My AT Hike

Friday, July 27, 2018

Day 16 to Pleasant Pond lean-to

Up at 5:30 to be sure to be and the Kennebec River ferry by 9:00. It was only 3.7 miles to Kennebec River but I heard there might be a long line. So I wolfed down some trail mix, pretzel nuggets and jerky chasing it with water. I’d get more to eat after I crossed the Kennebec in the town of Caratunk.

I was sad to say goodbye to my lakeside camping spot.

The trail followed the Pierce Pond stream and was very pretty.

The Kennebec is a large river controlled by a dam upstream. Forcing it is said to be very dangerous. So the Maine guide service kindly provided a free ferry service by Old Town canoe

There were two homers ahead of me who I’d been traveling with for a few days.

But my turn came and across I went.

It was a short walk up into Caratunk where I went to the Caratunk House B&B. 6 miles to lean to

It was a little piece of hiker heaven. It only do they let you shower and do your laundry for $10 they have pulled pork sandwiches and milkshakes! And they have a restock store just for hikers with all the best foods and hiker needs! I got cleaned up and well fed I the four hours I spent there.

But then I had push on to the next shelter

Always some nice scenery.

Tonight’s supper would be pretzel nugget and a handful of dried fruit as appetizer. The the main course

Beef strognoff and hot chocolate.

9 miles

154 miles this trip

2045.4 total

145 miles to go!

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Day 15 To Pierce Pond Lean-to

When I got up at 5:30sm it was raining. The rain that started yesterday at noon continued all night. So I wanted a while. At 7 it stopped so I quickly broke camp. I took a quick look at the beach next to where I camped. Lots of great drift wood.

I passed the 2021.1 mark

There were impressive bridges over several bogs! Good conservation!

There some idyllic paths complete with white pine needles.

Along the lake I munched in some blueberries.

My camp was right along the pond. I had a quick wash.

13 miles

143 miles this trip

2035 total AT Miles

150 miles to go!

Day 14 to the Bigelows and the Flagstaff camp sitr

Out by 5:20 to beat the rain

This day would have three climbs

Beautiful morning

First climb on top at 5:10

Saw the pond and Campsite

To the south some curious bigBuilding's

Not that rugged but a rock climb nevertheless

On top of Mt Avery

Stanford Notch boulders

Blueberries!

Camped right by Flagstaff lake!

12 miles

Day Thirteen to Horns Pond Lean-to

Today was supposed to be a zero. But I only hiked 8 miles yesterday and got into Stratton at about 2:00 pm. So I had all afternoon off to do chores... laundry, sort out food etc. So I decided rather than not walk, I’d do 5 miles to the next shelter.

I took off at noon. And climbed the nearly 1800’ feet to 3158’ altitude to the shelter. That had the advantage of cutting that off of the next day’s climb up the Bigelows.

The pond at the campsite from above.

The pond was stunning.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Day 12 To Stratton

Got up and out by 6:40. Before leaving, had a piece of jerky and and a handful of fruity trail mix. Got up to the cirque camp by 7:10. Then climbed steep pitch to 3365 before first break.

Maine is incredibly rugged

Climbed South and North Crocker Mointains

Today I passed the 2000 mile mark!

Ended in Stratton. Had supper at the white wolf restaurant.

8 miles

112 this trip

2002 total

Day 12 To Stratton

Got up and out by 6:40. Before leaving, had a piece of jerky and and a handful of fruity trail mix. Got up to the cirque camp by 7:10. Then climbed steep pitch to 3365 before first break.