Date: 2016-10-01
From: Lake Hebron parking spot

To: Otter Pond 
Miles today: 18.6

Lake Hebron mile 2071.3 to Otter Pond Near Long Pond Stream Lean-to mile 2089.9 for 18.6 not including the .8 walk to parking area off trail.Big Cypress & Animal were on the trail about 7 am. After a 4 pancake breakfast whipped up by yours truly, Moonbeam. WishBone & I had a nice easy drive of 2 miles to Shaws Hostel. Where I got a shower and did our laundry. While sitting & visiting with other hikers, like NoName, Liz walked in. We chatted about roads & caught up on things. One being, going to register at ATC office in Monson, at the Community Center. While there I can also make our camping reservations for Baxter. The center didn't open until noon, so Liz went on her way and I stuck around town to meet up with Ruth. She & I text this morning and made plans to go out to lunch. So...about 11:45 Ruth arrived & to Pete's we headed. Open face, 1 slice bread fancy grilled cheese. It was delicious!! We checked out the resupply room they have, got Little Debbie Nutty Bars, Goldfish crackers as a stand in for Cheezits, as Animal is craving & wanting to summit with. I'm to hide (as he requested)a bag from him, to have at Katahdin, so he doesn't devour all beforehand. Lol After lunch, Ruth & I head to the Community Center, met Miss Patty. Very very helpful!! Got everything all taken care of. We will be camping at Baxter tent spot #21. Liz & fam are in a lean-to spot #10. You can't put a tent up on their site, or we were going to share! Darn! I even made WishBones arrangements for Katahdin Kritters. No pets on Baxter property. Baxter is like Ft Knox, maybe more strict! It's not really a State Park, even though it has that title. They can't have any improvements made to the wilderness of it. So, no electricity, no water, no improvements at all. When the land was Trust to the state this was one of the rules. The rangers are like moms, they have eyes in the back of their heads and know Everything (underscore for dramatic effect)that is going on with people and hikers in the park. The park & wilderness are the priority, NOT the visitors.This visit to the Community center was difficult...I didn't realize I would have this reaction....yep....I got a bit emotional! Didn't expect it really and it didn't happen right away. It happen when I looked at the calendar with Big Cypress & Animals names in the box for Oct 6. It made it real, that my name wasn't there! VERY BIG S i g h......So, I arrived at meeting spot at 3:40 or so, then get to my "chores", make hot water, make hot coffee, set up camp chairs, camp table if needed, etc...Today, with my late arrival I barely had time, as I heard my hikers voices at 4:30. Snacks, foot soaking, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches were on thr menu while our dehydrated meals rehydrated (Bean Stew/Spicy shrimp Ramen/Tuna casserole Ramen). We also had Canadian Donuts and some various Little Debbie snacks. Bed by 6 pm. Hard to believe we are under 100 miles left, 99.2 to be exact.Critter Report: Animal met with an angry group of ground nesting yellow jackets. Big Cypress had to help save Animal from further stings. He's fine, but suffered about a dozen stings. Anti itch cream & anti histamine to the rescue from his MacGyver (like the TV show), meaning Moonbeam to the rescue. The boys, when younger, said I had everything one would need in any situation, either in my purse or glove box or somewhere in the vehicle. Yep....95% of the time, I/we do (Big Cypress is also well prepared). Just like Max Lucado said in Traveling Light, from a time long ago when I raised my three right hand fingers. (Girlscouts & Boyscouts....always be prepared). Crisis averted, no serious harm to our Animal!! I forgot to mention I saw an otter a couple days ago. It was on the side of the road and darted off as I approached.