Date: 2003-09-08
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Hmmm... "take it easy" I said. "relax" I said. Something happened today, quite contrary to the tentative plans Hotdog and I had. It started out fine. Great, in fact. Sunrise over the Lake was awesome. The sky became brighter and brighter shades of orange and blue until the sun broke the horizon and gradually rose. It was beautiful. There were loons calling as well, making it a wonderful awakening this morning. Super Dave, who was at Antlers last night too, said he might do 20 miles to get to Rainbow Lean-to, and we said "We're going to take it easy and do 14 today, 11 tomorrow, 11 the next day, 10 the following, then the 5 up Katahdin on the 12th. Shot that all to heck today!We were moving well this morning, and the miles went by easily and quickly. We stopped for a break at Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to, 3.5mi north, after about an hour and a half of hiking. Having about 10 miles to go at 9am is a nice feeling. We took a long break there, then moved on, still making good time.As we came to a logging road where the side trail to White House Landing is located, I saw someone looking at a bag hanging in a tree. I recognized that someone as Coffee, and said "Excuse me, sir?" He looked and replied "Fancy meeting you here." Coffee, Aloha, Thirsty Boots and Tom were all there, just leaving WHL! Reunited! We had a round of greeting hugs and stood around chatting. Walkabout, Carrot Slayer and Nick arrived soon, and photos were taken. Finally, we all moved on. Thoe just coming out of WHL were planning on a 16-mile day, and getting to Abol Bridge tomorrow, a day ahead of Hotdog and my tentative plan. Plus, we had already done almost 6 miles. It was great to meet up with them all. I was hoping Thirsty Boots and Tom would remember to wait for us, but thought Aloha and Coffee would be too far ahead to catch. I was torn between sticking to the old, slower schedule or sticking with these hikers, which I like.When we stopped at Wadleigh Stream Lean-to, Hotdog and my previous destination for the day, it wasn't even 2pm. We had lunch, and got to see Coffee before he headed out. (He had hiked ahead earlier.) Then Hotdog and I debated staying or going. Thirsty Boots and Tom said they'd take a zero day at Abol Bridge and wait for us, if we stuck to our original schedule, but they didn't have enough food to take 3 days to get there. We decided to go on with them.The rest of the day was a bit more difficult than the first part, including a 700ft climb. At two places, we got excellent views of Katahdin! Those climbing Katahdin today had a wonderful day to summit. It was clear, even on the top. By later in the day, I was getting tired. My feet were aching. We passed the three Ohio guys and Pete and kept plugging along to the shelter. Coffee had caught up to Old Corpus and Tom and Thirsty Boots weren't too far behind them. Hotdog, Aloha and I got to the shelter just before 7pm. I have a few new blisters. Don't know why that happens, but it did. Only 30.1mi to go so I think the feet will survive.It will be fun to hike with and summit with Coffee, Aloha, Thirsty Boots, Tom and Old Corpus. I have enjoyed hiking with them and sitting around talking to them during breaks and at shelters. These last several days, I want to spend with good people, and so far these have been just that.I don't want the adventure to end, but I know that it has to. } think being at the wedding has somehow prepared me for the end. I'm not sure how, unless I just realize that the time is near and I'm accepting it. I knew this day would come. I know I will miss the trail, the hikers and trail life, but I also know I cannot do this forever. I'm still going to enjoy the last several days, even if they are one less now.