Date: 2012-06-12
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Miles today: 0.0

a little info about where Ernie left Sunday Morning & what the next week of hiking will be likeWhite House Landing is located 32 trail miles south of Abol Bridge and 68 miles north of Monson.The Trail Through Maine¢s 100 Mile Wilderness The Appalachian Trail begins at Baxter Peak, the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. Though not part of the 100 Mile Wilderness, this is the beginning (or end) of an epic journey and many will choose to scale the precipitous heights. Leaving the summit and gently descending along the barren and rock strewn Tableland, the Trail plummets off the edge, steeply descending along the Hunt Spur to the Katahdin Stream campground. From there, the Trail follows a much gentler path past Daicey Pond and along Nesowadnehunk Stream to Abol bridge. Here, the last chance for limited supplies, the Trail enters the 100 Mile Wilderness and soon comes to the Hurd Brook lean-to. Climbing to the open rock of Rainbow Ledges, a look back reveals an impressive and inspiring view of Katahdin. As you make your way past the rocky shores of Rainbow Lake to Rainbow Stream, the cries of the loon and splashing shoreline begin to remind you that this is truly Maine and the reason you came. At Rainbow Stream lean-to, you pause to listen to the cascading waters, then travel onward past Crescent pond and the short, steep climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain where the view of Katahdin, once again, causes you to stop and admire it¢s rugged beauty. Nahmakanta Lake below calls you to move on and explore its sandy beaches and uninhabited shoreline. You pause briefly at Wadleigh Stream lean-to. Yes! This is truly Maine and you are moved to emotions that your dream hike is finally under way. Following the boulder strewn waters of Nahmakanta stream, you arrive at Potaywadjo Spring lean-to and drink from the cold, sweet waters; arguably, the best spring on the entire Appalachian Trail. As you move on, you arrive at the historic site of the former Antlers camps on the edge of Jo-Mary lake. How can you resist not camping here and swimming in it¢s clear waters all the while gathering fresh water mussels as part of your evening meal? Tomorrow is a short hike; an easy day where you will resupply and pick up your food package delivered to you by 100 Mile Wilderness Adventures and Outfitters. Resupplied, you journey on, following closely the rushing waters of Cooper Brook, soon arriving at the lean-to and the enormous pool and waterfalls immediately in front of the shelter. Following the ancient Cooper Brook tote road, you arrive at Crawford pond and soon ascend Little Boardman Mountain. Past Mountain View Pond, you descend to the East Branch of the Pleasant River; your first real river ford. Crossing the moving waters, you rest at the East Branch lean-to and continue on through a rich moss covered spruce and fir forest, soon climbing to Logan Brook lean-to and then steeply ascending the finely crafted stone staircase to the open summit of Whitecap. This is your final view of Katahdin; still impressive in it¢s enormity. Hard to believe you climbed it a little less than a week ago! Along the ridgeline, you climb, in succession, Hay Mtn., West Peak and Gulf Hagas Mountain, passing the Sydney Tappen campsite along the way; a place renowned for it¢s frequent moose visitations. Descending steeply off the ridge, you pass the Carl Newhall lean-to on your right and follow Gulf Hagas brook and it¢s thundering waters and frequent deep water pools. Decision time¢¦.the Gulf Hagas side trail beckons you and since you have the time and extra food, you choose to explore what many refer to as ¢the Grand Canyon of the East¢. Gulf Hagas canyon; it¢s many waterfalls and emerald pools is a popular day hike and you soon see why. You never imagined anything being so beautiful and so wild. Since there is no camping in the area, you move on and soon ford the West Branch of the Pleasant River, then climb steeply up Chairback Mountain pausing on the open ledges to catch your breath and admire the view back to the Whitecap range. Arriving at Chairback Gap lean-to, you wonder what it must have taken to build this shelter atop this rocky precipice. Thanks to the MATC Volunteers, your trip has been more than you could ever have imagined. The Barren-Chairback range tests your resolve. The short, steep climbs have you grabbing at trailside trees, roots, rocks and anything within grip to get you up and over the smooth, slick open ledge. The bone-jarring descents tell you that you underestimated the difficulty of this minor range. Finally.a much needed break at Long Pond Stream lean-to before fording the dangerous waters. Once across, you soon arrive at Wilson Valley lean-to and then another ford at Little Wilson falls. From there the Trail turns gentle and you walk along narrow ridges of Monson slate past scenic ponds and soon arrive at Leeman Brook lean-to; the last shelter before Rt 15 and the end of the 100 Mile Wilderness. A hot shower, a warm bed and a home cooked meal awaits you in the town of Monson. The 100 Mile Wilderness. It was better than you imagined and a place you will not soon forget.