Daily Miles: 15.1, Total Miles: 2,097.8 Another big breakfast at Shaw’s and Poet took myself and a few other hikers out to the TH. For NOBOs, this is the start of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Decent skies in the morning but very humid so worked up a good sweat though not much elevation gain. The ever-present rock now looks more like slate than the usual granite and more slippery. Add that to the exposed tree roots. I passed by several ponds…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 2,082.7 It didn’t seem very patriotic to be hiking out today. Besides, I thought an extra day’s rest would be helpful before the 100-Mile Wilderness. The big pancake breakfast at Shaw’s is so good and extra special. I think it’s because of the three eggs, bacon and potatoes before the pancakes even arrive! No need for lunch after that feast. I bought a few goodies for the next leg. Also thought, what the heck, I…
Daily Miles: 17.9, Total Miles: 2,082.7 I awoke to a cacophony of loud loon calls and the deep bass of croaking frogs – what a combination! Earliest start yet at 5am – cooler and less bugs at this hour. Not as much elevation gain/loss today but plenty of creek crossing and boggy stretches. A trail full of exposed, slippery tree roots was also challenging. Not a bridge to be had so my new, now muddy shoes were temporarily cleaned off…
Daily Miles: 18.8, Total Miles: 2,064.8 Eric from Sterling Inn shuttled me the short distance back to the trailhead near the Kennebec River. Just after arriving, I saw Lightweight a short distance ahead getting ready to head out. He is slackpacking and section hiking a good portion of the AT this summer. On a beautiful, clear morning, we hiked together for 12 miles, climbing to the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain, then down the other side to Moxie Pond where…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 2,046.0 A nice relaxing day at the Sterling Inn in Caratunk ME. I’m kind of getting into hard boiled eggs at these places. Combined with bagels and fruit, a balanced meal with some protein. I’ve held myself to three eggs but should probably bump that up. Zack at the Inn is also the postmaster so at the end of his 2-hr shift today, he hand-delivered my resupply box. Sure happy to get my new, long…
Daily Miles: 4.0, Total Miles: 2,046.0 Not a great sleep but at least I was dry in a shelter and had no mice visit me. Headed out and arrived at the Pierce Pond Outlet, no bridge and clearly not able to cross without wading. Not wanting to get my feet wet early, I found a blue blaze that connected to a foot bridge downstream. I stopped at a smaller creek to fill up my water bottle and promptly slipped on…
Daily Miles: 16.4, Total Miles: 2,042.0 After a great sleep and breakfast at the Hostel of Maine, I got a shuttle back out to East Flagstaff Road to continue north. Overcast day and hoping the rain would hold off. More gentle gradient on the trail today. First along the shores of Flagstaff Lake then West Carry Pond where I heard my first eerie, beautiful loon call on the AT. Benedict Arnold, leading a small army group, crossed this pond in…
Daily Miles: 16.6, Total Miles: 2,2025.6 I had a great night’s sleep in a comfortable bed. Got a shuttle from the Hostel of Maine to East Flagstaff Road to start my slackpack of the Bigelow Mountains. For a 17-mile hike, it took over an hour to drive north to the trailhead, so not an early start. On a cool, clear morning, I started the climb to the first summit, Little Bigelow Mountain (3,025′). Fine views across the Carrabassett Valley. The…
Daily Miles: 6.2, Total Miles: 2,009.0 Some wind and a steady rain for several hours last night. Just had to get over North Crocker Mountain and it was all downhill to ME Route 27 and a short hitch to Hostel of Maine. Along the way, I saw Roadie and Oadie again – they are slackpacking and returning to the hostel tonight. What a wonderful, comfortable place to cleanup, dry up and hang out! Decent little store, spacious kitchen area and…
Daily Miles: 12.5, Total Miles: 2,002.8 I hadn’t seen rain in the forecast but got some sprinkles early this morning. I woke up early so decided I might as well get an early start. No let up yet in Southern Maine. A bit over 5,000′ vertical feet today getting up and over Lone Mountain, and Spaulding Mountain (4,000′). I also passed close to Sugarloaf Mountain, home to one of Maine’s most popular ski areas. Got blustery with some rain on…
