Date: 2008-07-17
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 15.0

Whew, that was rough. These Maine maps are questionable. We estimated what we could do each day by looking at the elevation map. We learned today the flat areas on the map are mostly straight up and down. MATC has done a great job of building steps. But steps in themselves indicate a not flat trail. Enough whining.The day was full of roots, rocks, bogs and bugs. It's Maine. The highlight of today was the end of the day. We pushed an extra mile to make it to Whitehouse Landing. We took a side trail off the AT a full mile, making an exception to our not going anymore than .2 mile off trail. This was worth it. At the end of the trail we came to a dock on the side of a lake, blew an airhorn and sat down and waited. Soon a motorboat came from across the lake to pick us up. It took two trips to haul us all back across the lake to the... not sure what to call it. It's more than a hiker hostel. I guess it's like a retreat center.Linda, the owner is known for her one pound hamburgers. We all ordered one. It was amazing. Then took showers and since we are the only ones here we have the bunkhouse to ourselves.My only concern was whether or not Roo would be allowed since my Thru Hiker guide said nothing about dogs, but turns out they are very dog friendly. We just couldn't stay in the private rooms, which was fine. We're just thrilled to have a bunk. And Roo is in heaven! She ran and ran all over the lawn. She played fetch (her version is more like keepaway) with Nick and wiggled and rolled on her back in the grass. She's got a rough life.We're all readjusting to our packs. I've worn a raw spot on my back from my pants. I bought these Buzz Off pants back in Daleville but ended up wearing a hiking skirt instead. I held onto them thinking they would be useful in the 100 mile wilderness. Since then I have lost so much weight they are bagging on me which allows my pack to rub against my lower back. I knew it was bothering me but I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until this evening after dinner when I turned around and raised my shirt and asked if I had a sore spot there. When I saw the expressions on everyone's faces I realized I might have let it go too long without dealing with it. I have a serious raw spot. It's going to be tough to fix. It was just foolish of me not to stop and do something when I first felt it. I just never thought about getting a blister on my back! Well, live and learn.For tonight a good nights sleep in a bunk, a great breakfast in the morning and then back out in the wilderness. Still having fun!Oh! I forgot to mention... we passed Garlic and Pickle today. Garlic lives across the mountain from us back home over in Evergreen. We emailed back and forth before the hike. We ran into each other in Pearisburg at the coffee shop. They were moving so fast I thought they'd be done before we got to Maine and they are pretty close. They've taken the 100 mile wilderness at 25 mile days. They'll be up Katahdin soon. That's really amazing! They seem to be having a great hike. It was nice to run into them one more time.Now, off to bed. More tomorrow.Rabbit, Owl and RooJoshua 1:9