From: campsite near Andover ME (Mile 1928.4)

To: Monson (Greenville), ME (mile 2078)
Miles today: 0.0

Catch up blog entry... The first half of Maine has been some hard miles (112 of them). Lots of steep climbs, rocks, and the rain has compounded/slowed our travel with substantial amounts of mud and mosquitoes. (Well, the mosquitoes don't so much SLOW our travel¢¦) we're going through lots of bug repellent (DEET), putting it on a couple of times a day. Naturally, after fording streams, it washes the DEET off of your legs, and we need to reapply. We have gotten pretty banged up, lots of cuts, bumps and bruises, legs and hips primarily. The traction on my shoes was almost nil, as the tread was gone. The holes were tolerable, but not the constant slipping off rocks. Had a new pair of shoes delivered to Caratunk, Maine. Essentially, the same brand, Brooks Cascadia trail runners. Enough whining, now let me tell you about the absolutely astounding country up here. Maine is hands-down the most scenic state on the entire Appalachian Trail (in my opinion). Those previously-mentioned steep climbs lead to some of the most astounding views, some of which I will post on the photos section soon, and Al took some for me, since I have had to keep the phone off to conserve the battery (something wrong with my iPhone battery). Lots of lakes and ponds, had a few swims, and great talks with fellow hikers. The steep climbs have taken us up to the 4000-foot high range of altitude. Memorable stops were Saddleback Mountain, "the Horn", the Bigelows, Crocker mountain (south and north) to name just a few. We are pretty efficient at pumping South-bound hikers for gouge on what lays ahead. We stopped in Bethel, Rangely, Stratton, and Caratunk, Maine for resupplies, and have been averaging in the low-mid teens for mileage during this past week. Our resupply at Caratunk was especially good, because that is where my shoes came in. Eric at the Sterling Inn gave us lots of helpful advice, and had a pretty respectable resupply there at the hotel. It was nice to be able to get supplies without having to go any great distance off the trail. We were able to shower and laundry for a small fee, as well, enabling us to get in and out of town in a few hours. One particularly hard day that stands out, even though we had only done 13 miles, we had done the Bigelow mountain range, and camped at the little Bigelow lean-to (each state has a different name for shelters). We passed on swimming in the "tubs", basically some swimming holes in a stream that runs by the shelter. It was a little cool that evening. We got in just in time to set up, eat dinner, and just as we were finishing, It started to rain. Gently at first, but quickly poured and swamped our site. We got in just in time, and had to dry off the next day. Another day we stopped for lunch at the West-carry pond lean- to, and discovered a couple of large sealed containers with gallon-sized bags of homemade cookies and brownies. A welcome surprise! Some trail magic left by a "trail-angel". A few nights ago we camped at the Pleasant pond lean-to. That evening, there was lots of noise from birds out in the forest. Lots of different kinds, and they were having a party. Another interesting aspect of that shelter was the outhouse. A tree had fallen right in front of the door. A foot or two one way or the other, and it could've been interesting for any occupants. Speaking of birds, I saw a large turkey (red head, black body) flying through the woods a few days ago. And Al saw a wolf. One of the nicest campsites was next to Pierce pond, which was right on a very large lake. There's a nice campfire going in front, courtesy of one of our fellow hikers. Our tent sites were essentially right on the lake (See photo). Yesterday I stopped at the Moxie Bald lean-to, and had a swim in bald Mountain pond. Was not able to swim very far though, as I had no swim trunks. Fortunately no one was around¢¦ that was also the day that Al unfortunately took a wrong turn (courtesy of whoever painted a bunch of white flashes going down a side trail) very confusing. Here in southern Maine, we have also forded many streams which do not have rocks to step on to cross. Naturally, we stop and change our shoes prior to that (unless they are already wet). We are currently in the town of Greenville Maine, and have done our last resupply. Tomorrow we will enter the hundred mile wilderness, we anticipate emerging from there in five or six days, meeting our wives, and summiting Mount Katahdin on September 2. The horse can smell the barn!