Date: 2004-10-05
From: Abol Pines Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Abol Pines Campground @ 9.30. Stop: Katahdin Stream Campground @ 2:30Mileage on Trail: 9.9; cum. 437.2. Off trail: 0.7; cum. 16.8Weather: Cold, partly sunny, some rainMajor Landmarks: Penobscott River, Katahdin Stream and CampgroundMajor Milestones: At the base of KatahdinMy next to last day was very cold and windy. We got packed up quickly and headed for the Abol Bridge Store for an egg, sausage and cheese breakfast sandwich. Then off up the trail to Baxter State Park. Shortly after entering the park there was an information board where we signed up for tent spots at the Birches, the through hikers campsite at Katahdin Stream Campground. Then it was an easy walk up along the Penobscott River to Katahdin Stream. At one point Blue stopped short ¢ there were two moose just ahead, a cow and a calf. We watched quietly until they looked up, then they ran off in different directions on opposite sides of the trail. As I walked up the trail, the calf ran across to its mother and they just stood in the woods watching as we walked by.As the trail followed Katahdin Stream, we came to Big Niagra Falls, a beautiful spot with several day hikers. Swix and Squatter went by as we spent some time at the falls. Next we came to Daicey Pond Campground where I planned to use my last picture for that classic picture of Katahdin. We headed down the road to the pond, and after about 14 mile we realized we were going in the wrong direction. We finally made it back to the pond and got our pictures.The last 2 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground we seemed to walk more slowly, knowing we were coming to the end. At the campground we met Archiopterix and K-less just returning from their summit hike and getting ready to head into Millinocett. We congratulated them and said our goodbyes, then headed over to the ranger station. Ranger Toby wasn¢t there, so we just hung out in the sun until he returned. When he did, we talked to him about campsites and decided to take a site there rather than walk another 0.3 miles to the Birches. So Blue and Tripod and I set up our tents on our site, then I walked over to checkout the site Laurel would be on. A couple had left their truck there and were just returning from their hike. We chatted about conditions on the mountain (ice and snow) and they said they would be leaving. Then as I was heading back to the campsite, up drove Leon Hale, father of Slimer and Gather, along with Slimer and Paparazzi. We had corresponded along the way via email, so it was great to get to meet him. Slimmer and Paparazzi had summitted yesterday and were waiting for Gather to arrive. They said they had food, so they drove down to our campsite and brought out two huge bags full of McDonald¢s cheeseburgers, along with soda, beer, candy and apples. What a feast! Pretty soon Sheriff, Chuggs and Skywalker and there was plenty to go around. They also set up tents on our site, so we had a little mini-city of tents with hikers all awaiting summit day.At about 7:00, Laurel and Kristian arrived. It was so good to see them. They produced another 12-pack of beer, along with chips and cheese, so there was much celebrating, story swapping and philosophizing as we all stood around the fire. Then finally to bed to await the big day.