Date: 2014-09-13
From: East Flagstaff campsite

To: Harrison Pierce Pond Camp
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Not a bad night with it actually being warm. Left my tights on but took off my shirt. Up at 6 to the privy then packed up and had my cereal. Another cool morning so I started with long pants, long sleeve shirt, fleece, and mittens. On the trail at 7:15. Trail continued around the pond with lots of big rocks. We had a small climb of 300' but the trail was good. Weather was overcast and cool. We then a a gradual climb of 700' over 1 1/2 miles. No big rocks just rocks and roots with a tedious (have to be careful where you place your foot) trail.Arrived at West Carry Pond lean to at 10. There were 3 campers there but we did talk with them and weren't sure what there destination was. They had fishing gear and had set up their 2 tents in the shelter taking up most of the shelter.   There was trail magic from Mary Ellen. She had left 14 cupcakes of which one was left. We wondered later how many these guys had eaten. Left at 10:30.Trail again ran next to the pond - Big Avery Pond. There was a sign in the shelter that said there were 51 camps on this pond. The trail became favorable with few roots and rocks then it became flatter. We were making good time and arrived at East Carry pond at 11:30. Again the trail ran next to the pond which was calm and pretty. But the overcast skies made it cool around the pond. Put on my pants legs and my mittens.Trail remained flat and fast and arrived at Carrying Pond Stream at 12:45 for lunch. Had another cheese sandwich and left at 1:15. We had 4 miles to the campground with very fast pace on the smooth flat trail. Met Genesis who I met at Bearded Woods Hostel. She went north to Manchester then flipped to Katahdin and will be going to Harpers Ferry for her last 900 miles.Trail was still fast and flat to Pierce Pond Lean to. We just passed by but it appeared there were good tent sites. We then crossed the wooden dam at the end of the Pond. The dam was wooden planks and rocks. We then entered the bog and had the usual bog bridges and a major wooden bridges. Impressive trail work by the Maine ATC. This group does major work on the trail including many areas of boulder steps and they also do a great job on signage along the trail.Got to the trail to Harrison's Camp at 2:55 then crossed the creek on a very rickety wooden bridges. Arrived at the camp at 3:10. Very rustic lodge with a rec room and large dining room. Privy and shower up the hill. Showed our cabin with 2 queen beds and wood burning stove. No electricity just generator power after 5. Sorted my clothes and just sat and journaled in the dining room. Hobbit stopped by at 4:30. He came from Little Bigelow and is staying at Pierce Pond lean to. He met Styles who has gotten back on the trail. He is coming down for the pancake breakfast tomorrow.Made dinner at our cabin at 6. Had my usual rice, ramen and tuna. Rowdy liked his peanut butter tuna ramen. Went to the lodge and read a book about the AT in Maine. Talked with Tim, the owner, about the camp. During the year he is open for fisherman. The nightly rate is $105 which includes 3 meals and the cabin. He also made this in a conservation easement so it will only operate as a camp. It has been in business a long time. He said it has been a busy hiking season so far. Told him about my other hostel experiences.To cabin at 7:30. Light drizzle. The stove went out at 9. Attempted to relight it without success. Just stayed in my bag.Another good day. 15 miles in 8 hours. Great trail, great scenery with ponds. Weather was cloudy and cool. Good cabin and location. Still not many hikers on the trail but Maine is looking better.