Date: 2003-08-28
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: US201/Caratunk
Miles today: 14.0

**Note: I have never read my journal, and had been reading some entries at the end, when I noticed that I was missing this day's entry. I found the entry in my pocketmail. Keep in mind, that my pocketmail device was purchased used in Dec of 2002, and has been in storage for over 4 years! I might have to edit this entry several times, because my pocketmail display screen has issues.***Everyone in the shelter last night was set on reaching Caratunk today. It was chilly this morning, and the wind was still blowing strongly, but once hiking, I was fine, creating plenty of heat to be, at worst, comfortable. The hike was rather pleasant, hiking first along West Carry Pond, then later along East Carry Pond. There was a nice sandy beach at East Carry Pond, but it was much too chilly to go swimming. For a lot of the day, there was a low layer of clouds, keeping the temperature around 50*, and when not protected by the trees, the wind made it feel much cooler.Hotdog and I reached Pierce Pond Lean-to just after 10 am, and CeeBee, Aloha Ann, Coffee, and Recycled were there having an early lunch, which was our plan too. We all had plenty of time to spare because we could not cross the Kennebec River (3.7 mi north) until at least 3pm, and the way the terrain had been, we were all moving quickly. The shelter was right on Pierce Pond, and the wind was blowing into and around the shelter, making it a cold lunch stop. We all tried to stay there as long as possible, but CeeBee and Aloha Ann left shortly after noon, Coffee left about 15 min after that and Hotdog and I left about 20 min after than. Walkabout had arrived then, and she left a bit after us. It was good to be moving again!It was much warmer amongst the trees, and the clouds seemed to be breaking up, giving the sun a chance to warm things up a bit. The footing on the trail was pretty rough, with a lot of rocks and roots and constant, but short, ups and downs. That's the way it will be until Katahdin, I heard, so I'd better get used to it. Despite that, we made it to the Kennebec River just after 2pm, right behind Big-E (Eric) and Recycled. The Kennebec River is about 70yds wide according to the Companion and is not safe to ford, so there is a ferry to get hikers across safely. It runs from 9am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm. This "ferry" is a canoe, which can hold two hikers in addition to the guide. It was a pretty neat thing to get a ride in a canoe, although, when it was Hotdog and my turn, I paddled and he rode. We had noticed that the water had risen a couple of feet in about 15 minutes, due to release upstream at a dam. I found it interesting, while reading the release, that Florida Power and Light was listed as one of the many companies NOT responsible if I should die or get injured during this ferry across the river. Apparently, FPL owns the dam and power plant upstream. Go figure! No wonder the cost of electricity in Flroida is so high! We have to pay for a dam in MAINE!After the canoe trip, it was about 3:35pm and we knew the Post Office closed at 4pm, but thought we could make it to pick up maildrops. About 100 yds from the PO, another hiker said "I think they're closing at 3:45. You might want to run." We didn't run, and the window was shuttered when we arrived. I mentioned it to Hotdog and a voice from behind the shutter said "Are you just picking up a box?" Since we were, she said she'd get them for us. Nice lady! We got our packages, bought a Coke each, and walked back to Caratunk House.I'm in a bunkhouse here, along with CeeBee, Big-E, Hotdog, Old Corpus and a section hiker. Recycled, Aloha Ann and Coffee have regular rooms. The bunks are actually beds, complete with linens! Downstairs, there is a shower, toilet, and resupply area. Laundry is done for us, for an extra fee. Great place though, giving us hikers exactly what we need! All of us but the section hiker are headed back on the trail in the morning, moving toward the next, and really the last town, Monson.It still hasn't sunk in that my hike is nearing it's end. At Monson, there are under 120 miles to go. I have mixed emotions about that, but it is what it is, and I will keep going north.Yesterday, I passed the 2000-mile mark. I was happy about it, but not super-excited like I thought I'd be. I know that I'm ready for the aches and pains to end, but I also know that I will miss the trail. It will be a challenge to find middle ground after the hike.I feel a strong connection with those I've met lately. Even though everyone isn't done with the AT after reaching Katahdin, most are, and it will be an incredible thing. I think everyone is just friendlier at this point, knowing we all have mixed feelings, and caught between wanting to be done and not wanting it to ever end.I'm still not really looking at The End, but looking first to Monson, then to wherever I will be picked up for the wedding. I haven't thought much past that, and it probably won't hit me until I'm dropped off in the Wilderness after the wedding, with under 100 miles to go. I still believe this is the best thing I've ever done. Why would I want that to end? Because I miss my friends and family. Once back with them, will I miss the trail just as much? Time will tell.