Trapper John, paging Trapper John. I need Smarts.

Hiked June 19/20, 2015

Trails: Appalachian Trail, Lambert Ridge Trail, Ranger Trail.

Funny thing, this stress.  It makes you sick and retards recovery.  It makes you tired which makes you depressed because you cannot do the things you want.  Sometimes, you give in, but sometimes you say, give me all the caffeine and sugar, and just go.  I am always glad when I do.  Heck, I should be used to it, I mean, I do it everyday.  Teaching takes every bit of energy I have and sometimes more.  Yet, I feel like I could give so much more.  Then, I have some coffee, and I do.  Healthy?  Probably not.  But when you love what you do, you give it all.  So why not take a day to regroup so you can have keep it up?

That was the plan for Friday.  Work on the personal business that is my psyche.  The mountains offer life lessons and healing if you are open.  The disconnectedness, the beauty, even the pain slowly recharge you and make you ready for that everyday battle.  Well, the grand plan was adjusted.  Couldn’t find a carspot, but was able to find a shuttle for $75.  NOW, before you say OMG, think about it.  A) gas price are getting ugly.  B) have you seen rural roads?  C) someone is volunteering their time to transport you.  It was all a blessing in disguise.  I just rested and reorganized.  Sometimes you just have to be.  When I thought I had settled on staying in and leaving at o’ugly am, I changed my mind again, well, because I can. I threw my stuff together and drove to Lyme, NH.  If nothing else, I would stay at a shelter and then decide whether to add to the .8 in new AT miles.  I forgot to add that Saturday was AT in a Day day when the plan was to have everyone hike part of the 2190 mile trail.  Would my original plan of 16 miles be .8 or 4.6?

Here we go

The Friday traffic had me worried about even the .8.  Then I remembered I did not have a carabiner (for the bear bag).  And then, I realized my bug bivy was in the kitchen.  I could survive.  Then my gas light came on sooner than I expected and in the middle of nowhere, gas station wise.  SIGH.  I figured I could pretty much coast to a gas station, which I did, and pressed on.  Found a familiar trailhead, threw final stuff in the pack, and left.  Well, left the princess pillow in the car that is.  SIGH.  

Yup, I did all by myself

I better get dinner on

When I made it to Trapper John, about 8:30, I wasted no time in getting dinner ready.  It was getting dark and I had to hang.  Rice noodles, curry, and some veggies.  Too much water, but now I know.  Some Chai, and off to hang.  I found a fallen tree on another tree, not the best, but it worked.  Took a few good throws, but I made it.  Bandanas are SOOO useful.  Wrap a rock in it and you have the perfect way to throw the line for your hang.  Tied my food bag, hoisted it up, and tied it to a nearby tree.  By headlamp no less.  I returned to the shelter, checked out the privy (hint the tree is better), and got myself ready for the night.  Nice group of people.  Mod, daughter and friend, 2 guys who hammocked, one from TX, and 2 HS grads from PA.  They played music that came out before they were born, maybe even before their parents met.  It was fun, then one of the thrus farted.  Of course, one of the kids recorded his farts and started playing them.  SIGH.  

The DOC has a sense of humor 

Everything is just ducky 

Shelter Sweet Shelter

The thrus stayed up late with a fire.  I finally fell asleep.  Then came the trips to the bathroom.  The kids, well, they are teenage boys, and well they did not go far.  I ran to the privy, found a nice tree without poison ivy, went and back in a warm sleeping bag.  I had lots of trouble sleeping.  Damn Chai has 50mg of caffeine.  I got up at 6, later than I wanted, but earlier than everyone but the kids.  Clif bar, tea, and I was on my way.  By the time I got back to the car, went to the wrong way, then got to the right trailhead, it was 8:15. Almost when up the wrong trail, but more on that later.  

LUPINES

The Lambert Ridge Trail (AT) starts off steep.  And it is rocky.  Oh well, I made it to the ridge in good time and I could have stopped my hike there.  I had a BBQ to go to after all, but I made good time, so I pressed on.  That was the longest 2 miles of my life.  OK, there have been longer, but you know.  Rocky, slabby, ridgy, but fun.  But the PUDs.  OMG the PUDs.  You really do need to go down to go up.  And the up was tough.  Northern Presi tough.  Wet slabs, steps, iron rungs.  This trail had it all.  Funny how the kids complained about Moose Mt being tough.  I was quite about what they were about to face.  I always give myself license to go back, but after going up that far and dealing with all the PUDs, it was half steam ahead.  I do have an issue with eating on the trail that I need to solve.  Two guys I met, passed me, after I passed them, and I figured, I would not see them or my new friend Eve again.  This was no mosey, it was a death march.  But, as usual, I made it. And the tower was closed.  SIGH.

