Date: 2005-09-10
From: South Arm Road

To: East B Hill
Miles today: 10.1

start South Arm Roaddestintion East B Hillmiles 10.1 Papermaker had a sneak attack of Montezuma's Revenge last night,so he decided to take a zero today and stick close to the nessessary room.Rising Phoenix took me and Africa to the trailheads. We head in opposite directions.Rising Phoenix tells me to stop at the first road crossing.Easy enough,I think. My trail led me over a stream right at the start and I promptly lost my footing and ended up with one soaking wet boot and sock. The day seemed to go down hill from there. The past few days I have been really struggling to get a handle on this tough terrain.I had my expectations of what we could do,and there is no way to realize those expectations. Today I gave upon fighting the trail.It and it's terrain is what it is.That is the reality of it.I can fuss and fume,moan and groan,but that will not change anything. If I can just hike the miles that I can,in the time I have,that will need to be good enough for me. Several days ago I lost one of my earrings at the campsite whenIcha!nged clothes and Iam still upset about that.It was not a very big diamond,but it wasa gift from Papermaker and I was heartsickto lose it.This,after I had justhad a discussion with some other hikers about being attached to material possessions. Maybe too ,it was just the climb up Moody Mtn. that got me. I was supposed to ford Sawyer Brook,but it was nothing more than a rock hop and this time I managed to keep my feet solidly on the rocks and out of the water. The hardwood trees are just beginning to change their colos,turning from green to shades of reds and yellows.Their colors dotting the forest like Christmas decorations. The sky is brilliant blue and white whispy clouds float aimlessly on currents of gentle brezes. I am light packed,but remain heavy ladened. There are times I feel like I am struggling to hike through a thick invisible wall. I may just be in need of a zero day.The past two weeks I have hiked some tough terrain,my legs and body finally becoming accustomed to the daily rigors of this life. I eat my cold bacon biscuit for lunch,missing the companionship of Papermaker.I read ,then write a note in the shelter register,and press on. There is a vista at the Northpeak of Wyman Mtn. I am not impressed with the views.Today I feel like I have seen all the vistas I can handle.I just want to see Katahdin.I just want to see the end. Amazingly I made very good time,reaching my road crossing where I will be picked up about 45 minutes early. I finish off the rest of my water,and sit on the sie of the road,soaking up some sun. By 2:30 I begin to get concerned that my ride is not there. Across the road I can see Surplus Pond. I recheck my data book. There is only one road crossing listed,but in the book,the road is past the pond. I hike down to the pond and sure enough,there is a sign posted.I still have 1.9 miles left to hike. I hike like a mad woman.Iamalready late,and I detest being late or keeping anyone waiting for me. That last mile seemed like it was twice as long,as is the usual with any last mile. I am glad to climb into the van where Bear iswaiting for me.He has picked up a couple of hikers who are going into town.We stop at a store and get some drinks,and candy bars. I buy a quart of Root Beer and a half gallon of ice cream for root beer floats after supper.We have grilled hamburgers,potato salad,fresh corn and salad for supper.Again we are stuffed like pigs.I got on the scale and am dismayed that I weigh the same as when Ifirst started hiking.I was hoping to lose a few more pounds.   Bumpkin                           5 Million Steps for PolioAppalachian Trail GA-MA BumpkinMore in 2004