With storms forecasted all over Maine, we “played it by ear” and ultimately spent most of the day exploring AT access roads, quaint Maine villages and inspiring landmarks. Our morning started early (woke up at 0600) in the kitchen - we were the only guests in our hotel who took advantage of the opportunity to cook our own breakfast. We left Stratton at around 0800 and drove east on ME-27, back to the area of Sugarloaf Ski Resort. After locating the Caribou Pond Road, we drove about four miles into the forest until we located the AT parking lot (this helped me plan for a future hike). We then visited the Base Lodge at Sugarloaf and I talked to the chair lift maintenance crew about taking a ride up to the ridge. “Scenic rides” had been suspended for a second year but the techs were hopeful they’d resume in 2022. Armed with lots of new Intel, I suggested that we drive over to Rangeley and my dad agreed (he had never been there). We used ME-27 and ME-16 to get there, following a map we’d found for the Maine High Peaks Arts & Heritage Loop. My dad seemed to really like Rangeley and we explored the downtown area a bit. We got some great views of the Lake and he found good bargains in a big Thrift Store. Up to this point, it really hadn’t rained - there was only a bit of mist and lots of clouds. Taking a chance that conditions wouldn’t get worse, I decided to hike a short leg of the AT that was nearby (on ME-4) about 10 miles south of town. After locating the main parking area, we went exploring down nearby Beech Hill Road. The AT was supposed to cross it just under a mile from the blacktop and (after passing it the first time) we found the “trailhead”. We also marveled at all of the really nice vacation properties nearby - it would be great to own a lot in the area! My dad dropped me off (1100) and I hiked (SOBO) to ME-4. It was muddy all the way but a Robert Frost line (“the woods are lovely, dark and deep”) kept coming into my head. Passed four Thru hikers along the way and saw five more at the parking lot where my dad was waiting (1130). Considered helping the latter get to Rangeley but we were heading south instead… We took a break at the nice Rest Area at Smalls Falls in nearby Madrid before driving into Phillips to have lunch. We found a small store/diner called the “Local Bull” and got a pizza (1210). We were surrounded by several boisterous locals who were sharing gossip loudly - great ambiance! Backtracking a bit, we used ME-142 and West Side Road to find the beach at Mount Blue State Park. The Ranger told us there was a better view from the other side of Webb Lake at the Center Hill unit so we headed over there. He wasn’t wrong about the view (especially if the lake itself) but we couldn’t see the mountain, unfortunately. It started to rain at that point and, since it didn’t seem practical to continue pursuing hiking opportunities, we departed the area via ME-142 and US-2 (1330). Got gas at Shell in Mexico, ME (1435) and, after crossing into New Hampshire, stopped again in Gorham so my Dad could take a break). We then continued on US-2 until we reached NH-115 (Twin Mountain). Got on US-3, crossed I-93 at the north end of Franconia Notch and then used NH-141, NH-18 and Wells Road to reach NH-112. Then took NH-116 and NH-10 to Piermont. Crossed Connecticut River on NH/VT-25 and stopped to check out the (legendary) Farm Way store in Bradford (VT). It looked like a cool place but was just about to close (1730) - we both agreed that we needed to come back again! Just down the road, we got ice cream shakes at the Bradford Diner (1745). Those shakes ("dinner") really hit the spot! Got on I-91, drove south to Norwich and crossed the River again - we were at my condo by 1900. Spent the rest of the evening doing laundry, relaxing and watching “The Illusionist”. Went to bed at 2300. Today’s change of pace was great! Almost everything during the last few days has been “new” for my dad - I’m not really missing the trail mileage at all. If conditions improve, we’ll try some more AT shuttling before the end of the weekend. Until then, we are having fun visiting! AT Today = 0.7 miles / G.T. AT = 1865.0 miles
