Date: 2015-08-17
From: Carl A. Newhall Shelter, ME

To: Antler's Campsite, ME
Miles today: 26.8

Awoke at 6:00am to both the chattering of chipmunks overhead and hikers in the nearby shelter. Rabbit, for whatever reason, was up and ready to go which kicked us into gear quick. A quick morning deuce among tall pines and a drink of water from a flowing creek and I was ready to go. On trail by 7:30am, we immediately began climbing what would be a series of camel hump-like mountains: Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, and White Cap Mountain topping out at 3,650ft. I led the charge up the mountains and we'd reach the summit of White Cap in just over 2 hours. As I neared the summit, a NoBo in front of me stepped aside for me to pass. Momentarily blinded by the sun, I couldn't see the rocks and roots below me and would trip and eat it right at his feet. He was concerned, which was a good thing, I guess, but I laughed it off, noticing the sharp-edged rock 6" from my face as I pushed myself up.A view from the top of White Cap usually promises the first decent view of Mt. Katahdin in the distance, some ~73 trail miles away, but the view this morning would be limited due to haze from the consecutive days of high heat. We breaked along the summit anyways, eating what would most likely be out last blueberries of the hike. A ~2,400ft descent would follow as we made our way to Cooper Brook Road for our food drop. With temps in the low 90's and food supply limited, Rabbit and I confirmed we were both limping in on fumes, bellies growling from hunger. We reached the hidden bucket stash, the one containing our food labeled "Bennington," and dived in. Rabbit had taken it upon himself to stash a Gatorade of mine I thought I'd forgotten so I was surprised to find it in there. Touche, Rabbit. The only thing keeping it from being the best Gatorade I've ever had was the fact that it was bucket temperature. I quickly drowned it anyways. Another NoBo enjoying his food dropoff offered us mint Oreos after deciding he would have too much. With a tummy full of Oreos, I was able to save a nutty bar and pop tart for dinner.From this point it was 11.2 miles to our destination of Antler's Campsite. The trail became, in AT standards, pancake flat as we were able to cover ground quicker than we realized. Though I returned to running on fumes and feet burned from raw spots due to excessive sweat and friction, I limped in last behind Rabbit, Huey, and Yoohoo at 6:00pm. Even with close to 2 hours of light remaining, we decided to call it quits after close to 27 miles. Antler's Campsite is a beautiful, pine-covered peninsula sticking out into the Jo-Mary Lake. The shore is lined with Pine and large boulders dotting the shallow water along the shore. My tent is pitched within ~15ft of the water and I saw a beaver slowly swim by not long after arriving. I'm hoping the call of Loons will fill the night air and the rain expected overnight finds a way to miss us.A tentative goal of ~30 miles is planned for tomorrow, putting me close to ~20 miles away from Katahdin. Weather, terrain, and of course my raw feet will heavily influence what I'm able to do. Only a few days remaining.Here's to sunny skies, plenty of water sources, and a few friends who've recently summited: Rock Boat, Tick Tock, and Safari.*Stan, I've read many such books and know the feeling. I appreciate you sharing such a compliment. My readers have really made me wish I could continue writing for them forever as well. It's been a pleasure. Happy hunting next season. Cheers.