Date: 2018-09-08
From: Whitehouse Landing

To: Stealth Campsite at North End of Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 22.6

DAY 186We awoke in the dark to get packed up because we had to be ready to get shuttled at 6:15. We had a cup of tea and split the loaf of homemade zucchini bread we bought at dinner last night since we knew we wouldn't be staying for breakfast. We were packed and ready and waiting when the owner arrived. We settled our bill and headed out across the lake back to the trail. Very cold this morning, we had our hats, puffy coats and rain jackets on to block the wind for the ride over. As he shuttled us back to the trail the owner commented that this would be our "easiest mile all day".Today was do or die day for us if we plan to summit on Monday. We have to make at least 20 miles today to give us a chance to make it to the Birches Sunday night. We are happy, but jealous, this is at least the second consecutive day of beautiful weather and we know of a several hikers that plan to summit today, and it should be a perfect day to summit Katahdin. We had actually talked a couple times about skipping ahead on one of the good days to summit and then hiking south to where we got off trail. But, when we touch that sign on Katahdin we want to know that we have passed every white blaze and are done with our thru-hike.Cold and windy when we stopped for a break at Nahmakanta Lake Campsites for a quick stretch and snack. We enjoyed the oranges that April & Bev had brought yesterday. As soon as we stopped, we had to put our hats and fleece back on, and as we continued around the lake we could see white caps.We made our final climb of the 100-mile wilderness up Nesuntabunt Mountain where a short side trail leads to a dramatic view of Katahdin. At this point Katahdin is only 16 miles away, but still 35 plus trail miles. We were craving more pizza, and couldn't remember if we had packed out 4 pieces or 2. We had eaten some pizza yesterday, but when we checked our pack we were excited to find 2 more slices. The zucchini bread we had this morning was really moist and yummy, but by this time we were starved again. After viewing Katahdin, we sat by the trail eating pizza as a father and son who are section hiking from Katahdin to Monson came up the trail. The trail has certainly been busy today, lots of north bounders racing to the end, flip floppers heading south, and day hikers out enjoying the nice weather.Met Yelp, Handstand, and Luke just prior to arriving at Rainbow Stream Lean-to. They said they were going to spend the night there, which will leave them 21 miles for tomorrow. We told them we were going to hike on as we are going to make as many miles today as we can as we don't want a big day right prior to summitting. Ewolf arrived as I was at the spring getting water.We made it nearly four more miles to the north end of Rainbow Lake where we found an acceptable spot to set up our tent. It was nearly dark when we arrived so once again we ended up setting up camp, cooking, eating and hanging the bear bag by headlamp. It was long day, and we were both pretty tired when we climbed into our sleeping bags. But, we are confident we can make the 17 miles to the Birches tomorrow. Looks like it is going to be another cold night, hopefully the wind coming across the lake will calm down.