Date: 2015-08-29
From: Imp Campsite

To: White Mountain Lodge and Hostel, Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

I slept well, got up early, packed, and headed up the trail. I had a little less than a 1000 foot climb up Mt. Moriah, then the rest of the day would be down hill, with the last 2 miles reported as being very easy. Once again the weather was great - clear, dry, and just a little chilly. A perfect day for hiking.I hiked back up the .2 side trail from the shelter to the AT. It seemed so short now, but seemed like quite a ways last night when I was tired and my back was spasming.The climb up Mt. Moriah was challenging, and I was glad I did not do it late yesterday. There were several long slick rock sections. I was glad the rock was dry and I was heading north. I have no idea how I would have come south, especially if the rock was wet. There were no steps or rebar. One wrong move would send a hiker sliding down the face of the rock and potentially off the mountain. But the large open rock areas provided many beautiful views.The descent was steep and rocky, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. On my way down I met several interesting people. One guy already hiked from GA to Maine, turned around, and is now hiking south. He thinks he will be done by January, and he claims the AT looks totally different going south. Another guy was a section hiker with some issues to work out. And I met a southbound female thru hiker called Inch Worm who hikes close to my speed.The AT followed and/or crossed the Rattle River several times. The river has large boulders and small waterfalls over the boulders. I was really enjoying the hike. From the Rattle River Shelter to US 2 the trail was almost flat and almost rock free for almost 2 solid mIles - hard to believe. I flew down the trail just to see if I could still hike fast. I still could!At the parking lot at the trailhead a family was providing trail magic - hamburgers, chips, fruit, Gatorade, soft drinks. What a great way to end a great day on the AT!The White Mountain Lodge & Hostel is about 1 block from the trailhead. The AT actually follows the road right past the Hostel. Although I previously specifically requested a bottom bunk I was assigned a top bunk. Fortunately that problem was corrected. I got showered, did my laundry and hung it to dry, and then took the Hostel's free shuttle to Walmart. Dinner was frozen pizza, Diet Coke, and ice cream from Walmart. This was a big time Saturday night for a stinky tired old thru hiker!I carry 2 different size bags for my Sawyer Squeeze water filter - 32oz. and 64 oz. I discovered both dirty water bags are leaking, as they tend to do after extensive use. In addition to replacing the bags I also wanted to get a new filter. I have used my current filter for 3 months. It is probably still fine. But several southbounders told me about giarddia cases in Maine. For just $30 I replaced the filter and one of the dirty water bags. I also got some peace of mind with a brand new filter. I will send the old one home.I watched a little TV, then headed to bed. I really wanted to see Saturday Night Live, but there was no way I could stay awake until 11:30.I applied a heat pack I bought at Walmart to my back and went to bed. I was in a room by myself, but it was not private. 2 guys in the next room had to come through my room to get to their room. I ran the fan to drown out noise. I slept well.The AT is calling. Tomorrow I am taking a zero to get a few things done and to let my back rest. But I will be back on the trail the next day.