Date: 2015-09-15
From: Nahmakanta stream campsite

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We did get our good weather, and that makes everything better! Some of Sasquatch's stuff had even gotten marginally drier on the line overnight, though we both had to put on wet clothes and completely soaked socks and shoes. But who cares, we had a blue sky above!The original plan called for hiking almost 18 miles today, giving us a short day tomorrow. We revised this so that both days would around 14-15 while we had breakfast, and decided our preliminary destination for the day would be Rainbow Stream Lean-to, which has a swimming hole. We had gone about three miles and had just passed a gravel road when I heard my name called from behind me. It was Stretch, who had come down that road from the place he stayed with people he had met in Hanover. It was quite amazing that the timing worked out so perfectly, as we all had gotten a much later start than normal. Sasquatch and I hadn't left camp until 7:40!At the next shelter we ran into Bernard, who I last saw at the NOC. He had left the trail with a staph infection at some point and is now very eager to finish. He was planning to hike 50 miles in the next two days, just so he could be done. Yikes! The same distance is going to take me through Friday.Most of the hike today was going to be level (Maine style, of course) but there was one climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain. I like saying Nesuntabunt. . On the way up, we ran into Wye Not, who had caught us from his starting point three miles back from where we started in Monson! So the four of us finished the climb together (if by together you mean Sasquatch was way ahead. I think the shin injury is doing ok!) and went to check out the view point from where you can see Katahdin. And this time we did! There were some clouds around the top but overall it was a great view. Also, it looks big and steep! We had lunch at the view point, while sitting in the sun. Sun! I like sun... I ate my fruit cup that Boomerang (of the Doylies) had given to me earlier, after teasing us earlier in the week about all the non-hiker food they get to eat. I quite enjoyed my little fruit cup!After lunch, it was a matter of getting through the miles. The trail wasn't hard, but the afternoon just seemed to drag on forever. We still got to camp pretty early, and Sasquatch and I checked out the swimming hole. It was in deep shade and a little chilly, but Sasquatch enjoyed it for a while, clothes and all, while I waded in and rinsed my socks. We didn't actually set up camp until after that refreshing interlude. Wye Not arrived and decided to stay as well and Hoff was already here when we got here. He built a fire at the shelter and we all enjoyed it while we ate snacks and later dinner. While drinking tea, Pace Car arrived, with the announcement that she is now summiting Friday instead of Saturday, which is quite exciting! If all goes as planned, that's when we're summiting as well. It promises to be a crowded day, because the Doyle group is going up Friday as well, but what can you do. The Thru-hiker campground has a strict limit of twelve but since the Doyle group is not staying there, I hope we'll have no issues getting a spot. Other hikers who contacted Baxter SP have also been told they will be taken care of should they not be one of the twelve, so we'll see. The camp site for thru-hikers is also for section hikers from Monson or before (who have hiked 100 miles) so Sasquatch will be legal. Tomorrow we hike to Abol Bridge, which is the end of the 100 mile wilderness. I mistakenly told Sasquatch that they have laundry there. I think I might wait breaking the news that they don't until he's had a burger and a beer... Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?