Date: 2015-09-06
From: Horn Pond Lean-to

To: Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.9

The ponds in Maine would be called lakes in many other places (and 'plassen' in the Netherlands), and they are lovely camp sites. Tonight I am at West Carry Pond (so called because apparently it was a portage) and tomorrow I will pass East Carry Pond and Pierce Pond on the way to the Kennebec River.But I'm getting ahead of things. This morning was much warmer than the last couple and I didn't bother with tea. Because of that, I was ready a bit earlier than planned, so I walked by the shelter to let Cruise Control know I was leaving on my way out of camp. I had stopped at the pond earlier with hopes to see a moose, but no dice.Today was the last day we'd go above 4000 feet until we get to Katahdin, but we'd do that twice plus two times close to it for good measure. All these peaks are apparently part of Mt. Bigelow and they are commonly referred to on the trail as 'the Bigelows'. The first one is called South Horn (not to be confused with the Horn from a few days ago) and was very steep. The humidity today was much higher than the last two days and visibility wasn't as good but the views from the Horn were still very impressive. The descent is just as steep and a bit frustrating because you know you're just going to have to go all the way back up. One of the fun things about today was that you could see what was coming next, and also what you had already done.The next peak is called Bigelow West Peak and it's the tallest of the bunch. This is where you are supposed to be able to see Katahdin on a clear day. Since it wasn't a clear day, I don't think I saw it and definitely didn't know it if I did. It was still quite early but there were already a fair number of people at the top, so I didn't linger despite spectacular views.On I went to Avery peak, which looked enormous but was fun to climb. There was a bit of a rock scramble at the top, but it was the fun kind, not the 'I hope I don't break a leg' kind. Even if the sun was shining straight in my eyes.There was nobody at the top of Avery, so I took a nice break (sheltered from the wind by some kind of former stone structure) and had a second breakfast.I had done a lot of climbing so far, but I had less than 3 miles of distance to show for it so far. Now I'd have a long descent and then a long, but not as high climb, up Little Bigelow. This was my least favorite part of the day, as it took forever. I needed another break at some point, as it had been hours since my break on top of Avery, but I wanted to do that where I could get water. That wasn't until Little Bigelow Lean-to, which seemed to take a very long time to reach. I didn't actually go to the lean-to itself but just soaked my feet in the stream and ate lunch. That perked me up again, so I started thinking I might be able to reach this shelter after all.The other camping option was East Flagstaff Lake, which I had seen from all the Bigelow peaks all day. It was a lovely lake and I was tempted to take a swim but didn't. I never saw the tent platforms that were supposed to be there and there also was a noisy family further down the shore. Plus I really wanted to go to West Carry Pond if at all possible, because it would give me a chance to cross the Kennebec tomorrow. Being further south would make it impossible to get to the river within the ferry operating hours. It was getting a bit late, but I was making much better time now that I wasn't constantly climbing up or down, so I decided to go for it.The last 4 miles were a bit rough. I had loaded up on water in case I didn't make it and found a stealth site, but that made my pack heavy. A bit of a catch 22: I carry water in case I don't make it, but it makes me slower so I might not make it...When I finally did get to the shelter, there didn't seem to be anyone here! There is one other hiker but that's it. Very bizarre. I went for a sort-of dip (up to my waist) in the pond, quickly set up camp as it was getting dark and ate a fluffer nutter sandwich (I think that's what they're called) that somebody brings in by boat as trail magic. It's a very nice gesture but I will put fluffer nutter sandwiches on the list of 'tried and won't need to eat ever again'. It's been dark since before 8 pm, I can hear the occasional loon (I assume) and also, oddly, very faint piano from somewhere across the pond. Good night!Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?