Date: 2014-08-09
From: Andover

To: Bemis Lean-to (maine)
Miles today: 9.9

We began this day with a climb I had heard a lot about from fellow hikers. The climb up Old Blue was long and quite the workout.We started at South Arm Rd. and saw a large work crew of college age kids stretching and warming up to begin their work day of laying some stone work and a small re-route of the AT. We immediately began climbing upward. My pack was very heavy compared to the last few days so the balancing was going to be an issue. I was pretty much worn out after the first third of the climb having to keep my body as close to the mountain as possible so I would not topple backward!The work crew then came marching past us and one even commented "I don't know HOW you guys climb these mountains with those heavy, bulky packs".....I thought to myself it was nice for the youngsters to have pity on us.When Zig Zag and I got up to where the work crew was setting up we chatted with them for a while (hey ANYtime is good time to take a break on these Maine mountains.) We talked about how tough it was to go straight up these wet, rocky mountains and one guy says, with a smile..."In Maine we don't believe in switchbacks. We want you to earn every step in our state!" Truer words were never spoken.Now we get to the 2nd part of the hike and you TRULY could hike for a bit. it was ascending but more on a path instead of rock slabs. I ran into Obi Wan (from my home town in Ga,) and Pooh Bear, and Oconee (from Ga.) Then we get to the part where it gets very challenging. A lot of re-bar has been installed because the rock slabs are very wet and there is not a lot to hold onto. We work our way bit by bit to the top taking every step very seriously. I was sweating bullets. When we reached the top it was not as scenic as Bald Pate but a victory non the less. Had my picture made by the summit sign then sat down for a snack with the pack OFF!I know I have not mentioned my knees very much because I have tried to not be a cry-baby about the discomfort but on this day, there it was again, the sharp pains around all sections of my knee caps. I had been wearing 'patella-bands' and taking 800 mg. of Motrin. We were heading into a long downward descent toward Bemis Lean-to and I wasn't looking forward to it. I want to enjoy my hike out here and here I was, again, only paying attention to my knees. Believe my, folks, Maine is no place to have knees that won't cooperate. It is so technical with each step. Twist, bend, pull, plunge, push-off....just not good for already tender knees.This afternoon of hiking was one I'll never forget as I thought I had lost the group because there was NO WAY the hike could keep going this long. I stop, feel like crying a bit, take a deep sigh, then trudge on. From time to time our group would call out each other's name just to make sure we were within close range. I did this several times and heard no one call back. The lean-to signs are posted high up on the trees and several times I had walked right under them, not noticing. Could I have done this today? Finally I did hear Kebban calling my name off in the distance. I finally got to the lean-to and found a little area to pitch my tent. The place was packed with SoBos. Pooh-bear was there also.When it came time to cook a hot meal I realized I was out of fuel!! But a sweet gal, Siesta, came to me rescue and lent me her canister. Thanks, Siesta! ALL hikers are just so generous. We really look after each other. I have had to use so many things from ZigZag, Hushpuppy and Kebban...it is a great group to be with.I was so exhausted that evening I went right to sleep and slept hard!