Date: 2003-08-24
From: Maine 17/Rangely

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

While it's nice to sleep in a bed, and not worry about mice, rain, temperature, etc, I find that I don't sleep as well in a hotel as when I'm in the woods. I start thinking about "real" life, and what I will do after this hike. It keeps me up at night, or doesn't allow me to fall back asleep if I wake up. I know that my trail time is running short, and I need to consider after-trail life. I just wish I could do it while I'm awake during the day.Hummbob, Rejoyce, Hotdog and I had breakfast at the Inn, then we started some laundry. Joyce tended to the laundry, while the rest of us went resupply shopping. The laundry had just been put in the dryer, so Bob twisted my arm, making me play catch with a softball. Okay, no twisting needed. It was fun throwing the ball around, wearing hiking clothes and flip-flops in a field full of goose poop. Really, it was fun. I haven't thrown a ball in over 6 months, and haven't done so with Hummbob in a LONG time. Too long.By the time laundry was done, and my shoulder was sore, it was less than 30 min to checkout. Oops. We hurriedly packed, then left to do some more little chores, stopping by the outfitter and hardware store before having lunch. Bob and Joyce were surprised we wanted to have lunch, but hey, we're hikers. Anytime is a good time for eating. It was nearly noon anyway. We ate at the Red Onion, then headed for the trail. I hated to see Bob and Joyce go, or hated to walk up the AT, but I still have some unfinished business with this adventure. It was 1pm when we hit the trail.It was quite cool today. I'm not sure the temperature got much above 60 at lower elevations, and probably didn't reach it on the mountains. There was quite a breeze in the valley, and on the mountains... Oh my! The wind was crankin'! When we reached the summit of Saddleback, the wind wasn't as bad as a week or so ago on Mt. Hight, but it was still blowing pretty hard. However, when we got to The Horn, the wind was much stronger, and steadier. I don't have a clue how to judge wind speed, but Hotdog guessed it was blowing at a steady 50-60mph, with higher gusts. It was fun. And cold. The wind was nearly as strong on Saddleback Junior too.The views from all of the mountains was just beautiful today. Gorgeous. Awesome. Incredible. We didn't stay on the summits for too long, due to the wind chill, but plenty long to ooo and aaah and take pictures. I know the pictures won't do the view justice, but I had to try anyway. I could see mountains far, far away. According to the guide books, Katahdin can be seen from Saddleback, but I couldn't tell if I saw it or not. I saw something that could have been it, but I'm not claiming it until I'm sure.I have been so blessed with the weather in Maine. It has been just awesome, and this cool, drier air is great. It clears out the sky, making good views terrific. This is a beautiful state, with a lot of ponds and lakes. It seems there is water every direction I look from the mountains.I didn't feel 100%, physically today, but I think it was because I was tired. Hopefully, all snug in my tent tonight, I will get some good, sound sleep. The shelter isn't full, but I need some time alone, time to have my personal space. Thirsty Boots and Tom are tented/tarped here too. Hotdog is in the shelter, along with 4 others, and NOBO Schwag is in his hammock. It's going to be quite chilly tonight. The wind is still blowing and the temperature, last I checked was 40*. I'm not looking forward to leaving my warm, snug sleeping bag in the morning, but I am looking forward to tucking myself into it tonight. I think it will be a good night's sleep.