Week Six , Friday, 10/5/2007

Friday, 10-5

Wow – another bright sunny day! Made a trip to Rangeley, 20 mi east, for several things. Legs feel all right after yesterday’s grueling demands. Bought haddock, apples, and fresh apple cider from two roadside vendors. On the way back to our CG, we pulled in at the Forest Legacy trailhead and were tickled at the sight of a male ruffled grouse displaying his ruffs, crest and fanned tail. After our 1PM lunch, we put on our hikers and took off, though we hadn’t planned on hiking today. The trail info says “easy-to-moderate ridgeline and shoreline loop. Approximately 5 miles.” OK, no problem. 

The first section was lovely and easy to follow. Then it turned into a nightmare. The “trail” was a previously logged area cluttered with dead logs and tree debris, poor blazes and irregular marking. The blazes disappeared and reappeared. We spent way too much time trying to find the way, and then the trail simply vanished in the thick of the woods. At 4 PM, after three hours, we were bruised and bloodied, disappointed, disgusted and tired. We turned tail and attempted to find our way out. Worst trail we’ve ever been on. Sometime after 5 PM, we made it to our RV – oh, what a grand sight! Our vehicle was still the only one in the parking area – could this be a clue that others knew something we didn’t? Oh well. Our legs will thank us tomorrow if we DO NOT go hiking…! Slept like LOGS, once we deposited #3 deer mouse in a plastic bag and put it in the outside trash can. What's up with all these mice?