Date: 2018-08-21
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 14.6

DAY 168We got up early today, and we were the first hikers back on trail. We decided to wait and enjoy tea further down the trail. We ate our Pop-tarts we picked up at the trail magic before heading out.When we reached Dunn Cascades we decided it would be a nice spot for tea, and we certainly could use the caffeine boost as well. We didn't stay too long at the falls because our plan was to make it to South Arm Road to get picked up so we can resupply in Andover. There is no phone service at the Cascades, so we have to get some elevation to get a call out. Just after tea we came upon a beautiful pool at the bottom of Upper Dunn Falls. We would have loved to take a swim in the pool, but we were worried about getting to the road in time for a shuttle. It seems we always come upon spots like this when we don't feel we have the time to enjoy them. The pool is not far from East B Hill Road, so maybe some day we can come back for a dip.When we arrived at East B we saw a sign for the Human-Nature Hostel. The sign noted that they didn't take reservations, and the Walmart run is now at noon time. Also, it mentioned they couldn't guarantee a 5:30 pm pick-up. We crossed the road and continued on the trail which headed up Wyman Mountain where we hoped we would have cell phone service so we could get a call into a hostel. As luck would have it, shortly after we were able to get a call into the Human-Nature Hostel. Unfortunately, the message confirmed what the sign said and we were unable to speak with anyone, so we were not sure that would be an option for us. When you reach South Arm Road it is 8 miles into town, and the road does not have much traffic. We decided to call the other hostel, Pine Ellis, and see if they had room available and could pick us up at South Arm. They had a private room, which we reserved, and they said to call at the top of Moody Mountain to let them know when we would arrive at South Arm Road (where there is no cell phone service).Wyman Mountain was a gradual climb, but descends steeply into Sawyer Notch. We decided we would have a quick snack and soak our feet in Sawyer Brook before tackling the last mountain which we knew was going to be steep. As we made our way up, at times using rebar and at other times climbing steps we met a couple different groups of trail maintainers working on the trails. One of the groups had AmeriCorps t-shirts. They were adding more rock steps, which will help prevent erosion and make the climb more enjoyable. We thanked them for their work and continued on our way.As we neared the top of Moody Mountain we met a southbound hiker who said it was steep coming up, and had heard that the descent southbound was easier. We didn't have the heart to tell her how steep her descent was going to be. We did let her know that she would come upon some trail maintainers. Made it to the top and as Mary started the descent I put a call into Pine Ellis to let them know we were heading down to the road. I actually also received a text from Human-Nature Hostel saying they could pick us up at South Arm. I sent them a text telling them that we had already reserved a room at another hostel and headed down the mountain.We had a short wait for the shuttle, and as we were waiting a guy came by in a pickup truck and actually offered us a ride. We politely declined, letting him know the shuttle was on its way. Mary stretched and not too much later the van from Pine Ellis arrived to take us back to the hostel. When we arrived we saw that Bugs, Jeans, Crazy Brit, D-squared and a few other hikers were already settled in at the hostel. Bugs and Jeans decided they would come into Andover after hearing us talk about the hostel. They are planning a slackpack for tomorrow. We were really hungry, so as soon as we could get our shower (we had to wait for someone in the shower) we headed over to the restaurant with Bugs and Jeans for Cheeseburgers, fries and chocolate milk. We grabbed a six pack of IPA's to enjoy back at the hostel. We sat on the hostel porch and chatted with all the other hikers and eventually got our laundry done. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so we are thinking we may zero, possibly at the Human-Nature Hostel. Crazy Brit and D-squared are going to slackpack Baldpate tomorrow, a couple other hikers, including "Mud", who we just met, are also planning the same slack. Not something I would be excited to do in the rain.Decided to call the Human-Nature Hostel, and we have a bed reserved there for tomorrow night. So, we can resupply at Walmart tomorrow, and relax there. This hostel has received several good reviews on Guthooks, and sounds like a good place to zero in the rain. Off to bed.