Enjoy the pretties 

My heart is here

I met the guys from earlier and we chatted by the cabin.  Really, it was a disappointment.  Empty and just there.  But great site for emergency shelter, but that is about it.  Turns out the guys are from Florida and one is about to finish NH.  They were hiking to 25A, my original end point.  Eve is a nice black lab pup who loves to explore, but she can hike off leash quite well.  We shared stories, discussed this outhouse which had a shower curtain rod, but no curtain.  They left and soon I was joined by some NOBOs I met hiking up to the shelter, they camped by the road.  The girl commented on how well I matched.  She did too.  Nice group of kids.  Even though we only had a few words, they said it was nice to see me again.  Despite the stories and there are many out there, these kids are quite nice.  Told them that they might have trouble finding water for another mile or so and off I went.  I saw the kids from PA again, they were still alive and had two miles over me.  I wished them luck and down I went.  Decided to take the Ranger Trail.   SIGH.

Too tired to go up the ramp to look inside

Wooden steps

Then rock steps and iron rungs above that.
Yes, there is a herd path around it, but why miss the fun 

I had read that this trail had been neglected, but it was easier than the Lambert Ridge.  And it was, on both accounts.  This trail needs some love.  Lots of it.  I actually thought that it was closed and I just had not seen a notice.  I thought about going back, but slipped on.  Mossy slabs you know.  Add in full water bars, lack of blazes, and just lack of care, it was an adventure.  Luckily, I read several accounts about the trail and knew I was going in the right direction.  I lost the trail in a few places, but found landmarks and knew I was OK.  Eventually, things got better and revealed a truly wonderful wooded trail.  It was a good idea after all, few rocks, mostly dirt, just very nice.  There is also a nice garage for the ranger.  It would make a great shelter as it looks rather new.  I met some people on the way up and cautioned them that this was not the best way up to Smarts.  I really liked the bottom section of this trail.  I would love to see it cared for more.  I think it deserves it.  I know people complain about these types of trails as boring, but after the past hike and the abundance of sun, it was a godsend.

Good and bad decision in one.  Bring on the DEET and post hike scrubbing.

Telephone pole 

Garage

Made it back to the car and when I accounted for stops, lunch, and the words used down the Ranger Trail, I did pretty well,by my standards anyway.  Yeah, I was going to miss the BBQ, but I was glad I did this.  I just need to remember the sunscreen, sun was stronger than last week.  Off I went to the nearest gas station according to Google, in VT.  Luckily, I could coast a good portion of the way.  I made and my jaw dropped.  2.85, BUT the cleanest bathroom I have seen.  And awesome ice cream treats, plus a BBQ stand.  Off to 91 I went, I took 89 because it was fewer miles and near a gas station I go to often.  $2 in tolls, but whatever.  I went to Market Basket in Hooksett and somehow got roped into a #2 lobster, but after that hike, and at 5.99lb, why not.  I mean, it’s cooked already.  Then went to Irving.  That is a huge NO.  Dunkin Donuts and higher price than place up the street.  I mean, Irving, I expect some good Circle K coffee, not warm, overpriced sewage.  It was a long ride home.

I liked this trip.  Not what I planned, but I still accomplished something.  One of the NOBOs asked if I had fun.  And you know, I did, even on the Ranger Trail.  But now I am tired.  A good tired.  This summer has so opportunities and challenges.  If I keep hiking, I think I can handle it

Climbing Katahdin, or what happens when you piss off Thoreau

Trip to Katahdin 7/2/14:  Hunt Trail aka AT, rehab on Parker Trail 7/13/14

Better get rid of Thoreau's boot soon.  No room for stickers.

It's been a long week and  a half.  Heck it has been a long time since I blogged.  Life has been surreal .  A little too surreal. I haven't done much hiking, at least as much as I like.  I did add some new PA AT miles, my first ME miles, and some MA miles complete with back country camping.  Oh and I did a bit of the Long Trail with Mt. Abraham in VT.  I've been carrying around some serious weight that has slowed me down in more ways than one.  However, a sprained ankle has done little to keep me still.  Are you surprised?  Yes, I sprained it hiking.  Yes, I hiked out on it.  Yes, I am hiking with my boot.  A few miles, but hiking.

Just call me the bear whisper.

How was I able to do live this dream?  Because I am a member of the fantastic the Trail Dames.  You should check them out.

It all started so nicely.  Camped at Katahdin Stream in Baxter State Park.  Had a leanto all to myself.  Listening to the stream as I slept was wonderful, until I had to pee.  But it was warm enough and the privy was close enough that I was fine.  I pitched the inside of the my tent in the leanto because of the bugs.  I am thinking of ways to McGyver it for other trips.  Those bug bivies are heavy and expensive coffins.  I slept pretty well, woke up, had my liter of water, Pop-tarts, and yogurt.  We were on the trail at 5:30, which is miraculous for me.  That may never happen again.

That tent kept me free of too many bites.   

That helped me sleep, until I had to pee.

The Hunt Trail (AT) is tough.  And that is before you hit treeline and the scrambling.  I had my doubts, but kept pushing.  First there were the falls which were awesome.  And the views.  Even before going above treeline it was wonderful.  What upset me was the trash on the trail.  Not a whole lot, but still.  People, pack out your damn toilet paper.  Rant over.  There are boulders to go over, but doable.  Still it took longer than I expected, even at my pace.  It was also quite warm, so I think that, combined with the weight was an issue.  But eventually we got above treeline and OH BOY this is where the fun begins.

