Date: 2005-09-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today has been a great day!!! First off, it is Raindrop's twenty-third birthday and we started off the day by serenading her with a rendition of Happy Birthday at 6am. Next we had to pack up and get into cold wet clothes (not so fun). Then it was off to tackle the mountains of the day---Chairback Mountain and Gulf Hagas Mountain. Chairback was a pretty graded climb and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. It was a mere 4.4 miles to trail magic. Mala was all set up in the parking lot with Mala's Maine Magic and Mayhem. He cooked us all up a mean batch of green pancakes and coffee. There was some Creedence Clearwater Revival playing on the cd player, lots of sunshine, and comfy camp chairs to kick back in and enjoy. We were so pleased with this spot that we readjusted the week's schedule and stayed there for 4.5 hours. It was time well spent however, because we were able to unpack our backpacks and dry out all of our gear that was drenched in yesterday's rain. Around 1:30 we motivated ourselves to move just a little and hiked with Ridgerunner Goldie to the Gulf Hagas Trail, but not before fording the Pleasant River. It wasn't a bad ford and we were all able to stay upright while going across. With the help of our own backpacking consultants, Hairbunny, Inc., Bug was able to figure out the perfect configuration for packing his new Ozone backpack so that it sat just right on his hips and against his back. He is ohh-so-happy with his new pack! We took a blue-blazed side trip to see Screw Auger Falls and it was well worth the .2 off the trail as it was very beautiful. Another spot in Maine I would love to come back to. The guys helped Goldie to move some logs and then we were on our way. The next few miles flew as we sped along with Raindrop in the lead as we talked about food (what else?), but specifically Ben & Jerry's and our favorite flavors. In no time at all we were a mere 1.8 from our night's destination. Before we were to reach the campsite we still had to climb Gulf Hagas and it was a very stiff and strenuous climb. Raindrop sped merrily along and I huffed and puffed my way up from the back. We were all rewarded at the top with our first real view of "Mama K" and although it was a bit hazy, she was still a sight to behold!After a few snapshots and snacks all around we made our way down here to the campsite. Once we set up camp we all had a lovely dinner and had fellowship around the firering (no campfire as there is no dry wood). Train brought out a hostess cupcake topped with 23 burning candles in lieu of a cake. We had each packed out a package of the cupcakes to celebrate with and although Raindrop knew Train was up to something, she didn't know what. Everyone began cleaning up and preparing for bed, when Snowbunny tried to hard to snap the top on their cookpot and spilled "gray water" all over the ground beside us, splashing water all over us. I write this not because I am angry, but because it was quite funny. Bug and I really think she is trying to get back at us for burning her stovebag way back in NC at Sassafras Gap shelter (our first meeting). Well, everyone is in their tents so I guess I'll wrap this up by emphasizing again what a wonderful day we had.