Tuesday 9/8/09
Weather: Sunny, no rain
Today's Hike: East Flagstaff Rd. to Carrying Place Stream - 12.5 miles
This morning Grommet and I decided to go with Circuit Rider to pick up Billy Hoot and Nutmeg. We couldn't wait to hear about their newest adventure. As we drove up to the outlet we quickly concluded that they really were on an adventure given they weren't there. So.... What happens now? After a few minutes Grom checked her voicemail to find a message from the girls. They got off at the AT trailhead. Sweet. So we drove back around the bend to find them patiently waiting. We helped get the canoe on top of the jeep and Circuit Rider made his way back into town. By now it was 11am, and we were way beyond a late start. Oh well, the laughter of the mornings events were well worth it.
Today's terrain was pretty easy compared to what we have been doing. When I say easy it means we didn't have any breath stealing climbs or knee breaking decents. Rather the terrain was rolling and "flat". We did however have to work our way over an endless maze of slippery roots and rocks. Not easy. Rather then being physically challenging it becomes mentally challenging and tideous because you're so focused on your footing.
We stopped at West Carry Pond for a break and were surprised to find trail magic; fresh baked brownies and candy. Awesome! We took some time to break at the pond and soak our feet/knees. We also decided we didn't want to night hike so we would just hike until nightfall and setup camp. Regardless of where we ended up we would still make it to Caratunk the next day which was all that mattered.
Camp wound up being about 7 miles before the Kennebec River which means we need to be up and out early to catch the early ferry service. The ferry service is a guy in a canoe that shuttles you across the river. A few years ago a hiker drowned trying to ford the river. Since then the MATC has provided a ferry service.
I remember seeing pictures of hikers being shuttled across the river before I started the hike. It's so hard to believe that I've now hiked 2,027 miles to be shuttled across the Kennebec. As I near Katahdin everyday seems more and more surreal. My body knows I have hiked over 2,000 miles but I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to comprehend what I have and will accomplished. Incredible.
Today's Video's:
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