Brandi documents my progress.  Only 4.5 miles to go.

I meant to take a better picture when we got back, but, yeah.

Let's talk about poop.  Someone missed my LNT presentation.  

UP AND OVER.  That's what we did.  Up and over rock faces, using scant iron rungs to for help.  A few drops here, a hop over there, a leap of faith a bit further up the trail, this part had it all.  And some great views to make up for all the work.  It seemed like it never ended, hand over hand over foot climbing.  Technical, no.  Hard, yes.  I even used cheerleading skills.  But eventually we made it to the Tablelands and where I made a big mistake.  I pissed off Henry David Thoreau.  But wait, I wasn't in Walden?  Well Hank got around New England.  And he almost made it to Katahdin.  Joke's on him, I made it, but not without a huge issue first.

Brandi contemplating the meaning of life.

Just one of the fantastic views along the way.

Brandi shows how it's done.  

So before I got to the Tablelands, I bad mouthed Thoreau.   We saw a small sign and out of exhaustion I claimed it was Thoreau Spring because it was small and insignificant because he was longwinded and full of himself.  Well it wasn't his spring, but when I got to to it, he decided to let me know what he thought of my comment.  My ankle rolled and I felt a pop.  Sat down for a few minutes, WFAed myself, and decided to press on.  It was only a mile to the summit.

The Tableland

Flat, but lots of little ankle twisters.

Thoreau's mud puddle, errr, Spring.

WARNING:  If this happens to you turn around, especially if storms are predicted.   

I was slowed down more by the injury.  I had to stop and wrap my ankle, but guess what, I made it.  I got my pictures, walked around for a bit, met some SOBOs, Capricorn and Tommy Turtle,  and down we went.  SLOWLY.  My ankle was OK, but I felt it swelling.  We had to get down, so off we went.

Obligatory pick.  I wanted to do something non family friendly with my fingers.

Why yes, we are two bad ass lady hikers.  Don't count us out.  Even the cute ranger knew we were bad ass.

It was a long next few hours, complete with a thunderstorm above treeline.  It seems like we would never get back to the campground.  And I began to worry.  I was going as fast as I could, and water was limited, but I worried about hurting my ankle more requiring a rescue.  Who am I kidding, I would have crawled off that thing.  I was worried about Brandi getting home, I wondered if this was too much for her.  I worried about being locked in the park.  Bears, no.  Moose, no.  Having to sleep in a wet leanto or paying for rescue?  Oh Hell no.  I wondered if I made the right decision by not turning around when I got hurt.  I wonder what I could have done to prevent getting hurt.  Maybe I should have woken up earlier, worked out more the week before.  Your head spins with all this stuff.

Brandi documents my hobbling.  Notice that dark cloud above.

We got down after 9pm, and got out of the park.  Got a small McD's fries and I passed out on the way back to Bangor.  Picked up my car, drove 2 exits and stayed that the Super 8 on Olney.  Yes, there is a Fairfield Inn on the other side of 2, but it is almost 3 times as much.  Thankfully I did not find out it was there until I left.  Ankle hurt more and it was bruised.  Ice, naproxen, Arnica, and off to bed I went.  As I hobbled around, I realized I needed to go to the Walmart in Brewer for supplies.  Hobbled to entrance, got a manual wheelchair, and picked up a knee brace (oops), Ace bandage, Max Freeze, and some frozen peas and carrots (thanks to the nice lady for the suggestion).  You might not want to drive with them on your foot, but you do what you have to do.  By the time I got gas in Augusta and potty break in Gardiner I was in pain.  I stopped in Portland to rewrap, get another pack of peas, and take some more naproxen, I was better by Freeport.

If was just a golf ball when I wrapped it.  Some Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban works quite well for pain relief.  

RIP EMS pants.  You have taken your last slide.

Before I went home, I went to Urgent Care.  Again, wheelchair.  I could have had someone push me, but I am hardheaded.  My practice is in Kenmore Square a, 5 minute walk from Fenway Park.  Or as I call it the Harvard Vanguard AMC branch.  Seriously, everyone knows someone in the AMC.  OH and they moved the festivities on the Esplanade to Thursday night.  OK, in pain, in Boston traffic, and trying to find a way there since Storrow is now closed.  Somehow I made it.  X-rays, crutches from a women who was a participant on a hike I co-led, and pain meds.  How else would you spend a Thurs. night?  I could have waited to see the fireworks, but I was tired and needed more meds.

Went to doctor Tuesday for BP check (told you it was bad the last few weeks, but it improves so much) and I get booted.  Little does she know that it was like a license to have fun.  And it makes wheelchairs that much more fun.  Plus a nice kid took my groceries to my car.  Yesterday, I did 2 miles in Monadnock State Park on the Parker Trail.  Pretty cool.  Tiring though.  More naproxen, turmeric, and ice is what Dr. Me ordered.  I have lots of rehab to do.  But I feel stronger.  The bone bruise below my knee, still kills, but ankle is improving.  Getting a referral to PT and doing exercises.  I will be back in no time.  Which is far too long.