Miles: 11.2
We started off today with an easy 2 miles, crossed over Highway 4 and opted not to go to Rangeley - even though we were offered a ride on the spot... temptation avoided!
Just on the other side of the highway, as it began to rain, we ran into Jeff (Tangent) and Barbara (Semi-Sweet) - what a great surprise! They were just returning from the free hostel in Rangeley. After taking an extended break chatting with them, we all hiked onto the campsite. Man, Barbara's only about 5' 3", but she can hike... her legs were truckin' (as Wonderboy would say).
When we got to the campsite, we took another extended break to have lunch... which, because of the rain, was threatening to turn into an overnight stay. Wonderboy, Tangent, Semi-Sweet, Kevin and I all huddled under Wonderboy's poncho, trying to stay dry. It was a sight to see! Surprisingly, it worked pretty well, but then I started freezing (pesky thing that starts to happen when you stop hiking). It was time to either set up the tent and curl up in the sleeping bag or keep hiking to the next lean-to. We decided to keep moving with thoughts of a dry shelter calling our names.
After 4.5 miles of slipping through mud, moose poop and rocks, going through SUDs (Senseless Ups and Downs) again and again, we finally made it to the lean-to... and it was pretty full. At least the people here are cool, though. One of them (Chicken) packed a lightweight guitart and has been giving a great concert all evening. Fun stuff! She even takes requests, so we had her singing "Cold Day in July" :) Too bad that group is heading north.... they'd be fun to hike with for a bit.
I hope the rain passes on. We're fortunate that we got to see the great views yesterday... I'm happy about that.
- Soaked Bobo