Coos Canyon in Byron, Maine

October 22, 2015 - Thursday evening

62 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

N. Waterboro, Maine

I hope to get today's log entered this evening, my last, before boarding the plane early in the morning to wing my way westward. The past two days have been busy ones, although both have been plagued with a bug that insists on calling my body home.

Before I continue, I want to wish my youngest granddaughter, Emerson, a happy 2nd birthday. Jessica sent this picture early this morning.

Hmmm, hmmm, I just downloaded the latest batch of pictures onto my computer and I see that someone was taking pictures. I don't know their initials, but I think their names are Mommy and Abigail.

I awakened with a horrible sore throat and stuffy head Wednesday morning. Luke insisted that I rest while he finished the floor and trim in the den.

In the end, it came out looking like something that should be featured on HGTV. He did a really nice job.

A real cook, as opposed to his father who dabbles in the art, Luke made homemade chicken and noodles last night along with mashed red potatoes, leaving the skins on.

He used an old family recipe for the noodles, one that has been passed along for quite sometime. No one went hungry in the Luke Pennington household last night.

The day was drawing to a close. I accompanied Luke to Coleman's two-hour football practice last night. After being in the house all day, it felt good to inhale some clear, cool, air.

It was a quiet evening after we arrived home. Coleman watched something on his daddy's computer, Melinda tried to relax after a long day at the clinic, and Luke helped Abigail with her math homework.

I awakened this morning with a stuffy head, an upset stomach, and a sore throat that I wished belonged to anyone else other than me.

Luke gave me several pills of one variety or the other and I pronounced myself fit to travel. After seeing Coleman and Abigail off to school we drove to the mountains of western Maine, where the Appalachian Trail winds to the north.

I almost grew misty-eyed as I walked a few yards into the woods. Attempting a through hike on the trail has been a goal for over forty years. With an aging body that's been ridden hard and put away wet from too many other adventures, plus diminishing sight, I don't imagine I'll ever have the opportunity, but a guy can hope. Just stepping foot on the footpath brought that dream a little closer.

We drove in rain and mist for a goodly part of the day, the weather clearing just as we reached the mountains. The views were spectacular.

It was time to head back home, hopefully to arrive before the munchkins walked off the bus. We made it with an hour to spare. Luke laid down on one couch, I on another, and we both took naps.

We'll be departing for the Portland Airport tomorrow morning around 4:00 AM. I'll fly from Portland, Maine, to Detroit, onto Minneapolis, and finally, am due to arrive in Iron Mountain around 10 Friday night. Poor Sargie has to work all day Friday, close Friday night, then wait around town for three hours for me. To make matters worse, she works all day Saturday. 

Remember those surprise pictures I found on the camera from last night? Well, you know what they say about paybacks.

My oldest, beautiful granddaughter who is filled with beauty, poise, and grace.

It's time for supper, so I guess I ought to be finishing and wash up in preparation for another of Luke's great meals. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

My artistic side. A rearview mirror selfie.