Humidity of 2,000%
I never had any intention of doing this big of a day today, I swear. Given my current physical and mental state, I'm not really sure how I am alive right now. In fact, I'm not even sure how I am mustering enough energy to write this entry. Maine is unforgiving on every level, no sane person can object to that statement. The way life should be? That person needs a physc evaluation.
What made today even more difficult was the fact that the humidity level was about 2,000%, and growing by the mili-second. My first task for the day was to ascend 1,300 feet in 9/10ths of a mile. This consisted of 90 degree angle rock faces that needed to be climbed, and trees that needed to be used in such a way that I felt like a chimpanzee. The summit had zero views, and the trail immediately took me on a death defying descent to South Arm Road.
This road represented the start of the march up Old Blue Mountain. This climb was a never ending series of false summits and steep terrain. As I was sweating immensely about to pass out a SOBO walks by me and asks:"How are you doing on this fine day?". I gave this man a perplexing look and gave the usual "good" response as I continued my .5 MPH pace up the hill.
The summit was an exposed rock face with no decent view due to the immense amount of haze blanketing the region. After completing a semi-steep descent, I then began the gradual ascent of the anti-climactic summit of Bemis Mountain. Just north of the summit is where Cookie and I stopped for lunch.
I was not feeling good all of today, my body was weak and my mind was not in touch with reality. At bemis stream I contemplated my options. I could either hike on past the road one mile north, or I could get a ride to Rangelely for the night. Once at the road I decided to hike on, hoping I might feel better.
Our original intention was to stealth camp at Moxie Pond, but when we got there we discovered there was no camping to be found, so we decided to march on to the shelter.
3/10ths of a mile south of the shelter we found a nice swimming spot, so we stopped and went for a swim. This is also when I discovered a hot spot on my right heal, which explains the foot pain I was having all day long.
Tonight I am in the shelter along with Dynamite and Time Traveller. Interacting with some other people has helped my morale. Tomorrow is a new day.
Good night, and good luck.
Kirby
Ga>ME 2008.
