Week 2 with Todd

On July 5th, Todd picked Alex and me up from Hwy 17 near Rangeley. We dropped Alex off at his car in Grafton State Park and then checked in at the Saddleback Motor Inn. After a big dinner and a good night’s sleep, we caught a ride back to HWY 17 and hiked north, ending 6 days later July 11 at Hwy 27.

Day 6. 8.3 miles pretty moderate hiking to Little Swift River Pond. We passed Sabbath Day Lake, near the last Shaker settlement. There were canoes at the site so we had a lovely tour seeing beaver dams.

Day 7 hike to stealth camping site at Eddy Pond 8.5 miles. Get ready for Saddleback range.

Day 8 Saddleback, Horn, and Saddleback Jr. 7 miles. Stayed at Poplar Lean to. Rain started at 5 and rained hard all night.

Day 9 rained all day. Hiked 8 miles to Spaulding Mountain. Cold and wet and hoping for sun.

Day 10. Finally the sun came out and we dried out a bit. Sumitted Spaulding Mt, and Crocker mountains, with some really tough rock climbing. 9.3 miles. Camped at a stealth site by a fresh mountain spring. Almost out of food which makes the pack much lighter!

Day 11. Hiked 4.3 miles to Hwy 27 and got a ride back to Rangeley. Washed laundry, took shower, went shopping for food, and ate a big dinner! It was barbecue night at the local restaurant.

Next stretch are the Bigelow mountains and I will be on my own. My pack will be a little heavier with carrying all equipment. It’s been great spending time with Todd. We have been backpacking since we met in 1993! 😊❤️

Thanks for your prayers and support. All is well.