Slackpacking Trip - Day 5

Without an alarm clock, I still found myself awake this morning at 0515. The forecast had predicted rain across most of Maine, so I decided to reposition to better weather. Didn't have to tiptoe out of the AT Lodge this time (different area, fewer people) and I packed up my car for a day of driving. Already pouring rain when I left Millinocket (0630) and made my way towards I-95 (Medway). When I got near Bangor (0745), I tried to find a Walmart - no luck, so I kept driving. Eventually, when I got off the interstate at US-2 (Newport), I found one (0830). I picked up new poles and poly blend shirts - some things I've figured out no hikers should be without. It started to get warmer as I continued west - the rain also stopped as I got closer to the Rangley Lake area. Saw eagles soaring above me near a big lake... Got gas in Rumford (1015). Turned onto ME-17 and found an AT parking lot north of Mexico (1130). After waiting for what appeared to be impending showers to disperse, I realized I was nowhere near the actual trail. So I repositioned down the road at Height of Land, a great vista I've visited before (see MAY 2008). I was treated to a great view of the lake(s) there - from cloud level. Surveying the terrain (and weather) to the south, I decided to head NOBO. It was still very wet on the trail - the "beaten path" was basically a river... I was able to hike in shorts and my new shirt but I had to put on my poncho a few times along the way, since little showers started and stopped all the way. The trail was hilly, covered with roots and - at one point - required some rock climbing to get through an area where trees had blocked my path. It was all worth the effort: there were outstanding views of a huge, windswept lake from several overlooks. I continued past Sabbath Day Pond Shelter and turned around at Houghton Road. Took my time walking back and was treated to a snake on the trail, many grouses (visible today, but still able to startle!), and an ominous dark shape in the woods (moose? bear?). For the rest of the hike, I wondered what it was... By the time I got back to my car (1600), I had completed a total of around 9 miles. After all the weather I've seen in the last 24 hours, it was great to get any hiking in today, despite the weather. Felt good by the end - and the poly-blend shirt worked well (still dry!). Right after I got back to the car, it started to pour again - lucky... I checked email before leaving - it was the one place where there was a signal for the last five hours. As I headed back south towards Mexico, I ate the rest of my whoopie pie and listened to Howie Carr (I remember my Dad always listened to him when I was younger - I'll admit that he is entertaining...). A moose crossing the road interrupted an otherwise quiet drive. I used US-2 to get to New Hampshire and I checked into another hostel (recommended by the AT Guide): "Hikers Paradise" in Gorham. Spent the rest of the evening watching some TV, reading, surfing the internet and chatting with other hikers in the lodge. One of them was a firefighter who has climbed 42 or the mountains in New Hampshire that are over 4,000 feet (I think there are 48 total). We talked about Navy stuff, hiking trails, his different jobs (when he isn't working as a fireman). I also talked to a few older guys who have flip-flopped and are heading south. It was nice to relax with other hikers. By the time I went to bed, I was excited to take advantage of tomorrow's better weather! AT Total today = 4.54 miles / Grand Total = 181.68.