Date: 2015-07-29
From: East Carry Pond

To: Pleasant Pond Lean To
Miles today: 16.0

Today is my Four Month Anniversary on the AT! I got up early and hit the trail by 5:15 to make sure I covered the 10.3 miles before the Ferry window closed at 11 am. East Carry Pond was peaceful in the early morning. Last night the moon was very bright and almost full. The trail was a mixture of easy and very muddy and rocky. Segments looked like a stream it was so watery and muddy. I made it to Pierce Pond Lean-to by 8 am. The trail required you to walk across a dam made of rock and woods. You could see water flowing out of the dam under your feet. I passed the side trail to Harrison's who is famous for his 12 pancake breakfast but I was too late for it. Everyone raves about it. You are supposed to put your order in the night before.I did stop at the Waterfall side trail which was a steep descent down a haphazard trail to the falls which was nice. The climb back up was actually easier. I then hiked the next couple of miles which followed a Brook for awhile until I came upon the famous Kennebec River. Hikers used to ford the river but it is no longer allowed since the river can be full and swift. This morning it was very peaceful and calm. I walked to the edge uncertain what to do. I thought there would be a way to signal the ferry man. I could see him across the river. After a few minutes I saw some hikers getting into the boat and it came towards me. When they got out, I recognized one of the hikers, Hands, whom I had met in Georgia and last saw at the Top of Georgia Hostel in Hiawasssee. He had flip flopped from Carlisle, PA. We talked about other hikers who had also flip flopped. I then got in the canoe with Craig, the ferry man and we paddled to the other side. I got out and walked the 0.3 miles to the road. Craig had recommended I walk 0.3 miles through town to the post office so I could see the town and call the Stirling Inn instead of hitching. Since the traffic was fast, I walked into town which was a few buildings and homes. I got to the post office but didn't see the phone behind the building. Some people were in the back working and didn't know anything about it. I re read the sign and realized the phone was at the building behind the post office. So I walked over but the number didn't work. So I walked back to the post office and saw a couple leaving and asked for a ride. They dropped me off at the Stirling Inn and I saw Wild Thing on the front porch. I met Blood Blister, another NOBO.Shower, laundry and cell phone recharging which was down to 1%! I also received a great resupply from Jason and Lisa with Blake approved oatmeal and snacks!! As if I would eat anything he didn't approve of! It was great since there are not any stores in town. And there is a new granola bar that is sweet and spicy!! Thank you guys!! Wifi was limited and stopped working for me but I was able to upload the last four days on trail journals. After 2 pm, I got a ride back to the trail with Wild Thing. We hiked 5.7 miles to thenPleasant Pond Lean-to. It was only 5 pm but I was ready to call it a day. We chatted with Magoo and Float who were already there. Beyonc© and Fritos stopped by. I had run into Beyonc© after I took the ferry because he had left something at Harrison's and thought the ferry man or another NOBO had it. Fortunately, he got his fleece back. I set up my tent and then Wild Thing and I walked the 0.2 mile trail down to Pleasant Pond which was aptly named. There was a dock and we sat and soaked our legs and watched the loons in the distance. My first loons!! Back at the shelter, another SOBO Jake had arrived. We chatted and then I settled in my tent.