Date: 2014-08-04
From: ME 17

To: Pine Ellis Hostel via South Arm Road
Miles today: 13.2

With Big Dawg heading home tomorrow, we need to make sure I have all the necessary gear and I need to spend some time with him before he leaves - all while still needing to get some miles in! Going to be a quick slack today!The ride up to Route 17 was pretty funny - the hostel helper Naomi is a hoot! Her sister drives the shuttles and they were ribbing each other on the way up - made the time pass quickly!Within five minutes of arriving and getting ready to start hiking a thunderstorm began rolling in - no time to turn back so I hiked on! Into the rain I went for two hours until it ceased - luckily the thunderstorm didn't last too long and it was just a constant light rain afterwards. Still had to go over some exposed ridge sections during the thunder - a little scary but still alive! Unfortunately the storm obscured the views from the Bemis peaks - with all the exposed parts I bet there were some nice views! Also saw lots of grouse running around - a mommy and some babies. Get out of the storm grouses!Luck had it that the day wasn't going to be overcast and dreary all day - the sun came out and the sky cleared up and it was pretty nice outside! Almost forgot about the rain in the morning except for the fact that the boots got wet - and the trail was holding water like none other! Lots of spots on the trail you had to step were submerged and not a lot of drainage paths - the only path was on the trail! I didn't think there would be that much standing water - but there was a lot! There was a lot of water between Bemis Mountain and Old Blue Mountain - be wary!Ran into a lot of familiar faces today! On the summit of Old Blue I ran into Birdman from Gorham and S Cubed (old guy from yesterday - slow, steady, and safe) and ate lunch with them on the top. As I headed down Old Blue I ran into the rest of the group doing the section hike to Stratton minus two members - one fell and hurt himself and one lady got sick. Right behind them was the Boy Scout Troop from the Hall Mountain Shelter and further down was Phys Ed - great seeing an old friend again! Everyone asked about Big Dawg and I had to tell them the news about him leaving the trail - everyone sent him their regards and their best while wishing me luck on the rest of the trip. Such a caring trail family!An initial steep down from Old Blue became nice until near the road when it turned steep again - trail makers are playing games with us! The first steep part was wet and rock facey and rooty and Rebar-steppy and the second part was steep with unfinished rock steps. The down wasn't bad overall just a lot more cautious because of the rain - and the unexpected surprise of steepness!A great day and I was feeling fine! The hostel was busy picking up other people and said I wouldn't be picked up until three thirty so I was taking my time going down the hill and enjoying the sunshine - I still hit the road at my predicted time of 2:40 and I was getting ready to wait for a while but Christian pulled up within five seconds of my arrival - couldn't have planned it better if we had tried! So I was able to get back to the hostel sooner than anticipated - more time with Big Dawg! More familiar faces at the hostel! The guy and lady from the section hiking group were recovering at the hostel and Fiver also came into town - she was talking to Big Dawg in town! We saw Mambo had reservations at the hostel so we looked for him to come in later - and lo and behold one of his reservation guests was Mio! We haven't seen him in a super long time so it was really great catching up with him - he is doing well even after RP left him around Daleville. He was pretty glad to run into us as well before Katahdin and after such a long time since we last met - near Damascus I think!Mambo rolled in later and then shortly after him Sharp Knife and Hiccup showed up too. Spent the evening chatting with everyone and meeting a new friend in Miss America - our room held her, Mambo, Mio, and us for the evening and we stayed up chatting after everyone headed to bed.Ready to keep on heading forward tomorrow - I wish Big Dawg was going as well but I am sure I will find old friends to hike with!