¢¦confident :-) ).As we wrapped up this fun discussion we panted up The Horn.Another gorgeous never-ending view off of a 4,000 foot mountain¢¦ho-hum. As we ate it hit us: This seems ¢normal¢ to us. To others the view we sat on could be the most beautiful they have EVER seen¢¦WOW! God is awesome. I wish I could describe the radiance (and I¢m still out of film :-( ) As we slowly proceeded off the top, we paused for 2 hikers climbing up. Their names: ¢PB¢ and ¢J¢. The couple actually attempted a thru-hike starting February 9th but had to get off. They lauded us for making it this far. We both focused on ¢still having far to go¢. When we were about to part ways the top fell off my water bottle¢¦DOH! The kind man ¢PB¢ then gave me an extra Nalgene bottle with no question, WOW! As we hiked on we discussed having faith tried on the trail. It was nice to hear that I¢m not the only one tested out here. Dapper Dan proceeded to equate our hike to one of my favorite books ¢Pilgrim¢s Progress¢. This trip has had so many literal and figurative Mountains and Valleys. A long journey with so much beauty and reward, but so many rocks, roots, and mud to slip on and get stuck in. I¢m just happy to still be on the path, see who got me here, and still see my goal before me. With but a little more huffing and puffing we covered the rock path to hit the summit of Saddleback Jr. From there we pushed on, knowing night was not too far off. A mile or so later we hit a shelter to pause. At the shelter a list of frequently asked questions and answers was laminated. My favorite is below: Q: ¢Why do so many of the Beech trees have thin bark peeling off around the tree?¢ A: ¢Well, when mating season comes Bull Moose and Bucks become excited. They proceed to tear their horns into the bark of the trees. This is where the term ¢horny¢ comes from.¢ I like to think that I am ¢full of godly anticipation¢. We left the shelter at 5:45 p.m. We covered 2.5 miles downhill as the light dwindled. At dusk we pulled out our lights (thanks Bob) and set to night hike. The last 5 miles were wonderful. We filled up on water at a small cascade and stared up at the stars. I have never seen so many stars in my life. I¢m used to the Washington, DC pollution night sky. I could not make out certain constellations because so many stares I have never seen were visible. I could even see the Milky Way itself beneath the deep blue depths. After a long pause to stare in wonder, we hiked. Three uphill miles of conversation later we reached the anti-climactic peak of Lone Mountain. We found an opening in the trees and stared in awe for a bit longer. Once our fingers were numb and the cold was moving in to freeze us completely we hiked on half to reach our goal and half to warm up. 40 minutes later we had covered 2 miles and hit the shelter. It must have been cold because we were moving!I¢ve had a great day. The views have been awe inspiring and I have a new Christian friend to talk to. I¢m so blessed. I wonder how many times I¢ve written ¢I¢m blessed¢ in these journals :-)!Goodnight, BEATBOX   ttt