I woke up at 0500 today with only 26 AT Miles left to hike! This morning started early as I cleaned up my "car camp" quickly and then began my hike (NOBO) from Bemis Road at 0555. All I needed to do was walk one mile from the bottom of the Bemis Stream Ravine to Height of Land (scenic pull off on ME-17). This was easier said than done, though, because I could see the elevation I’d need to ascend from the bottom. *Shudder*... Pushing aside the doubts, I quickly forded the Bemis Stream, only getting my boots (right one still holding together with Leukotape) a bit wet. At around this time, I passed three of the NOBO Thrus I’d met yesterday - all were still in their tents. From there, I climbed about 800 feet through mud, roots and wet rocks until I finally arrived at HOL. This section, which had been so intimidating when I first saw it in 2014, was easier than I’d expected (since I was well rested and energized). I admired the view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake below and wistfully looked across the gorge towards Bemis Mountain. It felt great to be done! Of course, then I had to backtrack... I carefully navigated the wet boulders and slippery mud and was soon back near Bemis Stream. Before going back to my car, I talked more to the three Thrus. “Veggie” and I had said “hi” the day before but I found out this morning that he was from Rochester, NH and had started in early April. “The Voyager” was glad to see that my boots were holding up OK (thanks to his help) and told me he’d started his hike in March but had to leave the trail for two funerals. The third Thru was a young lady who didn’t open up to me. Regardless, I told them I hoped they’d be willing to be my own “Bubble” when I head to Nahmakanta Lake in a few weeks in order to finish the AT. Finishing my hike today at 0725, I had some strange feelings about how close the end of this journey is... Still, I had to drive home so I could work in the morning. I got cleaned up quickly and was on the road again by 0745. After driving back towards Oquossoc on Bemis Road, I used ME-17, ME-4, ME/NH-16, NH-26, NH-16, NH-110A, NH-110, US-3 to reach Lancaster. Stopping there, I was able to attend Mass at Gate of Heaven Parish (All Saints Chapel) at 1000. Afterwards, continued south on US-3, listening to audiobooks on the way. Eventually (in Whitefield), I intercepted my "normal" route home. That meant using NH-116 to get to Littleton, where I got lunch at Burger King at 1130. I ate in restaurant and, by 1245, continued south on US-302. After that, used NH-10 all the way to Hanover. I arrived at my condo by 1415. As I unpacked my car, I realized again that I really only have one more hike to claim AT victory - it's hard to believe! AT Today = 1.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 2160.3 miles / AT Left = 25.0 miles
