June 26, 2009
I am WORE OUT!
When I woke up this morning to get ready to get back on the trail, I didn't know what I was in for. I was greeted by my trail friend, Dan (Smokey). He had gotten up around 4am and starting from where I had lunch yesterday, he had already hiked up and over the mountains and back down to where I was. So, it was nice touching bases with him before our roads split.
I say split because his intention is to stay on the trail, while mine is to follow the jeep trail headed for Bingham.
I reached this conclusion yesterday and it was the culminating choice of several factors. The first and foremost of which is the crossing of the Kennebec River. That takes place further down the trail in Caratunk and the crossing is so severe that there's an actual ferry that is mandatory to get to the other side. Ultimately, I know it's a legitimate excuse for a short boat trip but I just can't help but feel like I'd be cheating if I didn't actually walk every step of the way to Mexico.
So, after consulting with the map and guidebook and talking it over with Dan, I take off in the general direction of Bingham, where my footpath won't be hindered.
Choosing this action is also beneficial in getting from point A to point B a LOT faster. These mountain trails don't have a very specific agenda when it comes to arriving quickly at your destination.
The map wasn't too clear on the roads of this area and how they connect up with the Bald Mountain Brook Shelter, but armed with my compass, a general sense of direction and the faith that this jeep trail that runs by the shelter seems to be headed, more or less, in the direction I think I would like to go, I'm off. So, it's farewell to Dan and I'm curious to see if his path will be as quick as mine. I'm pretty sure that I'll end up ahead of him further down the trail. I guess only time will tell.
The jeep trail turned out to be a logging road and, after several miles of twists and turns, I finally come to a roadsign that assures me that I'm only 13 miles away from the town of Bingham.
At this point, it's interesting to note that the past several days of tromping through endless streams and continuous mud bogs have rendered my feet into a perpetual state of wetness. More interesting still, is the fact that my feet have felt GREAT. No soreness, no blisters, no problem.
But, apparently now that I'm on the dry and rocky path, I'm finding things to be a LOT different.
Somehow the drying out of my feet and boots have not been conducive to my new hiking environment. So, with about 6 miles left to get to town, my feet are REALLY starting to feel it.
This is also about the time that the mosquitos decided to come out and express their appreciation for my presence along the side of their river.
Oh, what joy!
Rest assured, this was relatively short-lived because, with just a mile or so left in my journey, it started to rain. This was no ordinary rain, though. At first, this was a welcome deterrent from my insect escort. Soon, it was much, MUCH more.
It began to rain with such amazing vigor and determination that I could've walked through a full service car wash and not been able to tell the difference.
So, by the time I walked into Bingham, limping, itching and completely drenched to my very soul, I can only imagine what a sight I must've been.
I found my way to the small town Main street and wandered into 'Thompson's Restaurant' where they were able to tell me about an Inn on the other side of town. I cinched up my waist belt and gingerly made my way down the street until I ever so gratefully arrived at the Riverside Inn.
By now, I didn't really care how much it was going to cost. I just knew that I NEEDED a hot shower and a place to stay the night. So, I went for it.
As I drop my pack in room #4 and make my way to the hot shower, it occurs to me that my feet have NEVER been in more pain in my entire life. I'm finding it hard just to stand in the shower.
As you can guess, I made it out alright. As I headed back to my room, the owner invites me out with some of her friends to a local restaurant down the road.
It's called 'Patrick's Restaurant & Pub'. It's located at the North Country Rivers Cabins & Campground and it is, quite simply, AMAZING.
It turns out that this place is the headquarters of quite a river rafting and outdoor adventure company. The prices look a bit steep when you're perusing through the menu, but once you see the portions, it's ALL GOOD!
I had the Buffalo Chicken Salad and I can honestly tell you that normal people with normal appetites can NOT finish such a thing. I, however, am NOT normal. :)
I even saw a table full of teenagers not be able to finish the virtual vat of nachos that was oozing forth from the middle of their table. I don't know whether or not this place is like this all the time or if God is just treating me extra special to console me for the day that I've had, but this place ROCKS the house! Coming back here is a very appealing idea which I highly recommend.
This also became a great opportunity as God's purpose for this journey took center stage at this local watering hole. There NEVER seems to be a shortage of 'divine encounters' to introduce people to what God is doing in these last days. It's a real hoot!
And, just when I thought my day couldn't get any more adventurous, it turns out that the owner of the Inn is also the owner of the ice cream shop next door to it. So, on the way back to my room, she opened up the shop so that I could be treated to a free helping of that frozen goodness that becomes the cherry on top of this most interestingly diverse day of days.
I can't help but wonder if my friend Dan has had as exciting of a time in the past 24 hours.
I am truly blessed!
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