Date: 2010-08-27
From: bald mtn brook lean-to

To: horseshoe canyon lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

When I was in Caratunk I got an e-mail from my friend Eric saying he would like to hike with me again.....it always nice to have friends join me and so Eric came up with an awesome plan!I had a pretty good nights sleep and was up early...had a double shot of VIA and was ready to go! Eric and Madison arrived at 8am and we did an easy three mile hike up to Moxie Bald Mountain. There were some interesting rocks on the way up and it was yet another beautiful day to be out hiking! Late August in Maine is in my opinion the best time of year! The days are cool and sunny and the air is dry and crisp, especially in the mornings and evenings. Today a brisk breeze was blowing up high and I was delighted to out taking it all in.We arrived on the summit and enjoyed the views and than continued on. Eric had suggested we take the blue blaze side trip over to the North Peak and I am pleased to say the extra 1.4 mile side trip was worth every step! What a gem! We had 360 degree unobstructed views....we could see Barren, Chairback and White Cap in one direction and off to the other side we could see the Bigelows, Crockers and Sugarloaf. There were several ponds and lakes down low and they were so blue and lovely. We probably spent close to an hour....totally awesome peak and I will come back to this one for sure. Back at the junction I headed north on the AT and Eric and Madison went south back to his car. They would then drive around and hike in to the shelter from Shirley-Blanchard Rd. Descending off of Moxie Bald was nice and gentle and in about a mile I reached the Moxie Bald lean-to. Another beautiful spot! Bald Mountain Pond is almost in front of the shelter and it is yet another beautiful pond. I could have stayed here all afternoon.The next several miles of trail were relatively flat and easy going. About three miles before the end of my day I had to ford across the Piscataquis River which was quite easy. On the other side I decided to have a hot lunch...it was supposed to be my dinner but Eric was bringing me in a Subway sandwich for dinner so it was an easy decision to stop and eat it. Its always good to reduce pack weight. The remaining three miles the trail followed along the river bank. I arrived at the shelter sometime around 4 and Eric and Madison arrived shortly thereafter. Eric mentioned a friend of mine was on his way in and was no more than ten minutes away....I asked who it was and my only clue was that a fool was coming to see me. Ha! Now that was a dead give away! Within minutes no other than McRat arrived...he came all the way from Boston! He came with ice cold ice cream sandwiches and a few beers....what a great way to end the day. We all talked for a bit and than we said farewell to McRat as he had plans to be in Brunswick later on.So just when I thought nothing could top a surprise visit Eric said he had another surprise....how could things be any better? Well they were....Eric opened his pack and out pops a real pillow and a nice thick thermarest sleeping pad. I will sleep like a queen tonight! Thank you Eric and McRat!Planning a big day tomorrow into the 100 mile wilderness!Life is good.Jibitz