Date: 2017-09-30
From: Stealth Campsite by White Brook Trail

To: Stealth Campsite by Jo-Mary Road
Miles today: 17.7

9/30Stealth Campsite by White Brook Trail to Stealth Campsite by Jo-Mary Road17.7 milesTotal miles: 2133.8Today was another early rising day, and I was already getting ready when my alarm went off at 5:00. With darkness setting in so early, it may seem late, but I am in bed usually by around 8:00, which makes getting up early pretty easy. Today is a red-letter day in that I climbed the last two mountains I will climb until I reach Katahdin. The trail immediately started up White Cap Mountain, which was steep and rocky, but not overly difficult. The views from the summit included a fascinating mix of clouds, haze, and sunlight. There was an excellent view of Katahdin, growing ever closer. I remained on the top for awhile, as it was the last summit with a view I will have save for Katahdin. The descent was long but, again, not difficult and led to the East Branch of the Pleasant River. My guidebook called for fording the river, but rock hopping proved to be sufficient. It was actually more like large boulder hopping, and I got across safely with dry feet. Tengo and I ate lunch by the shore of Mountain View Pond. It is a beautiful pond and a tremendous place to relax and eat lunch. Immediately after eating, we began the ascent of Little Boardman Mountain, which proved to be very similar to our last ascents. The summit afforded no views, but the woods through which we climbed were quite beautiful with the sunlight shining amongst the trees. After descending Little Boardman, the trail leveled out, and I was able to simply hike for the rest of the day. There were certainly rocky areas, roots, and boardwalks over mud, but, as I discussed many months ago in Virginia, these areas were more like punctuation to add a bit of interest to otherwise easy hiking. Tengo and I reached Copper Brook Falls Lean-to and marveled at the waterfall that flows right in front of the shelter. It was just a bit after 4:00, so we decided to continue on to Jo-Mary Road. The trail remained conducive to easy hiking, and we arrived at a stealth campsite near the road before 6:00. While I was getting water, I met Ryan and Bronwyn, who are doing a few day backpacking trip. They are both very friendly and personable. Ryan told me he comes to this area a few times a year to provide Trail Magic to hikers by barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs. He and Bronwy shared some dried mangoes with us, which were delicious. An avid fisherman, Ryan and Tengo discussed the types of fish in the rivers and the best way to fish them. I'm beginning to wonder if Tengo may just move to Maine after he completes the trail so he can fish these beautiful waters to his heart's content. I can sleep in tomorrow, as we are meeting Poet with a food drop at 9:00. It should take me three more days to travel through the rest of the Wilderness and reach Baxter State Park. Then, one more day to hike to the Birches, the starting point for climbing Mount Katahdin. My plan remains to summit on October 5th. It looks like Beau's father, Kim, and my wife, Sandy, will be there waiting for me after I climb down from the summit. It's hard to believe I'm this close to the end. It has been a great adventure, and it is very exciting to think I am this close to completing my thru hike. As I have done all along, however, I'll continue taking it one day at a time until I reach the end.