Date: 2005-08-25
From: Bemis Leanto

To: Sabbath Day Pond Leanto
Miles today: 8.3

This was the day I almost quit.Last night, the rain had vibrated on the shelter's tin roof but we were all dry. By morning, the sun was breaking through the clouds - white sun behind whitening clouds - and we knew the forecast was favorable for the next few days. The problem was the descent off the Bemis massif was down angled flat rocks which were still very wet.I was the second to leave after Archimedies and Ambler Rambler. Of course, Thumper, O'Connor, and Snowyman caught up before too long. The first mile was fun and enjoyable with the flat rocks covering the lesser Bemis peaks and the pleasure of watching the sun win the battle with the clouds. But then the main descent was frankly horrible. In most stretches, the angled rock was the only way. Flat angle - OK. 40 degree angle with slippery rock - dangerous! I fell 3 times, wrenching my other shoulder, banging my elbow, and doing something to my muscle where it hurt to put on my pack. I was moving very slowly and in many places, resorted to sitting down and sliding down the rock. Using my hands behind to boost myself, I was able to prevent my shorts from riping but the groundcloth covering my sleeping pad was torn with big holes.Pacman passed me, moving very slowly himself and handing me a small stuff sack I had left in the shelter. Thanks!So as I'm getting banged up, I'm thinking about several things. About how I'm lucky not to have sustained a more serious injury. About how even small injuries could jeopardize my participation in the Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser walkathon I'm doing at the end of September. About the elevation profile of Saddleback which would come the day after tomorrow. And so I conclude, I'm bailing out at the next road (Rt 17).The ascent up to the road didn't change my feelings. But then, I heard voices as I emerged and found Pacman conversing with a guy with 2 elementary age children. Trail Magic! He was passing out coke, cookies, and donuts. He was from Ithaca, NY and had bought his car at the "Bill Cooke" auto dealer. The setting at the road was perfect with views of the mountain we had crossed and Lake Mooselookmeguntic. The famiy spent their summers there. As Yard Sale and Vapor emerged, I decided to move on at least to Rangeley. I could easily make it to Sabbath Day Pond Shelter, bruised body and all.Right decision. One of the highlights of the day loomed literally as I saw a huge female moose next to the Trail by Moxie Pond. 10 minutes later, I saw a garter snake. Also both kinds of frogs, both woodland and pond.Before Sabbath Day Pond comes Long Pond where Vapor, Yard Sale, Radio, Krazy Katie, and Angry Andy were lounging by some benches after having gone swimming. Couldn't resist so off went the boots and I waded in the gloriously refreshing water. Afterwards, all the others left except Vapor and we talked of politics and other things. I confided that I was probably leaving the Trail in Rangeley so we shook hands. He's moving ahead to camp at Little Swift River tonight.At the shelter were two septuagenarian ladies - Granny Gear and Red Tornado. We immensely enjoyed each other's company. Both are living full robust lives with hiking and similar outdoor activities. They've been over Saddleback and when I mentioned that my injuries and general clumsiness might force me off the Trail, Red Tornado said in a nice tactful way "if we can hike over Saddleback, you can also." Wow - I guess that's true.I'm writing the journal down by the pond after talking to Rocky and Bullwinkle who are tenting. The afterglow of the reclining sun on the pond is serene and beautiful as is the call of the unseen loons. No, despite my mishaps, Maine is still my favorite AT state and I don't want to call it off now. On to Saddleback!